Holden Problems

Holden doesn't actually sell paint protection for its cars; it's the dealer who has sold the product to you. Dealers are renowned for up-selling clients into products they don't need with the aim of making more money out of the deal, and paint protection is one of those products. The product you have bought could one of many on the market, but one thing for sure is that it's not a Holden product or even a Holden recommended product. Typically the paint protection product is a wax product and washes off over time. Holden's paint stands up fine, particularly if it's looked after by being washed regularly in fresh water, with no detergent, and also waxed every few months.

It’s probably an ignition issue so start by checking the spark plugs and leads, and perhaps replace them if they haven’t been replaced in a while.

You need to have a diagnostic checker run over the engine to know if the oxygen sensor is playing up. Before you do anything drain the fuel from the tank, put fresh fuel in the car and take it for an extended run.

The Ecotec engine will be fine on LPG, many thousands have been converted. My preference would be for the injection system, it runs better, is more reliable, less prone to backfiring, and delivers the savings you want. But that said the older venturi/mixer system also works fine. Both Impco and Emer are respected brands. If you want to get more info on them talk to other owners who have had those systems installed.

The majority of carmakers use a timing belt. Why? It’s cheap. You could also argue that it’s quieter than a chain, which it is, but the main reason they use it is that it’s cheap. Nissan is one that tends to use a timing chain, so too does BMW, but you have to check each engine type to be sure because some carmakers use belts on some engines and chains on others.

Good to know if the plastic trim breaks on your Commodore. If it does, look deeper and have the dealer replace the foam as well as the plastic trim you can see. I’d say the real reason that they don’t change the foam is that it’s an expensive exercise, and nothing to do with the GFC.

I believe you're locked into getting the dealer to do the update when you buy a factory-fitted system and I'm not aware of a way around that problem. Your experience is well worth noting for others who might be taking delivery of a new car. It's a good idea to check the maps that come with the car, as they are often well out of date, and demand they be updated before you drive away in the car. While the car is at the dealer's you have some negotiating power, once you drive away it's much harder.

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.

Our information is that it needs to be changed at intervals of 120,000 km. If you want to confirm that, I suggest you contact Holden’s Customer Assistance Service.

Have a mechanic do a leak check on the head gasket to see if it isn’t leaking there.