Vauxhall Ampera

KCross · 01-05-2019 12:07pm

Watching my Leaf recently go through the NCT test its clear they dont do as many tests on them as ICE. They skipped some of the test stations. <15mins to complete.

Seems to me they just check lights, horn, seat belts and visual check underneath of suspensions, tyres etc when on the ramp. The rest of the usual tests an ICE gets, are skipped.

Brake regen probably isnt compatible with their rolling road tests?

n97 mini · 01-05-2019 4:09pm

KCross wrote: »

Brake regen probably isnt compatible with their rolling road tests?

Hybrids have regen and get the RR test, so...

n97 mini · 01-05-2019 4:11pm

Simona1986 wrote: »

We had our first NCT on Friday (no issues, valid for two years). The 0ppm readings for emissions really make a mockery of the whole system.

It's not really. If you look, it's idle emissions they test. So, in that respect it's 100% correct, there are no emissions at idle.

They probably should be testing more than idle emissions though, as a lot of modern ICE cars will also score zero due to auto stop/start.

zilog_jones · 01-05-2019 4:51pm

n97 mini wrote: »

Hybrids have regen and get the RR test, so...

Only for parking brake effort, I think service brake effort is tested using an accelerometer or something else. I think the cars might disagree with only two moving wheels, not sure though.

n97 mini wrote: »

It's not really. If you look, it's idle emissions they test. So, in that respect it's 100% correct, there are no emissions at idle.

They probably should be testing more than idle emissions though, as a lot of modern ICE cars will also score zero due to auto stop/start.

There's a "low" idle (normal idle), but also a "high" idle which is achieved by using the throttle, but they use a device for measuring RPM (connected to battery terminals) which I suspect doesn't work without an alternator (if it's measuring current ripple). Stop/start function is usually trivial to disable in normal ICE cars (button, or disengaging the clutch), but getting a hybrid to idle for the required length of time may require some more specific incantations.

ELM327 · 02-05-2019 9:22am

zilog_jones wrote: »

Only for parking brake effort, I think service brake effort is tested using an accelerometer or something else. I think the cars might disagree with only two moving wheels, not sure though.

There's a "low" idle (normal idle), but also a "high" idle which is achieved by using the throttle, but they use a device for measuring RPM (connected to battery terminals) which I suspect doesn't work without an alternator (if it's measuring current ripple). Stop/start function is usually trivial to disable in normal ICE cars (button, or disengaging the clutch), but getting a hybrid to idle for the required length of time may require some more specific incantations.

Even in the cold, with the battery showing as depleted and the screen demister on full, I don't think our prius (which is a classic model from 2008 :P ) would run the ICE for long enough not under load to run the idle tests

I suspect this is the reason it is not done. Means you could buy the likes of a v6/v8 hybrid lexus and straight pipe it as theres no emissions test

zilog_jones · 02-05-2019 11:29am

There are methods to keep it idling, as the emissions are tested elsewhere in the world. The problem is how to do it is not standardised. With the Gen 2 Prius there's a sequence of pedal and gear selections that can be done to put it in "inspection mode" for example, which will allow it to idle, but I don't know about other cars. It's not impossible, it just requires more effort, and the NCT testers would need to get OBD-II scanners to see the engine speed (which I don't think they currently have).

n97 mini · 02-05-2019 11:57am

In the Civic IMA the brake booster is conventional: it uses vacuum from the intake manifold. So pumping the brake pedal a few times will get the ICE to start up.

Alkers · 02-05-2019 2:46pm

On the Ampera you can just open the bonnet with the car turned on

vondes · 02-05-2019 6:53pm

Just do it

Soarer · 11-07-2019 2:03pm

Here's one for people thinking about an Ampera...myself included.

I contacted Vauxhall UK about servicing the Ampera in Ireland, and received the following...

Dear Mr Soarer

Thank you for your email dated 10th July 2019 to Vauxhall Customer Care, regarding your enquiry.

I understand you would like further information on how to keep the vehicles warranty maintained and I welcome this opportunity to comment.

Please be advised, you can have your vehicles servicing completed outside of the Vauxhall network however, please ensure you keep all invoices relating to the service for further reference.

Further to this, should a concern present itself due to the service not being completed correctly, this can impact the warranty status.

If you do have any further questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us via reply email or via telephone 0800 026 0034 quoting your service request number located at the top of this email.

Again thank you for your email and for allowing me the opportunity to comment.

So basically, as long as you get the car serviced to Vauxhall's schedule by somebody competent, you should maintain your warranty cover.

n97 mini · 11-07-2019 2:51pm

There are some oddball things in the servicing that I'm not sure a generic garage could do, or even a specialist without the right equipment. Changing battery coolant for example.

zilog_jones · 11-07-2019 3:14pm

It's just another coolant circuit though, isn't it? As long as they're aware of it, it doesn't seem like anything particularly unusual. The Toyota/Lexus hybrids have separate coolant systems for the inverter but it's the same pink stuff that goes in any other modern ICE.

n97 mini · 11-07-2019 4:36pm

I think the coolant needs to be sucked out rather than drained. It's the regular GM coolant, Dexron, afaik.

KELTICKNIGHTT · 29-08-2019 5:42pm

Hi guys .I'm just about to purchase ampera .
You guys have had the ampera.
Any pros and cons to watch out for.
Cheers

slicedpanman · 29-08-2019 6:50pm

Nothing that I can think of... Other than to know (you probably already do) of its a my12 (no arm rest) or 13 (arm rest between back seats)

Well wear... Out of interest what price are you paying?

KELTICKNIGHTT · 29-08-2019 7:17pm

slicedpanman wrote: »

Nothing that I can think of... Other than to know (you probably already do) of its a my12 (no arm rest) or 13 (arm rest between back seats)

Well wear... Out of interest what price are you paying?

Cheers
Was 2 mins about buying it because of if anything needs replacing but I guess I can get parts from north.
Its 2014 reg Electron in grey for 14k
94k miles on clock

unkel · 29-08-2019 9:42pm

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

Cheers
Was 2 mins about buying it because of if anything needs replacing but I guess I can get parts from north.
Its 2014 reg Electron in grey for 14k
94k miles on clock

That's not cheap!

Here's a '14 for under £8k, would cost you less than €9k to land here + €400 VRT

Linky

And that's the sticker price. No doubt you can get a bit of money off for a cash deal

KELTICKNIGHTT · 30-08-2019 12:25am

unkel wrote: »

That's not cheap!

Here's a '14 for under £8k, would cost you less than €9k to land here + €400 VRT

Linky

And that's the sticker price. No doubt you can get a bit of money off for a cash deal

I'm stuck between this ampera and nissan juke full spec
Got better deal on ik nissan juke. You either like them or hate them

KELTICKNIGHTT · 30-08-2019 12:28am

Any ampera coming into country making this money. I dont have time to go to uk I'm afraid. I work 6 days a week...
Only thing put me off ampera is if it breaks down .not like another car where easy to get parts .
It's a hard one .
Herself saying where you get parts.
I noticed some basic stuff I can get like pads .oil etc as the petrol engine out of corsa .I have a guy who works on Toyota hybrids .I ask him tomorrow.
I'm to pickup this weekend if I want it .
That's why I was asking any issues any had as some of you have it almost a year.
What's it like in icey roads etc
It says 2014 but did a vin check and come up 2012

slicedpanman · 30-08-2019 6:38am

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

It says 2014 but did a vin check and come up 2012

You have no arm ready in the back then, same as mine. I've a 2012 made car that wasn't registered till 15, yours was made in 12 too but not sure/regd till 14

As for parts to on to Mick's garage and set you car as an Ampera and see what they have available... Pretty much everything apart from the HV/battery related parts

unkel · 30-08-2019 9:50am

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

I dont have time to go to uk I'm afraid. I work 6 days a week...

Last time I brought a car in from the UK I had a flight out at 19:30 in the evening and I was back home with the car at 11:00 the next morning

Of course you can make time if that saves you 4 grand on a car. Take a morning off.

Alkers · 30-08-2019 10:01am

unkel wrote: »

That's not cheap!

Agreed, we paid 9k for ours, 2012 model though.

They're a brilliant car, highly recommended

ELM327 · 30-08-2019 10:04am

that's too expensive
I woudlnt bother with the hassle myself if it was for a couple of k but you've almost doubled the price of the car

KELTICKNIGHTT · 30-08-2019 1:33pm

unkel wrote: »

Last time I brought a car in from the UK I had a flight out at 19:30 in the evening and I was back home with the car at 11:00 the next morning

Im in a job that only 3 of us can do and o e is out sick so loads of overtime .Of course you can make time if that saves you 4 grand on a car. Take a taking time off at moment is impossible as half staff out sick. Believe me .I would if I could. In January I could but not till then

KELTICKNIGHTT · 30-08-2019 1:35pm

ELM327 wrote: »

that's too expensive
I woudlnt bother with the hassle myself if it was for a couple of k but you've almost doubled the price of the car

It's a very nice car in good condition. I had a friend mechanic look at it. Mileage is 95k miles not sure if good or bad.
I'm only put off if something goes wrong with that mileage. Maybe I'm being over cautious

Soarer · 30-08-2019 1:53pm

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

Cheers
Was 2 mins about buying it because of if anything needs replacing but I guess I can get parts from north.
Its 2014 reg Electron in grey for 14k
94k miles on clock

:eek:

Soarer · 30-08-2019 2:17pm

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

I dont have time to go to uk I'm afraid. I work 6 days a week...

Can you not go over on your day off?

I know I would if it was saving me thousands.

KELTICKNIGHTT · 30-08-2019 3:14pm

Soarer wrote: »

Can you not go over on your day off?

I know I would if it was saving me thousands.

Only way I can get day off is next January. I'm up the bloody walls with work.timing is scrap.
Maybe I can get day off middle of January.
What's your thoughts on parts sourcing and issues in next 5 plus years.

I know resale value on ampera is going to be crap.most dealers will run inside there but if they saw ampera coming as trade in.im expecting that.

What are common faults .I read somewhere in uk forums about solenoid issue

Going by vin was first registered in mid 2014 like july but if I break down vin .was made in 2012 not sure if good or bad

Soarer · 30-08-2019 3:22pm

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

Only way I can get day off is next January. I'm up the bloody walls with work.timing is scrap.
Maybe I can get day off middle of January.
What's your thoughts on parts sourcing and issues in next 5 plus years.

I know resale value on ampera is going to be crap.most dealers will run inside there but if they saw ampera coming as trade in.im expecting that.

What are common faults .I read somewhere in uk forums about solenoid issue

Going by vin was first registered in mid 2014 like july but if I break down vin .was made in 2012 not sure if good or bad

You said you work 6 days a week. Why not travel over on the 7th?
Known faults? Haven't a clue. Have a look on the SpeakEV forum.
There are two versions of the Ampera, MY12 and MY13. Obviously the MY13 is the newer version. The easiest way to tell the difference is between the two rear seats. The MY12 has cupholders, whereas the MY13 has an arm rest and cupholders.

KELTICKNIGHTT · 30-08-2019 3:48pm

Soarer wrote: »

You said you work 6 days a week. Why not travel over on the 7th?
Known faults? Haven't a clue. Have a look on the SpeakEV forum.
There are two versions of the Ampera, MY12 and MY13. Obviously the MY13 is the newer version. The easiest way to tell the difference is between the two rear seats. The MY12 has cupholders, whereas the MY13 has an arm rest and cupholders.

Has arm rest and cup holders

Vauxhall Ampera

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