Opel Frontera UE. Manual - part 236

6E1–242

X22SE 2.2L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSION

LACK OF POWER, SLUGGISH OR SPONGY SYMPTOM

DEFINITION:
Engine delivers less than expected power. Little or no
increase in speed when accelerator pedal is pushed down
part–way.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the On–Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
performed?

—

Go to Step 2 

Go to OBD

System

Check 

2

1. Perform a bulletin search.
2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found,

correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.

Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 3 

3

Was a visual/physical check performed?

—

Go to Step 4 

Go to Visual /

Physical

Check 

4

1. Remove and check the air filter element for dirt or

restrictions. Refer to Air Intake System in
On–Vehicle Service.

2. Replace the air filter element if necessary.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 5 

5

Check for proper ignition voltage output with the spark
tester 5-8840-0385-0.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 6 

6

1. Remove the spark plugs and check gas or oil

fouling, cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
electrodes, heavy deposits or improper heat range.

2. If spark plugs are fouled, the cause of fouling must

be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 7 

7

Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Test.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 8 

8

Check for water or alcohol contaminated fuel.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 9

9

Check the ECM grounds to verify that they are clean
and tight. Refer to the ECM wiring diagrams in
Electrical Diagnosis.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 10

10

Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:

D

Damaged or collapsed pipes

D

Internal muffler failure

D

Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check to
measure backpressure and determine if the
catalytic converter is plugged.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 11

6E1–243

X22SE 2.2L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSION

Step

No

Yes

Value(s)

Action

11

Check for the following engine mechanical problems:

D

Low compression

D

Leaking cylinder head gasket

D

Worn or incorrect camshaft

D

Loose timing belt

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 12

12

1. Review all the diagnostic procedures within this

table.

2. If all procedures have been completed and no

malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the
following:

D

Visual/physical inspection.

D

Tech 2 data

D

Freeze Frame data/Failure Records buffer.

D

All electrical connections within suspected
circuit and/or system.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Contact

Technical

Assistance

6E1–244

X22SE 2.2L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSION

DETONATION/SPARK KNOCK SYMPTOM

DEFINITION:
A mild to severe ping, usually worse under acceleration.
The engine makes sharp metallic knocks that change
with throttle opening.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the On–Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
performed?

—

Go to Step 2 

Go to OBD

System

Check 

2

1. Perform a bulletin search.
2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found,

correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.

Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 3 

3

Was a visual/physical check performed?

—

Go to Step 4 

Go to Visual /

Physical

Check 

4

1. If Tech 2 readings are normal and there are no

engine mechanical faults, fill the fuel tank with a
known quality gasoline that has a minimum octane
rating of 87. Refer to Typical Scan Values. 

2. Re–evaluate the vehicle performance.

Is detonation present?

—

Go to Step 5 

Verify repair

5

1. Check for obvious overheating problems:

D

Low engine coolant.

D

Restricted air flow to radiator, or restricted
water flow through radiator.

D

Incorrect coolant solution. It should be a 50/50
mix of approved antifreeze/water.

D

Incorrect EGR operation. Refer to DTC
P0401. 

2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 6 

6

Check fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure
Test.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 7 

7

Check items that can cause an engine to run lean.
Refer to Diagnostic Aids in DTC P0171.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 8 

8

Check spark plugs for proper heat range. Refer to
General Information.

Were incorrect spark plugs installed?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 9 

9

1. Remove excessive carbon buildup with a top engine

cleaner. Refer to instructions on the top engine
cleaner can.

2. Re–evaluate vehicle performance.

Is detonation still present?

—

Go to Step 10

Verify repair

6E1–245

X22SE 2.2L ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSION

Step

No

Yes

Value(s)

Action

10

Check for an engine mechanical problem. Perform a
cylinder compression check. Refer to Engine
Mechanical.

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Go to Step 11

11

1. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
2. If all procedures have been completed and no

malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the
following:

D

Visual/physical inspection

D

Tech 2 data

D

Freeze Frame data/Failure Records buffer

D

All electrical connections within a suspected
circuit and/or system

Was a problem found?

—

Verify repair

Contact

Technical

Assistance