Ethanol stalling
- Holden Vectra
- Holden Vectra 2001
- Holden Advice
- Holden Vectra Reviews
- Holden Sedan Range
- Holden
- Family Cars
Asked by M. Knight
I DRIVE a 2001 Holden Vectra 2.2-litre four cylinder that does not seem to like ethanol in the petrol. When running petrol containing ethanol the engine would cut out at times when cornering and seemed to almost stall when drawing up to stop lights or intersections, particularly with the airconditioning on. My Holden dealer told me there was nothing wrong. Since using only Shell petrol without ethanol I have had no problems. Do you know why the Vectra engine seems to react to ethanol this way? Other car makes don't seem to.
Answered by CarsGuide
14 Jan 2005YOUR problem seems extreme and is one I haven't heard of as a common problem with the Vectra. Ethanol shouldn't really affect the running of your car, as long as the petrol you use has the octane rating it is supposed to have and the ethanol content is no higher than permitted. Generally, there should be no more than 10 per cent ethanol in petrol, but there have been some reports of more than 20 per cent. The biggest problem with ethanol is that it is very corrosive and attacks rubber components, castings and other bits and pieces in the fuel system.
Other Holden Vectra problems
- 2007 Holden Vectra convertible hard top won't open
- Why won't my 2005 Holden Vectra start?
- What causes a 2004 Holden Vectra to surge while idling?
- Holden Vectra 2000: Why is it cutting out?
- Holden Vectra 2004: How do I jump-start my car?
- Holden Vectra 2005: Tailgate won't unlock
- Holden Vectra 2002: Stuck ignition barrel
- How do I change a timing belt on a 2006 Holden Vectra and is it expensive?
