1998 OPEL FRONTERA engine overheat

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.
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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

6E–347 ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
the secondary ignition circuit to flow through the spark
plug to the ground.
TS24047
Ignition Control PCM Output
The PCM provides a zero volt (actually about 100 mV to
200 mV) or a 5-volt output signal to the ignition control (IC)
module. Each spark plug has its own primary and
secondary coil module (”coil-at-plug”) located at the spark
plug itself. When the ignition coil receives the 5-volt signal
from the PCM, it provides a ground path for the B+ supply
to the primary side of the coil-at -plug module. This
energizes the primary coil and creates a magnetic field in
the coil-at-plug module. When the PCM shuts off the
5-volt signal to the ignition control module, the ground
path for the primary coil is broken. The magnetic field
collapses and induces a high voltage secondary impulse
which fires the spark plug and ignites the air/fuel mixture.
The circuit between the PCM and the ignition coil is
monitored for open circuits, shorts to voltage, and shorts
to ground. If the PCM detects one of these events, it will
set one of the following DTCs:
P0351: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #1
P0352: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #2
P0353: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #3
P0354: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #4
P0355: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #5
P0356: Ignition coil Fault on Cylinder #6
Knock Sensor (KS) PCM Input
The knock sensor (KS) system is comprised of a knock
sensor and the PCM. The PCM monitors the KS signals
to determine when engine detonation occurs. When a
knock sensor detects detonation, the PCM retards the
spark timing to reduce detonation. Timing may also be
retarded because of excessive mechanical engine or
transmission noise.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
The PCM is responsible for maintaining proper spark and
fuel injection timing for all driving conditions. To provideoptimum driveability and emissions, the PCM monitors
the input signals from the following components in order
to calculate spark timing:
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor.
Mass air flow (MAF) sensor.
PRNDL input from transmission range switch.
Throttle position (TP) sensor.
Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) .
Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.
Spark Plug
Although worn or dirty spark plugs may give satisfactory
operation at idling speed, they frequency fail at higher
engine speeds. Faulty spark plugs may cause poor fuel
economy, power loss, loss of speed, hard starting and
generally poor engine performance. Follow the
scheduled maintenance service recommendations to
ensure satisfactory spark plug performance. Refer to
Maintenance and Lubrication.
Normal spark plug operation will result in brown to
grayish-tan deposits appearing on the insulator portion of
the spark plug. A small amount of red-brown, yellow, and
white powdery material may also be present on the
insulator tip around the center electrode. These deposits
are normal combustion by-products of fuels and
lubricating oils with additives. Some electrode wear will
also occur. Engines which are not running properly are
often referred to as “misfiring.” This means the ignition
spark is not igniting the air/fuel mixture at the proper time.
While other ignition and fuel system causes must also be
considered, possible causes include ignition system
conditions which allow the spark voltage to reach ground
in some other manner than by jumping across the air gap
at the tip of the spark plug, leaving the air/fuel mixture
unburned. Misfiring may also occur when the tip of the
spark plug becomes overheated and ignites the mixture
before the spark jumps. This is referred to as
“pre-ignition.”
Spark plugs may also misfire due to fouling, excessive
gap, or a cracked or broken insulator. If misfiring occurs
before the recommended replacement interval, locate
and correct the cause.
Carbon fouling of the spark plug is indicated by dry, black
carbon (soot) deposits on the portion of the spark plug in
the cylinder. Excessive idling and slow speeds under
light engine loads can keep the spark plug temperatures
so low that these deposits are not burned off. Very rich
fuel mixtures or poor ignition system output may also be
the cause. Refer to DTC P0172.
Oil fouling of the spark plug is indicated by wet oily
deposits on the portion of the spark plug in the cylinder,
usually with little electrode wear. This may be caused by
oil during break-in of new or newly overhauled engines.
Deposit fouling of the spark plug occurs when the normal
red-brown, yellow or white deposits of combustion by
products become sufficient to cause misfiring. In some
c a s e s , t h e s e d e p o s i t s m a y m e l t a n d f o r m a s h i n y g l a z e o n
the insulator around the center electrode. If the fouling is
found in only one or two cylinders, valve stem clearances
or intake valve seals may be allowing excess lubricating

6E–350
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
to the intake manifold through an orifice with a PCM
controlled pintle. During operation, the PCM controls
pintle position by monitoring the pintle position feedback
signal. The feedback signal can be monitored with Tech 2
as “Actual EGR Pos.” “Actual EGR Pos.” should always
be near the commanded EGR position (”Desired EGR
Pos.”). If a problem with the EGR system will not allow the
PCM to control the pintle position properly, DTC P1406
will set. The PCM also tests for EGR flow. If incorrect flow
is detected, DTC P0401 will set. If DTCs P0401 and/or
P1406 are set, refer to the DTC charts.
The linear EGR valve is usually activated under the
following conditions:
Warm engine operation.
Above-idle speed.
Too much EGR flow at idle, cruise or cold operation may
cause any of the following conditions to occur:
Engine stalls after a cold start.
Engine stalls at idle after deceleration.
Vehicle surges during cruise.
Rough idle.
Too little or no EGR flow may allow combustion
temperatures to get too high. This could cause:
Spark knock (detonation).
Engine overheating.
Emission test failure.
DTC P0401 (EGR flow test).
Poor fuel economy.
0017
EGR Pintle Position Sensor
The PCM monitors the EGR valve pintle position input to
endure that the valve responds properly to commands
from the PCM and to detect a fault if the pintle position
sensor and control circuits are open or shorted. If the
PCM detects a pintle position signal voltage outside the
normal range of the pintle position sensor, or a signal
voltage that is not within a tolerance considered
acceptable for proper EGR system operation, the PCM
will set DTC P1406.
General Description (Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System)
Crankcase Ventilation System Purpose
The crankcase ventilation system is use to consume
crankcase vapors in the combustion process instead of
venting them to the atmosphere. Fresh air from the
throttle body is supplied to the crankcase and mixed with
blow-by gases. This mixture is then passed through the
positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve into the
common chamber.
Crankcase Ventilation System Operation
The primary control is through the positive crankcase
v e n t i l a t i o n ( P C V ) v a l v e . T h e PCV valve meters the flow at
a rate that depends on the intake vacuum. The PCV valve
restricts the flow when the inlet vacuum is highest. In
addition, the PCV valve can seal the common chamber
off in case of sudden high pressure in the crankcase.
028RV002
While the engine is running, exhaust fuses and small
amounts of the fuel/air mixture escape past the piston

6F–3 ENGINE EXHAUST
For Isuzu General Motors (IGM)
150RW058
When inspecting or replacing exhaust system
components, make sure there is adequate clearance
from all points on the underbody to prevent overheating
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.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
The three way catalytic converter is an emission control
device added to the exhaust system to reduce pollutants
from the exhaust gas stream.
CAUTION: The catalytic converter requires the use
of unleaded fuel only.
Periodic maintenance of the exhaust system is not
required. If the vehicle is raised for other service, it is
advisable to check the condition of the complete exhaust
system.
A dual bed monolith catalytic converter is used in
combination with three way catalytic converter.
Catalytic Types:
Three way (Reduction/Oxidation) catalyst
The catalyst coating on the three way (reduction)
converter contains platinum and rhodium which lowers
the levels of nitrous oxide (NOx) as well as hydrocarbons
(HC) and carbon monoxide (Co).
Gasket
The gasket must be replaced whenever a new exhaust
pipe, muffler or catalytic converter is installed.

ENGINE COOLING 6B – 5
ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE
PROCEDURE
1. To change engine coolant, make sure that the
engine is cool.
WARNING:
When the coolant is heated to a high temperature,
be sure not to loosen or remove the radiator cap.
Otherwise you might get scalded by hot vapor or
boiling water. To open the radiator cap, put a piece
of thick cloth on the cap and loosen the cap slowly
to reduce the pressure once the coolant has
become cooler.
2. Open radiator cap and drain the cooling system by
loosening the drain valve on the radiator and on the
cylinder body.
NOTE: For best results it is suggested that the engine
cooling system be flushed at least once a year. It is
advisable to flush the interior of the cooling system
including the radiator before using anti-freeze
(ethylene-glycol based).
Replace damaged rubber hoses as the engine anti-
freeze coolant is liable to leak out even minor cracks.
Isuzu recommends using Isuzu genuine anti-freeze
(ethylene-glycol based) or equivalent, for the cooling
system and not add any inhibitors or additives.
CAUTION:
A failure to correctly fill the engine cooling system
in changing or topping off coolant may sometimes
cause the coolant to overflow from the filler neck
even before the engine and radiator are completely
full.
If the engine runs under this condition, shortage of
coolant may possibly result in engine overheating.
To avoid such trouble, the following precautions
should be taken in filling the system.
3. To refill engine coolant, pour coolant up to filler neck
using a filling hose which is smaller in outside
diameter than the filler neck. Otherwise air between
the filler neck and the filling hose will block entry,
preventing the system from completely filling up.
4. Keep a filling rate of 9 liter/min. or less. Filling over
this maximum rate may force air inside the engine
and radiator.
And also, the coolant overflow will increase, making
it difficult to determine whether or not the system is
completely full.
5. After filling the system full, pull out the filling hose
and check to see if air trapped in the system is
dislodged and the coolant level goes down. Should
the coolant level go down, repeat topping-off until
there is no more drop in the coolant level.
6. Directly after filling the radiator, fill the reservoir to
the maximum level.
7. Install and tighten radiator cap and start the engine.
After idling for 2 to 3 minutes, stop the engine and
reopen radiator cap. If the water level is lower,
replenish.WARNING:
When the coolant is heated to a high temperature,
be sure not to loosen or remove the radiator cap.
Otherwise you might get scalded by hot vapor or
boiling water. To open the radiator cap, put a piece
of thick cloth on the cap and loosen the cap slowly
to reduce the pressure once the coolant has
become cooler.
8. After tightening radiator cap, warm up the engine at
about 2,000 rpm.
Set heater adjustment to the highest temperature
position, and let the coolant circulate also into
heater water system.
9. Check to see the thermostat has opened by the
needle position of a water thermometer, conduct a
5-minute idle again and stop the engine.
10. When the engine has been cooled, check filler neck
for water level and replenish if required. Should
extreme shortage of coolant be found, check the
coolant system and reservoir tank hose for leakage.
11. Fill the coolant into the reservoir tank up to “MAX”
line.

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.