[Quagmire]

Just had a go with a free app off play store.

Looks like a fuel sensor/filter problem?

 

[Quagmire]

Just checked fuel and oil caps, seemed secure. Been having problems with the coolant level sensor for a while now, but the actual level of coolant is ok. Guessing that's not related to the engine management system tho?

I'll google the peddle test, although as it's an auto it might not work the same?

 

[Quagmire]

Yes Astra H 1.8 auto

Don't know what STFT and LTFT are, but will Google when I get a chance.

 

[Quagmire]

Got some charts for the fuel trims, although not sure how useful they'll be. The short term one was going up & down, but the long term one was just flat.

Followed the video on the pedal test above, but it did not seem to work for me. Not sure if I am doing something wrong, or it is not available for my car.

Edit, I've got the yellow engine light, not the orange car with spanner light. Maybe codes only show when you got the second light?

 

[Quagmire]

Are there any things I can do do diagnose further, like maybe block air inlets or something?

Thanks all

 

[Quagmire]

Looking on YouTube, I found 2 videos that point to the EVAP valve. Might see if I can test this somehow.

Is this a common problem on the 1.8 engines?

 

[Quagmire]

Supermarket standard E10. Been using that without problem since they changed over many months ago from E5 though without problem. The warning light first come up a couple of days ago

Unless it is a dodgy batch of petrol or something?

Edit, should add the fuel economy is very crap on the car. Always thought it was because it's an auto, but maybe it has been running lean or rich for a while?

 

[Quagmire]

If you can blow through the evap it's knackered,
those 2 videos are the Z18XER engines,yours being a 2005 should be a Z18XE so different set ups

Do you still think it's worth checking the EVAP valve? (assuming the Z18XE has one)

Just thinking of quick & easy things I can check before having to get a garage involved.

Thanks

 

[Quagmire]

Checked the fuel cap, oil cap and dipstick. All fitted securely. Did notice the oil is getting darker so might change that (and the air filter, not done for a few years!)

My next thought would be to check the MAF and EVAP, which I think I identified below?

The EVAP I could test by blowing through as suggested by someone earlier, but not sure about the MAF. Maybe check it with a DMM it something.

 

[Quagmire]

Took out the MAF and had a look. Nothing obviously damaged or dirty.

Next is to check the EVAP I guess. Is it the filter/diaphragm thing where the red arrow on the right above is pointing?

 

[Quagmire]

Any other thoughts on what I could try before I have to take it to a garage to look at?

Cheers.

 

[Quagmire]

Thanks for the tip, I'll check this out at the weekend. Did a search on the forums, and the brake servo does seem to be a common issue with the Astra (probably gets even more use on an automatic)

Mentions a brake test for the servo, so might try and find out how you do that.

The brake servo is the big round thing behind the brake fluid reservoir right? Maybe I can pull the air hose out and block it up, see if the trims are effected and the fault goes...

 

[Quagmire]

Update, I've topped up the brake fluid reservoir, as it was a bit low close to min. (Maybe due to brake pads wearing down)

Did a brake servo pedal test, which pulled forward when starting the car. Also tried a vacuum test by pumping the pedal after the car had been in a few minutes, although the pedal resistance didn't increase like it said in the video I saw? This was with the auto in park.

Could not hear a constant hiss from the footwell.

No obvious hiss noises from the engine bay, although I did notice this make a constant high pitch whine?

Something that is worth mentioning is starting from cold, the engine is lumpy AF. Like it's on the verve of stalling, spluttering on one of the cylinders or something. This settles down after a minute maybe, if given a bit of revs. Perhaps this is related?

The 2nd red arrow I highlighted in one of the previous pictures I've not checked yet. Thinking this is a non-return valve or the EVAP thingy? Maybe I could pop it out and have a look.

 

[Quagmire]

Is that the EVAP purge valve in between the brake fluid reservoir and the air intake MAF?

One end of the pipe goes off to the drivers side front wing, so not sure what's behind that (carbon filter?)