Location of the diagnostic connector for OPEL CORSA cars. What equipment is needed and how to choose for self-diagnosis of car errors.

Servicing modern cars without the ability to carry out computer diagnostics is already unthinkable. The number of electronic systems that control and ensure the operation of various components and assemblies is steadily growing. If earlier the software could detect several dozen errors, then the ECUs of modern models detect hundreds of faults. The self-diagnosis feature provided on some machines is no longer capable of coping with the task. To objectively assess the condition of the equipment, it is necessary to gain full access to fault codes and software embedded in the ECU memory. To do this you need:

1. Know where the vehicle's diagnostic connector is located.
2. Have an adapter that allows you to connect special equipment to the diagnostic connector.
3. Obtain electronic equipment and software that allows you to exchange data with the computer.

These conditions simply must be met at service centers involved in the repair and maintenance of machines. As for the prices, they are by no means prohibitive. Any car owner can purchase the necessary equipment and learn how to use it if desired.

Location of the diagnostic connector

The corresponding connector for Opel Corsa D and C is located in the car's interior. It is not difficult to detect by removing the decorative plug at the bottom of the center console of the instrument panel. Yes, yes, exactly under the control unit for the heating and ventilation system. This is not to say that connecting is easy and convenient, but it can be worse. You should know that although on both models the connector is made in OBD-II format, the data exchange protocols are different.

Most foreign-made cars are equipped with on-board computers or ECUs. Opel Corsa was no exception. The electronic brain of this vehicle is responsible for all systems from engine starting to wheel speed. However, no matter how perfect the design of electronic control units (ECUs) is, they can still fail.

This is not the most pleasant situation, and due to the complexity of the device, there is no need to talk about self-repair (although there are such craftsmen). In today's article we will talk about what malfunctions can happen to the Opel Corsa ECU, what can cause them and how to diagnose them correctly.

Opel Corsa ECU - main faults and causes of failure

There can be quite a few reasons for the failure of the Opel Corsa ECU; in any case, this does not bode well for the car owner, since this device cannot be repaired. Even at service stations they simply change it to a new one.

But, be that as it may, it is necessary to understand in great detail what can cause a breakdown. With this knowledge, you will be able to ensure the best possible protection for your device from such troubles in the future.

As auto electricians note, most often the ECU fails due to overvoltage in the car's electrical network. The latter, in turn, can occur due to a short circuit in one of the solenoids. However, this is not the only possible reason:

1. Failure of the Opel Corsa ECU can occur due to any mechanical impact. This could be an accidental impact or very strong vibrations that can cause microcracks in the ECU boards and the solder joints of the main contacts.
2. Overheating of the unit, which most often occurs due to a sharp temperature change. For example, when you are trying to start a car at high speeds in severe frost, squeezing the maximum out of the capabilities of the car and all its systems.
3. Corrosion, which can occur due to changes in air humidity, as well as due to water entering the engine compartment of the car.
4. Moisture entering directly into the control unit itself due to depressurization of the device.
5. Intervention by outsiders in the design of electronic systems, which could result in a violation of their integrity.
6. If you wanted to “light up” the car without first turning off the engine.
7. If the terminals are removed from the car battery without first turning off the engine.
8. If the terminals were reversed when connecting the battery.
9. If the starter was turned on, but the power bus was not connected to it. However, whatever the cause of the ECU malfunction, any repair work can only be carried out after a full professional diagnosis has been carried out.

In general, the nature of the device malfunction will tell you about malfunctions in other systems. After all, if they are not eliminated, the new control unit will burn out in the same way as the old one. That is why, in the event of an ECU burnout, it is very important to establish the true cause of the failure and eliminate it immediately. But how can you determine that the control unit has actually failed and not some other system? This can be understood by a number of the very first signs that may appear in such a situation:

• Presence of obvious physical damage. For example, burnt contacts or conductors.
• Inoperative control signals for the ignition system or fuel pump, idle mechanism and other mechanisms that are controlled by the unit.
• Lack of indicators from various system monitoring sensors.
• Lack of communication with the diagnostic device.

To prevent permanent breakdowns, it is necessary to carry out regular diagnostics of the electronic engine control. In order to save on expensive repairs and complete replacement of electronic control system elements, the inspection is carried out at least once a year.

Where is the Opel Corsa ECU located and what does it look like?

The Opel Corsa electronic control unit (ECU) is located behind the upholstery panel on the right side of the car interior. The ECU is the main element of the fuel injection system. The ECU constantly receives signals from various sensors and controls the most important systems and engine components. In addition, the ECU performs the functions of diagnosing faults in engine systems and components.

If any malfunction is detected, the ECU turns on the “Engine Maintenance Required” indicator, determines and stores the corresponding malfunction code(s). This makes it easier to diagnose failures in the future. The vehicle is equipped with an IEFI-6 type ECU.

In the event of a failure, the ECU is replaced as an assembly, since it does not contain repairable elements. Control parameters and algorithms are stored in an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM). The version of the program recorded in the ROM is indicated by the ECU number, which corresponds to the vehicle identification number.

The ECU supplies power to various sensors and switches with a constant voltage of 5 and 12 V. The electrical circuits of the ECU have high resistance, so when the power terminals are connected to the control lamp, the latter does not light up. To accurately measure the supply voltage, use a high impedance (10 MΩ) digital voltmeter. The ECU controls the operation of the fuel injectors, idle air valve, compressor clutch, etc. using special electronic devices (4-channel drivers) designed to process the ECU output control signals.

Self-diagnosis of the ECU Opel Corsa

Many drivers believe that only professionals should check the operation of the engine control unit. In fact, almost every “brain” is equipped at the factory with a built-in self-diagnosis system. With its help, it will not be difficult even for an inexperienced driver to identify any faults with your own hands.

The engine control unit is a mini-computer that must perform specialized tasks in real time. The latter can be divided into 3 categories:

1. processing of signals coming from sensors;
2. calculation of impacts for controlling vehicle systems;
3. adjusting the operation of actuators.

To start checking the status of the engine control unit, we will need to connect to it. This can be done using a special tester or laptop. On the latter, a program designed to read diagnostic data must be installed in advance. Modern cars are equipped with various ECU models.

We will carry out diagnostics of the ECU ourselves using the free KWP-D program. In addition to the utility, we will need an adapter that supports the KWP2000 protocol. We begin diagnostics by connecting the adapter. We insert one end of it into the ECU port, and the other into the laptop. After this, turn on the car’s ignition and launch the program. A message should appear on the laptop display indicating that the operation to check for errors in the operation of the ECU has begun successfully. After this we will see a table with the most important parameters of the machine.

It is necessary to pay attention to the DTC section, which contains all errors generated by the engine. If there are any, then go to the “Codes” section, where we will see a breakdown of all existing failures. If you find no errors, then the engine is in perfect condition.

You should not ignore other sections of the table. The information they contain is no less important. Thus, the UACC parameter is responsible for the state of the battery. Normal values ​​for this section are in the range of 14–14.5 V. If your battery voltage is less, you should carefully check the electrical circuits. Another important parameter is THR, which is responsible for the throttle position. During normal idling, the throttle position sensor will read 0%. Otherwise, you should contact a specialist.

Another important indicator that interests all drivers is the QT parameter, which is responsible for the amount of fuel consumption. At idle, the section should contain the numbers 0.6–0.9 l/hour. For a more accurate diagnosis, you will need to check the voltage in the car's spark plugs. When checking all these indicators, drivers very often ignore the state of the crankshaft during rotation, for which the LUMS_W section is responsible. If the numbers in it are more than 4 rps, this is a sign of uneven ignition in the cylinders. It is also worth checking high-voltage wires and spark plugs.

Video: Diagnostics of the Opel Corsa ECU

How to replace an Opel Corsa - step-by-step instructions

In order to replace the ECU on an Opel Corsa, you must perform the following procedure:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Open the panel covering the ECU.
3. Remove the electronic control unit from the socket and disconnect the connectors.
4. Insert the ECU into the socket, connecting the connectors.
5. Reinstall the panel.
6. Connect the battery cable.

When replacing the ECU, carry out all dismantling and installation operations in accordance with the above instructions.

Video: Opel Corsa ECU repair

Opel is a fairly well-known automaker from Germany. The brand is of German origin, although this does not mean that the cars are produced specifically in Germany.

Opel is in good demand among consumers. This can be explained by the decent price-quality ratio. At the same time, one of the key reasons for the ability to offer good cars at an affordable price is the competent organization of the production process. The brand has distributed its businesses across different regions and countries.

Due to the fact that production facilities are distributed over different geographical locations, this allows you to save on labor costs, deliver cars to the nearest dealership centers, ensure the efficient supply of original spare parts, components, provide technical support, etc.

But the ramifications of production do not allow us to clearly understand the country of the Opel car manufacturer. Therefore, potential buyers have many questions regarding the origin of vehicles of the German brand.

You should find out and figure out where the Opel Astra is assembled and where the family Opel Zafira, as well as a number of other representatives of the company’s model range, are assembled.

Producing countries

If we talk in general terms about whose manufacturer Opel is, then we can say that it is Germany. The brand is purely German. But here the question is rather not whose production is under the Opel name, but where the assembly is carried out.

Although a car with an Opel nameplate is positioned as German, in practice there is some difference in whose real country the manufacturer is. In fact, we are talking about a German brand assembled in factories in different countries. This principle is used by almost all leading automakers. After all, everyone understands perfectly well that these same people do not gather exclusively in Germany as pedantic Germans.

The Opel company, which until recently was part of the General Motors automobile corporation, which already gives grounds to call the brand not only German, but also American, has several enterprises. Moreover, General Motors specifically limits the production of Opel cars at its factories, since at the moment it does not particularly count on the German brand. You will learn about the situation with the company a little later.

Some of the problems with expanding Opel's influence and presence in the international market are due to the fact that these cars are mainly created for European consumers. Because of this, cars are not in great demand in the USA, South America, and Asia.

Several factories and production lines can be distinguished, dispersed across different countries. Namely:

• Germany. All premium cars, that is, the most expensive models of the company, are assembled here. Also produced in Germany, which are then sent to assembly lines in other countries. Germany is still the main production base;
• Europe. There are several branches concentrated in European countries, where full-cycle assembly is carried out. Among them are Poland, Belgium, Spain, Great Britain, Austria and Hungary;
• In France, they exclusively assemble from components. At the same time, Opel is assembled here at factories of other brands;
• Türkiye. Ready-made units are supplied here, so the Turks can only assemble them together.

When it comes to where the popular Opel Insignia is assembled or who the manufacturer of the compact Opel Corsa is, often the first thing that comes to mind for many is China or India.

Yes, many companies, including the current auto giants, widely use the Middle Kingdom and India to assemble their cars. This is due to the financial benefits of such production. But this trend did not affect Opel. Also, the manufacturer does not use factories in Indonesia and South America. Therefore, you should not believe that the popular Opel Vectra is actually assembled in some Chinese province or Indonesian city.

Main factories

Some car enthusiasts are interested in where Opel Mokka is now assembled for consumers from Russia, and whether cars of this brand really continue to be assembled in the Russian Federation.

Until a certain point, Opel allocated several of its main production lines in Germany, Poland, Great Britain and Russia.

Germany, where 3 enterprises are located, collects:

• Corsa;
• Zafira;
• Astra;
• Adam.

The production of the Astra, Astra ST and Vivaro models is concentrated at two plants in the UK. And Polish facilities are responsible for the production of Astra, Astra Classic and Zafira. For Spain, the key models are Corsa and Meriva.

But the question still remains open as to which plant can assemble the Opel Astra, Mokka, Antara, etc. models. The answer to whose assembly line produced these cars largely depends on the year of production of the car.

The thing is that previously it was not difficult to find out where the Opel Antara or Insignia for Russia was assembled, since the car assembled on the territory of the Russian Federation was precisely intended for domestic consumers. But at present it will not be possible to assemble a whole range of models in Russia.

Some models were actually produced at Russian enterprises. But now not a single car is being produced. Moreover, at one time the production of Opel cars was quite active and large-scale. And it’s still interesting to find out which plant’s capacities in Russia were used for this and where the Opel Astra and other models of the German automobile brand that were no less popular among Russians were created at one time.

The assembly of German cars was concentrated in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. Moreover, the following models were created here:

• Astra;
• Zafira;
• Antara;
• Insignia;
• Meriva;
• Astra ST.

It became known quite a long time ago where production will be moved and where the same Opel Mokka, Astra or Zafira is now assembled.

Over the past few years, after Opel left the Russian market, the situation with production facilities and their location has changed a little. Representative offices appeared in South America and South Korea. In the Russian Federation, Opel released its latest car in 2015.

Let's find out who assembles and produces some Opel cars available in the Russian Federation, instead of domestic factories in Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg.

• Different versions of the Astra model, including the Classic and Sport Tourer, were transferred from St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad to assembly lines in the UK;
• The Antara and Mokka models are now produced by Mexicans. Although for some time the South Koreans were also doing this at the same time. Then the assembly in Korea was curtailed, but Mexico remained in business;
• If previously Zafira was produced in Kaliningrad, now these tasks are performed only in Germany;
• Until recently, Meriva was assembled on domestic assembly lines, but after 2015, production moved to Poland.

According to available information, at the moment the demand for Opel cars among Russians is quite high. Therefore, there is a possibility that next year or already in 2020, the German brand will resume cooperation with Russian enterprises, and domestically assembled Opel cars will appear again. Although, given the latest news, the expectations of many may not coincide with reality. Opel is unstable and its future is quite cloudy.

Whose Opel is now

Until now, many car enthusiasts claim that Opel is a purely German brand. This is true, but since 1929 the company has been part of the General Motors auto concern.

History developed sometimes rapidly, sometimes gradually. Opel has had incredible highs and very painful lows. At the same time, there was never the slightest doubt that General Motors would not abandon its European business in the form of the Opel brand.

But everything turned upside down at the beginning of 2017, when suddenly the management of the American concern announced their intention to sell Opel. But along with it, the English subsidiary brand Vauxhall also went under the hammer. The motives turned out to be more than prosaic. Unprofitability. In recent years, Opel and Vauxhall have not been profitable for the company at all. On the contrary, the enterprises were incredibly unprofitable.

Moreover, a buyer was found quite quickly. It turned out to be the PSA automobile association, which includes companies such as Citroen and Peugeot. Many wondered why European auto companies, which themselves had only recently been in a state of deep crisis, suddenly managed to recover a little and achieve good success.

But the logical question becomes regarding the advisability of the PSA merger purchasing the unprofitable and problematic Opel enterprise. In fact, PSA is buying its competitor, since Opel is mainly focused on consumers in the European market. That is, we can assume that the French want to buy a direct competitor, and then simply close all enterprises. A strange move that bears little resemblance to the truth.

Another option is an attempt to join forces, bringing together quite impressive brands in the form of Citroen, Peugeot and Opel, in order to compete with, as well as cope with the eternal rival Renault. That is, PSA has ambitions to take a strong second place on the continent.

General Motors position

As the analytical documentation presented by General Motors clearly shows, since 1999 their European business, that is, the production of Opel cars, has been purely unprofitable. In 2009, a serious financial crisis occurred, in which the American corporation also suffered. Even then, GM was determined to sell Opel due to its chronic unprofitability and unprofitability. Moreover, the company even managed to come to an agreement with representatives from Canada and Russia, that is, there was a real possibility that Opel would eventually become Russian. But only at the very last moment the deal fell through. Whether this is good or bad is difficult to judge now.

When General Motors abandoned the idea of ​​selling its European brand, few doubted that the corporation would decide to sell it in the future. After all, after the failed deal, the Americans began to pour large amounts of money into the development, formation and modernization of Opel. Although several factories had to be closed, including German and Belgian assembly lines, huge amounts of money were simultaneously invested in troubled enterprises.

As a result, Opel actively began modernizing its production, developing new models, improving marketing, and increasing its ratings. As a result, the efforts were not in vain. In Europe, the situation has improved significantly, cars under the Opel brand have become in demand and quite popular.

And then General Motors began to sincerely believe that after almost 20 years, their European automobile brand would finally end the reporting year with positive dynamics, make money and not go into the red. But expectations did not coincide with reality. At the end of 2016, operating losses amounted to an impressive almost $260 million. Then representatives of General Motors explained this by saying that there had been a sharp devaluation of the British currency, and that Great Britain had decided to withdraw the country from the European Union.

PSA's intentions and the Chinese winning position

Not everyone knows, but back in 2012, a certain strategic alliance was signed and created between General Motors and PSA. At that time, the European association of automakers Citroen and Peugeot were going through difficult times and were actually on the verge of bankruptcy. GM helped its European counterparts and even temporarily held about 7% of PSA shares.

An unusual alliance was created with the aim of organizing the joint purchase of components and developing models under the PSA and Opel brands on joint platforms. As a result, cars such as the Crossland X from Opel appeared, which was actually created from the Peugeot 2008. And also the GrandLand X, produced under the Opel brand, although in fact it was a restyled 3008 from the French Peugeot.

The result of all these rather unexpected turns was the sale of the Opel brand to the PSA association at the end of 2017. Experts are confident that the main goal of the European car companies Peugeot and Citroen is precisely the absorption of a European competitor in order to further reduce excess production capacity in Europe.

Moreover, the French certainly will not cut jobs in their homeland, since about 13% of PSA shares are on the balance sheet of the state. The reductions will be implemented through England and Germany.

Don't forget about another 13% of shares owned by the Chinese automaker DongFeng. It is he, according to analysts, who benefits more than others in such a situation. After all, only the Chinese company will have at its disposal not only quite interesting and relevant modern technologies from Citroen and Peugeot, but also the largest Opel design center. This will allow the Chinese company to significantly expand its product line, improve quality and brand recognition, without putting much effort into developing new technologies.

Given the current situation, it is very difficult to make a forecast as to where Opel brand cars will be produced in the future, and whether the company will cease to exist completely. There are prerequisites for this. And after the transition to PSA, the risk of Opel disappearing becomes more and more likely.