Problems with Opel Vivaro 2020: Shaking at idle and stuttering when accelerating

Hello, I had a similar problem with my 2018 Opel Zafira. I'm not a car mechanic, but I've already had some experience with a few vehicle repairs. My garage repaired the accelerator pedal module or the electronics inside and I had to pay 265.0 euros for it. Could you perhaps tell us more about the behavior of your car? This could help us to better understand the problem and give further advice.

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for your answer. So, it usually happens when the car has been on the road for a while or when I'm on the highway at high speeds. There is no specific mileage or time when it happens, it seems to be pretty random. The last service was done at 191532 km. I hope this helps.

(Translated from German)

Hey, cool that you replied so quickly. That totally reminds me of my problem back then. The car's behavior was pretty random for me too. It's quite possible that this could also be a throttle body fault, as you've already guessed. It could also be a mixture of a dirty throttle body and an accelerator pedal module fault. Would recommend you go to the garage and do a fault memory read out before you do anything else. That helped me a lot to identify the problem back then. Hope that helps!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for your feedback. That sounds a lot like what I'm experiencing with my car. I will follow your advice and take the car to the garage to have the fault memory read out. It's nice to know that I'm not alone with this problem. Really cool that you took the time to help. So thanks again and have a nice evening!

(Translated from German)

Hi, I have an Opel Astra H and it's throwing a throttle position error. I've changed the throttle body, and it's still happening... What could it be?

(Translated from Spanish)

Check the wiring and connectors related to the throttle position sensor for any signs of damage or corrosion. A faulty connection can cause similar issues. If everything looks fine, consider checking the accelerator pedal position sensor as it might be malfunctioning. Let me know how it goes or if you have any further questions!

Hello. I have a 120hp Opel Vectra 1.9 CDTI. My car has 523,430 km. In August 2023, I went over a pronounced pothole, and since that day my car lost power and started to emit a lot of smoke from the engine area. At the beginning of 2025, I took it to Angel Gaitan's workshop and they told me: exhaust leak, and broken geometry tubes. Two weeks ago I dared to repair: I tightened the turbo clamp to the first metallic catalytic converter; indeed, it had broken vacuum tubes from the pump to the N75 valve. I changed the intake MAP sensor, which was obstructed. I changed the N75 valve and it started to experience this fault: My conclusion is as follows: 1: The turbo is now working fine without leaks, the intake sensors and the N75 valve that regulates the power are correct. I think the fault is in the catalytic converter: It will be partially or almost totally obstructed, so in moments where the engine needs more power, the power is balanced between the input and output pressure of the turbo and surely the catalytic converter is so obstructed that it does not let enough air flow through, which leads to the turbo regulation not emitting much air in the engine intake, which means that the control unit detects the need for air and power but cannot achieve it, which the ECU will diagnose as a fault in the accelerator pedal, which it is not. Recently I saw a video from CxSound where they buy a Mini in Germany and the accelerator is not detected; indeed, the catalytic converter after the turbo was completely clogged and with a layer of soot. Two options: Buy additives and add them with each tank to clean that dirt: Or dismantle the catalytic converter and have it rectified. You already know the cause of the malfunction. Start with the additives; they are added to the fuel tank. Regards.

(Translated from Spanish)

Before proceeding with additives or dismantling the catalytic converter, check for any exhaust leaks or blockages in the exhaust system that might be contributing to the issue. A clogged exhaust can indeed cause power loss and excessive smoke. If the problem persists after ensuring the exhaust system is clear, then consider using additives or further inspecting the catalytic converter. Let me know if you have any further questions or updates!

I forgot. Also, what you have to do is, while stationary, rev the diesel engine to 4-4.5 thousand revolutions. This way you will see how after a while it starts to smoke quite a bit from the exhaust, that's a sign that you are removing the dirt from the engine. Regards.

(Translated from Spanish)

Revving the engine while stationary can help clear some soot buildup, but be cautious not to over-rev and cause potential damage. Ensure the vehicle is in a safe environment when doing this. If the issue persists, it's advisable to have a professional inspect the exhaust system and catalytic converter to prevent further damage. Keep me updated on your progress or if you have more questions!