1998 OPEL FRONTERA engine overheat

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

6B–4
ENGINE COOLING
NOTE: Antifreeze solution + Water = Total cooling
system capacity.
Total Cooling System Capacity
M/T 8.8Lit (2.32Us gal)
A/T 8.4Lit (2.22Us gal)
B06RW002
Mixing ratio
Check the specific gravity of engine coolant in the
cooling system temperature ranges from 0
C to 50C
using a suction type hydrometer, then determine the
density of the engine coolant by referring to the table.
NOTE:
1. Even in the areas where the atmospheric
temperature is higher than 0
C, be sure not to use
antifreeze solution at a mixing ratio lower than 20% so
that the inside of the engine may not be corroded.
2. If antifreeze solution is used at a mixing ratio higher
than 60%, the specific heat of the coolant falls and the
engine may be overheated. Moreover, antifreeze
performance drop and the coolant may be frozen.
The density of the solution must be adjusted as
occasion calls.
Antifreeze solution lower than 20% may not have
sufficient anticorrosive performance, and therefore,
please never fail to adjust as occasion demands within
the range of 20% to 60%.
B06RW003

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–58
ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
A/C Clutch Control Circuit Diagnosis
StepNo Ye s Va l u e ( s ) Action
341. Remove the A/C compressor relay.
2. Ignition “ON.”
3. Use a DVM to check voltage at both of the BRN
wires at the A/C compressor relay socket.
Is the voltage equal to the specified value?
+BGo to Step 36Go to Step 35
35Repair the faulty BRN wire between the A/C fuse and
the A/C compressor relay .
Is the action complete?
—Verify repair—
361. A/C compressor relay removed.
2. Engine idling.
3. A/C “ON.”
4. Blower “ON.”
5. Use a DVM to measure voltage between the
GRN/BLK wire at the A/C compressor relay socket
and battery
.
Did the DVM indicate the specified value?
+BGo to Step 40Go to Step 37
37Check for an open GRN/BLK wire between PCM
terminal B-14 and the A/C compressor relay.
Was the wire open?
—Go to Step 38Go to Step 39
38Repair the open GRN/BLK wire between the PCM and
the A/C compressor relay.
Is the action complete?
—Verify repair—
39Check for a damaged pin or terminal at B-14 of the
PCM.
Was a damaged pin or a terminal found?
—Go to Step 32Go to Step 33
401. A/C compressor relay removed.
2. Connect a fused jumper at the A/C compressor
relay socket between either BRN wire and the
BRN/YEL wire.
3. Engine idling.
4. A/C “ON.”
5. Blower “ON.”
Did the compressor magnetic clutch engage?
—Go to Step 41Go to Step 42
41Repair the A/C compressor relay.
Is the action complete?
—Verify repair—
42Check for an open circuit between the A/C compressor
relay and the A/C clutch.
Was an open circuit found?
—Go to Step 43Go to Step 44
43Repair the open circuit between the compressor Clutch
and the A/C compressor relay.
Is the action complete?
—Verify repair—
44Service the compressor clutch or replace the
compressor due to a faulty internal overheat switch.
Is the action complete?
—Verify repair—

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