spark plugs OPEL FRONTERA 1998 Owner's Manual

6E–348
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
oil to enter the cylinder, particularly if the deposits are
heavier on the side of the spark plug facing the intake
valve.
TS23995
Excessive gap means that the air space between the
center and the side electrodes at the bottom of the spark
plug is too wide for consistent firing. This may be due to
improper gap adjustment or to excessive wear of the
electrode during use. A check of the gap size and
comparison to the gap specified for the vehicle in
Maintenance and Lubrication will tell if the gap is too wide.
A spark plug gap that is too small may cause an unstable
idle condition. Excessive gap wear can be an indication
of continuous operation at high speeds or with engine
loads, causing the spark to run too hot. Another possible
cause is an excessively lean fuel mixture.
TS23992
Low or high spark plug installation torque or improper
seating can result in the spark plug running too hot and
can cause excessive center electrode wear. The plug
and the cylinder head seats must be in good contact for
proper heat transfer and spark plug cooling. Dirty or
damaged threads in the head or on the spark plug cankeep it from seating even though the proper torque is
applied. Once spark plugs are properly seated, tighten
them to the torque shown in the Specifications Table. Low
torque may result in poor contact of the seats due to a
loose spark plug. Overtightening may cause the spark
plug shell to be stretched and will result in poor contact
between the seats. In extreme cases, exhaust blow-by
and damage beyond simple gap wear may occur.
Cracked or broken insulators may be the result of
improper installation, damage during spark plug
re-gapping, or heat shock to the insulator material. Upper
insulators can be broken when a poorly fitting tool is used
during installation or removal, when the spark plug is hit
from the outside, or is dropped on a hard surface. Cracks
in the upper insulator may be inside the shell and not
visible. Also, the breakage may not cause problems until
oil or moisture penetrates the crack later.
TS23994
A broken or cracked lower insulator tip (around the center
electrode) may result from damage during re-gapping or
from “heat shock” (spark plug suddenly operating too
hot).
TS23993

6E–349 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Damage during re-gapping can happen if the gapping
tool is pushed against the center electrode or the
insulator around it, causing the insulator to crack.
When re-gapping a spark plug, make the adjustment
by bending only the ground side terminal, keeping the
tool clear of other parts.
”Heat shock” breakage in the lower insulator tip
generally occurs during several engine operating
conditions (high speeds or heavy loading) and may be
caused by over-advanced timing or low grade fuels.
Heat shock refers to a rapid increase in the tip
temperature that causes the insulator material to
crack.
Spark plugs with less than the recommended amount of
service can sometimes be cleaned and re-gapped , then
returned to service. However, if there is any doubt about
the serviceability of a spark plug, replace it. Spark plugs
with cracked or broken insulators should always be
replaced.
A/C Clutch Diagnosis
A/C Clutch Circuit Operation
A 12-volt signal is supplied to the A/C request input of the
PCM when the A/C is selected through the A/C control
switch.
The A/C compressor clutch relay is controlled through the
PCM. This allows the PCM to modify the idle air control
position prior to the A/C clutch engagement for better idle
quality. If the engine operating conditions are within their
specified calibrated acceptable ranges, the PCM will
enable the A/C compressor relay. This is done by
providing a ground path for the A/C relay coil within the
PCM. When the A/C compressor relay is enabled,
battery voltage is supplied to the compressor clutch coil.
The PCM will enable the A/C compressor clutch
whenever the engine is running and the A/C has been
requested. The PCM will not enable the A/C compressor
clutch if any of the following conditions are met:
The throttle is greater than 90%.
The engine speed is greater than 6315 RPM.
The ECT is greater than 119C (246F).
The IAT is less than 5C (41F).
The throttle is more than 80% open.
A/C Clutch Circuit Purpose
The A/C compressor operation is controlled by the
powertrain control module (PCM) for the following
reasons:
It improvises idle quality during compressor clutch
engagement.
It improvises wide open throttle (WOT) performance.
It provides A/C compressor protection from operation
with incorrect refrigerant pressures.
The A/C electrical system consists of the following
components:
The A/C control head.
The A/C refrigerant pressure switches.
The A/C compressor clutch.
The A/C compressor clutch relay.
The PCM.
A/C Request Signal
This signal tells the PCM when the A/C mode is selected
at the A/C control head. The PCM uses this to adjust the
idle speed before turning on the A/C clutch. The A/C
compressor will be inoperative if this signal is not
available to the PCM.
Refer to
A/C Clutch Circuit Diagnosis for A/C wiring
diagrams and diagnosis for A/C electrical system.
General Description (Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR) System)
EGR Purpose
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is use to
reduce emission levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). NOx
emission levels are caused by a high combustion
temperature. The EGR system lowers the NOx emission
levels by decreasing the combustion temperature.
057RW002
Linear EGR Valve
The main element of the system is the linear EGR valve.
The EGR valve feeds small amounts of exhaust gas back
into the combustion chamber. The fuel/air mixture will be
diluted and combustion temperatures reduced.
Linear EGR Control
The PCM monitors the EGR actual positron and adjusts
the pintle position accordingly. The uses information from
the following sensors to control the pintle position:
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
Throttle position (TP) sensor.
Mass air flow (MAF) sensor.
Linear EGR Valve Operation and Results
of Incorrect Operation
The linear EGR valve is designed to accurately supply
EGR to the engine independent of intake manifold
vacuum. The valve controls EGR flow from the exhaust

6A–5
ENGINE MECHANICAL
4. Engine Lacks Compression
Condition
Possible causeCorrection
Engine lacks compressionSpark plug loosely fitted or spark
plug gasket defectiveTighten to specified torque or replace
gasket
Valve timing incorrectAdjust
Cylinder head gasket defectiveReplace gasket
Valve incorrectly seatedLap valve
Valve stem seizedReplace valve and valve guide
Valve spring weakened or brokenReplace
Cylinder or piston rings wornOverhaul engine
Piston ring seizedOverhaul engine.
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.
If the compression pressure obtained falls below the
limit, engine overhaul is necessary.
Limit; 1000 kPa (145 psi)

6A–7
ENGINE MECHANICAL
Condition CorrectionPossible cause
OthersEngine lacks compressionRefer to “Hard Start”
Valve incorrectly seatedLap valve
Air Cleaner Filter cloggedReplace filter element
Valve timing incorrectReadjust
Idle air control valve brokenReplace
Fast idle solenoid defectiveReplace
Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve
defective or cloggedReplace
Rough Engine Running
ConditionPossible causeCorrection
Engine misfires periodicallyIgnition coil layer shortedReplace
Spark plugs foulingClean or install hotter type plug
Spark plug(s) insulator nose leakingReplace
Fuel injector(s) defectiveReplace
Powertrain control module faultyReplace
Engine knocks periodicallySpark plugs running too hotInstall colder type spark plugs
Powertrain control module faultyReplace
Engine lacks powerSpark plugs fouledClean
Fuel injectors defectiveReplace
Mass Airflow Sensor or Intake
Airflow Sensor circuit defectiveCorrect or replace
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
Sensor or Manifold Absolute
Pressure Sensor circuit defectiveCorrect or replace
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
or Engine Coolant Temperature
Sensor circuit defectiveCorrect or replace
Powertrain Control Module faultyReplace
Intake Air Temperature Sensor or
Intake Air Temperature Sensor
circuit defectiveCorrect or replace
Throttle Position Sensor or Throttle
Position Sensor circuit defectiveCorrect or replace
Knock Sensor or Knock Sensor
circuits defectiveCorrect or replace
Knock Sensor Module or Knock
Sensor Module circuits defectiveCorrect or replace

6A–10
ENGINE MECHANICAL
Engine Lacks Power
ConditionPossible causeCorrection
Trouble in fuel systemFuel Pressure Control Valve not
working normallyReplace
Fuel injector cloggedClean or replace
Fuel pipe cloggedClean
Fuel filter clogged or fouledReplace
Fuel pump drive circuit not working
normallyCorrect or replace
Fuel tank not sufficiently breathing
due to clogged Evaporative
Emission Control System circuitClean or replace
Water in fuel systemClean
Inferior quality fuel in fuel systemUse fuel of specified octane rating
Powertrain Control Module supplied
poor voltageCorrect circuit
Throttle Position Sensor cable
broken or poor connectionsCorrect or replace
Throttle Position Sensor defectiveReplace
Mass Airflow Sensor not working
normallyReplace
Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
not working normallyReplace
Intake Air Temperature Sensor not
working normallyReplace
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
circuit open or shortedCorrect or replace
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
defectiveReplace
Powertrain Control Module defectiveReplace
Trouble in intake or exhaust systemAir Cleaner Filter cloggedReplace filter element
Air duct kinked or flattenedCorrect or replace
Ignition failure————Refer to Hard Start Troubleshooting
Guide
Heat range of spark plug inadequateInstall spark plugs of adequate heat
range
Ignition coil defectiveReplace

6A–13
ENGINE MECHANICAL
Condition CorrectionPossible cause
Engine knockingPreignition due to use of spark plugs
of inadequate heat rangeInstall Spark Plugs of adequate heat
range
Carbon deposits in combustion
chambersClean
Fuel too low in octane ratingReplace fuel
Wide Open Throttle enrichment
system failureRefer to Section 6E
Selection of transmission gear
incorrectCaution operator of incorrect gear
selection
Engine overheatingRefer to “Engine Lacks Power”
OthersWater pump defectiveReplace
Drive belt slippingReplace auto tentioner or drive belt
Abnormal Combustion
ConditionPossible causeCorrection
Trouble in fuel systemFuel pressure control valve defectiveReplace
Fuel filter cloggedReplace
Fuel pump cloggedClean or replace
Fuel tank or fuel pipe cloggedClean or replace
Fuel injector cloggedClean or replace
Fuel pump relay defectiveReplace
Power supply cable for fuel pump
broken or poor connectionsReconnect, correct or replace
Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor circuit
open or defectiveCorrect or replace
MAF Sensor defectiveReplace
Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
circuit open or shortedCorrect or replace
Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
defectiveReplace
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT)
Sensor circuit open or shortedCorrect or replace
ECT Sensor defectiveReplace
Throttle Position Sensor adjustment
incorrectReadjust
Throttle Position Sensor defectiveReplace
Throttle Position Sensor connector
poor connectionsReconnect
Vehicle Speed Sensor cable poor
connections or defectiveCorrect or replace
Vehicle Speed Sensor loosely fixedFix tightly
Vehicle Speed Sensor in wrong
contact or defectiveReplace
Powertrain Control Module cable
poor connections or defectiveCorrect or replace

6A–53
ENGINE MECHANICAL
2. Remove camshaft bracket fixing bolt (5), camshaft
bracket (6), then camshaft exhaust (7), and intake
side (8).
3. Remove tappet with shim (11).
4. Use the 5–8840–2446–0 valve spring compressor
and 5–8840–2547–0 valve spring compressor
adapter to remove the split collar (12), valve spring
with upper seat (13) and valve (14).
014RW042
5. Remove spark plug (1).
CAUTION: Do not remove the spark plugs when the
head and plugs are hot. Clean dirt and debris from
spark plug recess areas before removal.
Clean
Cylinder head
Carefully remove all varnish, soot and carbon from the
bare metal. Do not use a motorized wire brush on any
gasket sealing surface.
Inspection and Repair
1. Cylinder head gasket and mating surfaces for leaks,
corrosion and blow–by. If the gasket has failed,
determine the cause.
– Insufficient torque on head bolts.
– Improper installation
– Loose or warped cylinder head
– Missing dowel pins
– Warped case surface
2. Cylinder head for cracks, especially between valve
seats and in the exhaust ports.3. Cylinder head deck for corrosion, sand particles in
head and porosity.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to weld the cylinder head. Replace
it.
Do not reuse cylinder head bolts.
4. Cylinder head deck, common chamber and exhaust
manifold mating surfaces for flatness. These
surfaces may be reconditioned by milling. If the
surfaces are “out of flat” by more than specification,
the surface should be ground to within specifications.
Replace the head if it requires machining beyond the
repairable limit.
Head surface and manifold surface
Standard: 0.05 mm (0.002 in) or less
Warpage limit: 0.2 mm (0.0079 in)
Maximum Repairable limit: 0.2 mm (0.0079 in)
Head height
Standard height : 133.2 mm (5.2441 in)
Warpage limit : 0.2 mm (0.0079 in)
Maximum Repairable limit : 133.0 mm (5.2362 in)
011RW019
5. Water jacket sealing plugs seating surfaces.
Reassembly
1. Install Spark plug and tighten all the spark plugs to
specified torque.
Torque: 18 Nꞏm (1.8 Kgꞏm/13 lb ft)
2. Tighten sub gear setting bolt.
1. Use 5–8840–2443–0 gear spring lever to turn sub
gear to right direction until the M5 bolt aligns with
the hole between camshaft driven gear and sub
gear.

6D2–2
IGNITION SYSTEM
General Description
Ignition is done by the electronic ignition (El) that directly
fires the spark plugs from ignition coils through spark plug
wires without using a distributor. A pair of ignition coils for
the cylinders having different phases by 360
(No.1 and
No.4,No.2 and No.5,No.3 and No.6) are fired
simultaneously.
Since the cylinder on exhaust stroke requires less energy
to fire its ignition plug, energy from the ignition coils can be
utilized to fire the mating cylinder on compression stroke.
After additional 360
rotation, respective cylinder strokes
are reversed.
The EI consists of six ignition coils,ignition control
module, crank angle sensor, powertrain control module
(PCM) and other components.The ignition coils are connected with the PCM by means
of a 32 pin connector.
The ignition control module turns on/off the primary circuit
of ignition coils, and also it controls the ignition timing at
the engine speed below 538 rpm.
A notch in the timing disc on the crankshaft activates the
crank angle sensor which then sends information such as
firing order and starting timing of each ignition coil to the
PCM.
Further, the El employs ignition control (IC) to control
similar to a distributor system.
By receiving signals such as crank position,engine
speed, water temperature and Manifold Absolute
Pressure (MAP), the PCM controls the ignition timing.
D06RW084
Diagnosis
Refer to Section Drivability and Emissions for the
diagnosis to electronic ignition system (El system).

6D2–4
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark Plug
Removal
1. Remove spark plugs.
Inspection and Repair
The spark plug affects entire engine performance and
therefore its inspection is very important.
Check electrode and insulator for presence of cracks,
and replace if any.
Check electrode for wear, and replace if necessary.
Check gasket for damage, and replace if necessary.
Measure insulation resistance with an ohmmeter, and
replace if faulty.
Adjust spark plug gap to 1.0 mm (0.04 in) 1.1 mm
(0.043 in).
Check fuel and electrical systems if spark plug is
extremely dirty.
Use spark plugs having low heat value (hot type plug)
if fuel and electrical systems are normal.
Use spark plugs having high heat value (cold type
plug) if insulator and electrode are extremely burned.
Sooty Spark Plugs
Much deposit of carbon or oil on the electrode and
insulator of spark plug reduces the engine performance.
Possible causes:
Too rich mixture
Presence of oil in combustion chamber
Incorrectly adjusted spark plug gap
Burning Electrodes
This fault is characterized by scorched or heavily oxidized
electrode or blistered insulator nose.
Possible causes:
Too lean mixture
Improper heat value
Measuring Insulation Resistance
Measure insulation resistance using a 500 volt
megaohm meter.
Replace spark plugs if measured value is out of
standard.
Insulation resistance: 50 M
or more
011RS010
Cleaning Spark Plugs
Clean spark plugs with a spark plug cleaner.
Raise the ground electrode to an angle of 45 to 60
degrees. If electrode is wet, dry it before cleaning.
After spark plug is thoroughly cleaned, check
insulator for presence of cracks.
Clean threads and metal body with a wire brush.
File the electrode tip if electrode is extremely worn.
Bend the ground electrode to adjust the spark plug
gap.
011RS011
Installation
1. Spark plugs
Tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Torque: 18 Nꞏm (1.8 Kgꞏm/13 lb ft)

6E–5 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Specifications
Tightening Specifications
ApplicationNꞏmLb Ft.Lb In.
Camshaft Position Sensor Retaining Screw9—78
Crankshaft Position Sensor Mounting Bolt10—87
EGR Bolt2821—
EGR Nut2821—
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor207.7—
Fuel Drain Plug2922—
Fuel Pressure Regulator Attaching Screw6.5—60
Fuel Rail Bolts2518—
Fuel Tank Undercover Retaining Bolts3627—
Heated Oxygen Sensor4231—
Lower Intake Manifold to Engine Block Bolts2518—
Lower Intake Manifold to Engine Block Nuts2518—
Spark Plugs1813—
Throttle Body Mounting Bolts2518—
Upper Intake Manifold to Lower Intake Manifold Bolts2518—
VSS Retaining Bolt13—120
Vehicle Type Specifications
ECAUSTRALIA
THAILAND
SOUTH-EA
ST-ASIA
LATIN
AMERICAGULF
CONTRIES
SAUDI
CHINASOU
TH
AFRI
CA
EXPORTSpecifications
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OBD
O2
SENCATEGRMTATMTATMTATMTATMTMTATOBDSEN
SORAEGR
I21
I21
11
11
11
11
1
1
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