Holden Astra 2004 Problems

Change it. Holden reduced the service interval on the Astra timing belt because of a raft of failures of the belt and tensioner. The history of failure on this model, and the potential consequences of not changing it are too dire to risk.

It’s probably the battery. The cold snap we’ve had in recent weeks has been a tough test for batteries, and your battery was probably down a little. That it starts without a problem when warm is further evidence that it’s the battery. Your experience is one we should all take note of, and make a mental note to check the batteries in our cars each year before winter sets in, but we tend to forget about it until we have a problem starting our cars.

THE market is flat so your trade-in figure is a little optimistic. I would work on $1000 less.

YOUR Astra is barely two years old and has less than 30,000km on the clock, so I'd be reluctant to sell it just yet. You've suffered through the period of highest depreciation, so you'd be throwing money away if you were to sell it now. I don't believe the Astra is any more expensive to service than its rivals and, apart from the lower service interval for the cam timing belt, it doesn't have major problems that might warrant getting out of it.

YES, the Zafira is also powered by the Z22SE 2.2-litre engine, which has a timing chain, not a belt, so there's no need for additional servicing.

GENERALLY they don't need to be warmed up before driving or allowed to idle for a few moments before being switched off. The only thing I would avoid is the type of driving that puts stress on the engine before it has warmed up. That means no hard acceleration for the first few minutes after you start.

I CAN'T predict when your engine might expire, but you could get a guide by having a mechanic check some of its vitals. You say it drives well and isn't using oil, which is a good sign. But check to see if it's blowing smoke under any conditions and have a mechanic run a compression test to check the state of each cylinder. If all that comes out positive, I wouldn't be concerned about the engine giving up in the near future. As for the Astra, I have no problems recommending it.

THE car should not roll backwards if the torque converter is working properly, though the ZR engine does need a lot of revs. Take it back to the dealer and get them to check the operation of the automatic, but also try holding the car on the brake -- perhaps with your left foot when you are stopped -- so it has more pulling power when you accelerate on a hill.

Holden has changed the service interval for the cam timing belt to 60,000km. They experienced some failures of the belt and the belt tensioner, which are both replaced at the service. Holden dealers know of the problem and are supposed to contact owners to advise them of the change. I would take the car to your dealer and have them check it out.