Oil and Coolant warning lights, followed by misfiring?

[stevenmcc 0]

Hello,

 

Haven't been on the forum for some time as I have been away. Car has been running fine, when the other day the oil light starting flashing. I'm aware that she drinks a bit of oil, so did a check,thinking it would need a top up, but it didn't. Then the coolant warning light starting flashing and the temp gauage no longer works (all in the same outing)Left it over night (mainly so it could cool down). When I checked the water and oil levels in the morning, they were both fine. I cracked on with a journey I had to do and after about 2 mins both lights starting flashing. I had to get some where, and I was confident that both fluids were topped up and there were no leaks, so I carried on to my destination (about 30 miles). When I got on the mortorway I felt a distinct lack of power and it sounded a bit like it was misfiring. Pulled over and carried out checks. All seemed fine, and when I started the engine again it idled with no hiccups. Carried on to destination, but with definite strange feeling to power delivery. I left the car for a day, as I was busy with work. Tonight I checked all fluid levels and gave the engine bay a good going over, looking for any loose wires/plugs. I couldn't see anything, so tried starting. The car started, but both warning lights were flashing, and it was now definitely not firing on all cylinders. I have read through a lot of problems that people have posted. I am by no means any expert, but have come up with a couple of reasons: temp sensor is malfunctioning, and hence messing with ECU? Oil pressure sensor malfunctioning? Would any of my poor hypothesis' give the problems I have described? I am now stuck and not quite sure what to do (I know it sounds pathetic!). I obviously shouldn't drive it, so am tempted to call the RAC and get it towed home so I can investigate in slow time. I get the feeling this could cost me big bucks - I hope not. This has been a very long winded message. Has any body got any ideas or advice. Thanks

[h100vw 0]

Multiple problems like this could be down to bad earthing of the engine. I am no expert when it comes to VRs but thats where I'd begin looking. If you get a poor engine earth, all kinds of parameters will go out the window due to the added resisitance.

 

Gavin

[stevenmcc 0]

Thanks. I'll have a look - where should I be looking for the engine earth?

[h100vw 0]

Can't advise for sure on your VR but other Corrados have one from the battery to chassis and onto the engine mount/gearbox. Also, take a look around the back of the head, look for thin brown or brown/whites.

 

Gavin

[Henny 0]

Gav, the main earth strap is in the same location for all corrados... 8)

[stevenmcc 0]

Will look this afternoon.

 

Cheers

[stevenmcc 0]

Checked earth connections and as many wires/connectors as poss - all seemed fine.

Called out RAC and they couldn't help, so am getting it towed to a garage this afternoon. Looks like I'm going to be shedding out a load of cash!

[Robbo149 0]

Stevenmcc - any update on this? as I'm having the same symptoms at the moment.

 

Cheers,

Robbo

[stevenmcc 0]

Robbo,

 

You probably don't want to hear this, but it's still in the garage :( . To be fair, its taken so long because the garage was v busy and I was away for 5 weeks, so I didn't require it straight away.

 

Having done a pressure test, 3 cylinders were not up to scratch, so the head was supposed to come off last week in order to see what the rings and bores are like.

 

Whilst typing this I have just spoken to the garage and it appears that the head is ok, but fluid can pass the 3 cylinders - rings are obviously shot. Engine is going to come out and the pistons are going to be checked.

 

As for the warning lights, they will be checked once the engine is sorted.

 

I do not think it's going to be cheap! The guy working on it seems a good bloke, and he's been recommended by the forum.

 

Hope yours isn't as serious.

 

Cheers

 

Steve

[dr_mat 0]

Sounds pricey indeed - where did you take it?

[bigpants baby 0]

im breaking a 95 car if you need an engine :wink:

[Robbo149 0]

Thanks for the reply Steve, mine's just had an engine rebuild, so it's not gonna be as serious as that. I'm pretty sure my probs are electrical.

 

Best of luck!

Robbo