Holden Astra Problems

WE ASKED Holden to clarify the situation. Holden recommends that toothed belts and tensioners be changed as per the owner's handbook, which is now at 60,000km intervals after being at 120,000km, but timing chains do not require replacing as part of regular standard maintenance. Your SRi is fitted with a Z22SE engine that has a timing chain, so it doesn't need servicing. Astras have four engine variants. The other three -- the X18XE1, Z18XE and C20LET turbo -- have belts that require service at 60,000km. If you're in doubt about which engine is fitted to your Astra, check your owner's manual.

AT THE moment the Europeans lead the way with diesels, driven on by European countries that provide concessions to car buyers to go diesel and reduce the dependence on oil. Though local makers are all looking at diesels, there are no plans to introduce them. Probably the most interesting new diesel model to arrive here is the VW Caddy Life, a Golf-based people mover. All cars sold here with diesel engines have the latest technology. There's little to pick between them.

YOURS is a well-known problem with the Gen III V8, one that Holden has been good at recognising and fixing. Go through the dealer check as they have requested. At the same time, register your concern that you have a problem that needs to be fixed. I'm sure Holden will take care of you, regardless of the warranty having run out. If you aren't happy, contact the company's customer-relations people and tell them your concerns.

THE dealer can't tell you where to have your car serviced. That contravenes the Trade Practices Act. But you must ensure your car is serviced according to the recommended servicing procedures and your service book must be stamped by the servicing agent. If you decide to use someone other than the dealer, you face the prospect of having to convince the dealer your car has been serviced correctly if you have a problem. Service intervals are specified in time and kilometres. Most servicing is done on the kilometres travelled, but the time intervals are included for those who accumulate kilometres more slowly.

THIS problem is not uncommon with the Astra. Holden actually changed the service interval for the belt from 120,000km to 60,000km, so you have a strong claim. Taking your car to an Ultratune outlet complicates the issue a little, but doesn't alter the fact that the belt failed. Holden rightly wants to see the mechanic's report and the belt. I'm sure if you follow its recommendation you will have a satisfactory outcome.

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.

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.

AT that sort of mileage the fuel injectors could need cleaning. Dirty injectors can cause the sort of problems you describe -- rough running, stalling and misfiring. Have your mechanic check if that is the problem.

GREGORYS is now owned by Haynes, the British publisher of car manuals, and it has a manual that covers the 1998-2004 Vauxhall and Opel Astra, and the Astra-based Zafira. You'll find it at most motoring book shops, such as Wheels of Time, or retailers such as Repco and Autobarn.

This problem might affect other light, front-wheel-drive cars, but the Astra is renowned for it. While I previously suggested the Mazda3 might also suffer from the problem, there is no real evidence from the trade to suggest it does. I believe the problem is just road noise being amplified by the body cavity, and Mazda does not want to spend the money to reduce it.