Holden Astra 2005 Problems

You’d expect any noise from under a car’s bonnet to be caused by the engine, but if this noise occurs before you’ve started the engine, you’re on to a real mystery. Perhaps the noise can be heard as you crank the engine but before it actually fires? If that’s the case, the clunk or knock could be coming from the starter motor. Or perhaps the action of the starter motor is causing the engine to rock back and forth on worn engine mounts and allowing the engine to hit on the cross-member or some other component under the bonnet. Perhaps it’s a loose exhaust system that’s banging on something as you crank the engine. Once the engine fires and is running, the frequency of its vibrations changes and the clunk goes away.

But I’m afraid that without more information, this one remains a mystery to us.

I doubt that you would be given a roadworthy if you can't open the boot. It's very difficult to put a value on it, but I wouldn't pay more than $1000-$1200 given its current condition. You'd be better off getting it repaired, so the roof does work and the boot opens.

Based on your mechanic's diagnosis it would seem that the oxygen (02) sensor is probably faulty and needs replacing. There is no connection with the car's heater. If there is a problem with the heater it's different one.

That's a tough one, but you would have to think it's external to the transmission given it's twice been replaced. It could be a number of problems, from a speed sensor, the gear position switch or the ECU. The best thing is to get it to an auto transmission specialist and have it checked.

It isn’t a common problem, as it is on the BA/BF Falcon, but it is known to occur on the Astra. Because it has only done 92,000 km I would approach your dealer, and Holden, and request their help in covering the cost of the repair even though it is strictly out of warranty.

It does seem like a lot of money for the work done, particularly when it has come back to you with a problem. I would insist of them fixing it, but if you feel you don’t have any confidence in them getting it right, I would take it somewhere else and send them the bill.

You certainly have had a bad run with your car and I can understand your frustration. Holden's offer is not a bad deal, but if you want to take it further you could go to the ACCC, or your local state government consumer affairs people. In Victoria, that's VCAT.

There are several issues here. First, the timing belt problem is well known so your mechanic should have looked deeper into the cause of the noise and not taken the word of whoever said it would be ok. The timing belt change interval has moved a couple of times, down to 60,000 km and then out to 90,000 km, but it's such a potentially devastating failure that a "she'll be right" approach simply isn't good enough. Second, your claim would have been stronger against Holden if you were still having your car dealer serviced. Third, Holden will possibly cover part of the repair cost, which is a normal industry practice, so go ahead and have it inspected as they suggest.