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Multiple error codes after engine overheating

Tiny
LEWIS EVERISS
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 VAUXHALL ASTRA
  • 2.0L
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
I was driving home in the rain a week ago and unexpectedly my car dash displayed pull over engine over heating. I pulled over and waited for the temperature gauge to cool down. Once it cooled down I tried the car and the engine sounded gritty. I had to have the car towed home. When I then tried to turn it on the close the window the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree and numerous error codes were showing. Everything from low battery to power steering to ignition gauge. The mechanic fully charged the battery and reset all the codes and he said he's had the engine running for an hour and the car is running perfectly.

Any ideas what happened? As it now makes me nervous to drive the car considering no problem was found. Especially as the initial problem stated was engine overheating. The car didn't cut out or go unit limp mode and in addition there was no smell or smoke coming from the car?

Any ideas? The mechanic said under the bonnet everything is fine.
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Monday, March 2nd, 2020 AT 12:21 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Since there was no evidence that the engine was actually overheating, most likely it was an electrical issue. Commonly, low voltage will cause the electrical systems to go haywire. Since the battery was recharged and it's running properly, it could have even been a loose or corroded battery terminal that was cleaned up and tightened when the mechanic recharged the battery.

At this point, I would probably confirm the alternator is working and charging the system. If it is and terminals are clean and tight, it should be fine.

If you want to test the alternator, here is a link that explains how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Here are a couple other links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Honestly, since it is running okay and it was checked, you should be fine. If, however, you have other questions or need help, let me know.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, March 2nd, 2020 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
LEWIS EVERISS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thanks Joe,

The mechanic said he tested the battery after he charged it and it was working absolutely fine. He said the low battery could have explained the grinding noise in the engine and the other warning lights could have just been a glitch.

Lewis
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Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I agree. With today's cars, low voltage causes havoc. If the problem returns, let me know. I'll try my best to help.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
LEWIS EVERISS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hey Joe,

Mechanic today called me to say he'd tested the battery on a cold start are the battery was low. He thinks the battery needs replacing and then he thinks it will be fine. Thanks for all your help. Will message if I break down again but fingers crossed that wont be the case.

Kind regards, Lewis
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Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 AT 9:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
You are very welcome. Make sure he checks and confirms there are no issues with the alternator. However, chances are it was just the battery.

Let me know if things work out for you. Also, you are always welcome back. I just hope you don't break down again. LOL

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 AT 5:50 PM
Tiny
LEWIS EVERISS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hello Joe, been a while since I last messaged. Unfortunately since the car had the battery changed the car broke down with the same problem. My mechanic has changed the temperature sensor however said this was not the problem. I've since had the car in at Vauxhall for a test and they've responded saying the only problem they can find is a part of the exhaust was reading as high whereas the other part wasn't. Any ideas if this could be the problem? They've quoted me over  300 for something that's not a cast iron answer.

Kind Regards, Lewis
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Monday, May 18th, 2020 AT 8:06 AM
Tiny
LEWIS EVERISS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Just had the invoice back from Vauxhall. They have stated the DPF sensor (number 2)is running high and when reconnected went back down to the correct temperature. They have advised that I need a new one and connection. Could this be the issue? The mechanic explained to me the second sensor should read lower then the first and due to the second one being so high its sending a message to the ecu. Once again he caveated this by saying it's not a guaranteed fix only a known issue with Vauxhall.

Kind Regards, Lewis
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Monday, May 18th, 2020 AT 9:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

If he feels it may be the issue, I would say try it. However, in my mind I'm struggling to see how the DPF sensor can cause it.

I wish I could give you a better answer. Is it an expensive repair through them?

Joe
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Monday, May 18th, 2020 AT 8:26 PM
Tiny
LEWIS EVERISS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Through Vauxhall it would be over  300. I've asked a local mechanic to quote it. The issue is the only thing that popped up was the exhaust sensor apparently everything else including the software of the car is up to date. Nightmare this is turning out to be. So far I've had the battery changed and the temperature sensor. When I had the temperature sensor done I also had my second glow plug changed as it had needed to be replaced for 3 years. I'm hoping that maybe the temperature sensor was the cause and if not this sensor is the problem.

My local mechanic said the same as you though. He's never known a the named sensor to cause the car to display an engine overheating message.

I stated that to the Vauxhall mechanic and he just said that Vauxhall have this as a known problem. But like mentioned above he couldn't guarantee it's the problem. I'm trying to work out now how much the sensor is to purchase and if it needs to be a manufacturer specific part.

Kind Regards, Lewis
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Tuesday, May 19th, 2020 AT 2:29 AM
Tiny
LEWIS EVERISS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Please see the image.
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Tuesday, May 19th, 2020 AT 2:44 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

When you spoke with him and he said it's a known problem, did he feel it could cause the issues you experience? That is where not being familiar with Vauxhall makes it hard for me.

If he feels it could cause the symptoms, have it done. Looking at the pic you attached indicates a problem with it. Is there any other shop in your area that you trust for an opinion?

I'm sorry. I wish I could be more concrete. I hope you understand.

Joe
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Tuesday, May 19th, 2020 AT 9:28 PM

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