Astra MK4 Question

LSPIII · 22 Dec 2006 at 20:59

Hi guys

I'm in the process of replacing my dying car and have come across a nice looking Astra MK4 (good for the budget). My only concern is that the accelerator pedal has a huge amount of resistance in it (or at least that's how it seems). The mechanic selling the car seems to think this is a characteristic of Vauxhall Ecotec engines, but then again he is trying to sell a car.

I was wondering if anybody could shed some light on this, or perhaps let me know of any faults that could be there instead.

Thanks guys.

matrhos · 22 Dec 2006 at 21:33

My old Astra mk4 certainly had slightly more resistance than my current car (3 series), but not an unusual amount and certainly not anything worth noting.

I can't believe its a characteristic of Ecotec engines. Aren't they electronic throttle anyway? (ie. no direct linkage between accelerator peddle and engine.)

Thy and test drive any other mk4 astra to compare.

ajgoodfellow · 22 Dec 2006 at 21:36

I used to own one and I've driven my parent's one a few times and I didn't notice that the accelerator pedal was particuarly stiff

Good cars though BTW

Scrutinize · 22 Dec 2006 at 21:43

These are electronic throttle and I have driven several + owned one, there should be no noticable resistance on the pedal. Walk away there are loads and loads of these for sale at good prices.

LSPIII · 22 Dec 2006 at 22:55

Thanks for the replys guys. I don't suppose anybody has a clue what could cause stiffness in the pedal? More for my own curiosity than anything! It seems like quite a bizarre characteristic.

Faithless · 23 Dec 2006 at 19:36

mrk1@1 said:
These are electronic throttle and I have driven several + owned one, there should be no noticable resistance on the pedal. Walk away there are loads and loads of these for sale at good prices.

Incorrect I'm afraid. They are not all drive by wire, only 2001< were they drive by wire.

What age is this car? Pre 2001 were cable throttle operated. If its this, then a replacement cable and / or greasing and adjusting of the current one will solve it.