ViktorLeman

Help needed: High fuel consumption, smelly exhaust and check engine light on Opel Vectra 2008

Hey guys, I currently have a slightly strange problem with my Opel Vectra (built in 2008, gasoline engine). The check engine light is on, my fuel consumption seems to be quite high and the exhaust stinks tremendously. It looks like it might be a fault in the air valve, but I'm not sure. Have any of you experienced anything like this and could give me some tips on how you fixed it? Would be great to hear more about your experiences and suggestions for fixing it. Many thanks in advance!

(Translated from German)

4 comment(s)

Hi, I have some experience with cars and had a similar problem with my 2006 Opel Astra. I was told at the garage that it was the cable/connector of the secondary air valve/secondary air pump. It cost me 95.0 euros to fix and then the problem was solved - no more smelly exhaust and fuel consumption returned to normal levels. Can you perhaps describe in more detail the conditions under which the problem occurs? It would be helpful to know, for example, whether it occurs all the time or only under certain driving conditions. This would allow us to delve a little deeper into the matter.

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for the quick reply! Yes of course, so the problem always occurs when I'm on the highway for a long time and reach a fast speed. In normal city traffic, however, I notice it less. As for the condition of the air valve, I recently had a small service at 187711 km and nothing was said to me about it. So I'm really a bit unsure about that. But I think I'll have it checked at the garage. Your answer helps me though, thank you!

(Translated from German)

Hey, no problem, always happy to help! So if the problem occurs mainly at high speeds, it could indicate that there might be a problem with your fuel system, possibly with the fuel pressure or supply. But if it is indeed the secondary air system, which was the case for me, then the repair price is quite manageable, as I've already explained. Given the mileage of your Opel, it could well be that the valve is simply old and therefore no longer working properly. But of course I can only guess here - the garage will certainly be able to tell you more. So my tip is to have it checked out at the garage to be sure. They can then examine your car more closely and determine the fault. I hope I've been able to help you a little and I'll keep my fingers crossed that your problem is resolved soon!

(Translated from German)

Many thanks for your helpful reply and the tips! I will definitely go to the garage now and have it checked. This fuel system stuff is a total black box for me and it's time to shed some light on it. Your experience and sharing your opinion on this has really helped me. Hopefully the issue will be resolved soon and I can get back behind the wheel without any bindings. Thanks again, see you then!

(Translated from German)

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