Check VSC Light & malfunction indicator lamp on

[Tuppence]

The check VSC warning display came on yesterday (after a car wash visit) with a malfunction light that looks a bit like an engine block (over on the left) and the little "slippy car" traction light over on the right.

Today all this came on again after about 1 min driving.  For a short time the "engine block" light was flashing then just went back to just on.  This can apparently mean: malfunction in engine control system or in electronic throttle system.

Anybody have any views?  Garage would be at least an hour, maybe hour and a half away, can I drive it?

The last twice the  check VSC and slippy car has come on it was an O2 sensor, drove it for a little while till fixed.  Could it be" just" one of those again?

Anything gratefully received.  Thanks in advance. 

[Herbie]

You really need to get the OBD2 codes read or read them yourself if you have a code reader. Once you tell us what the code(s) are we can then point you in the right direction. Without codes, it's all just guessing.

[Tuppence]

OK.  Thanks.  Will have to get to the garage to get the codes read.

[Tuppence]

OK.  Thanks.  Will have to get to the garage to get the codes read.  

LATER:  I have been looking up Obd2 code readers.  Can get one from amazon but description seems to say only emissions related problems, although in other parts they are talking about lots of error codes.  Don't think my problem is anything to do with emissions.  

[Herbie]

14 minutes ago, Tuppence said:

Don't think my problem is anything to do with emissions. 

 

2 hours ago, Tuppence said:

The last twice the  check VSC and slippy car has come on it was an O2 sensor

The O2 sensor is to do with emissions.

 

[Tuppence]

Thanks I'll order one then, can get it by Friday apparently.

[Tuppence]

Hi,

I have bought a Creader 319 OBDII Scanner

Used it and got the following:

PO304                                       1/4

Generic                                      Current

Cylinder 4 misfire detected

PO300                                        2/4

Generic                                    Pending

Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

PO303                                       3/4

Generic                                       Pending

Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

PO304                                       4/4

Generic                                       Pending

Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

 

Have set out each screen more or less as it was.  Didn't try to clear the codes.  Have tried to look up about this, seems bad?

How bad is it going to be (a) to drive it locally a little for things I need shortly (b) to drive it maybe up to 2hrs to get to my favoured garage? and maybe back?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mihanicos]

From the trouble codes, you have misfiring on all four cylinders.  This indicates the cause to be common to all cylinders.

You have a lean or a rich mixture in the cylinders. 

Begin from the Mass Air flow meter by cleaning it.  Check the air induction system from the MAF meter and beyond towards the inlet manifold for damage that can allow unmetered air to be drawn on into the engine.

Check the fuel delivery pressure to the cylinders and repair the cause if not to specifications. Check the fuel  delivered per minute by the injectors and their spray pattern. You need a specialist to do that for you.

Check the spark plugs, clean and set the gap.

Look at the freeze frame data to guide you as to what caused the misfiring. 

Warm up the engine to normal temperature and look at the short term and long term fuel trims. Using this data you should be able to find out which variable is causing the problem.

Chris.