Corsa 1.4 SRi problem

[Enfield]

Hi there.

My sister owns a Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SRi, I think it has a Duratec engine (might be a Ecotec - i'm really tired so its one of the two).

The car is fine when its actually driving but when it's stationary for a bit, like 5-10 minutes the temperature rises and the car begins to smell and starts shaking, (the orange engine management light comes on too).

What do you guys reckon the problem might be?

At first I thought it may be the head gasket from her description but i've checked the cooland expansion tank and all is fine there. So now im thinking it could be a faulty thermostat or something.

Any ideas?

 

[merlin]

Cat?

Eggy smell yeah?

 

[monkeyspank]

Is the fan working?

 

[Enfield]

nah, the fan isn't working.

 

[Acolyte]

Does the engine temp gauge go down when you go down the motorway say after sitting at idle for a while?

If so you have exactly the same problem as me in my clio my fan doesnt work either, and im lead to believe the thermostat is seized open. The garage will tell me tommorow.

 

[Iceman]

Well if the fan aint working then thats your trouble
Get that sorted its there for a reason

 

[Enfield]

Does the engine temp gauge go down when you go down the motorway say after sitting at idle for a while?

Apparently it does, yes.

 

[iCraig]

Well, it's overheating then?

Replace the fan, or check the fuses etc.

 

[|-Chris-|]

The Ecotec is 16v engine i.e. re-branded Corsa Sport

Is the radiator getting hot?

 

[Iceman]

Normally its the fan switch that goes
But yeh first of all check the fuses
Sounds exactly like its over heating

 

[chopchop]

has the guage ever sat at 100c or more? (fan should kick in at 95c)
if so prepare to have HGF in a few months.

 

[Adz]

If the ECU light has come on, there should be a fault code logged. The 'paperclip trick' might help you to diagnose.

http://topbuzz.co.uk/info/fault_codes/fault_codes.htm