overheating OPEL FRONTERA 1998 User Guide

ENGINE COOLING 6B – 9
RADIATOR
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery ground cable
2. Loosen drain plug to drain coolant.
3. Radiator Hose
1) Disconnect lower hose and upper hose from the
engine.
4. Fan Guide
1) Remove clips on both sides and the bottom lock.
5. Reservoir Tank Hose
1) Disconnect the hose from radiator.
6. Bracket
7. Radiator Assembly
1) Remove the radiator assembly upward by the
hoses taking care not to damage the radiator
core by the fan blade.
2) Remove rubber cushions on both sides of the
bottom.
INSPECTION
Radiator Cap
1) Measure the valve opening pressure with the
radiator cap tester. Replace the radiator cap if it
exceeds the standard.
Valve opening pressure: 93.2 – 122.7 kPa
(0.95 – 1.25 kg/cm
2/
13.5 – 17.8 psi)
Check the condition of the negative pressure valve in
the center of the valve seat side of the cap. If the valve
seat does not move smoothly due to rust or dust, clean
and replace the radiator cap.Radiator Core
1) Deformed radiator fins could reduce radiation
effects, resulting in overheating. Straighten the fins.
In such a case, take care not to damage the fin
roots.
2) Remove dust and other foreign materials.
Flushing the Radiator
1) Wash the inside of radiator and the coolant
passage with water and a neutral detergent.
Remove all scales and rust.
110RW017
110RS006

ENGINE EXHAUST 6F – 1
ENGINE EXHAUST
CONTENTS
CAUTION: Exhaust system components must have
enough clearance from the underbody to prevent
overheating of the floor pan and possible damage to the passenger compartment, insulation and trim
materials.
General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6F–2
Hangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6F–2
Gasket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6F–2
On-Vehicle Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6F–3
Front Exhaust Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6F–3Center Exhaust Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6F–5
Exhaust Silencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6F–6
Rear Exhaust Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6F–7

6F – 2 ENGINE EXHAUST
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
150RW070
When inspecting or replacing exhaust system
components, make sure there is adequate clearance
from all points on the underbody to prevent overheating
of the floor pan and possible damage to the passenger
compartment insulation and trim materials.
Check complete exhaust system and nearby body
areas and rear compartment lid for broken, damaged,
missing or mispositioned parts, open seams, holes
loose connections or other deterioration which could
permit exhaust fumes to seep into the rear
compartment or passenger compartment. Dust or water
in the rear compartment may be an indication of a
problem in one of these areas. Any faulty areas should
be corrected immediately.HANGERS
Various types of hangers are used to support exhaust
system(s). These include conventional rubber straps,
rubber rings, and rubber blocks.
The installation of exhaust system supports is very
important, as improperly installed supports can cause
annoying vibrations which can be difficult to diagnose.
GASKET
The gasket must be replaced whenever a new exhaust
pipe, muffler or exhaust throttle is installed.

6A–11
ENGINE MECHANICAL
Condition CorrectionPossible cause
Engine overheatingLevel of Engine Coolant too lowReplenish
Fan clutch defectiveReplace
Incorrect fan installedReplace
Thermostat defectiveReplace
Engine Coolant pump defectiveCorrect or replace
Radiator cloggedClean or replace
Radiator filler cap defectiveReplace
Level of oil in engine crankcase too
low or wrong engine oilChange or replenish
Resistance in exhaust system
increasedClean exhaust system or replace
defective parts
Throttle Position Sensor adjustment
incorrectReplace with Throttle Valve ASM
Throttle Position Sensor circuit open
or shortedCorrect or replace
Cylinder head gasket damagedReplace
Engine overcoolingThermostat defectiveReplace (Use a thermostat set to
open at 82
C (180F))
Engine lacks compression————Refer to Hard Start
OthersTire inflation pressure abnormalAdjust to recommended pressures
Brake dragAdjust
Clutch slippingAdjust or replace
Level of oil in engine crankcase too
highCorrect level of engine oil
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
defectiveReplace
Engine Noisy
Abnormal engine noise often consists of various noises
originating in rotating parts, sliding parts and othermoving parts of the engine. It is, therefore, advisable to
locate the source of noise systematically.
Condition
Possible causeCorrection
Noise from crank journals or from
crank bearings
(Faulty crank journals and crankOil clearance increased due to worn
crank journals or crank bearingsReplace crank bearings and
crankshaft or regrind crankshaft and
install the undersize bearing
yj
bearings usually make dull noise that
becomes more evident when
accelerating)Crankshaft out of roundReplace crank bearings and
crankshaft or regrind crankshaft and
install the undersize bearing
Crank bearing seizedCrank bearing seized. Replace crank
bearings and crankshaft or regrind
crankshaft and install the undersize
bearing
Troubleshooting Procedure
Short out each spark plug in sequence using insulated
spark plug wire removers. Locate cylinder with defectivebearing by listening for abnormal noise that stops when
spark plug is shorted out.

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

ENGINE COOLING6B–5
Diagnosis
Engine Cooling Trouble
ConditionPossible causeCorrection
Engine overheatingLow Engine Coolant levelReplenish
Incorrect fan installedReplace
Thermo meter unit faultyReplace
Faulty thermostatReplace
Faulty Engine Coolant temperature
sensorRepair or replace
Clogged radiatorClean or replace
Faulty radiator capReplace
Low engine oil level or use of
improper engine oilReplenish or change oil
Clogged exhaust systemClean exhaust system or replace
faulty parts
Faulty Throttle Position sensorReplace throttle valve assembly
Open or shorted Throttle Position
sensor circuitRepair or replace
Damaged cylinder head gasketReplace
Engine overcoolingFaulty thermostatReplace
Engine slow to warm–upFaulty thermostatReplace
Thermo unit faultyReplace

6B–10
ENGINE COOLING
6. Disconnect the reserve tank hose(4) from radiator.
7. Remove bracket(5).
110RW004
8. Lift up and remove the radiator assembly with hose,
taking care not to damage the radiator core with a fan
blade.
9. Remove rubber cushions on both sides at the bottom.
Inspection
Radiator Cap
Measure the valve opening pressure of the pressurizing
valve with a radiator filler cap tester.
Replace the cap if the valve opening pressure is outside
the standard range.
Valve opening pressure kPa (psi) 88.3
117.7
(12.8
17.1)
Cap tester: 5–8840–0277–0
Adapter: 5–8840–2603–0
Check the condition of the vacuum valve in the center of
the valve seat side of the cap. If considerable rust or dirt is
found, or if the valve seat cannot be moved by hand, clean
or replace the cap.Valve opening vacuum kPa (psi) 1.96
4.91
(0.28
0.71)
110RS006
Radiator Core
1. A bent fin may result in reduced ventilation and
overheating may occur. All bent fins must be
straightened. Pay close attention to the base of the fin
when it is being straightened.
2. Remove all dust, bugs and other foreign material.
Flushing the Radiator
Thoroughly wash the inside of the radiator and the engine
coolant passages with cold water and mild detergent.
Remove all signs of scale and rust.
Cooling System Leakage Check
Use a radiator cap tester to force air into the radiator
through the filler neck at the specified pressure of 196 kPa
(28.5 psi) with a cap tester:
Leakage from the radiator
Leakage from the coolant pump
Leakage from the water hoses
Check the rubber hoses for swelling.

6E–38
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
General Service Information
OBD Serviceablity Issues
The list of non-vehicle faults that could affect the
performance of the OBD system has been compiled.
These non-vehicle faults vary from environmental
conditions to the quality of fuel used.
The illumination of the MIL (“Check Engine” lamp) due to
a non-vehicle fault could lead to misdiagnosis of the
vehicle, increased warranty expense and customer
dissatisfaction. The following list of non-vehicle faults
does not include every possible fault and may not apply
equally to all product lines.
Fuel Quality
Using fuel with the wrong octane rating for your vehicle
may cause driveability problems. Many of the major fuel
companies advertise that using “premium” gasoline will
improve the performance of your vehicle. Most premium
fuels use alcohol to increase the octane rating of the fuel.
Although alcohol-enhanced fuels may raise the octane
rating, the fuel’s ability to turn into vapor in cold
temperatures deteriorates. This may affect the starting
ability and cold driveability of the engine.
Low fuel levels can lead to fuel starvation, lean engine
operation, and eventually engine misfire.
Non-OEM Parts
All of the OBD diagnostics have been calibrated to run
with OEM parts. Something as simple as a
high-performance exhaust system that affects exhaust
system back pressure could potentially interfere with the
operation of the EGR valve and thereby turn on the MIL
(“Check Engine” lamp). Small leaks in the exhaust
system near the post catalyst oxygen sensor can also
cause the MIL (“Check Engine” lamp) to turn on.
Aftermarket electronics, such as cellular phones,
stereos, and anti-theft devices, may radiate EMI into the
control system if they are improperly installed. This may
cause a false sensor reading and turn on the MIL (“Check
Engine” lamp).
Environment
Temporary environmental conditions, such as localized
flooding, will have an effect on the vehicle ignition system.
If the ignition system is rain-soaked, it can temporarily
cause engine misfire and turn on the MIL (“Check Engine”
lamp).
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
The sensitivity of OBD diagnostics will cause the MIL
(“Check Engine” lamp) to turn on if the vehicle is not
maintained properly. Restricted air filters, fuel filters, and
crankcase deposits due to lack of oil changes or improper
oil viscosity can trigger actual vehicle faults that were not
previously monitored prior to OBD. Poor vehicle
maintenance can not be classified as a “non-vehicle
fault”, but with the sensitivity of OBD diagnostics, vehicle
maintenance schedules must be more closely followed.Related System Faults
Many of the OBD system diagnostics will not run if the
PCM detects a fault on a related system or component.
One example would be that if the PCM detected a Misfire
fault, the diagnostics on the catalytic converter would be
suspended until Misfire fault was repaired. If the Misfire
fault was severe enough, the catalytic converter could be
damaged due to overheating and would never set a
Catalyst DTC until the Misfire fault was repaired and the
Catalyst diagnostic was allowed to run to completion. If
this happens, the customer may have to make two trips to
the dealership in order to repair the vehicle.
Maintenance Schedule
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule.
Visual / Physical Engine Compartment
Inspection
Perform a careful visual and physical engine
compartment inspection when performing any diagnostic
procedure or diagnosing the cause of an emission test
failure. This can often lead to repairing a problem without
further steps. Use the following guidelines when
performing a visual/physical inspection:
Inspect all vacuum hoses for punches, cuts,
disconnects, and correct routing.
Inspect hoses that are difficult to see behind other
components.
Inspect all wires in the engine compartment for proper
connections, burned or chafed spots, pinched wires,
contact with sharp edges or contact with hot exhaust
manifolds or pipes.
Basic Knowledge of Tools Required
NOTE: Lack of basic knowledge of this powertrain when
performing diagnostic procedures could result in an
incorrect diagnosis or damage to powertrain
components. Do not attempt to diagnose a powertrain
problem without this basic knowledge.
A basic understanding of hand tools is necessary to effec-
tively use this section of the Service Manual.
Serial Data Communications
Class II Serial Data Communications
This vehicle utilizes the “Class II” communication system.
Each bit of information can have one of two lengths: long
or short. This allows vehicle wiring to be reduced by
transmitting and receiving multiple signals over a single
wire. The messages carried on Class II data streams are
also prioritized. If two messages attempt to establish
communications on the data line at the same time, only
the message with higher priority will continue. The device
with the lower priority message must wait. The most
significant result of this regulation is that it provides Tech 2
manufacturers with the capability to access data from any
make or model vehicle that is sold.

6E–270
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Detonation/Spark Knock Symptom
StepActionVa l u e ( s )Ye sNo
1DEFINITION:
A mild to severe ping, usually worse under acceleration.
The engine makes sharp metallic knocks that change
with throttle opening.
Was the “On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check”
performed?
—Go to Step 2
Go to OBD
System
Check
21. Perform a bulletin search.
2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found,
correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.
Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?
—Verify repairGo to Step 3
3Was a visual/physical check performed?
—Go to Step 4
Go to
Visual/Physic
al Check
4If Tech 2 readings are normal (refer to Ty p i c a l S c a n
Va lu es
) and there are no engine mechanical faults, fill
the fuel tank with a known quality gasoline that has a
minimum octane rating of 87 and re-evaluate the
vehicle performance.
Is detonation present?
—Go to Step 5Verify repair
51. Check the transmission range switch circuit. Use
Tech 2 and be sure Tech 2 indicates that the vehicle
is in drive with the gear selector in drive or overdrive.
2. If a problem is found, diagnose and repair the
transmission range switch as necessary (refer to
4L30-E Automatic Transmission Diagnosis).
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 6
61. Check TCC operation. Refer to 4L30-E
Transmission Diagnosis
.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 7
71. Check for obvious overheating problems:
Low engine coolant.
Restricted air flow to radiator, or restricted
water flow through radiator.
Correct coolant solution should be a 50/50 mix
of approved antifreeze/coolant and water.
Refer to
Engine Cooling.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 8
81. Check fuel pressure. Refer to Chart Fuel System
Pressure Test.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 9
91. Check items that can cause an engine to run lean
(long term fuel trim significantly in the positive
range). For a lean condition, refer to
Diagnostic
Aids
in DTC P0171 Diagnostic Support.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
—Verify repairGo to Step 10

6E–325 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Spark Plug Gap Check
Check the gap of all spark plugs before installation.
Use a round wire feeler gauge to ensure an accurate
check.
Plugs installed with the wrong gap can cause poor
engine performance and excessive emissions.
Installation Procedure
NOTE: The plug must thread smoothly into the cylinder
head and be fully seated. Use a thread chaser if
necessary to clean the threads in the cylinder head.
Cross-threading or failure to fully seat the spark plug can
cause plug overheating, exhaust blow-by gas, or thread
damage. Do not overtighten the spark plugs. Over
tightening can cause aluminum threads to strip.
1. Install the spark plug in the engine. Use the
appropriate spark plug socket.
Tighten
Tighten the spark plug to 18 Nꞏm (13 lb ft.).
2. Install the ignition coil and spark plug boot over the
spark plug.
014RW108
3. Secure the ignition coil to the rocker cover with two
screws.
014RW091
4. Connect the electrical connector at the ignition coil.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
Catalytic Converter
Removal and Installation Procedure
Refer to Engine Exhaust in Engine.
Air Conditioning Relay
Removal Procedure
1. Remove the fuse and relay box cover from under the
hood.
2. Consult the diagram on the cover to determine which
is the correct relay.
3. Insert a small screwdriver into the catch slot on the
forward side of the fuel pump relay.
The screwdriver blade will release the catch inside.
T321092