Need help please

[tHe_sTiG]

My VZ's got a problem Here's how it goes:

Started up the car this morning and got the "Service Vehicle Soon" screen, along with some very rough idling. Turned off the car and turned it back on again, then all was fine, drove off.

This afternoon, turned her on and the "Service Vehicle Soon" came up again. Ignored it, drove off. As I was driving, another screen came up: "Safety Mode" followed by "Reduced Performance". Throttle was limited, could crawl along at no more than 45 km/h.

When stopped at the lights, the car idles at about 1200 rpm.

This isn't the first time this happens. When it did, took her to Holden, got a new oxygen sensor. No improvement. Took her back, updated software, done. That was about a year ago.

What could the problem be this time?

[2DIE]

Is it due for a service? No idea about the VZ but you can reset the service reminder manually.

As for safety mode and reduced performance I have never seen that.

If everything else is in good working order it could possibly be a faulty ECU?

[tHe_sTiG]

It's got just over 152,xxx and the next service is scheduled at 160,000 km. Last oil change was at 148,000; planning on doing the next at 153,000. What worries me is the way the car acts when the warnings come up: rough and very uneven idling, tacho needle fluctuates from 500 to 1200 rpm, causes the whole car to shudder violently.

I don't see how the ECU is causing the problem here. The car is stock, nothing has ever been modifed in it mechanically.

Here's what the owner's manual says:

• Service vehicle soon

If the 'Service Vehicle Soon' animation illuminates while driving, it indicates a non-emissions related fault in the engine management system or the automatic transmission.

• Safety Mode

If the 'Safety Mode' animation illuminates while driving, it indicates a fault in the electronic throttle control system. Although the vehicle may still be driveable, the throttle available may be limited, resulting in reduced power.

Any idea what all these fancy terms mean? I'm taking it to Holden tomorrow to see what's wrong with it.

[Calaber]

I'd bet money on the Service Vehicle Soon warning being there because your oil pressure switch is stuffed. A very common fault on Alloytecs, particularly in VZ's. Get a new switch fitted first. That will probably eliminate the SVS warning. Then see if they other warnings persist and have them diagnosed via the Tech 2 tool. Ultratune dealerships often have these and are far cheaper than your Holden dealer.

[Sabbath']

Calaber is correct. Get the Oil Pressure Switch replaced and the warning will go away. It's the only way.

[tHe_sTiG]

Just got the car back, problem appears to have been solved. The guys said a group of loose wires somewhere had triggered the warnings. I'll keep an eye on the car and see how it goes.

[2DIE]

Good news, glad you got it sorted out.

[tHe_sTiG]

Hopefully that's the end of it. Are there any other problems I should be aware of concerning the VZ?

[shanen]

Have you had a coil go yet?

Mine so far 1 at 130k and 1 at 150k

[tHe_sTiG]

what coil... how much wil it cost to replace when it does go...

[shanen]

there are 6 of them and they are about $80.