Opel Astra misfire/backfire - Team-BHP

Mpower · 24th August 2007, 22:23

Guys

We have an Opel Astra that is stationed in Chennai and driver is reporting engine misfires and backfires. I guess its OK when driven gently but when you step on it you can hear firecrackers going off.

Since my dad is here in the US, we have told him to minimize driving.

Any idea what its could be? I did some research on the web and its pointing to either a MAF issue or an ignition module issue. Anybody faced the same problem?

gigy · 24th August 2007, 22:47

mostly it should be a bad spark plug and or bad fuel. replace all plugs and drain out the fuel if it was filled up at a non normal filling station. should solve the problem

wolfinstein · 24th August 2007, 23:57

Most likely Bad Plugs, Check them and Replace if needed- Also have the Throttle and Air Filter Cleaned, In most cases these 3 things can have the PATAKA Effect coupled along with Poor Pickup,Bad FE and ofcourse the Misfires.

jyobeb · 25th August 2007, 00:18

In my opinion its bad plug wires. See if it works ok with new HT plug cables.

highwayblaze · 25th August 2007, 00:28

Deep you might also check if this issue has started recently (during monsoon)? Increase in moisture = may a cracked coil pack and/or cracked plug wires = misfire/backfire?

I have been told (gti-vr6.net) that after market plugs (4 - point iridiums) are not good on several german cars so maybe that could be an issue too.

Mpower · 25th August 2007, 00:34

I think we can rule out the bad fuel part since new fuel has already been tried. If its indeed is the plugs then I am happy since its a cheap fix.

If I am not mistaken, misfires are caused because the plug is firing at the wrong time. That's why I have this nagging feeling that its the ignition module(elecrtonic distributor) that is causing this issue.

RacingHart · 7th August 2008, 00:23

I had the same problem too. Get your vehicle to a genuine GM service center and they will take care of it. you can check if it is a ECU problem. you have to change your ECU unit if it has gone bad. or may be fixed if in a good condition. And it also may be a timing issue. GM will be the best people to assist you further. I strongly recommend you to take your vehicle to those guys. and if you want to increase your vehicles FE, pm me. I get a FE of 18km/L in city and 21km/L on highways. Beautiful technology installed in my OPEL ASTRA

24th August 2007, 22:23	#1 (permalink)
Mpower Team-BHP Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago/B'lore Posts: 3,700 View My Garage	Opel Astra misfire/backfire Guys We have an Opel Astra that is stationed in Chennai and driver is reporting engine misfires and backfires. I guess its OK when driven gently but when you step on it you can hear firecrackers going off. Since my dad is here in the US, we have told him to minimize driving. Any idea what its could be? I did some research on the web and its pointing to either a MAF issue or an ignition module issue. Anybody faced the same problem? __________________ The difference between the men and the boys....................is the speed of their toys.

24th August 2007, 22:47	#2 (permalink)
gigy BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: mumbai Posts: 454 View My Garage	mostly it should be a bad spark plug and or bad fuel. replace all plugs and drain out the fuel if it was filled up at a non normal filling station. should solve the problem __________________ Suzuki Baleno

24th August 2007, 23:57	#3 (permalink)
wolfinstein BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 951	Most likely Bad Plugs, Check them and Replace if needed- Also have the Throttle and Air Filter Cleaned, In most cases these 3 things can have the PATAKA Effect coupled along with Poor Pickup,Bad FE and ofcourse the Misfires. __________________ " When was the last time, You did something for the first time "

25th August 2007, 00:18	#4 (permalink)
jyobeb BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Madurai Posts: 358	In my opinion its bad plug wires. See if it works ok with new HT plug cables. __________________ Live Life King Size!

25th August 2007, 00:28	#5 (permalink)
highwayblaze BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago/Mumbai/Pune Posts: 752 View My Garage	Deep you might also check if this issue has started recently (during monsoon)? Increase in moisture = may a cracked coil pack and/or cracked plug wires = misfire/backfire? I have been told (gti-vr6.net) that after market plugs (4 - point iridiums) are not good on several german cars so maybe that could be an issue too. __________________ Chill Pill Blaze

25th August 2007, 00:34	#6 (permalink)
Mpower Team-BHP Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago/B'lore Posts: 3,700 View My Garage	I think we can rule out the bad fuel part since new fuel has already been tried. If its indeed is the plugs then I am happy since its a cheap fix. If I am not mistaken, misfires are caused because the plug is firing at the wrong time. That's why I have this nagging feeling that its the ignition module(elecrtonic distributor) that is causing this issue. __________________ The difference between the men and the boys....................is the speed of their toys.

7th August 2008, 00:23	#7 (permalink)
RacingHart Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 13 Infractions: 0/1 (4)	I had the same problem too. Get your vehicle to a genuine GM service center and they will take care of it. you can check if it is a ECU problem. you have to change your ECU unit if it has gone bad. or may be fixed if in a good condition. And it also may be a timing issue. GM will be the best people to assist you further. I strongly recommend you to take your vehicle to those guys. and if you want to increase your vehicles FE, pm me. I get a FE of 18km/L in city and 21km/L on highways. Beautiful technology installed in my OPEL ASTRA

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