Holden Problems

IT SHOULD be more than 112,000km, that's for sure, but you won't know it's a stretched timing chain until you check it. To do that, you need to take it to a Holden dealer, otherwise Holden will not have anything to do with it. If you have your mechanic pull it down and repair it, you will wear the cost.

IT COULD be a faulty valve lifter. Get them checked.

CARS are sometimes damaged in transit, but it's the responsibility of the dealer to ensure the car is handed over to you in new condition. Your best course of action is to let them repair it again, but this time don't take delivery of it until you are satisfied with the repairs.

ASK them to show you where it's rusting. If it's just the coolant that is a rusty colour, have them change the coolant and make sure you regularly change it at least once a year. If the rust is causing a leak, have it repaired.

YES you can. The Trade Practices Act prevents carmakers from forcing owners to have their cars serviced by a factory dealer.

IT COULD be caused by using the incorrect coolant, or it could be because of electrolysis that's occurring for some reason. Either way, it's not a normal situation.

THOSE early Commodores often have trouble with a crank sensor, so that may be worth checking.

THE new Toyota HiLux has the best dials I have seen in recent times. The graphics were white on a black background, so there was good contrast and they were lit whenever the ignition was on.

MANY things can cause vibration. It could be as simple as poor wheel and tyre balance, which tends to show up at about 100km/h, or it could be the tailshaft, which shows up at a lower speed. Before doing anything drastic you need to check everything is within specification: wheel and tyre balance, tailshaft balance and driveline angles. The latter can be critical. If they are out they will cause a significant vibration.

ALL warranty claims must go through the dealer. The way it works is the dealer assesses the problem, then seeks the approval of the carmaker to make the necessary repairs. Nothing happens unless the carmaker gives its approval. If your mechanic finds something that needs to be fixed under warranty, you must take the car back to the dealer. If you go ahead and have your mechanic repair it, you will bear the cost of the work. The carmaker, Holden in your case, will not come to the party.