Holden Problems

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

Browse by

Show all

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.
Read the article
Calais backfiring
Answered by Graham Smith · 19 Apr 2012

The backfire you are hearing is the gas igniting in the intake manifold, which is quite common with cars running on LPG. A random spark usually causes it, and the plug leads usually cause that. It's not the LPG. I'd take it back to the installer and get his help.

Holden crewman clunking noise
Answered by Graham Smith · 12 Apr 2012

Have the diff mounts checked; they're likely to be the cause.

Holden Epica warning light
Answered by Graham Smith · 29 Mar 2012

It sounds plausible that the wiring harness could be damaged and needing replacement. You can get your answers from Carsguide.com.au.

Holden Commodore 1997: Overheating
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 26 Apr 2012

It's odd that these problems should start after you had the new radiator fitted. I would suspect that whoever did the work did it poorly. Take it to an air-conditioning specialist.

Holden Calais engine replacement
Answered by Graham Smith · 19 Apr 2012

I am assuming the engine was a second-hand one and there was no guarantee on it or the work done by the mechanic. If that is the case you are relying on the goodwill of the mechanic to do the 'right' thing and have little other claim. The best thing to do would be to talk to the mechanic about your expectations and try to reach an agreement on the cost to carry out the subsequent repairs. If you can't reach a satisfactory agreement you could try your consumer affairs people, or take the mechanic to your small claims tribunal. If there was a guarantee on the engine or the work make a claim on that.

VY Holden makes noise at diff
Answered by Graham Smith · 22 Mar 2012

It could be the diff itself or the diff mounts. Check the mounts first, if they check out ok, consult a diff specialist.

Holden Commodore: Leaking coolant
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 29 Mar 2012

The engine is overheating, that's the gauge is telling you. You need to have a mechanic check it; any number of things could be causing it, from a blocked radiator to a blown head gasket. It's nothing to do with the grille.

Holden Astra 2002: Why is the coolant leaking?
Answered by Graham Smith · 29 Mar 2012

I doubt very much that it is the head gasket; I reckon you would have seen the engine temperature rise if it was a leaking head gasket. You won't know until you actually pull it apart and check it, but I would suspect it's the water pump that's leaking.

Holden Ute wipers shudder
Answered by Graham Smith · 29 Mar 2012

They shuddered when they were new, the problem is that they're not flipping over when they should at the top of the stroke and they're forced back across the windscreen against the grain if you like. Look at the blades and the way they are mounted on the arms and make sure they are free to change angle when they change direction.

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.
Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?
More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.
Complete guide to Holden
Complete guide to Holden CarsGuide Logo
Reviews, price, specs and more