Hi folks. My Astra has developed an engine stall. Starts up fine and runs reasonably well under power. But as soon as you back off power to come to a stop, the engine cuts out. 

I didn't think an automatic would do such a thing, but yep she is. I have changed plugs and coil pack. No difference. It does sound like there is a bit of a misfire on tick over. 

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.  

TIA. Andy.

Well after doing some research, I have discovered that it is a problem with the throttle body.  So later today its getting hauled off and cleaned out. If that doesn't cure the problem then I'll have to invest in a replacement. 

I will keep everyone posted on the results. 

that's probably the first place I would start Andy but also pay careful attention to any rubber hoses, vacuum lines and anything likely to draw draw unregulated air and cause a vacuum leak which may also cause similar symptoms

Let us know how you get on with it

Well I removed the throttle body and gave it a good dowsing of carb cleaner. It was very Carboned up below the butterfly.  I'm going to give the EGR a clean out too. And hopefully it will be a good cure. 

Well the clean up of throttle body improved the performance and the idling is a bit better. I have invested in a new fuel filter as apparently it can give the same symptoms that i am suffering with at the moment. So at some point tomorrow afternoon, i will swap them over and see how it goes. 

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR NEWS ON THE OUTCOME.🤞 

Thanks Andy for sharing the detailed report as it would be useful for anyone else who is experiencing the same issues.
I don't think it does any harm to internally clean some components due to carbon build up and degrading seals and gaskets.
I think we are yet to see how the increased Ethanol in fuel will affect the older vehicles particularly when it comes to seals and gaskets - only time will tell.

Look forward to the updated reports

Here's the update on the astras running issues. 

Changed out the fuel filter this evening, and after a rough start and idle, she seemed to pick up. Took her out for a test run, and first junction after a mile, she cut out. Restarted straight away. Went on a run for about ten miles, and withhaving to stop every so often as it's narrow country lanes around here. She had no issues of stalling. Gave her a good hard run on the clear straights, and yes she's back toher good old self. Pulling like a trojan, and stopping without cutting out. 

So if anyone has these issues. Then I suggest replacing fuel filter. 

Tomorrow we're off to the coast. So some fresh fuel and a good run should sort her out.  

 

Glad to hear its back to normal now Andy...good old maintenance is usually all they need sometimes.

Are you running it on SuperUnleaded or just the regular Unleaded?
Found my old BMW Z3 is a completely different car to drive on Super and although it costs a little more it is a much improved and smoother drive.

I have been sticking to the E10. I did try the E5 when it first was introduced, but she did seem to run as well as she could. So I went back to the E10, and she seems a lot happier. Is your Z3 finer tuned than a family car? 

Yeh know what you mean, I ran Super Unleaded in my motorbikes and didn't make any difference to performance, etc.
However, the Z3 (which is 25 years old now) and is in standard engine specs used to have a flat spot from about 1500 - 2500 rpm but as soon as I put the good stuff in it resolved that issue....If only I had know years ago as just put up with the running issue for so long.

88 mile round trip to the coast and back. 

Had a little glitch on the way out, but that was it. Purred all the way with no problems. 😃 just got to work out mpg to see if it's back to its usual consumption.  

Oh I'm so happy to be driving her and not be worrying. 

That's great news Andy and fuel filters are commonly overlooked on all makes and models of car, motorbike, you name it.
May also be worth checking your coolant sensor and ambient air sensor (if fitted to your model) as sometimes they can give misleading information and that can affect idle speeds, etc

Sat and worked out mpg for the trip to the coast the other day. And I can honestly say that I'm impressed. 

A round trip of 88 miles and £10 of petrol. Works out that I was getting 47 mpg. For a 23 year old car that's coming up to 241000 miles, and automatic.  I think that's good going. 🚗 🙂

That's amazing Andy, just goes to show what the old motors can do, and regular maintenance as well 

It sure is a benefit of regular maintenance. As for your point about the coolant sensor and the ambient sensor, I changed the coolant sensor about 6-7 months ago, but I don't know if I have an ambient sensor. Where would this be situated please?, and I'll have a look.

The ambient air sensor is on the front bumper (look up inside the bumper for a sensor with wiring around the intake slots lower down.
Had one in the workshop once that was drinking fuel at an alarming rate - I tested it on a scantool and noticed that it was reading  -41 degrees centigrade which would explain why it was running rich at those freezing temperature.

Is that the one that also gives the outside temperature reading? It is in middle of front bumper behind the bottom grille.

About the best picture of it I can get at moment. 

Or this one.

I can't see the sensor as such but the position is bang on so maybe it is.
Worth putting the scanner on the car and see what the live readings are for the ambient air temperature sensor - you'll soon see if it is out of range