VR Auto - Stalling, rough idle, CEL

[M4SH3R]

Hello everyone.

Sorry that my first post is a problem question rather than an introduction.

I've had my VR for a month I guess, and recently experienced some problems.
The car starts fine, feels a but lumpy. After a minute or so of driving (100Kph) the revs start to vary, starts to get rough and if I accelerate, it 'bangs' out of its episode and is fine... until I back off again.

The car also stalls most times when pulling up at intersections. Which is scary on tight corners or intersections when I lose my powersteering.

The Check Engine Light comes on now and then, but when that does, it runs like a dream.

I've checked the error codes ... thanks for the how-to there.

Code 12 - System Pass (OK)
Code 31 - Theft Deterrent Signal missing
Code 45 - Oxygen Sensor Rich (O2)

* what is Code 31?

Just wondering if it's a matter of replacing a faulty O2 Sensor... or will there be underlying issues?

Also I have a problem with the brakes... sometimes the pedal shudders and lose braking quality.
Could this be a booster problem. My car is fitted with ABS.

Cheers and thanks in advance.

M4

 

[M4SH3R]

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[VR_Acclaim]

Fuel pressure 100 % mate mine done this and it was the diaphram allow fuel back in threw the intake, take the vac line off and start it, if fuel comes out bingo,

 

[Vee-ard]

If the car hunts through the revs at idle and your break booster is losing breaking power I'd be checking all vacuum lines and in particular the IAC, in addition to what VR_Acclaim said above.

Code 31 happens to all VR-VS at some point. Its when you put the key in the ignition and turn it to start, but for some reason the little metal nob on the key doesnt make proper contact with the metal ring around the ignition barrel. It records fault 31. This is the quasi-immobilizer called the theft deterrent system. This code has NO effect at all on the car unless it wont start at all.

 

[M4SH3R]

Thanks for the replies. Will check it out as soon as possible.

Although, strangely enough, the car seems to be behaving itself the last couple of days, but not 100%. This is without any sign of the engine light coming on.

 

[justbad4you]

any worse or better in the heat or cold?

Thanks for the replies. Will check it out as soon as possible.

Although, strangely enough, the car seems to be behaving itself the last couple of days, but not 100%. This is without any sign of the engine light coming on.

 

[M4SH3R]

It doesn't matter with the temp conditions...
I made a journey from Central Vic to Seaford a couple of weekends ago. Not a problem at all... it was the weekend with searing heat 40°+

However, it's playing up again... after driving though some ankle deep water last week.

I got under the car and cleaned some of the connections including a sensor connection and seemed to run fine again after a short drive. The next morning on the way to work it's back to running like crap.

I have rare spare some time now, and will be going over it thoroughly today.

 

[M4SH3R]

Recleaned connections on O2 Sensor, replaced plugs, leads, cleaned Throttle Body etc...
Checked Vac lines to TB etc...

Still spitting out a code 45... would it be fair to say it's a faulty O2 Sensor at this point.
I'll try and get a new one, problem is I live in the middle of nowhere. Any idea how much a new one is...? I don't think I want to risk a second hand one from a wrecker.

 

[M4SH3R]

I replaced the o2 Sensor with a secondhand unit from a wreckers given the prices quoted... $22 as opposed to $130 for a new one.
Seems to have fixed the problem, but I'll know when I take the 45k trip into work tomorrow... had too many bevvies after 'a job well done' this afternoon for a test drive.