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[MotormanV6]

The MV6 (1999 - Mini Facelift) has just passed it's MOT with flying colours, after installing some nice new Kilen Springs to replace the broken one (thanks for the help and advice on that job). Now the bad news....its suddenly struggles to start, e.g. 4/5 attempts, but once running and warmed up its absolutely tickety boo. Did paperclip test - code 15. Before I start stripping it all down to replace the ECU Temp Sensor, does this sound like the correct diagnosis?  Thanks

[Nick W]

Live data from the temp sensor before you replace it unnecessarily. It's a cheap part, but a fair amount of work and probably isn't the fault.


Check the crank sensor and MAF readings while the scan tool is connected.


I'd be thinking failing fuel pump, and would be checking the pressure and fuel flow while cranking.

[MotormanV6]

Unfortunately I don't have a scan tool (my X30XE isn't ODB-II compliant) and I can't afford an Opel Scan device. So I'll check the fuel supply pressure on cranking as a starting point.

[Doctor Gollum]

Have you recently had the Ecu temp sensor unplugged?

If yes, the chances are the plug has been swapped with the purge valve... The sensor is 5V, the valve 12V so you can imagine the effect on the sensor.

If no, then you need to replace the ecu temp sensor

[Doctor Gollum]

I should add, the fact that it eventually starts whilst hot suggests a faulty sensor.

Swapping the plugs over basically causes it to overfuel as it assumes that it's - 40. Once warmed up it will only fire with the fuel pump fuse pulled.

[MotormanV6]

Thanks for that Dr.G. No, I haven't swapped the plugs over (not been tinkering in that area...yet!). It starts immediately when hot, its just it really struggles when cold, to the extent of sometimes eventually almost flattening the battery. The temperature gauge on the instrument panel has never worked properly so I think I'l replace both sensors whilst I've got the intake bridge off and working in that area.

[Doctor Gollum]

Makes sense

£10 or so and a couple of knuckles we'll spent.

When you do it, simply remove the inlet elbows, undo the four bolts on the plenum and lift it forward a couple of inches. No point disturbing a whole load of gubbins unnecessarily 

[MotormanV6]

Oh, ok, I'l try that when the bits arrive. I've just ordered them....90541520 for the ECU one and 90510850 for the gauge one. Hope that's the correct numbers. I'm guessing its probably a bit easier with the scuttle thing removed?

[Doctor Gollum]

Oh, ok, I'l try that when the bits arrive. I've just ordered them....90541520 for the ECU one and 90510850 for the gauge one. Hope that's the correct numbers. I'm guessing its probably a bit easier with the scuttle thing removed?

Read the instructions

Only need to move the plenum.

You'll note that I said move and not remove

Pulling the scuttle will cause more issues than it solves.

[MotormanV6]

Right....Remove the two elbows, four bolts on the plenum, lift forward. I'll go and do it now. I'll keep you posted. Thanks.

[MotormanV6]

Job done, all back together....Primed fuel line and pressed the starter....started immediately. Going a lot better than before. I got Bosch Part No: 0280 130 093, apparently they're two different ones: Blue - before engine no 08135541 & Black after. Anyway my engine was in the after category so got the black one.

No luck with the temp gauge, changed the sensor but no difference, can't spend any more time on this one, so I'll leave it.

Thanks for all the help and assistance. 

[Doctor Gollum]

Temp gauge is a single wire... Spade terminal to the sensor, (ground to test gauge with the ignition on), this is a 15cm wire that plugs into another plug* which then runs directly to the gauge

*in the loom near the large injector plug iirc

[MotormanV6]

OK, I'll might give it a go later this week. What should happen when I ground the connector with the ignition on?

[LC0112G]

OK, I'll might give it a go later this week. What should happen when I ground the connector with the ignition on?

Grounding and ungrounding the terminal should cause the dash temperature gauge to go from fully cold to fully hot in a few seconds.

[MotormanV6]

Great, thanks for the info.