Holden Problems

I wouldn’t necessarily relate the key failure to the crash repair; I think that’s probably a coincidence. If you still have the key you could take it to a locksmith who handles car keys and have them check it for you to see what has gone wrong with it.

Tyre fitters will often recommend higher tyre pressures as it can improve the handling, but 36 psi would seem too high, particularly in a little car like the Barina. I would run them at 30-32 psi front and rear.

The important thing about where the needle sits is not so much where it sits on the scale, but that it’s always in that position. In other words you need to be concerned if it suddenly starts to sit in a different position to normal. I wouldn’t expect the needle to move much going up or down hills, normally they stay pretty much in the same position. Check that the thermostat is the correct one, and that it’s not stuck.

Take it to a reputable mechanic and have them thoroughly check it, in particular they should check the crank angle sensor.

We are told there can be problems integrating LPG systems on the Rodeo. Our advice is that with an early central point mixer type system the car’s ECU can be picking up an oxygen sensor signal that is at variance to the normal signal when running on petrol. Later injection systems don’t suffer from this problem. To sort that out you need to take your car to an LPG specialist. Also check the obvious, that your car is tuned correctly.

Almost certainly they were “recommended” by the dealer and not Holden, and furthermore they are what is known in the trade as “upselling”. They are not necessary.

It's not possible to predict when your engine might expire; there are too many variables to take into account to even make an educated guess. Suffice to say that it's done a lot of cars and it's closer to the scrap yard than it is to the production line. You could have a 3.8-litre Holden V6 fitted, that was an option in the car when it was built, and would be the easiest engine transplant option. Fitting a Falcon six would involve too much surgery and I wouldn't recommend it. The best option if you want to keep the car, but cut running costs, would be to convert it to dual-fuel and run it on LPG.

You need to have a mechanic check it with a diagnostic tool to find the cause of the problem. It could be a number of things, including a failed catalytic converter that’s collapsed and partially blocking the exhaust.

Holden’s warranty goes with the car when it’s sold, regardless of the dealer it was bought from or who serviced it.

The gearbox light you mention is a mystery to us, not sure what light you’re talking about, but it’s most unlikely that you need a new timing chain. If you’re concerned about it take it to a Holden dealer and have it checked.