Opel Frontera UE. Manual - part 145

6A–4

ENGINE MECHANICAL (X22SE 2.2L)

Engine Diagnosis

Hard Starting

1. Starting Motor Does Not Turn Over

Trouble Shooting Procedure

Turn on headlights and starter switch.

2. Ignition Trouble — Starting Motor Turns Over But 
Engine Does Not Start

Spark Test

Disconnect a high tension cable from any spark plug. 
Connect the spark plug tester J–26792 (ST–125), crank 

the engine, and check if a spark is generated in the 
spark plug tester.  Before cranking the engine, make 
sure that the spark plug tester is properly grounded. To 
avoid electrical shock, do not touch the high tension 
cable while the engine is running.

3. Trouble In Fuel System

Condition

Possible cause

Correction

Headlights go out or dim 
considerably

Battery run down or under charged

Recharge or replace battery

Terminals poorly connected

Clean battery posts and terminals 
and connect properly

Starting motor coil circuit shorted

Overhaul or replace

Starting motor defective

Overhaul or replace

Condition

Possible cause

Correction

Spark jumps across gap

Spark plug defective

Clean, adjust spark gap or replace

Ignition timing incorrect

Refer to Ignition System

Fuel not reaching fuel injector(s) or 
engine

Refer to item 3 (Trouble in fuel 
system)

Valve timing incorrect

Adjust

Engine lacks compression

Refer to item 4 (Engine lacks 
compression)

No sparking takes place

Ignition coil disconnected or broken

Connect properly or replace

Electronic Ignition System with 
module

Replace

Poor connections in engine harness

Correct

Powertrain Control Module cable 
disconnected or defective

Correct or replace

Condition

Possible cause

Correction

Starting motor turns over and spark 
occurs but engine does not start.

Fuel tank empty

Fill

Water in fuel system

Clean

Fuel filter clogged

Replace filter

Fuel pipe clogged

Clean or replace

Fuel pump defective

Replace

Fuel pump circuit open

Correct or replace

Evaporative Emission Control 
System circuit clogged

Correct or replace

Multiport Fuel Injection System 
faulty

Refer to “Electronic Fuel Injection" 
section

ENGINE MECHANICAL (X22SE 2.2L)

6A–5

4. Engine Lacks Compression

Engine Compression Test Procedure

1. Start and run the engine until the engine reaches 

normal operating temperature.

2. Turn the engine off.

3. Remove all the spark plugs.

4. Remove ignition coil fuse (15A) and disable the 

ignition system.

5. Remove the fuel pump relay from the relay and fuse 

box.

6. Engage the starter and check that the cranking 

speed is approximately 300 rpm.

7. Install cylinder compression gauge into spark plug 

hole.

8. With the throttle valve opened fully, keep the starter 

engaged until the compression gage needle 
reaches the maximum level. Note the reading.

9. Repeat the test with each cylinder.

The pressure difference between the individual 
cylinders should not exceed 100kPa (14.5psi).

Condition

Possible cause

Correction

Engine lacks compression

Spark plug loosely fitted or spark 
plug gasket defective

Tighten to specified torque or 
replace gasket

Valve timing incorrect

Adjust

Cylinder head gasket defective

Replace gasket

Valve incorrectly seated

Lap valve

Valve stem seized

Replace valve and valve guide

Valve spring weakened

Replace

Cylinder or piston rings worn

Overhaul engine

Piston ring seized

Overhaul engine.

6A–6

ENGINE MECHANICAL (X22SE 2.2L)

Rough Engine Idling or Engine Stalling

Condition

Possible cause

Correction

Trouble in fuel injection system

Idle air control valve defective

Replace

Throttle shutting off incomplete

Correct or replace

Throttle position sensor circuit open 
or shorted

Correct or replace

Fuel injector circuits open or shorted

Correct or replace

Fuel injectors damaged

Replace

Fuel pump relay defective

Replace

Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor 
cable disconnected or broken

Correct or replace

Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor 
defective

Replace

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 
cable disconnected or broken

Correct or replace

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 
defective

Replace

Intake Air Temperature sensor cable 
disconnected or broken

Correct or replace

Intake Air Temperature sensor 
defective

Replace

Knock Sensor (KS) circuits open or 
shorted

Correct or replace

KS defective

Replace

KS Module circuits open or ground

Correct or replace

KS Module defective

Replace

Vehicle Speed Sensor circuit open 
or shorted

Correct or replace

Vehicle Speed Sensor defective

Replace

Trouble in emission control system

Powertrain Control Module defective

Replace

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve 
faulty

Replace

Canister purge solenoid circuit open

Correct

Canister purge solenoid defective

Replace

Evaporative Emission Canister 
Purge control valve defective

Replace

Trouble in ignition system

Refer to Hard Start Troubleshooting 
Guide

Others

Engine lacks compression

Refer to Hard Start Troubleshooting 
Guide

Valve incorrectly seated

Lap valve

Air Cleaner Filter clogged

Replace filter element

Valve timing incorrect

Readjust

Idle air control valve broken

Replace

ENGINE MECHANICAL (X22SE 2.2L)

6A–7

Rough Engine Running

Condition

Possible cause

Correction

Engine misfires regularly

Ignition coil layer shorted

Replace

Spark plugs fouling

Clean or install hotter type plug

Spark plug(s) insulator nose leaking

Replace

Fuel injector(s) defective

Replace

Engine control module faulty

Replace

Engine knocks regularly

Spark plugs running too hot

Install colder type spark plugs

Powertrain control module faulty

Replace

Engine lacks power

Spark plugs fouled

Clean

Fuel injectors defective

Replace

Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) 
Sensor or Manifold Absolute 
Pressure Sensor circuit defective

Correct or replace

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 
or Engine Coolant Temperature 
Sensor circuit defective

Correct or replace

Engine Control Module faulty

Replace

Intake Air Temperature Sensor or 
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 
circuit defective

Correct or replace

Throttle Position Sensor or Throttle 
Position Sensor circuit defective

Correct or replace

Knock Sensor or Knock Sensor 
circuits defective

Correct or replace

Knock Sensor Module or Knock 
Sensor Module circuits defective

Correct or replace