Holden Astra 2003 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2003 Holden Astra? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2003 Holden Astra issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2003 Holden Astra in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Holden Astra review: 2001-2004
By Graham Smith · 19 Apr 2012
Graham Smith reviews the 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Holden Astra TS as a used buy.
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Used Holden Astra review: 2001 - 2007
By Graham Smith · 25 Mar 2006
There's more to producing a convertible than chopping the roof off a sedan or coupe. The steel roof forms a vital part of a car's structure, giving it strength and rigidity, and that strength has to be replaced somehow once the roof is removed. Dash or scuttle shake is often a sign of a lack of strength in a soft top, and a measure of the amount of development that's gone into the body.A car that exhibits scuttle shake, evidenced when the dash area shakes or vibrates, can be a most annoying vehicle to drive. The Astra convertible is pretty good in that respect. The body is quite tight and shows no real evidence of scuttle shake, even with quite a few kilometres under its belt.Another challenge convertible designers always face is how to make the end result look good with the top raised. The Astra also fares well in this respect.The Astra sedan and coupe were good-looking cars to start with so the basics were there, and designer Bertone did a good job in slicing the roof off and producing a new roof so that it looks good with the roof up or down.The Astra's top goes up or down at the touch of a switch, or remotely by the key, and disappears under a hatch at the back. It not only works well, it is triple insulated and has an electrically-heated glass rear window so it feels much like a sedan or coupe once the roof is raised. Like all convertibles, the Astra rag top sits atop the Astra range but also comes fully equipped to ease the price pain: leather sports seats, airconditioning, cruise, trip computer, power windows and mirrors and a CD player with steering wheel controls.The engine is a 2.2-litre double overhead cam 16-valve four-cylinder producing 108kW at 5800 revs and 203Nm at 4000 revs. From 2003 there was a choice of a 2.0-litre turbo, which gave 147kW at 5600 revs and 250Nm at 1950 revs. Standard transmission is a five-speed manual with the option of a four-speed auto.With any convertible its important to listen for body rattles that might show that it's loosening with age, or more seriously, that it's suffered a crash. Make sure the roof goes up and down with no jerking or misalignment. Check that it operates with the button in the car and remotely with the key.Closely inspect the roof inside and out for damage such as tears or folds that will need repairs down the road. Body damage can also affect the smooth function of the roof, so look for ill-fitting boot lids and doors, etc.Mechanically, the Astra convertible is pretty much the same as any Astra.The 2.2-litre engine has a chain for the camshaft drive so it doesn't have to be replaced like the belt on the regular Astra.The turbo engine does have a belt, so be aware it needs to be replaced regularly. Brake wear can also be a headache on Astras, as it is on all European cars. Be prepared to replace disc rotors and brake pads quite regularly - about every 60,000km on average.The Astra convertible is well-equipped when it comes to the crunch. It has front airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger and front side airbags as well, with reinforced A-pillars and padded roll bars behind the rear seats for protection in the event of a rollover. Dynamically, it has anti-skid brakes, traction control and electronic stability control - the first time such a system was used on a Holden.
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Used Holden Astra review: 1998-2004
By Graham Smith · 08 Feb 2018
It’s not so long ago that small cars like the Astra meant little to Holden as Australians eagerly swooped on every full-sized car the company could produce.
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Used Holden Astra review: 1996-2010
By Ewan Kennedy · 05 Jan 2015
Holden Astra is a small medium car that was popular in Australia for many years.
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Holden Berlina fuel reading
Answered by Graham Smith · 27 Apr 2011

It’s hard to say in absolute terms how accurate it is, but it is the most accurate indicator we have, given that the information comes directly from the injection system itself, and actually measures the fuel going into the engine. The claimed fuel consumption for the V6 VY Berlina was 6.6 on the highway and 11.00 around town, with an average of 8.2 L/100 km, which makes me think your car is about right.

A gas convert
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 21 Nov 2008

IT'S best to shop around when looking to convert so you get an accurate picture of the current state of play in the LPG arena. The old system will do the job and is much cheaper, but the newer injection system is better and will give you a better driving experience. But because it's 60 per cent more expensive it will take a similarly longer time to recoup your outlay.

Holden Astra 2003: Can it tow a 1000kg braked trailer?
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 23 Feb 2011

It should tow your trailer without a problem, as long as the trailer is braked, and you are sure it weighs less than 1000 kg when loaded with all of your gear. In addition to the cars you are looking at there are plenty of other cars that could also tow your camper, like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V etc.

What is a good replacement for a Holden Astra convertible?
Answered by Paul Gover · 11 May 2015

The new Holden Cascada will be perfect for you. It's the spiritual successor to your Astra but a better drive and more classy. I'm sure that, like me, you'll give it The Tick

 

Holden Astra 2003: Water pump and timing belt replacement
Answered by Graham Smith · 10 May 2019

It’s common practice to replace the water pump at the same time the timing belt is changed because they usually need it. It doesn’t appear to be overheating, i.e. the gauge is not going off the scale, so I would just keep an eye on it and if it does show signs of overheating get it checked out.

This shouldn't be too difficult, as the 2003 Astra was only available with a petrol engine. If your car was a diesel-powered car (available in the next generation of Astra) the situation could be much more complicated. As it is, however, you should really only need to add fresh fuel to the tank, switch on the ignition for a few seconds to allow the fuel pump to prime the engine and then hit the starter. Don't crank the engine for long periods if it's a bit slow to start a this will drain the battery and potentially overheat the starter motor. Instead, try starting the engine in bursts of a few seconds at a time with a little time between to let things cool down.

Sometimes, however, the fuel pump won't appreciate being allowed to run dry and this can cause internal damage to the pump sufficient for it to need replacement. Generally, though, if you can hear the pump buzzing with the ignition on, the pump is working. In some extreme cases, the pump may not be able to prime the engine and the solution then is to spray a little starter fluid down the intake system to start the engine and hopefully allow the pump to catch up. But be warned, this is a dangerous process and should only be tried by somebody who knows what they're doing. It also involves undoing some of the trunking or piping to gain access to the engine's intake.

The other potential hazard with running a car dry of fuel is that you'll drag all the silt, rust and dirt that once sat harmlessly in the bottom of the tank through the engine and into the fuel system. So you would be well advised to change the fuel filters and check that no rubbish has entered the system.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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