Holden Problems

If it's a metallic noise it could be a bush issue, if it's a non-metallic thump then it could simply be noise of the tyres hitting the corrugations as they go over them. Fitting higher profile tyres could reduce the noise, but you need to be careful about affecting the speedo readout if you do change to a different profile tyre. I would certainly talk to your dealer about it.

It's great that your dealer was able to find the cause of your problem and fix it. It's difficult to find a problem when it doesn't manifest itself when the car is with the dealer, he's then fishing around in the dark hoping to stumble on it. Anyone whose car is suffering from an intermittent problem should take heart from your report and persist in trying to get it solved.

Sounds like it could be a cure, but as you see from Alan Driscoll's e-mail on the same subject there could be more than one rattle and more than one cure.

Using 5-7 litres per 15,000 km is certainly not normal. Like you I would not expect to have to add oil between services. Ramp up you anger and demand the engine on your car be rebuilt or replaced.

We have heard of reports of stretched timing chains on the V6 Holden engine. We are aware that Holden has replaced some timing chains under warranty; so lodge a claim with Holden requesting they pay for the cost of the replacement.

We have had a few reports of oil burning with the Holden V6, and it would seem yours is another one. To start with run a check of the consumption by topping it up and then checking it weekly for a period, say 5000 km, and measure how much oil has been used. If it is high, as you suspect, take your findings to your dealer and ask for some action to be taken to fix it.

There's no widespread issue with the transmission, but like everything they can have troubles. It's impossible to say if the new transmission will give you any trouble, consult your crystal ball for that one. Fitting an external cooler can help if the cause of the transmission failure was related to overheating. In theory the transmission was filled-for-life at the factory and doesn't need servicing, but auto transmission experts will tell you it's wise to have the transmission regularly serviced, possibly once a year, particularly if you are towing.

There has been an issue with the front seal on the diesel engine and the seal is being replaced. The problem seems to be that the engine has to be removed to replace it.

By all means take it up with Holden. If that's the cause of your rattle it should be fixed under warranty.

Going through the procedure the RACV guy did obviously reboots the computer. The RACV guys have obviously had to rescue other Cruze owners who have suffered the same problem as you have.