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walter_shadow8

Vauxhall Vectra Reduced Engine Power

My 2008 Vauxhall Vectra diesel is giving me grief. Getting reduced engine power and a warning light. It struggles to start sometimes, lights flicker, and the error memory isn't happy. I suspect the generator is faulty. Has anyone else had this?

4 comment(s)

anna_himmel83

Sounds familiar! I've got a Vectra too, though I'm not sure of the year, and I had similar symptoms a while back. Weak lights, sluggish starts... It felt like the car was constantly running on fumes, barely keeping itself alive. Have you checked the voltage drop? Could be a sign of a failing alternator. Almost like the car is breathing through a straw!

walter_shadow8 (Author)

Voltage drop, eh? How did you check that? And what was the damage, roughly?

anna_himmel83

Checking the voltage drop requires a multimeter, measuring the voltage at the battery while the engine is running and under load (lights, AC, etc.). If it's significantly lower than the recommended voltage, it points to the generator. In my case, it was indeed a defective generator. Best to get it checked by a workshop; they can confirm the diagnosis and give you a proper quote for an alternator replacement.

walter_shadow8 (Author)

I'll get it checked out. You were right – it was the generator. Cost me 960€ for the replacement. Runs like a dream now!

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