Mk2 16V Vauxhall Astra GTE - ABS fault finding repair

After my semi-classic 21 year old GTE failing the MOT on a missing ABS bulb, it was time to find out why the bulb had been previously removed.

My immediate thoughts were of nightmare hassle and vast expenses... I've written this to help others to understand the system, and have some confidence in trying to repair their ABS issues for free, themselves.

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(Image taken at the excellent Midlands based Lutterworth MOT Centre: lutterworthmotcentre.co.uk)

With a bit of help from friends on the astra-mk2.com forum, and the good old Haynes Manual, I managed to find the fault and repair it for free!

Is there a fault or not?:

After fitting the bulb in the dashboard, the ABS light was permanently ON. This spells trouble, and is why the the bulb had previously been removed, to mask the fault.

However; your car will fail it's MOT if the bulb doesn't light. It should illuminate for a couple if seconds when the ignition is turned on, this proves that the ABS is gong through a self-test, if it can't be seen to self test, then no MOT.

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Fault diagnosis:

This is done for FREE, using a humble paper clip, or short piece of thin single core wire. No need to fork out for expensive diagnostics from an auto electrician.

With the ignition off, locate the diagnostic connector in the engine bay, near the LH strut top (the only connector that's blue). Disconnect and remove the plug side, then short out pins A and K in the socket with your paperclip. It doesn't matter if the paperclip touches chassis, as it's at Ground potential anyway.

What should happen:

Switch on the ignition, and watch the ABS light. It should flash out a series of fault codes, note the codes down and look up on: topbuzz.co.uk you ideally want to see lots of 12's being flashed out, that means all is well. Each code is flashed 3 times, and real fault codes are seperated by 3 x 12's.

Mine didn't do that... the light just stayed on... grrrrr.....

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So, with some more help from astra-mk2.com, I was pointed on the direction of looking at the Relays...

The ABS hydraulic pump unit contains two relays, one for the hydraulic Pump and one for the hydraulic Solenoid valves. There is a third relay, external to the pump unit, for ABS surge protection.

Bench Testing:

Using the Haynes manual wiring diagrams; I bench tested all the relays, by applying 12Vdc to the coils and checking the contacts open / close with my multimeter... This is how I found the fault!

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The Fault was found:

The external ABS surge control relay (K47) didn't want to click when I applied 12Vdc to the coil. (There is a diode in series with the coil, so you have to have the power on the right way round, otherwise it won't click). I took the plastic cover off the relay, checked through the circuit with the multimeter, and found an open circuit between the coil and pin 31 on the relay base.

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The Exact Cause:

Looking closer, I found a Dry Joint where the relay coil -ve side was soldered to the PCB!!! It mush have shaken loose with years of motoring.

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Fixed:

So a quick re-solder, and re-assemble, and hey-presto - she worked! :o) yay!!

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I then got the car throught it's MOT re-test at the Great Lutterworth MOT Centre: lutterworthmotcentre.co.uk who come highly recommended, superb guys running the place, petrol-heads and classic car enthusiasts themselves!

 

Saddest VW Camper Van I've ever seen!

Spotted this camper while stuck in traffic in Hull.
It looks like it had been in a hedgerow for 40 years... the body had rotted away from the floorpan, and dropped to ground level! Either that, or it was just really lowered!

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Taj Indian Cuisine, Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire - Review

This isn't just going for "a curry"... This IS dining in one of the best Indian restaurants in the Midlands!

There are very few Indian restaurants that can compete with the quality of the cuisine served at Taj.

Quaint rural location.

Food freshly prepared for every single dish. As home made traditional food should be.

Caring, personal service.

Fresh, quality, ingredients delivered regularly to the restaurant. No wholesale ready made cheats here.

Not expensive. Prices are in line with a typical "curry house", however the quality of the food speaks for itself. Great value for money.

Locally, Taj has a fantastic reputation. People travel further than their local Indian to dine at Taj because of the sheer high quality and freshness of the food.

Not once have I have a case of Delhi-Belly after eating there, always feel good and non-greasy the morning after.

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Opening Hours (all PM):

Sunday 5:30 - 10:00

Monday Closed except or Bank Holidays

Tuesday 5:30 - 10:30

Wednesday 5:30 - 10:30

Thursday 5:30 - 10:30

Friday 5:30 - 11:30

Saturday 5:30 - 11:30

 

Address 42 Huncote Road, Stoney Stanton Stoney StantonLE9 4DGEngland

Tel 01455 271999

Car Park at the rear, and nice Beer Garden too!

Take a look inside an English Electric Lightning Fighter Jet

I took this video inside the air intake of XS458 T5 Lightning at Cranfield. It's an amazing place to be....

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Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

Finally after years of seeing this iconic cover in my local Video rental shop (yes in this "Day and Blu-Ray-Age" they still have VHS Videos!) and never having the opportunity to rent it, I got to watch it last night in my cabin on the oil rig for the first time. And I loved it! It would have helped to have been a bit intoxicated with alcohol I believe, sadly oil-rigs are no-drink zones.. But I really enjoyed the film, never the less! It was fascinating to see inside the world of drugs, and look through the eyes of the most paranoid and hallucinating junkie...

Image from: www.poster.net

New wheels for the Astra GTE

After my unlucky journey where I lost 2 tyres, I took it as an opportunity to fit some more sensible wheels! So a bit of emergency eBay and forum hunting, I located a set if Speedline Alessios, unfortunately located in Braintree, Essex.... I drove down in my wife's car to collect them, and was home by midnight... next task is to sell my 17" wheels.

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The seller had in has garage one if the most amazing mk2 Astra GTE's I've ever seen. C20LET engine, very nicely restored body, fresh parts and paint... it was stunning, and a privilege to have a look round.

He'd attended the Billing VBOA (Vauxhall Bedford Owners Association) rally this year, and said there were only 12 mk2 Astra GTE's at the show! Getting very rare these days...

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