Another post about dodgy idle...

[TommyMalvern]

I have a Mk1 VTS with about 80k on the clock. It runs reasonably well (although I suspect rich) but has the common issue of lumpy idle, sits at about 1000 rpm cold or warm and very occasionally cuts out. I have tried changing the coolant sensor, also MAP sensor, reset ECU. No change. All the easy stuff really.

I suspect being French and old issue will be bad contact, broken wire or dodgy ECU could be culprits?

To get to the point I don't want to take it some standard garage for them to change multiple sensors with no real clue of the issue. So I'm hoping someone may be able to recommend a specialist in the West Midlands area, perhaps a diagnostics or rolling road place.
Your help much appreciated.

[Shadowslayerzz]

Sounds like a lambda sensor on the way out mate, not sure about any specialists in that area tbh but i can help you out on here if you like? When it cuts out do all the lights on the dash go out aswell or do they stay on but engine stops running? Also how long has this been happening for?

[TommyMalvern]

Hi

Thanks for your reply. The lambda sensor was replaced when I first got the car. As the end had fell of the old one! Although oddly the EM light has never come on.
I have had the car probably 2 years. The lumpy idle is intermittent. But always idles at 1000 rpm.

Haven't noticed what the lights on the dash do when it cuts out. Although it's not that frequent.

Probably should mention that a compression test I had done flagged up low compression in one cylinder. Was told a valve could not be seeling properly. Don't really want to be taking the head off :-(

Anything I can test or try. I'm quite handy with a multimeter but wouldn't know where to start.

Tom