Holden Problems

The new car warranty has expired so I suspect you would have no claim against Holden. It's clearly running out of fuel, and there could be a couple of reasons for that. One, it could be that the gauge is wrong and it's actually running out of fuel when the gauge is indicating that it's quarter full, or two, it could be having trouble picking up fuel in the tank when the level drops. Both possibilities need to be checked.

We haven't had any other reports of this problem here at Cars Guide; perhaps other readers could tell us if they have experienced a similar steering issue with the Astra.

On average and depending on conditions I would expect 9.0-11.0 L/100 km. There were no concerns about the cylinder heads on the Jackaroo.

I would suggest it's a problem with the mixture, and I guess it's too lean. Check the oxygen sensors, if they are ok check the system itself.

Fitting an external transmission fluid cooler would be one you could think of, particularly if you are doing a lot of towing. If you're not, having the transmission serviced regularly and the fluid changed is a wise thing to do.

It is likely to be an engine sensor misbehaving intermittently. Check the crank angle sensor and its connections, or take it to a mechanic and have him run a diagnostic check on it.

A Holden spokesperson told us that they "have a handful of reported instances through Holden's Technical Assistance of Captivas with a "pulling left" complaint. In all cases, basic wheel alignment adjustment has rectified the condition. Given the volume of Captivas within the marketplace and the low instance of complaints, this condition is certainly not "common of the vehicle" but we are aware of some cases." Further it was recommended "that any vehicle with this condition be checked for correct wheel alignment adjustment (front and rear) and re-evaluated (as per normal repair for any vehicle with a complaint of this nature). Should a vehicle have a condition not corrected by wheel alignment adjustment the customer should then present the vehicle to a Holden Dealer for correction. If the Dealer has any issue with rectifying the condition the dealer should contact Holden Technical Assistance Centre for repair direction."

A delay of two seconds or more is excessive and needs to be investigated. Try to find another car you could drive to see if yours is consistent with others or has a problem that others don’t. Once you’ve done that approach your dealer and ask for a meeting to discuss the issue and work out what they can do to fix your car. If that fails you could try the new national consumer protection laws and see if they can force a satisfactory response.

No, there is no need to do the head gasket while replacing the timing belt, that would have been done for some other reason.

The new car warranty has expired so I suspect you would have no claim against Holden. It's clearly running out of fuel, and there could be a couple of reasons for that. One, it could be that the gauge is wrong and it's actually running out of fuel when the gauge is indicating that it's quarter full, or two, it could be having trouble picking up fuel in the tank when the level drops. Both possibilities need to be checked.