Corsa-B.uk - Vauxhall, Opel and Holden Corsa B Owners Club

Took my corsa for its first MOT since I've had it, was pretty confident it would've passed, but it didn't. It failed on the following things:

Date of test:
25/06/2012

Certificate issue refused (Fail)

Odometer reading:
58,916 Miles

Test number:
726747672143

Test station name:
S & C CAR AND COMMERCIAL REPAIRS LTD

Test station number:
2720B3

Test station telephone number:
01502515765

Test class:
IV

Reason(s) for refusal to issue Certificate


Offside Rear Brake load sensing valve seized (3.6.E.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.5)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.4)

No Advisory Notice issued

Now, I've been quoted £61 for a new lambda sensor including fitting. The guy I spoke to at the garage said it might not even be the lambda but possibly the cat? But they are going to change the lambda retest and see the results. I'm about 99.9% sure it is the lambda myself due to the fact it's running like a bag of poo, coupled with terrible fuel use, misfiring, kangarooing and the EML. It's going back in next monday for the retest and new lambda sensor and to have this load sensing valve thing freed up. Any input would be much appreciated.

If you have a digital mulimeter test the Lambda sensor yourself.

Get the car up to running temp, and leave running. Either unplug the lambda sensor and connect your mulitmeter to the grey and white wires on the sensor side or if you can access wires whilst still plugged do the same. It should give a reading of between 0.2 and 0.8V fluctuating, a dead sensor will give a constant reading.

Cheers for the response. I shall have a go when it's stopped raining. As for the brake load valve thing, what is that?

v620jack wrote:Cheers for the response. I shall have a go when it's stopped raining. As for the brake load valve thing, what is that?

sounds like the rear brake pressure regulator, basicly its linked to the suspention of the car
what it does is releases more brake pressure to the rear when the boot is loaded. making it easier to stop when carrying heavy loads.

problem comes if the valve is stuck open then you will get full braking force to the rear wheels when the car isnt loaded, which since the rear end is lighter that then front your wheels could lock and you could spin.

it is a pretty simple piece of kit,
should look somthing like:



obviously just check it make sure its not rusted or gunked up, if it does need replacing might cost around £30ish
by the way, these are only fitted to the larger engined corsa's
1.0 and 1.2 have the brake compensator valves inside the brakelines and should not need adjusting or maintaining.