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gerhard_wagner8

Vitara's Flashing CEL Signals Critical Engine Misfire

My Vitara started acting strange with rough idling and power loss. The check engine light keeps flashing and the engine sometimes stalls when stopping at lights. I think it might be the fuel volume regulator but not completely sure. The car is a 2003 Suzuki Vitara with 65322km on the gasoline engine. Had a bad repair experience before and wondering if anyone has dealt with similar symptoms? Want to be better prepared before taking it to a mechanic this time, what should I look out for and what might be a reasonable cost to fix this?

4 comment(s)

johannablaze64

Recently dealt with similar symptoms on a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The check engine light flashing typically indicates a severe engine misfire that could damage the catalytic converter if not addressed quickly. The symptoms point to fuel delivery issues. In my case, the high pressure fuel pump was failing, causing irregular fuel pressure. The car sensors were detecting this inconsistency, triggering the warning lights. This created rough idling and power loss, especially noticeable during stops. The fuel regulator was initially suspected, but diagnostic testing revealed the high pressure pump was the root cause. This was a serious issue requiring immediate attention to prevent engine damage. The repair involved replacing the complete pump assembly and testing the fuel pressure system. Key signs to watch for: Consistent engine misfire, Fuel pressure below specification, Irregular RPM at idle, Power loss during acceleration, Poor fuel economy Recommend getting proper diagnostic testing before any repairs. A failing high pressure pump can sometimes be confused with fuel regulator issues, so proper testing is essential for accurate diagnosis.

gerhard_wagner8 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details about the Vitara issues. The symptoms you described match exactly what I experienced. Since getting my car fixed the engine misfire problem completely disappeared and the check engine light hasnt come back. The fuel delivery is now consistent and the idling is smooth. Did you end up fixing yours? Would be helpful to know the repair costs you paid. Also curious if you noticed any other issues pop up after the initial repair since these fuel system problems can sometimes cascade into other areas during car maintenance.

johannablaze64

After noticing these concerning symptoms, I took my Vitara to a certified mechanic who correctly diagnosed and fixed the high pressure pump issue. The automotive repair cost came to 1510€, which included replacing the defective fuel volume regulator. The car maintenance has proven effective, the engine runs perfectly now with no additional problems surfacing. The initial diagnosis was spot on, and fixing both components resolved all symptoms. The engine misfire completely disappeared, fuel economy improved significantly, and the car sensors are all functioning normally. For anyone facing similar issues, its crucial to address these fuel system problems promptly. The repair cost might seem steep, but preventing further engine damage makes it a worthwhile investment. The smooth running engine and consistent fuel delivery confirm the repair was done correctly. The car has now been running flawlessly for several months with no cascade effects or additional issues. Regular monitoring of the fuel system performance shows everything is working as intended.

gerhard_wagner8 (Author)

After dealing with those symptoms for weeks, I finally took the car to a mechanic who specializes in fuel injection systems. The diagnostic testing confirmed what you mentioned, it was indeed the high pressure pump causing the rough idling and engine misfires. The total repair cost came to 1350€ which included replacing both the pump and fuel regulator since they showed significant wear. The car maintenance was completed in two days and the difference was immediate. The check engine light disappeared and the engine now runs smoothly without any stalling. Its been three months since the repair and no other issues have emerged. The fuel economy has actually improved quite a bit and the engine maintains steady power through all driving conditions. Looking back, I should have addressed the problem sooner, but at least now I know what to watch for if similar symptoms appear in the future. Definitely worth spending the money to get it fixed properly rather than trying cheaper temporary solutions that could lead to bigger problems down the road.

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