Holden Captiva Engine Problems

All of them would be good choices, but I would prefer the Mazda CX-5 or the Kia Sportage. Either would be fine.

The computer is getting a message that the engine is overheating. You have replaced the temperature sensor, so check the connections, and the wiring looking for a wire that might have shorted out.

You don’t say why you want to convert your Captiva to LPG and I think it’s important to establish that before you rush into something you might regret. I wouldn’t do it; I don't believe the systems have been developed to the point of acceptable reliability. If you are really intent on doing it I would suggest you talk to the people at Diesel Gas Connection.

The starting problem could be the result of an alternator that's not charging the battery. Have an auto electrician check it.

Trying to find the cause of the engine warning lights coming on is a tough one.

If they are on all the time then take it to a dealer or a mechanic with diagnostic gear to check the system. It must be either a wiring problem or a sensor malfunction.

It won't be a leak of visible damage; it does sound like an internal gearbox problem. It could be a worn bearing. Get another mechanic to check it for you.

Does it crank over when you turn the key? If it doesn't I would suspect a problem with the cam timing chains that has caused serious internal damage. If it cranks over, but doesn't fire I would be looking at an engine sensor that has failed. Take it to a dealer and have them check it on their diagnostic gear.

The cost including a new alternator should be $1000 to $1200.

The cap has a hex nut on it and you can unscrew it using a regular hex socket. It’s a regular right hand thread. If it’s really tight just go easy, don’t apply too much force.

Go back to the dealer and ask to see the results of the test, so you know what they are, and whether or not they reflect the results you get. The average you are measuring is crazily high if it's correct. It's not at all normal, which suggests there is a problem, possibly with the engine management system, which needs further investigation.

It’s hard to diagnose from a distance. As the engine appears to be running ok, the noise and black smoke might well be a particulate filter burn-off event, but you wouldn’t normally expect to see smoke or hear what sounds like an explosion. The dealer can check the filter and the burn-off history, so they should be able to see if there has been an event. I would think the transmission problem is a separate issue, and the transmission might need servicing.