Hello

Having trouble with my beloved vrs and thought would ask the experts for their views.

54 plate Vrs, 66K on clock. Cambelt, Tensioner & Water Pump changed at 40K.

Issues:

Bouncing Idle at start up. Headlights & All interior/door lights flicker dull and bright while the idle bounces. Computer states Secondary Air Pump going which from reading forums is accepted as fact so no issues there. Garage said this could be causing lights to flicker etc while doing the 1 min start routine but not 100%?

They recommended Throttle Body clean which I agreed to as seemed to have positives to doing it. After picking the car up, I drove to fill up with fuel and now a blowy noise can be heard at idle and blipping the throttle. Searched Net. This is a link of a VRS making "the exact same noise" as my car.

Does anybody have any ideas? It only started after the Throttle body was cleaned by Garage? It sounds like vibration in the exhaust system somewhere but its strange why it would just start after the Throttle body was cleaned?

The car idles a bit better now but light flicker still happens.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

NEale.

Sounds like a boost hose has popped off to me. Check the pancake metal pipe on the drivers side arch (wheel and arch liner off) and visibily check all pipes.

I guess the secondary air pump needs power to function, and if your alternator (or maybe the cables) are dodgy, or if the battery is iffy, then you might see the lights flicker.

Also worth checking the fuse box on top of the battery and crimp termination of the cable from the alternator, and that all the nuts are nipped up suitably tight.

am gonna guess the vac pipe under inlet manifold is in half mine just split and caused exactly the same fault.

am gonna guess the vac pipe under inlet manifold is in half mine just split and caused exactly the same fault.

exactly same for me too

Thanks to all who replied and apologies for delay in thanking you all.

A garage apparently checked the VAC pipe under Inlet Manifold and said was fine so will try fuse box and alternator.

I now have a grind noise when turning right but only when its dry? If its raining, I hear no grind?

Gotta love cars!

Grinding noise could be related to a bush maybe? When damp it will be lubricated from surface spray. Otherwise CV joint or bearing maybe?

My money the new Grind Is the wheel bearing just starting to give up on life. Mine went the same way. Turn left, grinding, turn right, no grinding. in the wet no noise... for the first 3weeks, then it became a constant drone...

Update on this problem. I bought a second hand Secondary Air Pump from Ebay and got it fitted by my local independant (After my dad drilled out the rivets and fitted new bolts for me). I now have no bad noise on first start up from the SAI and the flickering lights problem has been fixed also. I am guessing it was the problem with the SAI causing the mixture to be affected enought to make the revs bounce and the lights flicker.

Re: The grinding. Well for the 3rd time a garage has stated there is absolutely no play in any wheels so they cannot confirm a bearing is reponsible for the noise? As stated before, its only when turning right even as little as 1 full wheel turn (not even full lock). They said let develop and keep an eye on it but its not 'unsafe'. I am worried because its a really noticable grind noise.

Is it possible it could be a problem with a sticking caliper or something else with the brakes? Its deinately in time with the wheel rotating.

Thanks

NEale.

Sorry jus to add to this post.

Mac11irl - With your bearing could the garage identify any play in the wheel? If not, how do you tell which one is making the noise?

Also, any info on 'bushes' would be apprecited as a place to start checking.

Thanks

Neale.