VAUXHALL: Questions and answers

Vauxhall Vectra

My 8v 1.6 Vauxhall Vectra started to rev up to 5000 revs and holding, then it stopped doing that and now it is miss-firing and cutting out. Any suggestions? (8v 1.6)

Answers

Buy a Ford - Dave from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

When I purchased my Vauxhall Meriva there was no spare wheel, jack or wheel brace. I was told that they don`t come with a spare wheel now. Is this true?

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Nope, they come with some gunk. Same with my Focus... I went to the scrappy and got a wheel for about 25 quid, even had a new tyre :P The jack/brace is the "hardest", although most jacks are the same... I had one from my old car... since I knew my Focus wouldn’t have a jack, I didnt leave it in the boot when i traded in ;) Wayne from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

My 03 Vauxhall Meriva pulls to the left. It has been into the garage three times for this problem and still the problem has not been fixed. The tyres have been changed, aligned and moved around and today they fitted a front wishbone. It will be going back tomorrow as it still pulled on my drive tonight. Does anyone have any advice as to what it might be please?

Answers

Have you tried re-calibratng your EPS?... Very simple... Start car... put steering wheel into central position, and ensure car is in neutral. Turn off ignition. Start car again (DO NOT MOVE ETC - so be in neutral) then turn the steering wheel to most left position, to most right position, back to left position back to right position back to center. Turn off car... restart the engine and go for a test drive... Wayne from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

Hi there. I have a problem with my Vauxhall Vectra. It has no power, it won’t rev above 3200 rpm and the exhaust doesn’t sound quite right (it sounds stuffy if that makes sense). The garage whipped off the exhaust and said it did run okay with no exhaust on. I took it to another garage to get the exhaust checked and they said it’s fine, they tried a new catylitic converter but it didn’t correct the issue. The Vauxhall garage says that it has a blocked exhaust fault code. All in all, I seem to be spending lots of time and cash going round in circles. Could it be something other than the exhaust? Cheers for any advice. (1.9 CDTI)

Answers

It sounds like the egr valve, I had the same problem - Abo Abernthy from England

Vauxhall Combo 2004

Water is leaking in above the accelerator pedal in my Vauxhall Combo. Can anyone help me please?

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Make sure that the skuttle pannal on bottom of windscreen is fited correectly and there is also a drain passage a small flap it is on the bulk head in the engine bay ensure this is clear and waste water can pass through the is also a common fault which is a seal that sits behind the servo and also a seal behind a small electrical fues box ensure all screws a fitted and tight which this a faults i have experianced previously - Jamie from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

My Vauxhall Meriva`s right indicator keeps flashing on the dashboard but it`s not working on the outside. I put a new bulb in but it`s still not working. Please can anyone help?

Answers

Check fuses in the fusebox, and check terminals for corrosion. Clean corossion. And check new bulb (sometimes bulbs can blow immediately) - Wayne from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2008

When starting the engine of my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch cold, the instrument panel lights and the lights I have on (headlights) flicker vigorously for a while. If I either rev the engine for a while or run it for a few minutes then this stops and it acts normally. Also I have the same problem for the light with the spanner which disappears after I rev the engine to 4000 rpm. Does anyone know why? (1.7 Cdti diesel City 100)

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Hi Matt: I’ve seen this several times on the Astra’s, including my own. Each time it’s been due to a low charge on the battery. Might be an idea to take your car to an auto electrician or trusted mechanic to get the battery / charging system checked - Andy from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

The boot on my Vauxhall Zafira shuts for about 5 seconds then opens by itself. Any ideas what is causing this please?

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Had same problem with my 07 Zafira not so long ago, there was corrosion in the plug on the wiring loom. A good clean out with electrical contact cleaner sorted it worth a try with yours. Cheap fix if that’s all it is - Ian Geddis from Northumberland

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

Where is the fuel tank inspection plate on my Vauxhall Vectra, if there is one?

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It’s under the rear seat. Lift seat, lift carpet - Brian from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Hello all. My wife’s Vauxhall Meriva`s near side rear indicator bulb failed so I changed it. However, now it keeps on double clicking really fast. Or it`s not working when you look at the light from behind the car, but on the dashboard it looks like it’s working but indicates really fast? Maybe a silly question but are all of the bulbs the same or could it be another problem? Any advice would be great thanks.

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Either the bulb you installed is also faulty (does happen), or you have another fault related to that indicator. Check the bulb holder for damage / corrosion, clean corroded connections, replace bulb. One of these will resolve the issue - Pete Ledwidge from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

I have the code for my Vauxhall Meriva`s radio and know how to enter it but I don’t know how to save it once it has been entered. I have tried several times and I am running out of attempts before it locks me out. Surprisingly my handbook does not give any information on recoding. Can anyone help? Many thanks. (Enjoy)

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Whichever button you press and hold in to start entering the code (can’t remember off the top of my head), press this button again once you’ve successfully entered your code and hold for a few seconds until a confirmation tone is heard from the speakers, job done! Pete Ledwidge from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

Hello. My problem is that when I am driving along my Vauxhall Zafira will suddenly jerk back, sometimes a lot and sometimes only a little. This happens at all speeds. It stops if I put my foot on the accelerator or take my foot off it. I have replaced the coil pack and also put new plugs in. The EM light goes on and off on the dashboard but besides these problems the car runs fairly okay. However, these jerk backs are very annoying. Please can anyone help? Thankyou.

Answers

Sounds like your oxyegen sensor needs replacing as it happened to my wife’s Zafira. Hope this helps - Anthony Ellis from Ireland

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2007

My Vauxhall Astra Estate is making squealing noises. I`m guessing that it`s my disc and pads. I`d like to know whether I have got disc and pads on the front and the rear?

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Discs front and back - Sean from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

Hello. When I received my Vauxhall Corsa for my birthday there was an orange warning light on the dashboard which looks like an engine with a lighting bolt through it. I have had a new coil pack, new spark plugs and a whole new exhasut fitted but the warning light is still there. Does anybody have any idea what it could be?

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The light is to tell you that something is wrong with the electrics within your engine - this could be as simple as a fuse blown or a short but it could be something far more serious. If it stays on permanently then I would be worried too - Dixton Turner from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Vectra 03 and my steering has gone. Can anyone help? Thanks.

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Do you get any fault codes in the display? I had juddering steering a few years ago, and got the steering wheel with an exclamation mark in the display. I have an 04 2.0 DTI, and had loads of problems with steering. Took it back to where I bought it, they said the steering rack was leaking. They then changed four racks before I pointed to where I had seen a leak, it was a corrugated pipe that runs behind the engine but is not changed with a steering rack. I then had to have a new sensor and power steering pump too, so check that. Just get someone to watch under the lid while you go lock to lock. If you have the same problem and the car is that old I reckon it’s gonna be a touch pricey. Paul Vokes from England.

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

I am unable to open the tailgate on my Vauxhall Zafira even when the car is unlocked. All the other doors open fine. I have checked the rear windscreen washer and wipers and they are working fine. Is it likely to be a fuse or something more serious?

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I had this at Christmas before last :/ Just come out of Asda with a trolley full of frozen food to get home, and couldn’t unlock the boot of the zafira, even when all other doors were open. Took it to Vauxhall dealership where they charged me 25 quid to replace a £1.03 fuse :( The reason they gave me was if using the windscreen washer when they are iced up, instead of burning out the motor, it blows a fuse instead. Hope this helps :) Smidge from Yorkshire

Hi, check the fuse box under the boonet its a 10 amp (red) fuse - James Sanger from England

Vauxhall Combo 1998

My Vauxhall Combo has a clicking problem when it turns over. I have changed the starter for a new one and it started straight away. I turned it off and tried again with no problems. Then I went out later to start it and it just clicked. I turned the key again and it started straight away on that turn. Next time I went to start there was just the clicking noise and then nothing. It seems to start sometimes and not others. I have checked all of the leads from the starter to the battery and all seems fine. The battery terminals are all clean and the battery voltage is strong. I`m a bit lost what to look for. The van runs fine when bumped. Any ideas? Thanks in advance. (1.7d.)

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My van has done exactly the same thing. We have the same model also. I had a brand now alternator fitted last month and it’s been running with no problems at all, then yesterday I got in and click nothing. It had a new battery also so I know that is not the problem. Let me know how you get yours fixed. Thanks - Dan Coates from Cheshire

The possibe cause is the ignition switch - Jamie from England

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

My Vauxhall Vectra starts okay from cold. If I drive it any distance then stop the car and remove the key the car will start, but keeps cutting out as if it can`t find it`s idle point. Then it keeps cutting out ie when I have stopped at traffic lights. I found that if I stay in second gear and rag it for a bit it eventually finds it`s idle point/tick over point again. Any suggestions?

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This quite a common problem and it is normally due to the idle speed stepper motor which is bolted to the side of the throttle body and has an electrical connector with a black plug going in to it. It is attached to the drivers side of the throttle body and you will need to remove the air filter to gain access to the two bolts. You may have noticed that the engine management warning light may have come on intermittently too. Either replace this unit or in some cases, it may be just enough to give the inside of it a good spray with some WD40 or similar product and wipe out the excess and replace the gasket. Watch out for the little rubber O ring if you dismantle the two halves though. Hope this helps - David Williams from Merthyr Tydfil

Vauxhall Combo 2007

My Vauxhall Combo has a glow plug light flashing all of the time when I am driving and emits white and grey smoke. Any ideas?

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This indicates that the dpf filter has not self cleaned due to urban driving. A 15-20 minute run along motorway or other high speed road will allow the filter to self clean - Martin Challinor from Cheshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

The light has gone out behind the odometer on my Vauxhall Meriva. Is this a bulb or something more technical and if it`s a bulb how do I change it? Thank you.

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It will be the bulb. They are £2.50 from Vauxhall. You have to take the clocks out, not a big job, about 6 screws. It will take you about 15-20 mins - Dave from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

Can anyone tell me is it usual for my 1.6 Vauxhall Zafira to use more engine oil when the aircon is on?

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This is a common problem on 1.6 engines, they drink a lot of oil, whether the aircon is on or off - Altaf from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have just bought my Vauxhall Meriva a few weeks ago and just after that the EPS light came on, but when I switch the car off and start it again the light goes off. This has happened quite a few times now. Can you help me as I am disabled? (1.4 life)

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Hi Bridie, had same problem with my 2004 1.6 Meriva. Eventually the light will stay on and it will be hard to turn the wheel. The eps will have to be replaced, mine cost £650 in 2010. Don’t be fobbed of by seller, have it replaced if under warranty - Christopher from Herefordshire

This is a known problem. Our power steering kept failing while driving which is dangerous as steering goes VERY heavy. Contact Vauxhall, they sorted ours which is an 04. Good luck - Dave from Cumberland

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1997

My Vauxhall Astra Estate`s central locking keeps locking when I stop the car or unlocking once I’ve left it. Can anyone help please?

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Most likley the wiring, maybe where the doors shut the wire has become broken. Can cost up to 300 for new wiring harness from Vauxhall - Neil from Essex

Vauxhall Vivaro 2006

Does anyone know whether the Vauxhall Vivaro swb 06 has bolt holes for rear seats? (swb 06)

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No, it doesn’t but it’s easy to drill your own. I fitted a rear seat into my swb Vivaro (08) - it was a single seat from a VW Transporter with built-in rest and seat belt. Just make 4 short brackets to go under the van for support. You will probably have to move the exhaust out of the way to drill. Good luck - it’s an easy job - Dave Howle from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

My Vauxhall Meriva`s wipers are not working properly yet when you look at them you can see them trying to move. Any ideas?

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My son’s Meriva did the same thing. We had to have the whole wiper assembly replaced. I still have the old one in the shed. The problem was caused by the passenger side gearbox had siezed due to water ingress. I have tried many times to free it off, heating, wd40, force, and all in combination. I can make it turn but it still stalls the motor. I fear that you may need the same solution. (cost about £240!! if I remember rightly). Martin Knott from Cheshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have just bought it a few weeks and just after that the EPS light came on but when I switch the car off and start it again the light goes off this has happened quite a few times now. Can you help me as I am disabled? (1.4 life)

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I had the same problem, EPS kept coming on. It’s the power steering, took mine to Vauxhall dealer, took it off me straight away put a new steering column in free of charge. I looked up faults on the Meriva on the website, it makes some interesting reading. Hope this helps you - tina hall from Essex

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

Hi, I have 2005 sxi. I’ve had the car two weeks now and it’s been back in the garage four times. The car had a lack of power then a light bulb warning light kept coming on. I had the alternator replaced and the light still comes on. Help someone!

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What does the bulb relate to? Why did you change the alternator? - Donald Utton from Kent

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

The heaters, back wiper and central locking have stopped working. Can anyone help? (sri)

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I had the problem with the central locking on my 2002 Vectra. Try putting the key in the door and turn a few times then take the key out and try it again - Michael Meehan from County Antrim

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

I’m getting blue smoke from the exhaust of my Vauxhall Astra every time I start the car. Has anyone else experienced this?

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It’s most likely your valve seals. Mine has that problem. You can clear it with stop smoke, available at a car parts shop - Dan from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2000

Does anyone know what the plastic thing on the inside of the fuel filler flap is for on Vauxhall vehicles?

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I believe what you may be talking about is the little plastic slot type thing. If so, this is for storing your filler cap whilst at the fuel pump. There is a circular flange on the inside end of the cap and this handly slots into the recess on the flap - Johnny from Nottinghamshire

The plastic thing that you refer to is an extension that fits over the valve caps on the wheels. It helps to keep your hands away from the valve caps which are inevitably full of brake pad dust! - Keith Rowland from Australia

I think you may be talking about the long round plastic thing. Its for unscrewing tyre dust caps when you have wheel trims on the vehicle. I have the same on my 1999 Vauxhall Vectra - Stephen Alderson from Kent

Vauxhall Vivaro 2007

I have bought a re-conditioned bare engine for my Vauxhall Vivaro. Since being fitted it keeps pumping its oil out and not returning to the sump, using lots of oil. I`m wondering has something been missed out when it was put back together? Please can anyone help?

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I have the same problem. Did you find anything out about yours? Neill Smyth from County Antrim

Could be the oil return pipe from the turbo. Mine was pumping oil out - had to replace the pipe (a main dealer part) - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I have the code for my Vauxhall Meriva’s radio and the dashboard is saying SAFE. How do I unlock it to get the stereo working?

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Hi, press and hold the AS button until the display shows the number 10 ---- then enter code and press AS button again to save - Linda Snyman from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Combo 2007

An orange light in the shape of an engine keeps coming on on the instrument panel of my Vauxhall Combo. Does anyone know why? (1300 cbti)

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In my case, it was due to the failure of a glow plug which was also making starting very difficult. A word of warning; the glow plugs are notoriously fragile and difficult to remove, so get it done by a Vauxhall garage - Joe McGinn from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

I have just bought an 08 2ltr diesel Vauxhall Vivaro. Does it have a cam belt? (2ltr)

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No, mine is a 2L and got a chain not belt!! Mark Ricketts from Cardiff

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

My petrol cap won’t open even when the doors are locked. How do I fix it?

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It is locked by the central locking system, get out of car, open petrol cover then use central locking, fill, pay, unlock c/locking and petrol cover will be normal - Mike Murray from Ireland

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2006

When trying to open the roof on my Vauxhall Astra TwinTop I hear the 3 bongs which tells me something is wrong/not right and hence the roof does not open. Any ideas or possible solutions please?

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Just had same issue after a crash into the back of the car. Wiring harness for the roof had snapped - Leanne Nash from Durham

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Coming home from work on Thursday my right indicator light on the dashboard started flashing very fast. I assumed this was because a bulb had blown. On reaching home I checked the indicators on the outside of the car, all three lights where flashing erratically, then stopped completely. I then changed the bulb in the rear light unit, that didn’t make any difference. Next I looked as the fuse, it hadn’t blown but on taking it out and then pushing it back in all the indicators were now working. thought I had solved it. Next day driving to work I could hear a very quiet popping noise coming from the fuse board. The fuse board also appeared to buzz. When I removed the fuse 2, the same one that I had previously pushed in all noise stopped. Is this popping a wire shorting, any ideas?

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It’s the flasher relay under the bonnet near side. I’ve now fitted two of these to friends’ Meriva’s. Difficult to get at but once done you’ll know what to do next time - John Adkins from Leicestershire

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

I have just bought my Vauxhall Meriva. Please could you tell me where the spare wheel is as I can`t find it? Thank you.

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Hi, you will find it under the carpet in the boot - David Neilson from Scotland

I have a 58 plate Meriva and there’s no spare, just a repair kit - Stan Webb from Durham

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

The front wipers of my Vauxhall Zafira operate very, very slowly. Does anyone have any idea what might be the problem?

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Take out the wipers and spray with oil can those studs, or what ever they are, do that while the wiper motor is running - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

Last year or so my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch has started using more oil than normal but there are no leaks from the engine. Is it wear and tear or something more serious?

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Is yours diesel or.. and how many miles already on the clock, and when was last time you changed the engine oil, and it could be blocked exhaust, and many other things including worn engine etc... Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva has an irritating rattle which appears to be coming from the instrument cluster? My main dealers advise that they are not aware of any such problems but I cannot see where else the noise could be coming from. I have taken the cluster out and shaken it but there were no obvious rattles. Any ideas?

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Had a similiar problem, looked everywhere trying to locate, turned out to be the bearings in the steering cloumn. The main dealers have a special grease which they apply to help cure this problem. My eps light came on before I had chance to have the grease applied, so the column was replaced under warranty and no more rattle, the dealer said the grease would have cured the problem - Ben Rogers from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

Just lately when I pull up of a night and open the driver`s door of my Vauxhall Corsa the passenger front side light and back side light are staying on. Even when I lock the car they are staying on for a few minutes. Is this a fault as I have never noticed it happening before?

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Every time you open the door of your car the light comes on for about 15 sec - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 1997

I keep finding oil in the spark plugs area of my Vauxhall Vectra all of the time. Can anyone advise?

Answers

Try changing the head rocket gasket because I had the same problem - Terry from Wrexham

Just replace the valve cover gasket... Alfredo Romana from Australia

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

The boot of my Vauxhall Zafira won`t lock, either with the fob or by doing it manually. The rest of my doors will lock except the boot, so anyone can just lift the boot up even though the rest of the car is locked. Does anyone have any answers?

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Sounds like you need to give the boot lock a good clean with a wire brush and get some WD40 into it. Get a screwdriver and move the lock about, get it nice and loose. I had the same problem and it worked fine after that. Hope this helps - Russell Bradley from Scotland

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva has a tapping noise when ticking over and when I`m driving coming from the engine. What could this be? Also when does the cam belt need to be changed? (petrol)

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Hi, I have the same problem. It is the cam chain that needs changing. Over a period of time the ports that supply oil to the chain get partially blocked and so restrict the amount of oil that gets to the chain. Because the chain doesn’t get lubricated properly it stretches causing the rattle. The z14xep engine is known for this.Now do not worry too much, I have been using mine for months like this. I have been told by a local garage that I trust that it will cost £320 to do. Hope this helps - Chris Thompstone from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

My Vauxhall Zafira has a water leak onto the driver`s side carpet which I believe is from the windscreen. I’m told by a garage that the windscreen is bonded to the body but this cannot be true as there is a rubber seal in between. Does the rubber need to be adhered to the metal as well as sealant between the glass and the rubber? (Comfort 2.2)

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Hello, if you have a sunroof it could be the drain tube blocked. I had this happen to my Clio but all cars with sunroofs will have this happen sometimes. All you have to do is open the sunroof and take the tube off and clean the drain hole, the tube will be right at the front corner. Hope this helps - Micky Mullins from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

How can you reset the trip counter in BC on my Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 cdti sri 2006? I can reset the trip counter manually on the dashboard but not through the on-board computer. Can anyone help? (1.9 cdti sri)

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Select the miles option from the on board computer and then hold in the OK button for a few seconds. This is how you reset all the options in the on board computer. Steven from Clackmannanshire.

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

My 1.6 Vauxhall Zafira makes a constant high-pitched squealing noise from somewhere in the engine bay. I have been to a reputable garage and they could not give me a definitive answer to the cause of the noise. They did however say that the squealing reduced in pitch when the oil filler cap was off or the dipstick was out. They also believed that it may have been something to do with the catalytic converter. There is no power loss and the battery is not draining, however there has been a marked increase in oil use. I am using 5 litres of oil a month at the moment with no apparent leak or smoke from the exhaust. Can anyone please help? (1.6)

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Customer complaint about whistling noise from engine, sometimes P0105 (Map sensor) and P0170 (fuel mixture) set in ECU. Cause: Cracked air pressure membrane inside the cylinder head cover. Production: Improved parts have been implemented in production as of engine no.: 20MV7706 (13-Oct-2008) - Tim from Northern Ireland

Vauxhall Combo 2002

Will a 51 plate combo bonnet fit my 52 reg Vauxhall Combo?

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Yes, it will go straight on - Jason from Somerset

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva keeps going into limp mode with a fault coming up as the throttle pedal`s low voltage. The pedal has been replaced but is still doing it intermittently. If I turn the engine off and back on again it`s okay for a while and then goes back into limp mode again. Can anyone shed any light on the problem?Thanks.

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There is not enough voltage getting to the throttle pedal from the ECU. I ended up having to change ECU, cost me £300 for a blank ECU and £80 for Vauxhall to programme on a TECH2 unit. This has fixed problem - Steve from Cornwall

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2001

My Vauxhall Astra automatic gearbox sometimes works okay and then other times it won`t change gear and I have to drive changing the gears. Even then it won`t go into top gear. When it does this the lights that show that a gear has been selected all light up,. Does anyone know if this is a sensor problem or sonething else? (club)

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Why don’t you check the gear box oil, you should do that from time to time, to check you need somebody to help you, first you turn on the engine, open the bonnet, clean the dipstick of the gearbox and not the dipstick of the engine, now press the brake and the hand brake too, then put gear in reverse, your friend now has to measure the gear oil, and I am almost very sure you need at least 2lt to add - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

My Vauxhall Corsa starts and drives off okay but after about half a kilometer it cuts out and won`t restart until 15 minutes later. Can anyone advise what may be wrong please?

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I forget to tell you that, to add the oil you need a little funnel and put it where the dipstick goes in - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Antara 2012

I want to get a fixed tow bar fitted ,but it has reversing sensors which are 658mm from the ground and the tow bar should be 450mm from the ground. Will the sensors pick up the tow bar (if so I’ll have to fit a removable one). Regards, Mike. (2.2 d se)

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We have the 2.2 Exclusive AWD. We had the Witter fixed towbar fitted for our caravan. It was tested before it was fitted just to make sure and hence the reverse parking works great - Gavan King from Somerset

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

When you remove the dipstick from the engine of my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch there is a gush of air that won`t stop coming out, with a whistling noise. A garage has blown out all the pipes but it hasnt` resolved the problem?

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what you do, turn the engine on and hammer the exhaust hardly in different places, if you find heavy smoke coming out (especially if your car is over 150k) and the engine consumes more, keep on hammering, then take out the dipstick, if you find any improvement, then this is your problem, change the exhaust - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Tigra 1997

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Tigra which is using lots of water but I have no leaks. I also checked for blocked pipes and the water pump but all`s okay. It`s still using lots of water and I`m filling it every 2 days now.

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If the water is coming out from the exhaust, then you have a problem with the head gasket - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Antara 2008

Hi. Twice now my Vauxhall Antara has lost power for no apparent reason. If I leave it a while then it`s fine again. Any ideas?

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Clean the EGR or change it - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Antara 2008

The lights on the dashboard of my Vauxhall Antara have gone out and I have no speedometer?

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Disconnect the battery. Wait 30 seconds. Short both pos and neg terminals to earth. This zeroises the potential of the computor. Reconnect battery. Stuart Rogers from Dorset

Vauxhall Signum 2007

Hi. I bought a Vauxhall Signum recently. The gear lever jumps around in 3rd and 5th when you apply different pressures on the pedal. It doesn’t have any effect on the drive or the car in any way - is this normal for a 6 speed vauxhall?

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Either you keep holding the gear handle with your hand when it is on 3rd or 5th, or you repair the gearbox, because you have a defect gearbox - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vivaro 2002

I have just bought a 02 Vivaro with cambelt snapped - what is the extent of the damage at worst or is it a case that I may get away with just replacing the cambelt itself?

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Just happened to me, a nightmare I’m afraid mate, £1,500 - Jason from England

Replace the head of the engine with a second hand one, it is much cheaper, because there is a lot of damage in the valves etc... Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

Can someone please tell me where in my 55 plate Vauxhall Vectra is the fuse for the cigarette lighter? Please, it`s urgent. (1.9 cdti)

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open nearside door, remove panel from side of glove box and its in there - Ray from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

I am looking for O RINGS for the heater matrix. I have purchased the matrix but it come without O RINGS. Can’t seem to be able to get them anywhere. Seemingly they are very difficult to acquire. Does anyone know where I might purchase the O RINGS. I have tried for hours on internet to no avail...

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B&Q sell a selection - RD Newman from Wales

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

Recently I have noticed an orange light come on the dash board, but it only comes on when I go on long journeys. When I turn engine off then back on again it seems to be okay till I go a long way again. Not sure what it is - can anyone help? (Hi Wendy, can you please tell us what the orange light look like - is it a symbol of any sort? RoadTestReports.co.uk)

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I think it’s your engine management light which suggests something is wrong with the engine electrics. It’s probably something minor, but worth getting checked out before you get stranded with ignition problems - Johannes Viljoen from Gloucestershire

It is the EGR and no doubt about it - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

My friend has a 2-litre petrol sri, 01 plate. This day he was out driving and pressed his clutch to floor and put it in gear. When he let his foot off it didn’t move... What’s wrong?

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I am assuming the clutch pedal stayed down. If this is correct it happened to me on my car. I found out it was due to very low brake fluid as the clutch and brakes are connected. Check to make sure your brake pipes are not leaking and top up your brake reservoir. The clutch may still stay down until it has been bled. Hope this helps - Richard from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

I cannot select gears with engine running. I am guessing it will be a clutch problem. How hard is it to replace a clutch and is there anything else it could possibly be? (Elegance 2.0 DTI)

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Could be your thrush bearing but best replace clutch while your there - Ian Sallis from Huntingdonshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

There is a slight hesitation when I am accelerating, surges on deceleration, cured by dipping clutch, engine management light sometimes appears. Anyone else experienced this? (1.6 LS)

Answers

I have the same problem on my 1.6 Corsa B, changed plugs, leads, tried injector cleaner, need to check EGR valve and MAF sensor, if I floor it I feel the misfire, if I use up to 50 percent of the throttle it’s fine - Coolbreeze from South Africa

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1997

I am having trouble selecting first and second gears on my Vauxhall Astra. I have tightened the clutch cable up. It helped for about 2 weeks then same problem. What else would cause this?

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When you accelerate, does the RPM runs higher than usual, if so then it is time to change the clutch - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

Does my Vauxhall Vectra cdti 56 plate have a timing belt or chain?

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If it’s the Vauxhall engine then it’s a chain - if not it’s a belt - Mark Ward from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 1997

My car is an Opel Vectra B model 1997 Gl 5d 1.6 and now it getting me mad because it has some troubles with engine check lamp that I asked about it before so I made a paper clip diagnose on it and it gave me 2 codes. First is 0110 and it refers to Intake Air Temperature Sensor (ATS) and the other code is 115 and it refers to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. So I got both changed but the problem now the car don’t want to start at all. I tried many times to check everything but it looks like every thing is okay. When I start the car the engine roll and you hear it sound normal but it never fires up. I try over and over and charge the battery again and again but no respond. I changed the ignition wires and the main ignition unite but nothing happened all still the same. I put back old sensors and old ignition unite nothing happened too still turning but never fires up. Before I change anything the car didn’t start in the morning and it looks like it stopped forever so I started to change stuff and make paper clip test but nothing changed. So tell me, where should I search please? The car have petrol oil and cooling fluid, most of sensors I checked them clips and cleaned them with cleaning spray but still won’t fire up. It happened before but one of my friends dragged me and I started on the second gear then it worked till it stopped that morning 10 days ago and now nothing help. Any ideas? Tell me where to check or where to start my research in my car ..... I appreciate any help from you all out there, Sameh. (Opel Vectra B model 1997 Gl 5d 1.6)

Answers

The best advice that I can give is to go to both these sites: www.vvon.co.uk www.vectra-c.com You may need to register but they are both free and packed with info and helpful with answers to questions. Best of luck - Colm O’Kane from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

Hi, hope someone can help me??? My 2004 sri 2.2 petrol Vectra one morning would not start? There was just a clicking sound from engine? I have changed the starter motor, put a new earth lead from battery to starter and put a new battery on but still wont even turn over? Just clicks away??? Could it be cam belt??? Pleas help me!

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Hi Paul. I have excatly the same problem! I have a Corsa 1600 sport 2005 model. Mine does this every two months or so and then goes back to normal, while it doesn’t start, my windows go crazy (open and closed) and the radio changes stations as if its possesed! I have taken it in today to an electrical car place and was wondering if you have found any answers yet to your problem? Please e-mail me at lstephens [at ]tentersa [dot] com. Many thanks - Leonora Stephens from South Africa

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

I have a 53 plate Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 dti sri. Last Sunday I came to unlock it and nothing happened so I had to unlock it by key, which set the alarm off. I got a new battery for my key fob and all seemed to be OK until last night when the same happened again. Is it a problem with my central locking or not. Can someone help please? xx

Answers

Hi, if the battery was out of the key for too long, the key will need rest with the car. It tells you how in user manual. Hope this helps - Chris from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

I bought seat covers for the 2011 Vauxhall Meriva. Front covers have two holes for legs on headrest. Is it easy to remove complete headrest to fit covers?

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Yes, it’s easy to remove and replace. It’s only one button on each head rest. Push and hold the button and then pull the head rest out and when you’re done, just push the head rest into place - Liam Birrell from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Agila 2007

Hi. I recently bought the Agila and so far so good, except for some reason it has a radio/cassette player! Where can I get a radio/CD replacement without going into bankruptcy? Also, are there any other types of car that have sound units of the same dimensions? May help the search. I would be very grateful for any info. Thanks.

Answers

This is a sensible question as it looks as though it can’t be replaced with other ones. In fact, it can. You can buy a fascia to sit around the new radio - Halfords or local motor factors will help you, they are about 8 pounds, then you may need an adaptor to make the loom (wires) fit your new radio, 5 pound roughly. The radio is your choice - 10-40 pound for a reasonable one, tell them you are going from double to single din. Hope that helps - Ste Chaddy from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

The boot on my Vauxhall Astra won’t open. It is completely stuck. All the other doors are fine - what could be the problem?

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It sounds like the micro switch has gone. The part costs 43 quid from Vauxhall - Dave White from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

The passenger side floor fills with water when it rains. I have took up the carpet etc and the water seems to be coming down the outside of the heater ducting. What can I do to solve this? (2-litre diesel)

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Open the bonnet and remove the black plastic trim that runs alongside the window, under the plastic that has been removed there is a rubber near to the passenger, take it out, it is blocked - Leon Jenkinson from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2004

My Vauxhall Vivaro’s clutch pedal has collapsed to the floor. I have fitted a new master cylinder and tried to bleed it but to no avail. I even tried pressure bleeding but still no luck. Now the mechanic wants to fit a slave cylinder... Can anyone advise? (1.9 diesel)

Answers

Give me a call I specialise in this game and will talk you over the phone 07920432352 - Steven O Donnell from England

I’d have gone for the slave cylinder straight away. Classic symptom pedal on the floor. The problem is when you take the gear box off, you may find the dual mass flywheel has gone as well as the slave cylinder then you might as well change the clutch and thrust bearing! Doh!  - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

I am starting to get a really annoying high pitch squealing sound which at first seemed to start when I was turning right... now it seems to be coming from the rear as well. It continues even when my feet are off any of the pedals. Was wondering if anyone could give me ideas in what it could be..? Thanks.

Answers

I too have a 2008 Zafira and I have had the exact problem just 4 weeks ago and had it fixed. In my case it was a worn disc brake that was rubbing in the inside of the wheel when on full turn. I got the front discs changed and the problem was resolved, at times it did sound like it was from the rear but mechanics traced the problem to that, hope that’s a help to you - Simon Foster from Dorset

Vauxhall Vivaro 2004

When I close the door on my Vauxhall Vivaro there is a light which says a door is still open. I have done several checks to make sure all the doors are closed and secured but the light still stays on. It’s not a massive issue but it’s really annoying and one day I am going to drive off with a door open and wont know about it. Can anyone point me in the right direction to solving this? Much appreciated.

Answers

Look to see if a rubber stop is missing on the rear left hand door. It should be at the bottom of the door. If it isn’t then that is the problem - Mark Purtill from Cheshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

How do I open the tailgate on the Vauxhall Zafira? The central locking is working OK but the tailgate won’t open. I have looked at all the fuses, they are OK. Can I open it any other way?

Answers

Vauxhall allow the tailgate to be isolated from the central locking for security. If your key slot is vertical, this is probably what has happened. Turn the key as far round as it will go (135 degrees) then turn it back to the horizontal position - Martin from Suffolk

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1996

The oil level light (the orange light with the wiggly line under it) keeps coming on in my Astra but when I turn engine off it goes off, only to come on again some time later. There is plenty of oil in the engine and it’s checked regularly. What could be causing this to happen?

Answers

If it’s a diesel, you need to give it a good run out out as the car sounds like its trying to get into DFP mode and regenerate. If you do lots of short runs then diesel particles build up in the exhaust and is expensive to get fixed - Jay Catchpole from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2006

First the engine management light came on then went off. Had a diagnostic test done told no problems found. Then the car with a spanner light came on and went off, this keeps coming on intermittently. Have done pedal test for both warning lights and same code comes up for both P0400. At moment its off, not sure what to do... Can anyone help?

Answers

The 0400 code is for the EGR, before you change it (because it is a bit costly), take it out and give it a good clean and try if it did not give the result you need, then you have to change. Usually the light comes on when you drive over 70, right - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

I put the key in and when I turned it there was nothing. I checked battery and the fuses, all were OK. I think it’s the immobiliser not recognising the key - is there a solution to correcting this?

Answers

Make a scanner, and you should the car code and the other codes which you can find them in the glove box. If not, you go to the Opel and they will give you the codes - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Tigra 1999

Hi. I have just replaced the front disc pads on my sons Tigra. Now the brake pedal won’t pump back up and go solid. It feels like there is no pressure from the master cylinder, what should I do?

Answers

Have you bled the brakes? Possible air in the system if bleed nipple slackened. But be warn in the past, I have reversed seals in master cylinder in a Corsa by fitting new pads and only fix ways to change master cylinder. The garage advised when changing pads in future to clamp flexi and slacken nipple to push caliper back and to bleed when all done - Mass Debater from Blaenau Gwent

Try the vacuum servo unit hose. In your case, the hose is loose or broken - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Astravan 2011

I have recently bought a Vauxhall Astravan Aportive on an 11 plate. It has the original factory installed cd/radio. The radio and cd work but the dash board display says display safe, which means I can’t tune in any radio stations, change the base etc or see what cd tracks are playing. The time comes up and the temperature comes up on the same dash display, everything but the radio. I have the code for it but I can’t even put that in. I phoned two main dealers but they were no help whatsoever. Does anyone have any ideas how I can sort this, any suggestions greatly received.

Answers

Hi if you look in the handbook, it will tell you how to put the code in but off the top of my head you need to turn key on but don’t start it. Press and hold a botton (which one?) then put the code in - Thomas Martin from Blaenau Gwent

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

My Vauxhall Astra losing power in low gears when pulling away and going uphill. Could it be the fuel air flow meter?

Answers

This is not a service light illuminated on the dash but and engine management light. You will need to have the vehicle diagnostic code read to find the fault - Lee Bartram from England

Check the diesel filter - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Zafira 2003

I have an Opel Zafira 2.0 DTI (automatic) and the service light comes on the dash occasionally. When it does the engine power drops and acceleration is very slow. When this happens I turn the car off and re-start it resulting in the service light going off. The car goes fine then until the light comes back on. What can the problem be? (Elegance)

Answers

EGR - Choukri Kayal from France

I had a similar problem with a 406 and tried every thing and found it was a brake light switch. A common rail TD will (black box) think you are braking and starve the car of fuel. After spending lots, I fixed the problem for £3.50 for a switch. Hope this helps - John Ferguson from Hebrides

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

Could someone please tell me where to find the crank sensor on an eco-tech 2.0 td engine?

Answers

Supposed to be under the engine on the side of the gearbox fitted with two little bolts, but I think it is a bit difficult - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

My Vauxhall Astra is automatic and everytime I move and the rev metre hits 2,000rpm the engine management light comes on and the car slows down and it is very difficult to ascend hills. Please help.

Answers

Once again the EGR - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

I need to replace my Vauxhall Zafira’s rear coil springs, but can’t find a part number anywhere? Does anybody know if I need uprated springs, or can I use any that will fit a Zafira of the same shape? (GSI)

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The same height, the same diameter and the same thickness - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

My Vauxhall Zafira, when driving, after a short while seems to be losing power, then all of a sudden it’s like being in a sports car. Also, if I put 20 pounds of fuel in getting 40miles? When taken cap off to put fuel in there is a long expel of air from tank. No faults are showing up on computer. When driving I’m light on accelerator pedal. Over the last 2 years I have changed the edu value and there is a hole in exhaust. I don’t know if it has a air mass meter on the 1.6 Club. Any help greatly appreciated.

Answers

There is one centimeter in diameter tube and that is in all cars made to let the air goes in the fuel tank, and in your case it is blocked. To find it and fix the fault it will cost lot of trouble , better to do is not to tight fuel cap all the way, and let the air enter - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vivaro 2003

Hi, I just got stuck in the traffic for 15 mins and had the steering on full lock for all of that time. Once the traffic started moving I found that I had no power steering. I drove to Halford’s and opened the bonnet. I can see oil spilt low down. Have topped up the power steering fluid but problem (no power steering) is still there. Can anyone help?

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I had a problem with power steering oil leaking turned out to be a leaking power steering pipe (very common), they go where the rubber hose is jointed to metal pipe. If you get someone to look underneath while you put the van at full lock they should be able to see the oil coming out. You have to change the pipe complete. It costs about £110 including vat from a Vauxhall dealer - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Vectra 1999

Vectra 1.8 ls engine revs between 1000 and 2000 when stood and at low speeds, can run like this for days and then runs normally for a few weeks before happening again. Any ideas, thanks.

Answers

Try and clean the maf sensor with carb cleaner and with anything else - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

Hi there, I have no pressure in the clutch and it now does not work. When I start the engine and put the clutch in it makes a noise. I was told that they’re hydraulic and the cylinder has gone. It’s a 2002 Vectra, could anyone please tell how much it would cost to have it fixed? Thanks.

Answers

It’s your concentric slave cylinder that controls your clutch pedal and it is hydrolic. It gets a fluid feed from your brake fluid reservoir. Unfortunatly it’s a gearbox out to fix and you should change the clutch while you’re at it as it may be contaminated with brake fluid and if your car is a diesel you should also change the duel mass flywheel. It’s an expensive job at least £600 in a local garage or £1,200 at Vauxhall - Ian Darling from Mid-Lothian (Edinburghshire)

Why don’t you change the slave cylinder first and see the result. And it is not that hard, you can do it yourself - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Antara 2011

I have bought a new Vauxhall Antara after reading brochure about the spec. I looked at Ford and Kia but decided on the Vauxhall. This model is supposed to have day running lights, follow me home lights and gear shift indicator. None of these things work and the fuel economy is terrible. I would not recommend anyone to buy this SUV. Vauxhall customer services say they will be back to me within 48hrs everytime I e-mail them but they never do and the dealership is a joke. They do not want to know once you have bought the car. I am banging my head against a wall. Can you give me any advice on how to get Vauxhall to act or to get my hard earned money back. I will never buy a Vauxhall again. (SE)

Answers

Hi Trevor, I have the 2.2SE FWD model and can share your experiences. First when it arrived it didn’t have the Sat Nav fitted because they had forgotten, but since that the problem continue. The daytime running lights are the headlights on auto according to my dealer, doesn’t seem right to me as you basically have headlights on all the time. I have no gear shift indicator, although when I do unlock the car in the dark I do have follow me home lights, as the car lights up like a Xmas tree. My biggest bug bear is the mpg, I bought this on the pretence I would get somewhere near the the declared mpg by Vauxhall, but not a chance, the best I get is 29mpg and that’s with most of my driving being motorways. Mine has been back to Vauxhall 4 times for mpg and on the latest they did a road test, joke, their road test is a rolling road whereby it did get to 52.2mpg, very convenient that it’s so close to the brochure spec. I’m now at a loss of how to deal with this as it drinks fuel like mad and the best I can squeeze from a tank full is 450 miles, and that’s a squeeze, the average is 400 miles. I would be interested to see what mpg you are getting and what model you have? As I said mine is the 184bhp 2.2SE FWD model - Martin Taylor from Hampshire

I have the 175bhp SE. I am very lucky if I get 420miles out of tank. Even if I crawl along in 6th! As for the annoying display on dash about fuel consumption, I have e-mailed Vauxhall several times and they say thay are in contact with the dealer but the dealer says that they have not heard from Vauxhall. I keep getting passed back and forth with nothing but excuses. Vauxhall are a joke. I am considering writing to the press about their lies. People should know about this because once you have bought the car, they do not want anything to do with you. Ford is the way forward! - Trevor Ramsay from Aberdeenshire

Hi Trevor. I have the same issue. 2012 model fwd and get 400 miles max on motorway doing less than 70. The dealer does not return my calls. Vauxhall customer care does not care. Dealer tells customer care that they told me to book the car in for a check. A great lie. They ignore me mostly and told me not to bring car in till 5000 miles. I do not want this vehicle and want to know if there is any legal avenue to follow to make them take it back. Could have driven a Range Rover with this consumption. Good luck - Steven Kuhn from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

The "insp" light has appeared on my Vauxhall Meriva and I was wondering how to turn it off as I’m doing the service myself.

Answers

Switch off ignition then press mileage knob on the cluster while. Pressed switch on ignition the inspection light will flash keep on holding until it clears - Takudzwa Masvikeni from South Africa

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

Please could someone help? My 1998 Vectra, 2-litre dti starts OK but is very smoky. As soon as I drive off the smoke clears but the engine management light comes on and full power is not there. What could be the problem?

Answers

You have black smoke and loss of power, and the engine consume lot of diesel, then it is the EGR, try first to clean it with spray bottle (carb cleaner) it might solve the problem, if not then you have to change the EGR - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Astra 2005 and I can’t find where my spare tire is kept. Can anyone help me?

Answers

Try reading the cars hand book. Failing that look beneath the carpet in the boot. Muppet! - Jon from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

When I release the handbrake the brake shoes seem to be sticking to the drum. They usually release with a bang. Anyone else experienced this? (Elite)

Answers

Known defect with all clubs and elite. The only way round it is to where possible leave the car in gear when you switch off the engine and allow the weight of the car to go on the gear. Then apply the handbrake. On the positive, I had a 2003 club and although it sounded horrible every time I first moved if the weight was left on the handbrake it never caused any damage to the car - Archie Macneil from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

I had a problem on my dash clocks so I replaced them but now my Vauxhall Astra won’t start. If I put the old clocks back in the car will start?

Answers

We had the same problem with one of the Astras we where fixing.. The way we fixed it was, there is a microchip board thing behind the steering wheel, if you changed it then that’s your problem. It holds the key code and won’t let the car start if it’s not the original board. Just take off the steering wheel and its in front of you between the indicator hand and the wiper hand. Worked for us - Mary Mackin from County Armagh

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2010

After the recent freeze, the rear door (hatch) refuses to open, also the windscreen water does not squirt! Wipers front and back are fine no other problems looked at the fuse board but no idea from the manual which is which can you help anyone? Many thanks. (sxi 1.4 model)

Answers

This is a fuse that has blown. You need to locate it! It’s a red fuse with only a yellow fuse next to it, they are on their own in the fuse box. Should be bottom right? - Mike from England

Vauxhall Astravan 2007

3 weeks ago I purchased a 57 plate 1.7cdti Astravan. Then yesterday I noticed that when my clutch is almost up a kind of clipping/slapping/knocking sound has started coming from the engine. The clutch seems fine as it bites a lot further down and changes gears OK... Any ideas or help much appreciated guys.

Answers

It sounds like your dual mass flywheel is about to go - means a clutch as well, quite a big job and no cheap parts or fixes for this one, mine just cost me £1250 ouch!!! Fungus Freeman from Kent

Vauxhall Agila 2006

Can you still drive a Vauxhall Agila with the dipstick tube broken?

Answers

Not recommended, but yes - Ste Chaddy from England

Vauxhall Zafira 1997

My Vauxhall Zafira needs new gear cables. How much should it cost? I have been quoted 180 excluding VAT. Strange, because recovery guy said he would of done it at the roadside if he had the part...

Answers

It’s about one hour’s work to fit them if that take the center lower part of dash out to put the cables on the gear stick and remove the battery and battery tray. £60 should cover it no problems at all - Dan Franks from Essex

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2005

I had a service done and noticed a few days later that oil is leaking from the breather pipe. What has caused this? Please help.

Answers

May be too much oil in the engine - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

My Zafira ’04 has started to display the engine management warning symbol. Clearly this is not that uncommon and at first it was unpredictable. But in last couple of days the characteristics have become predictable and so wondered if anyone can deduce the likely cause. The light comes on from cold only after about 1 minute. It then stays on (with reduced engine power evident) for 10 minutes. Turning ignition off/on does not clear it - maybe for 15 seconds. After 10 minutes the light then goes off and never comes back on during the journey. I can briefly turn off ignition and turn back on and light does not reappear. Leave the car a few hours or overnight and the problem reappears. I have been unable to read any codes from a cheap hand held reader and so have asked my local garage to see what they can read but this was not conclusive. But I really want to avoid trial and error fixes especially on a car this old. Suggestions and advice gratefully received!

Answers

Most likely EGR valve.This is a common fault on Zafiras. My 02 plate had 3 changed in abt 4 years and my 08 plate just had one replaced last week. Nightmare - Tracey from Perthshire

Renew the timing belt and check for loose connections on sensors - Dip Bagi from Mauritius

You don’t have a cambelt on this model, the reason your light comes on is one of your heater plugs is suspect and you need to clean your map sensor that sits on your egr housing to get rid of your sluggish performance - Brian King from Dorset

Check all of the vacuum pipes, this caused this problem with my 03 plate and when found, it was an instant fix - James from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

My Vauxhall Zafira is just under 4 years old, and had been regularly serviced by Vauxhall. Today the Timing Chain snapped (I don’t know how much damage has been done yet, but is likely to considerable). The car has only done 40,000 miles, and the oil is regularly checked. Vauxhall replaced the Fuel Pump Regulator 4 months ago as part of a recall (at no cost to me) and I don’t know if this has in any way contributed to the current problem...? I feel quite aggrieved that something so big (and expensive) should go wrong so soon, and I’m getting a sense via the web that this is a fairly common problem with the 2.2 petrol Zafira. Can anyone offer any advice please? (Auto 2.2)

Answers

Common problem with the 2.2, walve damage-cylinder head off, valve damage and new timing chain assembly. Due to poor design in single chain set up - Rolie from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

Hi everyone. I have a problem with my Zafira 2.0. When the vehicle is started in the morning the idle is very erratic, the engine races up an down for about 15 minutes then it settles. The coolant and immobiliser lights stay on but goes out when engine settles. It is a 2.0 dti Elegance, any advice will be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Answers

Change the air flow meter - Dip Bagi from Mauritius

Just clean the flow meter because if it was bad it will cause you trouble all the way, take it out and clean it with carb cleaner. Good luck - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Signum 2004

I have a misfire on cylinder one. and the diag report has come up with some faults. 1) code P0301 cylinder misfire 2) P0110 intake air temperature sensor circuit =l ow input and intake air temp sensor circuit high input. I have had it serviced about 3 weeks ago and they changed the plugs etc and I have replaced the coils. But still have this misfire? A local garage suggests I change the air flow meter but when I disconnect the sensor to try it the misfire is still present... Any ideas? Or do I replace the air flow meter anyway? Kind regards.

Answers

Change the spark plugs - Dip Bagi from Mauritius

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

My daughter bought a 2007 Corsa 1.4 Design a couple of weeks ago. We have since noticed leakage of some kind of fluid on the driveway where she parks. I put a piece of white card underneath to ascertain roughly the area it is dripping from. Looking under the car from the rear, it appears to be coming from very close to the rear passenger wheel. Quite close to the back and very very slightly to right of the tyre edge. Any ideas what this could be? Thanks.

Answers

If the car has air-con, this is probably just the outlet/waste pipe for the aircon. Air conditioning works by remove moisture from the inside of the car - this is where it comes out. Check to ensure that’s it’s just water and not oil on the ground. If you Google it’ll tell where it’s coming from for a Corsa - Philip O’B from Ireland

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

We are unable to open the boot on my Vauxhall Zafira. The garage have looked at it and can see the instruction is going from the back of the car to the front through the computer system but then not allowing the boot to open. The rear windscreen wiper also does not work.

Answers

Change the fuse to the rear washer, I’ve just had the same changed fuse and it works they are on the same circuit - Alan from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

My Zafira starts fine but when we are driving on motorway we can’t get past 70mph as car starts to judder. Replaced spark plugs, coil pack, starter motor, air filter and still same problem. Any ideas?

Answers

Check the timing belt and/or ecu and fuel filter - Dip Bagi from Mauritius

Vauxhall Vectra 1989

How do you flush the cooling system on a 1989 Vauxhall Vectra? Is there a drain plug? Thank you.

Answers

Turn anti clockwise drain plug underneath the radiator - Dip Bagi from Mauritius

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

My mass flow sensor keeps getting blocked with small pieces of metal (they are very small flexible pieces of metal NOT solid). Garage has cleaned them out and the car drove really good, but after driving the car for about 30 mins the problem returned, took it back to the garage and they did the same and the car ran very good again, but it has come back. They are not sure where the metal fragments are coming from and have suggested we keep removing the pieces and hope they clear out of the system this way. Anyone have any idea where they may be coming from and I might be able to educate the garage and get it resolved?

Answers

It might be the mesh inside the oil breath box as mine had gone solid and was fraing and was appearing in the top of the rocker cover. Hope this might help - Karl Lockett from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1996

The Vauxhall Corsa speedo has stopped working and the engine management light comes on after driving for a mile or so whenever I drive the car. If I turn the engine off and then back on the light doesn’t come back on straight away, just after driving for a short distance?

Answers

Try disconnecting the cigarette lighter and replacing the number 18 fuse, it happened to me. I was told it was the speedo sensor but it was as simple as disconnecting the cigarette lighter - Jason Watton from County Antrim

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

Vauxhall Meriva 2003 Enjoy Cd. New Engine four months ago. New battery. Very bad start in cold weather. Takes engine three or four times before it starts running. More smoke than usual from exhaust. Black smoke when pressing accelerator pedal taking off on hill. Engine noise knocking when pressing accelerator pedal a pinky engine noise. Engine not smooth when still. Can anybody help me please?

Answers

Have the ignition timing checked before the engine is damaged! - Jon from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

I am having a problem with my 2001 reg Zafira when I start the motor and it is cold it struggles to keep revs, it wants to stall when you put the throttle down. It tries to stall but doesn’t, I have to wait a few minutes then it settles itself and is OK but when driving it pulls back at three and a half thousand reeves. I can’t get any more power but the rev counter stills goes up. I had diagnostics done as car and spanner comes up on the dash (albeit only sometimes) and they said exhaust too lean and 02 lumber sensor block one. I have had the sensor out and cleaned but still no difference. Any advice would be very welcome as I had it serviced 2,000 miles ago an have no idea what the problem can be...

Answers

Try cleaning the Mass Airflow Sensor and the throttle body. They can get very dirty on old cars, especially if the air filter is not maintained. 1. Remove the air filter, check and replace if necessary. 2.Move along to the MAF which is next in line held by two large jubilee type clips and disconnect the sensor connection. The MAF is very delicate inside - thin wire filaments. Don’t drop it or touch it with anything, just spray the wires with electric contact cleaner (with no lubrication in it -ie not switch cleaner, not brake cleaner, not carburetor cleaner). Let it dry thoroughly before replacing. Note the small arrow on the side showing the direction of airflow. 3. Moving inwards, take off the next section of the air intake, disconnect the throttle sensor and black rubber breather tubes to reveal the throttle body and butterfly inside. It will probably be coated inside with carbon like deposits which should be removed by spraying carburetor cleaner or throttle body cleaner and wiping/brushing till clean. It doesn’t matter if the cleaner and gunk go down inside - it will be expelled when you start the engine. Also clean out the breather tubes which can get very dirty too. 4. Replace everything in reverse order. Of course it could be that you need a new lambda sensor or MAF or EGR valve. The advantage of doing this is that it only takes about half an hour and costs around £10 for the carb cleaner and the contact cleaner. It sounds more complicated than it actually is and all you need is a screwdriver for the clips plus the two cans of cleaner which you can get in Halfords - Bill from Ireland

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

I am trying to fit an after market stereo and a parrot ck3100 to my 2007 Corsa life. I have the Quad lock ISO adapter with Ariel booster and all the wiring and parts I need to do it. I connect the adapter to the car (not sure what the free orange and red wires do or where they go, this could be where I am going wrong) the ISO to the parrot and the additional ISO from the parrot to my stereo but there is no power to either. What am I doing wrong? There are no blown fuses as the factory stereo works and the old stereo and parrot work together in another car (minus the adapter) in another car. If it is the free wires on the quad lock where do they go and how to I connect them?

Answers

I’ve just been looking at my Zafi, same issue. On reading about the red wire goes the cig lighter, that’s why the red wire is so long. On my cig lighter is a black unused wire, I connected it to that and stereo then fired up - Peter Logan from Surrey

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 1994

During recent cold weather the engine froze, causing one of the water caps at the bottom of the engine block to push out. After thawing I replaced the cap and refilled the coolant system. Over the next two days, during short distance trips, more and more white smoke appeared out of the exhaust. The next time I tried to start the car it billowed out smoke and failed to start after ten attempts. I have changed the oil completely and am now attempting to restart. The engine has ceased somewhat so I am manually turning the crank shaft to free the pistons. This is working and I am achieving complete rotation of the shaft and each time I turn the car over it comes closer to ignition. As I am doing this mucky oil/water is leaking from the exhaust gasket at the engine block connection. Any advice would be gratefully received, is it worth continuing to try to fire it up? Do you think that there is a major breach between the water and the oil reservoirs? Why would anyone buy a white, m-reg, automatic Astra? Does anyone want to torch it for me?!! (Automatic)

Answers

I have now taken the sump off and when I move the pistons water comes through. Should that happen? I know nothing about engines - Andrew Frecknall from Hampshire

Vauxhall Agila 2003

I have just changed my Vauxhall Agila’s oil filter and need to know how much clean oil I need to replace...

Answers

Usually 3 litres but check the owners manual. And why didn’t you just try to, then use the dipstick to get it right like everyone else, instead of draining then waiting for a reply? lol - Ste Chaddy from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

The oil light comes on when my Vauxhall Astra’s engine reaches its operating temp. It stays on below 1,000rpm and goes off above 1,000rpm. Has anyone else experienced this?

Answers

Hi, I had the same problem, cured by using flushing oil and running round for a few days not long journeys then drain and put in new oil and filter advised by good local garage - Graham from Derbyshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

My Vauxhall Vectra has got a misfire. I have changed coil pack and spark plugs and still no good. The engine management light is also on, and it is running rough. Any further suggestions?

Answers

I had the same with a sri 140 misfire and lumpy tickover and the EM kept coming on. Looked online for a cure, found it could be a sensor. After more checking, I found a thin pipe popped of just under the throttle body. Runs and tickover perfect. Cheap job for once - Jason Goodridge from England

Vauxhall Astra Coupe 2003

The illumination behind the speedo panel on my Vauxhall Astra is not working at all. It has been failing for 3 months now and only half lit at best. Could somebody please help me with regards to whether the illumination is by fitted bulbs and the location of these and how to go about replacing them? Or if the illumination is by some other means? Could you please let me know. Many thanks and best regards. (BERTONE)

Answers

Just make sure you’ve not turned them down. There’s a dial next to where you lift your driving lights up and down. I’ve knocked mine a few times and bapped myself when they didn’t come on, worth a look pal - Karl Staves from England

Vauxhall Agila 2005

What’s the recommended ratio of anti-freeze / coolant for topping up a 2005 Agila?

Answers

You will need a hydrometer to get this right, just use ready mixed, as we are moving into warmer days now, and since you are draining it its good practice to use rad-flush just to remove any rust/bad deposits that has built up - Ste Chaddy from England

Vauxhall Combo 2006

I have had the warning light (car with spanner through it) come on for past 10,000 miles, 5-10 minutes after starting and when accelerating onto motorway. A mechanic said that it could be one of 5 different air-sensors but until it was on at start-up I would be wasting my money replacing all 5; fine to drive until then. Was on motorway today when light came on and sudden decrease in power; thought clutch had gone as engine revved OK but seemed to labour when clutch engaged; kept going but not as zippy as usual; could do 50 mph OK but laboured over that; noticed a wheezing/whistling noise but still drove OK and power at 30 - 40 mph OK. After about 10 miles the orange light with picture of engine block has come on and remained on; also the noise of rattling/whirring when in neutral (this has been heard for last 8,000 miles+) will disappear when put foot down on clutch... Any ideas please? Have had regular service every 6 months. (1.3 diesel)

Answers

I had a similar problem. Gas emission sensor in exhaust changed - sorted! - Derek 123 from Norfolk

Vauxhall Vivaro 2006

Hello, on cold engine I can’t start my Vivaro. If it starts, it cuts off at once, and only keeping starting for 6-10, or until battery dead is helping :( I have visited already 5 repair masters, changed heating plugs, checked injectors and so on - problem is still unsolved. Any further advise anyone? (2.5 TDI)

Answers

Have you tried the mass air filter? I had a problem with mine. when I unplugged it, the van ran better but wouldn’t start in the morning properly, similar problem to the one you described. I replaced the m.a.f. (two jubilee clips in the air intake pipe and it’s off). The van ran fine and started fine - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Since I last answered I found another problem which can cause a similar problem. A hole had been made in the return diesel pipe caused by it rubbing against the engine (the pipe that goes from the pump back to the tank) this caused the pressure in the system to drop overnight. If I primed the system with the manual priming bulb by the diesel filter on the drivers side inner wing the engine would start and run no problem. I repaired the pipe with an 8mm compression fitting (since the return pipe is not high pressure) since then it has started without problem - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Astravan 2004

The exhaust emission light comes on and my Vauxhall Astravan’s engine is running some loss power top end. What is best fix?

Answers

Split in one of the turbo hoses losing boost - Ryan from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Zafira 1983

My Vauxhall Zafira will start up everyday with no problems, but when pulling away it loses power and will then suddenly take off. Once driving there are no further problems and when waiting at lights it carries on ticking over great. The main problem is everytime I start the vehicle up there is a lack of power.

Answers

Various things could give this problem (blocked breather pipe, sticking idle control. Throttle body needs cleaning (blocked) - Paul from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1995

Hi, I have an Automatic M Reg Vauxhall Astra. There is an S on the gear stick and the S light illuminates on the dashboard when starting the car. Pressing the S on the gear stick does not make it disappear, I have to keep turning the engine on and off until eventually it will start without the S illuminating. It can take up to 10 minutes... What does the S stand for... Any help would be much appreciated?

Answers

Hi, I used to have a 1.4 Astra merit auto myself and had similar probs. I understand the ’S’ button stands for sport button. I believe it holds the revs longer giving you faster acceleration etc. Mainly used when overtaking and faster driving etc.for me the ’S’ illumination usually dissappeared after a minute or so when driving or could be turned off manually when I had got a few meters down my road. Don’t know if I’ve tried that yourself. Nothing major to worry about although if I can remember I think it used slightly more fuel when the ’S’ was illuminated for long periods - Rich from Staffordshire

You need to take off the selector switch on top of the gearbox and clean it out and regrease it. See this link for info - http://sirbendy.co.uk/car-projects/vauxhall-automatics/fixing-the-vauxhall-flashing-s-of-doom/ - Derek Jones from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

My Corsa was serviced only a month ago. It seemed fine but lately my heater doesn’t seem to be working. The temp gauge looks to be at 80-85 and I don’t know what else could be affecting the heating. A friend suggested about an over flow from the radiator or bleeding the pipes but I have no idea where to look for those things. Can anyone help?

Answers

Air in the system - Baz Brough from England

Try the fan switch going into the radiator. If it just turns and turns then you need a new radiator - Jason Watton from County Antrim

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

I have taken my mass airflow sensor off. When I put it back on my traction control light came on. Now I have loss of power, can anyone help?

Answers

When you say taken it off, I assume you put it back on again. The engine will not run without the MAF. See my answer to Bill Harris re: cleaning the MAF, breather tubes and throttle body. The computer gets readings from these sensors and adjusts the running accordingly. Various fault codes can be triggered in a kind of domino effect and create running problems when it may just need a clean out. The traction control is a separate issue and is controlled via the ABS sensor on the top/back of the passenger side front hub. There are four sensors, one on each wheel hub, and the connectors often get very dirty and wet, sometimes leading to ABS/traction control warning lights and fault codes. Remove each wheel in turn, clean them up and inspect the wires for wear or damage. The sensor is built into the hub and cannot be replaced separately - Bill from Ireland

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

My Vauxhall Vectra’s rear windscreen heater is not working and I have checked the fuse and it is OK. Also, one rear door will not lock or unlock using the remote. Can anyone help? (sri 150)

Answers

Two things can cause the rear windscreen heater not to work if its not use, take one of the other switches out of dash (e.g. air con) and try that switch. These just flick out with a flat screwdriver or it could be that the metal in the screen where the heat disapates has been scratched so the circuit is broken the rear door not locking or unlocking on central locking is a pain, I have the same problem and is pretty darn common. The central locking solenoid within the door has given up so will not operate. You can get one from any Vectra b and it will go straight in and link up to your car’s ecu so you don’t need another key or upset any settings. Hope this helps, if you need to ask anything just email me m.barrett2011@live.co.uk - Mike Barrett from Hampshire

Vauxhall Astra Coupe 2000

The interior fans have just stopped working on my Vauxhall Astra. What could the problem be?

Answers

Mine was the carbon brushes depositing thick powder on the copper windings. Remove motor and one of the brushes - push wire wool in brush housing and turn fan (keep wire wool in place with screwdriver). Some models require cutting of elecrical wire to remove the motor - also a really firm pull is required after undoing the bolts to remove - Chris from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2002

Hi, when I try to start my Vauxhall Astra it turns then the battery goes so I get a jump start and it starts straight away. The engine temperature is taking about 20 minutes to heat up. If I stop the car it will start no problem but if the engine cools I need a jump start again.

Answers

It could be down to low fuel delivery, try start with over half a tank off fuel - George Bennett from County Antrim

Vauxhall Corsa 1994

My Vauxhall Corsa’s timing belt broke whilst I was driving. The garage where the AA towed it has advised that it needs a new timing belt, head gasket and 2 valves need repairing. The garage has given me an all inclusive price of £350. I have two questions. 1. Does the diagnosis and work which they say needs to be done seem authentic/legitimate? 2. Is the price reasonable or too high? (1.4i)

Answers

I’d say you got off lightly if the timing belt went on your car, more often than not it can be a case of a new cylinder head. The quote seems reasonable for the work as the timing belt alone isn’t a cheap job neither is the head gasket - Matt from Cheshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

Hi, I’ve got a 2005 2.2 petrol sri. Recently it’s started to cut out, usually after I’ve gone a couple of miles and parked up for 20 minutes or so. It starts again after about a minute, then cuts out 2 or 3 times in the next couple of miles. I’ve had the engine cleaned out, all parts appear to be OK and my mechanic’s at a loss for the first time in 20 years. Anybody any ideas? The main dealer’s my last resort... (2.2 sri)

Answers

High pressure fuel pump? 2.2 directs are prone to pump failure. What error codes come up? www.vectr-c.com is a great place to ask for help too - Helpful Guy from Huntingdonshire

As with all these types of answers, they are not definitive. However, one possibility is that your catalytic converter may have collapsed internally. This is a difficult problem to diagnose and you may have to remove it for closer inspection? A flashing engine management light is said to be causing further damage? The problem you describe may not be the cat, but that possibility needs to be eliminated. Failing that the ECU may need to be tested by a specialist - Willam Day from Sussex

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2008

Hi. My 2008 Sport TwinTop roof gets stuck and just one side wing keeps moving in and out and others remain stationary. The roof neither goes down nor comes back. After keeping trying with button it becomes fine but again same thing happens after 1 or 2 days. Also the patrol tank door doesn’t open at all. My petrol is almost finished in the tank but there is no way the door would open. Please help. Many thanks. (1.6 Sport).

Answers

You got to change the motor of the wing.... pretty expensive. The dealership was asking 700euros for mine... then a local mechanic was able to replace a part in the motor for less than 200euros. There is a small plastic rotor in the wing motor that gets stuck all the time... Anyway, if you have not fixed the problem yet let me know and I will email you the details - Christos from Greece

Vauxhall Insignia 2011

I have just bought a 2011 Insignia 1.8 SRI. According to the manual the wing mirrors should fold in if the control is in the middle and you press it downwards. Is this just for certain models?

Answers

Yes, only for 2 litre and above - Elaine from Scotland

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

Hi, can any one help me out?? My Vauxhall Zafira engine management light has come on, and I have done the test - it is coming back has 0301,0302,0303,0304,0314. Has any one got any ideas? Thanks.

Answers

Our light comes on when we are building up speed and going over 2000 revs and we lose power - Russell Eddy from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

How much will it cost to replace my Vauxhall Vivaro’s timing belt / cam belt at garage and when should this be done. My vehicle has 74,000 on the clock. Also, are there any signs when it is about to go. Also, how much to have a new clutch at the garage including the parts and labour. Many thanks. (1.900CC CDTI)

Answers

Cambelt should be done every 72k on the 1.9 engine. Can’t remember exactly how much it was on mine (got the 2.0 now), but I think it was about £300 including a full set of new rollers etc. Without a physical examination, there is not indication that it may fail. Cheaper to get it changed, it will be close to £1k to get the damaged repaired if it does snap. Clutch will be about £8-900, get the slave cylinder replaced at the same time because it is inside the gearbox bellhousing - Richard from Shropshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2001

I bought this Vauxhall Astra 5 days ago and it starts and drives well, but then it just cuts out, and it takes hours before it will start again. Can anyone help or advise?

Answers

Snap, so if anyone has the answer to this it would be a great help as my garage says my car is fine and there’s nothing wrong with it!!! Today though it actually cut out whilst I was driving. My model is a 55 3 door SRI - Suzie Mitchell from Hampshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

My Vauxhall Vectra dashboard shows that the passenger door is left open but it’s closed. Now the alarm system will not work properly. Please, does someone out there know the answer?

Answers

Try the sensor in the door, it may be jammed - Ate from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2000

Why would my digital fuel gauge tell me I’ve used 26 miles of petrol but have only driven 7 to 8 miles?

Answers

You may be driving too hard (fast and not fuel efficient), or are you allowing for town consumption as oppose to motorway driving. For example, I have a 2.5 v6 sri Vectra, and round town she is like a jag (thisty), put her on the motorway, and wow I drove 26 miles and used 8 miles of fuel. Bottom line is press the indicator stalk and forget the display, as it is inaccurate and just enjoy driving again. The reserve is 45 miles I think so don’t panic, relax my friend. Cheers - Dan Richy from Somerset

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1998

My Vauxhall Astra won’t start. I charged the battery and it tries to turn over but won’t start. Can hear the ticking I believe to be the starter motor, have charged the battery and checked the spark plugs are sparking. Any other thoughts? Maybe fuel pump?

Answers

Probably the immobiliser has lost its memory. Doors work with remote but no go with start. I have the same problem - Kelly M from England

My Vauxhall Astra 1.4 2000. My car won’t start. Put key in, all elec works but car won’t start or even turn over? Any ideas peeps? - Matt Wilson from Leicestershire

The problem you’re having could be the battery going. I have an Astra 2005 1.6 from new. I recently came home from a long weekend, went to go out that evening and the dashboard lights came on but nothing else. Had the battery tested and it was dead, just like that. Because the lights come on it does not mean the battery is okay. There is a world of difference between a battery on the way out that will still operate your lights and trying to turnover the weight of an engine. Even if your engine is turning over there may still not be enough power in your battery. Any good battery shop worth its salt will test it for free - Bobby B from Kent

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

Hi, my Corsa is taking on water on the floor of the driver’s side (front and back). No rain water is coming through doors or windows. Has anyone got any idea what could be causing this?

Answers

Hi Rob, I had the same problem. Replace the seal behind brake servo, takes about an hour. Good luck - Terry McConville from Northern Ireland

Thanks Terry. I appreciate it - Rob from Ireland

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

I am arranging to import my UK right hand drive Vauxhall Astra to Spain and need to have the headlights adjusted. Can the headlights just be adjusted on my model of car or do I need to purchase completely new headlights? (SPORT 1.8 PETROL RHD)

Answers

Hi, yes you have to purchase new headlights if you wanna change from right hand drive to left. The headlights are designed that way and can’t be adjusted. You can only adjust the lights up and down. If you’re just on vacation with your car, maybe just tape the upper part of either headlight - Sonny from Denmark

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

Is it possible to convert my Vauxhall Zafira to carry a spare wheel?

Answers

I have a Zafira 2002.2, the spare wheel carrier is situated underneath at the back of the car, the nut for releasing the holder is underneath the mat as you open the rear door. Have a good look and you will see it. Best of luck - Philip Lee from Essex

It is an optional extra on a Zafira B and it fits underneath like a Zafira A - Paul Evans from Swansea

Vauxhall Insignia 2010

I’ve just bought this Vauxhall Insignia the other day and noticed one frosty morning that I couldn’t get the boot opened manually as it was frozen. It says in the handbook that on the key remote there should be a button to press that will open the boot or there’s supposed to be a button on the driver’s door to open it too. But I don’t have those so how am I supposed to open my boot when the handle has frozen? It’s the Sri 160 model I have.

Answers

Take it to the garage you bought it from and tell them to replace the micro switch - David Chalmers from Ayrshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

Can somebody help? I was wondering if a 1.8-litre 16v Vauxhall Zafira Life has a timing belt or a timing chain?

Answers

My wife has one of these petrol engines in her Zafira Comfort and I have changed the Cambelt. Hope this helps - Alan Chapman from Sussex

That has a timing belt, the 2.2 petrol is chain driven - Ali Ulugun from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

When my daughter’s driving the Vauxhall Corsa the engine warning light with the car and spanner lights intermittently. Every time I put the diagnostic computer onto the ecu there is no alarm standing. The car now is shuddering and the revs will not go above 2v000. I suspect it might be the Lambda sensor or air flow meter. Any thoughts? (1.2 Club)

Answers

Same happened to me mate. Changed the o2 sensor at the manifold and the ignition valve. Nothing happened since - John Douglas from County Antrim

When my Corsa did this, it was the EGR valve that needed replacing - Emma Brown from Northamptonshire

I had the same problem but I only have a little 54 plate 1.0 life I have searched everything possible on the car and have had it into to three garages which they also have found nothing. One day, by luck (sort of), I broke my water pump by mistake so on replacing the water pump, I noticed the exhaust manifold heat shield was rusty. I removed the shield I noticed the smallest crack in the manifold before the sensor and I haven’t had that problem since but I have a different problem now - Cameron Craigie from Perthshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2008

My 2008 Vauxhall Corsa passenger seat lever is not working. It’s essential as my car is a 3 door car. Can someone please advise - thank you. (SXI)

Answers

I had the same problem with an older Corsa. You will have to look underneath the seat to check this (I ended up having to lie on the floor in the back). There is a small silver coloured wire-like piece of metal which connects to the lever down the side of the seat which releases it. This lever will be seen at the door side of the seat, not the handbrake/gearbox side. This wire has probably fallen out. You will be able to see where it fits into again but it is a very fiddly job to get it back in. Good luck! - Naomi from Northern Ireland

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

Hi, recently I have been getting a lot of white smoke when my Vauxhall Zafira is idling and when I change gear but more so when pulling off. Can anyone help? And suggestions on cost would be great, thanks.

Answers

EGR cooler leaking violently into the exhaust - Steven from Northumberland

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

Anyone help? Having loss of power, normally only goes 25MPH and then Car and Spanner symbol appears on the dash. Manual refers to Transmission and that’s it! Getting more frequent and we need the car. Any help would be appreciated. (2.2 Diesel)

Answers

Could be a faulty engine sensor. I am afraid a diagnostic test is your only solution at this point. Also, have a quick look at your breather pipes - Karl from England

Your car is going into Limp Home mode. My van did it when it rained. The garage has put a guard under sump so water does not spray up behind engine and this cured my problem - Brian McCleary from Perthshire

Agreed with other answer, do a self diagnostic test. Sit in car left foot on brake as far down as poss, right foot on acc pedal as far down as poss. Put key in, turn to no.2 position (don’t release pedals) and watch dashboard. If the fault is in the ecu, they will come up either 000701 or may flash a certain number of times. Count these flashes and note down numbers. Fault codes available on vectra websites. Hope this helps - Dave Kerby from Hampshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

The coolant level indication on shows on the info panel of my Vauxhall Astra. I have checked the level and it’s fine, could it be the sensor?

Answers

Yes, it is the sensor we have had this problem a few times and had it replaced but it still happens only in the mornings when it’s cold. Our boot is not opening. Any ideas? Does anyone know whcih fuse it is? It isn’t in the manual - Charmaine Saunders from Buckinghamshire

Sorry, I don’t have an answer on your boot problem, but we have the same thing. I don’t think that it’s the fuse as such. Ours seems to be the boot switch actuator itself. Most of the time it does not open, but then in cold or frosty weather it gets wet (shorts out) it gets a mind of its own goes crazy and starts pinging like no tomorrow and pops open. I was lucky enough to spray some grease into it the last time that it popped but that was 3-4 weeks ago and no joy since. Vauxhall reckon that its a 1/2 day job as they have to take the back seats out to gain accsess to the boot and replace the switch. To be honest it a lovely looking motor, but badly designed as the back seats don’t fold down and there’s no key back up... All the best - Lee Morgan from Blaenau Gwent

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

My oil dipstick holder has snapped off. Is it easy to replace and how do I do it?

Answers

I glued mine back with a good superglue. It is holding so far (about 2 months). Just clean surfaces very well before glueing. Good luck - Mike Kilroe from South Africa

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

The heater function on my Astra is not working, and the car windows constantly steam up. Is there some sort of solution or advice that you can give me which can help? Thank you.

Answers

Sounds like the heater matrix has gone. Behind the heater controls, you will find the matrix. It is a simple unplug and plug swap. Good luck - Karl from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2010

Tyre valve has broken and needs replaced but can I put an ordinary rubber valve on or does it have to be metal valve and will it effect the tyre pressure alarm if rubber one is put on?

Answers

Yes you can put a rubber valve in - Jon King from Berkshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

My windscreen washers on my Vauxhall Astra are not working. There is a clicking sound from the fusebox when I try the washers. The wipers are working...

Answers

Temp drop below 0. Astra needs a new fuse for the Washers, the fuse blows when you try to use the washer - Paulo Mccarty from England

Vauxhall Astravan 2000

I want to replace my manual windows with electric ones. I have the motors and looms for both doors but does anyone know if the loom is already in van from door pillar and if not can anyone help with how to wire them in? Cheers. (Astra g van 1.7 dti)

Answers

Should be a thick red wire and thick brown wire and about 15-16 wires in total running from van to the door. My 99 van were pre wired - Geoffrey Reason from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Combo 2005

The n/s indicators on my Combo van do not work at all, the drivers side are OK and flash normally but then f/s ones do not light up and on the dash the indicator light clicks and flashes faster? I have tried a different indicator stalk and can not find a flasher relay anywhere? Please help!

Answers

Sorted it, the flasher relay is on the right hand side of the car battery under a black box so changed that and sorted! - Barrie Pender from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Combo 2006

I have replaced egr and air mas meter and the engine is still in "get you home" mode. Any ideas how to resolve this? It is driving me nuts! (1.3 cdti)

Answers

I ended up taking my van to Parkinsons in Lincoln and it turned out to be a leaking injector. The company really are first class after all the cr*p, I have had in the last six months from other companies - Mick from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2002

Does anyone know where the lombar sensor is located on a 2002 Vauxhall Vivaro?

Answers

Lambda sensors will fit on the exhaust manifold or on the exhaust itself, there is normally more than one, sometimes four - Phil Ferrara from Leicestershire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

My Vauxhall Astra 1.7cdti suddenly cut out on me while approaching a roundabout and wouldn’t start again. When the AA arrived it started no problem, then cut out 200 yards along the road. He suggested a new fuel pump. I changed that but still no joy. I changed the crank shaft sensor and now the car won’t rev above 3000 rpm. Any ideas folks, would be greatly appreciated.

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Hello Lynne, I am having exactly the same problem on my Opel Astra (2000 csx model) and it is very intermittent. I have been advised to change the fuel filter first as I have had a fuel pump issue on a different car which basically stopped all fuel flow at all. Not sure about your other issues but suggest looking into the filter for the cutting out problem - Elan Hoffman from South Africa

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

When it rains really heavy, the passenger footwell gets flooded with water. Any idea what might cause this.

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The most likely cause is the wiring interface cover to the right hand side of the battery, it’s a known fault. It needs to be resealed and dried out or it will cause lots of problems - Richard Gray from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

Hi, my Vauxhall Vivaro has lost its power in the engine. It starts fine but when I start to drive it it has no guts and just crawls along at about 20mph. Its like I’m pulling 3ton behind me as I go along then it slowly loses more power and just stutters along. Can anyone tell me what the problem may be? Thanks.

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Hi Joe, I had a very similar problem with my 2003 1.9 dti which I bought last year as I drove it home from where I bought it! The problem was with the AIR MASS METER, this had failed and so the engine had gone into ’limp home mode’. I had a new air mass meter fitted and problem solved. A genuine part will cost £70 to £80 or after market part £30 to £40. It is located at top rear of engine behind the air filter box and easy to do yourself. This is a starting point to sort out your problem but my research about these vans suggests it could be one of many possibilities! Good luck - Robin Evans from Wiltshire

Is it a major problem? Trying too sort mine out, we have found not cat - James Dillon from England

Hi Joe, I had a similar problem, the van wouldn’t rev above 2000 rpm and felt like it was hitting a rev limiter. If you tried to rev above this, clouds of diesel smoke and a strong smell of unburnt diesel. If I held the intercooler pipe while the engine was being revved, it didn’t feel like there was any boost. I had recently fitted a brand new turbo and hoped this hadn’t packed up! Turned out the egr valve (exhaust gas recycling valve) located on the top right hand side of the engine had stuck wide open! This meant the turbo wasn’t giving the boost it should have. The engine was getting the right amount of fuel but not enough air for it to burn. The egr was removed and replaced with a new one (you can clean them and test for operation). The van is now running the best it ever has since I’ve had it. Hope this helps - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Insignia 2010

The fuel gauge is inconsistent shows empty and as much as 100 miles variation in range left even though I run through the checking procedure before starting off. Has anyone else experienced this? (ecoflex 2.0 diesel)

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Yes I have Insignia SRI and I’m having the same problem, gauge register low fuel but has full tank? Any answers to this? - Derek Potts from England

Faulty level sender in tank or level sender arm trapped on tubes inside tank. Common faults - Fuel tank man from Western Sahara

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

My 07 Corsa diesel has a yellow car with a spanner through it flashing up on the screen {for a second} then goes off but I lose power in the car, as if the car has gone into limp mode. I have just had a full service so it isn’t the fuel filter... I need help before I spend money with the garage. Also, my outside temperature sensor has been broken off - would this have any bearing on original problem? Thank you.

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Hi, your catalytic converter has gone, change it and the car will be like new - Sarah Smales from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Movano 2002

I changed the head gasket and glow plugs on my Vauxhall Movano and since then it won’t start. The cambelt timing is correct but I can’t get much pressure out of injectors. But were fine before... Any ideas?

Answers

I’m assumimg its a diesel so the diesel pump will need to be primed before the engine will start - G g from England

If your van was running before the gasket was done, I would look at the injector pump timing. That’s if its run off the timing belt. If the pump is out, you will have low fuel pressure. Hope this helps - Steve H from Wales

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

I need to open my Vauxhall Vivaro’s bonnet but the cable is broken. How do I get in to the engine? Thanks.

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Haven’t had this happen with my Vivaro but had it happen with a Volvo V40. A friendly Volvo mechanic told me if they had this happen, they used a hacksaw blade to cut around the badge then remove part of the grill to give you access to the mechanism. When you have repaired the cable carefully, glue the grill back together. Hope this helps - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Combo 2002

I have checked everything on my Vauxhall Combo and all is OK but I am still getting very cold air from my heater. Any ideas?

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You might have an airlock in the heater matrix! The water level looks right, but the matrix is higher than the radiator and you’d need to bleed the air out. There should be a bleed valve near the bulk head on one of the matrix pipes (two pipes side by side going into the bulk head) release the valve, you may get air bubbles. If you are getting a constant stream of water, try holding the revs up (about 2500rpm) and have water on stand by as this may "blow" the water out of the expansion/header tank (make sure the rad cap is off when you do this). If the water level drops, or you get big "gulps" then fill the level back up - hence why water is needed when you do this! Keep filling it up with water till it stops gulping and until you get a constant stream of water from the bleed valve. Replace the rad cap, and try your heaters. You may need to repeat this again! Hope this helps - Wayne Morse from Pembrokeshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2007

Hi, I’ve had my drivers side wing mirror (electrically operated) broken and have had to replace the whole unit. I bought a new unit but have no idea how to take the damaged one off and replace it with the new one. Can anyone help me with some advice. Thanks.

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On the inside of the car behind your mirror is usually a triangular blanking plate that either unscrews or pops off with a small pry-bar. Behind this are usually bolts that are holding the mirror on and a connector for the wires. I hope this helps - Grease Monkey from England

Vauxhall Antara 2009

My Vauxhall Antara’s front windscreen washer is not working, what could be the problem?

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This happens a lot when you are low in screen wash. If you have lots of dirt at the bottom of your screw wash bottle, it gets sucked into the tubes and clogs things up. To check if the pump is working, you can disconnect the tube from where it connects to the nozzles and operate the spray, water should flow out of the pipe. If it doesn’t then the pump is the problem. If the pump works, then you probably have dirt in the nozzles that can be cleaned with a needle - John Doe from England

Not sure if you meant the wipers or washer jets. But if its the washer jets first operate and see if you hear the buzzing of the motor. If you do then check the wash wipe bottle has water in it. I often come across broken bottles and the water runs straight out as you fill them. If the motor does work and there is water in the bottle then the pipe may have come off or become blocked. A blow gun on a compressor will usually blow out any blockages but blockages back toward the bottle not into the small jets. If the pipe has come off you will see water dripping onto the floor under the car when you operate washer jets. The jets themselves can be cleaned out with a needle. If the motor isn’t working, you need to check your fuses and also make sure the connector hasn’t come off the washer bottle. Hope this helps - Grease Monkey from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

I fitted a new clutch and pressure plate on my Vauxhall Zafira and now the vehicle does not want to go into reverse gear, and it has also lost power. Please help! (1.9 tdi)

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You need to adjust the gear lever linkage in the engine bay. Loosen the nut that holds the linkage and then move the gear lever slightly left or right and then tighten again and try. Sounds as if you are going into 3rd gear instead of 1st, hence the lack of power - Grease Monkey from England

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

My Vauxhall Astra Estate keeps getting really hot, near to engine over-heating and the water in the expansion bottle goes right down. Is this my thermostat sticking? Can anyone help please?

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I had a overheated problem on my Astra called them out and it was the fan. The wire was disconnected - Richie Mccaff from Lancashire

Vauxhall Zafira 2011

I have a smell of petrol from inside my Vauxhall Zafira. There are no obvious leaks and the fuel gauge has not moved down. What should I do?

Answers

I had the same thing, so bad, I had to pull over one day to let the fumes out. It turns out there was a hole in the exhaust, got it replaced and now it’s fine - Spud Monkey from Yorkshire

I had the same problem. The cheap aftermarket fuel cap was the cause. I replaced it with a genuine Vauxhall petrol cap and it’s been fine since - Matt Archer from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

My Vauxhall Corsa starts normally and there is no problem when idling but when I drive the car for 5km then there’s suddenly no engine power. I switch the car off and start again and all is fine until 1 minute later the same thing happens. When I pull off the heat sensor plug the fan goes in second mode and the power comes back. I put the plug back and then there’s no power. I switch the ignition off and everything starts all OK. I have already replaced the heat sensor with no luck, what should I try next?

Answers

Sounds like your catalytic converter needs replacing, signs include loss of power - Sarah Smales from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 1996

Just bought my first car as a run a round, a Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 sport. It had been stood for a while when I bought it and the battery was dead. The CD player was disconnected so when I connected it I had nothing so tried another player that I know that works but when connecting that didn’t work! I also checked the fuses all are fine. Can someone help me out or is it going to be a garage job? I need music in the car!

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Your stereo needs 3 wire to power up. The first is a permanant 12v feed from the battery. This is 12v that is there all the time even when the key is out of the ignition (used for retaining radio memory etc). It then needs a 12v supply that is activated by the ignition and finally a ground or earth wire. Use a test light to check the power plug for the stereo. Clip the wire onto a good earth such as the door strap and then use the pointy end to test the terminals to see if you have power at the connector plug. Remember that usually there is two 12v supplies with ignition on. Most stereos have a picture of the wiring diagram so once you have voltage at the connector make sure it corresponds to the pins on your radio. Hope this helps - Grease Monkey from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

The is water leaking into the driver’s side of my Vauxhall Astra and I cannot find where it is coming in. Any ideas anyone? (Twinport)

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On which side of the drivers side? If it’s on the clutch side, it could be a leaking radiator matrix from your heater if it’s on the right (accelerator side) then it could be a blocked water channel. Hope this helps - Grease Monkey from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

My Vauxhall Astra was working just fine yesterday. When I went out this evening my central locking was not working, I manually opened the car and tried to start my car but nothing happened. The lights, radio, windows, central locking, engine wipers, all don’t work. Does anybody know what what may have caused this and what I need to do to fix this? Thanks.

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Sorry I haven’t an answer but exactly the same happened to my car yesterday and looked on this site hoping for an answer - Judi Barry from Shropshire

It sounds like the battery is dead. Turn everything off and try jumpleads connected to another car. Failing that, try a new battery. Please bear in mind though you will lose your radio code if you disconnect battery. Cold weather affects the battery. Hope this helps - Dave from England

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2008

I had the top down yesterday and when I tried to put it back up it stopped after only a slight movement. The boot lid won’t close properly nor will it move upwards should be some sort of manual back-up procedure. Any advice anyone? I would be most grateful. (2000 turbo)

Answers

You do not say whether you are opening and closing the roof with the engine running. Always keep the engine running and keep the revs at about 1500 rpm when drawing power for the roof electrics. Good luck with this - P2 astra twintop owners club from Sunny Cheshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2000

The engine management light won’t go off and my Vauxhall Corsa won’t stop chugging/jumping. It also seems to pick up a bit of speed when I come off the accelerator. I have had a new air flow meter (from scrappies) and new spark plugs since the problem started and an oil and filter change before Xmas. What else should I replace?

Answers

It is the lamda sensor/o2 sensor coming of the catalyst converter, it may make a big difference - Jason Watton from County Antrim

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

Astra 54 plate. Does anyone know why I can’t get the single back seat up? I put it down now it’s stuck? Cheers!

Answers

At the bottom of the seat, there is a screw with a spring around it. Depress that screw with a crowbar and the seat will pop out then just put it back in the upright position! and will work fine. Just done it with mine! - Dave Smith from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

Hi, I have an Astra which takes 10-15 seconds to start in the mornings and about 5 seconds to start when the engine is already hot. This problem has been going on for 3 months where the engine seems to be choking and trying to start. I have changed the glow plugs, vacuum valve, fuel injector, diesel filter and earth wire to alternator but the problem still occurs. I hope someone can help me with this.

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Have you checked your glow plugs are working when you turn the ignition on? i.e. are they getting power? Also you could try checking the engine coolant temperature sensor as this can control if they come on and how long for. Good luck with the problem - Grease Monkey from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

My Vauxhall Vectra was driving okay to work. Was left for 10 hours and on return keyfob would not work. Battery was changed and failed to work. Car was taken back home on back of recovery truck. Opened car with spare key no problem. Car would not start and a whining noise, presumably from the starting motor, could be heard. It was then free-wheeled into the driveway. Tried a further twice to start without success. There are no warning lights on the dashboard nor were there any before I parked prior to going to work. I heard no untoward noises coming from the engine or signs of anything snapping. Oil levels appear normal. A mate has had a quick look at it and feels that there is no compression from the engine whilst trying to start it. Will have to strip it down to check cylinder head etc. Seems strange after the car was driving okay and then when the key fob ran out of battery I cannot start it. Could this be an immobiliser problem? Any ideas? (1.9 Cdti Sri 150 bhp)

Answers

I had a similar problem with my Vectra, turned out to be immobilisor. I disconnected the battery completely, charged it up overnight. Put it back and it all worked fine from then on. Seems total disconection reset everything. Try this first as I was being quoted silly money by garages to put this right - Keith from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Why does my Vauxhall Meriva’s engine keep running even when the keys are out? Anybody any ideas?

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Not sure specifically on this car but on most cars, there is a switch behind the ignition barrel that is operated as you turn the key. Sometimes this goes faulty and sometimes its the connection between the barrel and the switch. I would remove the trim around the barrel and then remove the switch from behind the barrel. Usually you can rotate this manually with a screwdriver in the same way you operate the key. If switching this to the off position doesn’t stop the car, it’s the switch. If it does, it’s the connection to the barrel and you may need to replace the barrel. Hope this helps - Grease Monkey from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2000

I have a 2-litre diesel Vauxhall Vectra X plate recently when my abs light came on. I get a perfect brake when it goes off but when it is on I get a brake that is hard and feels like it’s crunching. What should I do?

Answers

I’d advise you to book a garage diagnostic check on ABS ECU independent garages in my area, did it for £40. it’ll be a possibly three things: 1) abs wheel sensors (unlikely) 2) ABS reluctor rings situated on CV joint/shaft (more likely). These can be seen on full lock behind wheel and brake disc with castle type ridges. 3) ABS ECU (again, more likely). Best getting a refurb job for approx £200 from http://www.actronics.eu/en/ My problem was number two - ABS rings. I saw the rings on full lock and they were rusted and in between one it was cracked, thus the fault lay there. CV joints approx £40 each from Euro Car Parts. I removed ABS fuse until fault fixed. Note: it stopped any ABS braking and watch it in the wet and knocks speedo off too. Enjoy - Mr Smith from Lanarkshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

I’ve noticed a lot of oil all around the oil sump and just a bit by the coil pack on my Vauxhall Astra. Any ideas anyone? Cheers.

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It could be the oil sump gasket needing replaced and if there is oil around the bottom crank then it could be the crankshaft oil seal leaking, clean away the oil, top up and try and see exactly where the leak is coming from. Usually when the crankshaft oil seal needs changed, so does the belt, water pump and pulleys - David from Scotland

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

Is the replacement of the wiper motor on a 2005 Vauxhall Corsa reasonably straightforward and able to be done by a fairly competent D.I.Y. person? Are there any specialist tools required? Thanks. (Design)

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It’s straight forward, you need to take off the plastics at the bottom of the window then it’s only a couple of bolts - Kenny Rae from England

Vauxhall Combo 2005

I have a 1.3 CDTi combo. Whilst driving it recently at 70mph, I pushed the accelerator down to give it more power to enable it to continue at speed up a hill but was met with a couple of jolts and then a sudden power loss. My first thoughts were that the engine had gone into ’limp’ mode but no warning light came up. Having stopped, I turned the engine off and on again in the hope that this would reset it but nothing happened and trying to pull away was a real struggle and was not able to get the van past 2,000 rpm or the speed over 50mph. Having assumed the engine was still in limp mode, I disconnected the battery and left the van over night in the hope that I could reset the engine management system. All seemed well, for the first minute of driving but again the power dropped off and the engine started to labour and then I noticed that large plumes of smoke were coming from the exhaust, which in turn filled the inside of the van and forced me to stop, and leave the doors open to clear it. Whilst the van is free standing, I can rev it up to 4,000rpm so am assuming it’s not the turbo and a fault within the fuel system? Any help would be appreciated.

Answers

I have the same van needed turbo and dpf that fixed it at £2,500 and three month at Vauxhall main dealer. Now it won’t start when hot - DJ Kaos from Ireland

Sorry, they told me wrong engine is in van. I have a dt engine in a dtj van that’s why dpf block three months in Vauxhall. They said no engine numbers on engine so it will go again. Thay said new engine alls I know they rob me :( - DJ Kaos from Ireland

Try egr valve, mine was full of swt. Bought some spray from Halfords and it sorted it. Can’t remember what it was called but it was about 20 quid - Tomos Williams from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Combo 2007

I have a 1.3-litre Vauxhall Combo. When I rev it beyond 2,500 rpm my turbo goes until I turn it on and off. The computer told me it was map sensor. I have changed that part but it is still doing it. Any ideas anyone?

Answers

It could be a pulley belt slipping in your alternator or could be the sensor in your accelerator pedal - John McLoughlin from Ireland

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2004

Hi, can anyone help. I was driving my Vauxhall Vectra Estate when I went to pull off in 1st gear it sort of went bang as though the gear had jumped out then I put it back in gear and my car would not move. The engine starts, you can put it in gear with or without the clutch dipped, without it cutting out. What is wrong with it? Please help.

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I had a similar problem with my combo 1.3 cdti. I popped the bonnet and found that the gear linkage had came off. This transfers the movement of the gear stick via rods and links to the gearbox. I managed to push it back on but if it comes off once, it will again. Unlike my car you cannot buy the linkages separately, I had to buy the linkage assembly refurb kit, total cost was somewhere in the region of £150 fitted - Bobby Pollock from Somerset

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

I have an 05 1.7 diesel. On several occasions recently I have been driving along without any noticeable deterioration in performance when the car suddenly cuts out. The engine management warning light (car with a spanner through it) and the cooling warning light come on. After several minutes the car restarts. I have taken it to a garage where diagnostics revealed that the only fault was with a crank sensor, which was changed. Also the fuel relay has been changed. Fault still occurring. Any ideas?

Answers

I had this problem on a 2002 1.7 dti. It was something to do with the turbo intake changed? I am not mechanically minded. It was not an expensive part - Woj from Surrey

Vauxhall Vivaro 2004

I have an oil leak at the front of my engine and can’t work out where it is coming from. The part where you dip the oil is quite loose and was wondering, could it be coming out of there when the engine is under pressure?

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Oh yes, be very careful. I had my engine rebuilt in Cardiff when I got it back it had an oil leak from the same place. I took it back they said they had fixed it (an oil o ring) but the following day, it blew all the oil out and wrecked the engine. The company rebuilt the engine under warranty - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Vectra 1997

Two oddities with my 1997 Vauxhall Vectra Ls 16v 1799cc 5dr Estate (Petrol) 1) Come winter the battery "always" flats overnight. No lights left on etc - it’s just flat in the morning. Only during winter though. 2) I went to jump start it this morning and its very sluggish to start then coughing and spluttering badly... and the hazard flasher light is not flashing but is on solid red when this is happening? I pushed it in and the hazards don’t flash then, the light just stays solid red (that’s the light on the hazard button, not the hazards/indicators themselves). Cheers for any thoughts!

Answers

The first thing I would ask is how old is the battery on your car? As like humans, performance degrades with age if not kept in peak condition. On the colder mornings, it’s more apparent that it’s a problem and can be down to a number of things. If you only do short runs and have lots of add-ons going like sat-nav, mobile phone charger etc then this is drawing more current. Invest in a heavy duty battery (usually a four or five year guarantee) and your problems SHOULD disappear. Failing that, get hold of a battery charger and charge it from the mains (bit time consuming) if it fails to help then it’s a good indication that the internals of the battery are damaged - Richard Sunderland from Dorset

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2003

Hi there, can you help me please? Before I start splashing out £100’s on the following. The vehicle is a 2003 (53 Plate) 1.6 Astra with 75,000 miles (true) and regularly serviced and well maintained. The first problem is the instrumental panel orange warning light (engine block symbol) is now on continuously with the engine running. The engine is quite ’chuggy’ at idle and seems prone towards running hot. The engine starts fine and there is no noticeable loss of power, it’s mainly when I go on short stop n start trips around Town. When I approach junctions the idle just goes down to zero and she cuts out. I have heard horror stories of dealers reading fault codes and then causing the customer to spend loads on one after another diagnosis progressing through a list of possible causes rather than achieving a technically accurate and cost effective diagnosis. I would like to get to the bottom of this without splashing out to scrupulous mechanics/garages. The other issue seems to be when I do finally get home and switch off there is a strong oil smell which leads me to believe it could very well be the cat converter, especially if the engine fumes are not working there way out properly? Any advice would be greatly appreciated and many thanks in advance.

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I had the same problem on my Corsa. If you look in the handbook, it tells you this light means ’exhaust output likely to damage catconv’. If the engine is fine then you need a new LAMBDA sensor. Not a big job depending where it is - Russ Reeve from Derbyshire

Vauxhall Tigra 2008

Can anyone tell me if you can disengage the passenger airbags on a 2008 Vauxhall Tigra, for a rear facing child seat?

Answers

Laura, we had the same question - our local garage said that this cannot be disabled by the owner. They did say however, that it could be disengaged by a main dealer (for lots of pennies). Probably not the answer you wanted - Wm Stewart from Scotland

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

Hi. In the last couple of days I have been driving along when all of a sudden all the dials on my dashboard will drop to nothing, then after a few seconds will go back to normal. The power steering will go when this happens and as I continue driving the dials will keep playing up. When I turn the engine off, then on, the power steering comes back but after a short time it happens again. We have put more power steering fluid in, and we have had a new battery but it keeps happening. Anyone else had anything like this?

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Funny you should say that, the exact same thing has happened to my 2001 Astra today, it happened randomly swell no warning signs at all. I took it to the garage earlier and they checked all the obvious things it could be but wasn’t any of them. Battery fine, alternator fine, all fuses fine, fluid at the right level, also had it plugged into a code reader which come up a code for misfiring cylinder 4 but the mechanic said that shouldn’t be causing the problems with the gauges and the power steering. It’s kinda like it keeps turning itself off without turning the engine off, this the same as yours? I’m sending mine back to the garage tomorrow afternoon so he can have a better look at it and spend a good couple of hours trying to diagnose what’s wrong. Failing that, I’ll be sending to the vauxhall garage, I’ll let you know as soon as I do. But if anyone could shed some light on it, it would be much appreciated - Rob Houghton from England

Vauxhall Combo 2005

Hi, I’m about to purchase a 2005 Vauxhall Combo with 83,000 miles on it. Can someone tell me how often do I need a cambelt change and is it a belt or a chain?

Answers

1.3 change chain at 100,000 1.7 change belt at 60,000 for the Z17DTH change belt at 100,000 for the Y17DT - Wullie Rodgers from Ayrshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

I have a Vauxhall Astra 1.6 sxi and when I hold the revs at 2,000 it goes down and up all by itself. What is the problem please?

Answers

It sounds like the air flow meter! - Ian Brown from England

Vauxhall Agila 2002

Can anyone tell me where to find the horn on a 2002 Vauxhall Agila?

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There are two horn buttons on the face of the steering wheel. One on the left, one on the right, either side of the Vauxhall insignia - Steve from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

Two questions 1) Why does the fan control speed resistor keep burning out? Fan only works on high speed (I’m on my fourth unit); 2) What does ’’insp’ mean? It keeps coming up when I start my 2002 Vectra.

Answers

"insp" on your dash light means it needs a service. The garage will turn it off but it’s not a problem. Nowt to worry about, just wants servicing bud - Stuart Tredgold from Yorkshire

The reason your resistor keeps blowing is because the rain water drain grommet below the pollen filter is blocked which in turn lets water into the blower motor. The danger is that if the motor has had water in it then it could be partially seized which in turn may cause the repaired unit to fail prematurely. To unblock follow this link. http://www.blower-motor-resistor.co.uk/vauxhall-vectra-c-blower-motor-resistor.html - Good luck - Al from New Zealand

Vauxhall Vivaro 2007

I am having problems with my Vauxhall Vivaro. It is unresponsive after 2,500 rpm. 1 of the messages showing up is crankshaft sensor. I have measured this and the reading is 264 ohms - does anyone know is this correct or are there other tests I should be doing. Regards, John.

Answers

I had this happen mate. The egr Valve was stuck open. I replaced mine but you can clean them out. See my answer to Joe - Andrew Pemberton from carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

My central locking won’t work, the key fob lights up but doesn’t seem to be communicating with the car. Anyone any ideas?

Answers

It works of the mirror, have you smashed it or something? Or try charging it? - Andy from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

Recently my engine management warning light came on and I was told that I needed a new lambda sensor. Even with with new sensor fitted the light came back on. Each time I have disconnected the battery and the light goes off but after about 250 miles the light comes back on again. The light, which is a picture of a car and a spanner, has also came on but I reset it by pushing in the little button next to how many miles you have done. Will turning on the engine have made it disappear? Has anyone had the same problem? Or possibly know what could be wrong with my car? Thanks.

Answers

Was it a new sensor or second hand? May not have been fitted properly. On some models, they have two sensors: one on top of the exhaust manifold and one on the exhaust downpipe so maybe wrong one changed. Inly guessing its a simple job to do and when sensor is changed, it must have engine management light reset or like you have down disconnect battery. Sometimes the egr valve can put light on. What code(s) did you get when it was scanned? - Billy Idol from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

My rear fog lights don’t work on my Vauxhall Zafira. I have checked the bulbs and all off the fuses and they’re fine. There is no booklet to say which fuse is what or anything on the panel. Can someone help please as I have the MOT this month. Thanks. (2.2 16v)

Answers

If the orange light on fog switch or dash doesn’t light up, it usually is the fog light switch but try cleaning all contacts on fog light bulb holder - Billy Idol from Lincolnshire

Do you have tail instation in trunk on right side behind paneling? Remove rear right paneling, find a cylindrical jack black and red color, unplug it and you have a rear fog light. When you tail a trailer plug, jack again and you have fog light on trailer - Aleksandar sandic from Serbia

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

Hey, my car is having a light problem!!! Sometimes, when you lock and unlock, only the passengers light flash? And tonight I have gone out and my interior lights won’t go out... I have been round and checked all the doors several time to see if it’s a door sensor? I have sat in the car and locked and unlocked it about 30 times. Started it about the same and nothing works... I have now been in the house for an hour and they’re still on!!!! Please help. Thank you.

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The round shaped 3 way switch for your lights can be pushed inwards to switch off or on inside lights. You may have pushed it while turning for ext lights (clumsy twit). Just push again - Russ Reeve from Derbyshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

My sister’s Zafira keeps misting and fogging up inside and getting damp. I checked all the usual suspects, what might I be missing?

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I had a similar problem and couldn’t find any reason for it but a couple of weeks later, an almighty crack appeared across the windscreen. Once the screen was replaced, misting problems all cleared up so I presume that the crack had occurred at the edge of the windscreen sometime earlier and wasn’t obvious to begin with - Yvie from Lothians

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

What is the little grey plastic tool, clipped in behind the fuel cap?

Answers

It is to remove the dust caps from the tyre air valves - C from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

My Vauxhall Zafira has a ticking that I can only hear it when I slightly rev, and I mean a tiny bit. It doesn’t do it all the time but when it does do it, it sounds terrible. But I can’t hear it outside!? What might it be?

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It could be your timing chain. My old car used to do it. Cheaper to get it changed if it is then waiting for it to go and fix the damages! - Shelley from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

I’ve got oil in my Vauxhall Corsa’s water tank. Any ideas what I need to replace or what is causing this? (1.4 SRI petrol)

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Most common for oil in your water mean head gasket is going this need replacing before it goes. If too much water mixes with oil or so forth, it can seize the engine and cost more money - Dave from Kent

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone can help. I went to use my back wiper on my Vauxhall Meriva and it wouldn’t work. I have checked the fuse but nothing... Also my back window heater is not working. Problem after problem with this car grrr, can anyone help or advise?

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Check the cables that go from the left hand side of the tail gate through the rubber tube. This is a poor design and they often snap! This is a very common problem on these cars. Sell it - Rod from Oxfordshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2002

Hi there, a big SOS on my Vauxhall Vivaro (aren’t these vans proper tidy when running right?). Unfortunately mine has decided to run like a snail. Normally I’d hit the turbo at approximately 24,000 revs and I’d be off like a boy racer but the poor old girl takes forever to get to top of revs. She sees a hill and says "I’m not getting up there!" Although I can’t feal the turbo kick in it sounds like it’s still OK. I had a look through other reviews and maybe it’s a boost sensor / speed monitor sensor. Any ideas would be very useful, thank you.

Answers

Okay, could be several things. If you can hear a whooshing sound when the turbo comes in it could be a split in the intercooler hose (these can perish and cause boost to be blown out of the break). It could be the M.A.F (mass air flow detector). This is between the air filter and the turbo. You will see a round component with wires going to it. If you unplug the wires and drive the van and the power has come back then the M.A.F has gone. Two jubilee clips and the M.A.F is out replace with a new one. I got mine off EBay much cheaper than Vauxhall. Don’t be tempted to just leave the M.A.F unplugged, the van will be difficult to start when cold, and it wont do the engine or fuel consumption much good. Get engine fault codes reset - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Since I last answered your question, I have had my van lose all power after 2000 rpm. It turned out the EGR valve on the top right hand side of the engine was stuck open. Replaced valve had fault codes reset. Van running best it ever has. Hope this helps - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

Where does the water for my 2006 Vauxhall Astra’s windscreen wipers go?

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Lift the bonnet and on the right hand side just above the radiator is a plastic cap. Lift that up and the water goes in there - Sean from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

Over the last two weeks I noticed a considerable drop in my Vauxhall Zafira’s power. While driving on the M6 I heard a loud hissing coming from around the gearbox area (thinking I had a blow out... but no). I decided to take it ATS, who highlighted a split hose connected to the dpf filter. Great, all I need to do is get the hose replaced and everything will back to normal... NOT A CHANCE. Got a second opinion, they put me in touch with a garage whom could do the job. Anyway, like I said, severe drop in power, more noticeable when going up hill... not getting much highter than 40mph when on a slip road when joining the motorway. Tests were carried out and in the end the dpf was replaced. Road tests carried out, but still getting error codes on the EMS. Up to now the job has cost me £1,240, but still having problems with codes P0234- TURBO CHARGER BOOST PRESSURE.....??? and another code is P0380 GLOW PLUG DEVICE CIRCUIT??? ... Is there anyone out there with the knowledge of what these faults are and what the likely cost is to get it sorted. Also been told that these Zafira’s come with air inlet problems, and one other thing that occurs, especially when your sat at a junction waiting to go (rare occasions, or I would say it’s more frequent than it used to be), the revs rising and falling with a jerking movement! I dont know how better to explain it... HELP ME!!! PLEASE.

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I had a similar problem with mine and was diagnosed as a throttle body problem. It was cleaned out but the problem pesisted so I had another throttle body fitted. They are about £250 but you can get used ones off eBay for £30 or so - Angus Mcallister from Angus (Forfarshire)

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

My passenger airbag deployed for no reason whilst I was driving. Vauxhall have carried out a diagnostics test and state they can’t find any reason why this has happened. but as it is out of warranty it is tough and I have to pay for any work carried out. Obviously I do not think this is fail or should be the case.. can anyone offer any help???

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Did you manage to resolve this issue? The same thing has recently happened to me; my passenger airbag and passenger side curtains deployed for no reason! Vauxhall have said following their ’visual’ inspection, they can’t find the reason why! - Laura from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

Hi, my engine management light has come on - and my Vauxhall Astra has been juddering for couple days. What should I do?

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Have the car code read to find out cause - Rick Stig from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2006

Hi. My Vivaro developed a small oil leak recently and would not start. The main dealer told me that it was in permanent limp mode and that the on-board computer would need resetting at a cost of £300. Has anyone else heard of anything like this?

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Are you sure it’s oil and not diesel? I had a small leak in the return diesel pipe (from the pump back to the tank), this allows the pressure to drop in the fuel system. I used to find the van wouldn’t start in the morning unless I pumped up the pressure using the hand primer. When I repaired the pipe with an 8mm compression fitting it cured the problem. starts first time every time. Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire.

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

The driver’s side floor of my Vauxhall Corsa is wet and I can’t find where the water is getting in. Has anyone else experienced this and can help or advise?

Answers

Check your door/window seals. Same problem but mine was the sunroof and back windscreen not sealed properly - Christopher Potter from Scotland

I also had this problem. It took me ages to find then found out it’s quite common. If you lift the bonnet, you’ll see on the firewall or bulkhead a rectangular plate about 3" x 5". This plate has a gasket on the back. The gaskets are a little shorter than the plate and spray will penetrate the bulkhead and run between the carpet. I sealed it with sealant - Mark Blackmore from Devon

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2007

The safeguard warning came on showing alarm fault. The alarm goes off when it feels like it, flattening the battery. The dealer says wiring loom in roof lining (£500). Any other ideas or a cheaper fix? (1.9cdti)

Answers

Tim had car repaired at main dealers, same fault as yours diagnosed faulty alarm in rear offside window, able to bypass fault cost £117 inc. diagnosis - Chris Roome from Derbyshire

Tim, I had the same problem as you, took the car to Pentagon Vauxhall who diagnosed a faulty alarm sensor rear offside window. Solved problem by bypassing fault, cost £117.00 including diagnosis - Chris Roome from Derbyshire

I had same problem with my 2005 Vectra estate, it’s the alarm on window on the back door, remove the fuse to the alarm for that window. I think it’s no17 not quite sure, the fuse is panel is in the back of the car near side behind the panel - Paul Griffiths from Caerphilly

Vauxhall Antara 2009

I wonder if anyone can help? I have a CDTi on a 59 plate. The problem is, that when driving, the car pulls to the near side (towards the kerb). I had the tracking looked at, it was perfect, so I took it back to the garage. They looked at it, and could not find anything - as that is the way they are made. The mechanic said it is to do with the camber of the road, which I find strange. I have never heard of this before. Could someone enlighten me about this? Please and thank you.

Answers

It could be that your tracking needs to be done - John Felt from Lancashire

Vauxhall Tigra 1999

I’m hearing a knocking on the offside front wheel on my Vauxhall Tigra 1.4 W-reg. I’ve got my suspicions that its either the wishbone, bushes or the drive shaft. Can someone please shed some light and help me out. Any help will be fully appreciated. Also, when I open the boot, even with the ignition off, the offside electric window will open and shut spontaneously. Thank you for taking the time to help.

Answers

Hi, is the noise from the front more apparent when the steering is on a hard lock? If you hear it more, then it is most likely the drive shaft. If it knocks continually, it could well be a joint or wishbone bushes as our current poor roads will bugger them up. The Tigra was designed to open the window slightly when tail gate was opened, something to do with the internal vacuum building up when you slam the tail gate. If window didn’t open slightly, it would make your ears pop if you had a passenger sitting inside at the time - Clive Parrish from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

Hi, when I start my car up I get a squealing sound that I can hear, but it goes away after about 5 mins, or when the car gets warm. Could anyone please advise or help? Thanks.

Answers

The squealing could be a worn utility drive belt or wrongly tensioned. The other area could be your alternator that is driven by this same belt when the alternator bearings are worn. Open your bonnet and push the longest stretch of belt, it should be able to be pushed in about 1cm, if it goes further than that it will need tensioned up by adjusting the alternator bracket - Mike Butterworth from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

Can you please tell me, if my two brake lights aren’t working in my Vauxhall Astra would this make the system management light come on? The middle light higher up on the boot works, I have also taken it to Vauxhall who said the brake light switch was the problem (which I had replaced) but the orange light still comes on when I go on short journeys that involve a lot of breaking due to the cost already incurred. I really don’t want to take it back to Vauxhall. If it’s just an issue with the light bulbs I am happy to fix. Thank you, Karen.

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Sometimes when the problem is fixed the light will still come on until a computer is plugged into your car and told the problem is fixed, however there might be a different problem where also plugging the computer in will tell you the problem. So take it to a garage and get a computer plugged in - Michael Yorke from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

Any techies out there? I’ve just bought a Corsa c , 02 reg 1.2 Comfort that’s been sat for a while. I changed the dead battery and everything worked, even the 2 keys. Having now taken the battery off and charged it and put it back on now the central locking is deader than a stuffed parrot, even turning the keys in the lock will not lock the door and the keys will not re-sync in the ignition. Any clues?

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I am having the same problem with a family member’s car. I think it is because you have disconnected and re-connected the battery, which makes the locks immobilised and the locks have to be reset with a code which can be got from a Vauxhall dealer. They will probably say you have to turn the key one way a number of times and then the other way a number of times. ie. four to the left and three times to the right. Hope this is of some help as I am still trying to solve this myself - Karl Newton from Ireland

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

Is there a way I can test the outside temperature sensor on my Vauxhall Zafira? I have an intermittent reading of ---- and 70. If I can replace it, how do I remove it?

Answers

Buy a new sensor of the web. It fits into a socket in the front grille and is a two minute job. I had the same problem - Matt Archer from England

Vauxhall Combo 2002

My Vauxhall Combo smokes heavily when revved up but the smoke fades after a few revs and then it seems to be OK for a while. All the time the van pulls OK, no loss of power, just the annoying smoke when hitting the pedal. Any idea what causes the excessive smoke? (1.7 Di)

Answers

Sounds like the engine has got a lot of cr*p in the bottom. The smoke is the burning of the cr*p which is why fuel is 95 or 97 cause it does have dirt in it. Usually a result of the fuel tank being at low limits a lot of the time. Best bet is an engine flush which you can get done at a garage, I believe I saw something in Halfords for it - Kieran Murphy from England

Check the injecters, I had the same problem - John McLoughlin from Ireland

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

Recently my Vauxhall Vectra’s lights on the dashboard have been flickering on and off. I have also suffered a loss off power steering, with the ABS light staying on. My battery light also stays on and the car won’t start. Is this just a battery or something more? Any help guys? I hate my car! (2.0 DTI)

Answers

Alternator or crank arm going mate, less than £200 should fix it - Slim Shakey from County Antrim

Vauxhall Vivaro 2003

I have problem when the engine in my Vauxhall Vivaro is warm and at a normal temperature. If I pull over to stop and turn off the engine, when I restart and driving off the engine revs take about 3 secs to drop when going through gears. This lasts for about 2 minutes. I have also noted that recently, when pushing down clutch pedal, there is a clicking sound. Not sure what is the problem but it is scary when pulling away... Can anyone help or advise? (1.9 DI)

Answers

Hi, this seems to be a common fault on these vans. Few other people I speak to have had it, and so now have I my old 2002. I’ve been told it cold be accelarator pedal fault (all fly by wire so pedal has a reostat in it) or could be mass air sensor. Another common fault is the EGR (exhaust gas recirculating) valve (top right hand side of engine). If this cruds up and sticks open, causes all sorts of fun and games - Martin Tyler from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

Dose my 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro have a clutch cable or is it hydrolic?

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They are hydraulic clutches with a slave cylinder in the gearbox and the feed comes of the brake master cylinder. I was quoted from £700 to best part of £1,000 to change the master cylinder! Hope this helps - Adam Thompson from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have no back wiper or demister function. I’ve checked the fuses and all are OK. Any help would be appreciated.

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Hi, I had the same problem but now got it fixed :) It was the wires, they had snapped they are in the boot on the passenger side. If you look at the two black tubes - one either side of the boot at the top (look like hinges) with black rubber - then you should see it. Hope this helps you. Good luck - Jessica from England

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

insp 2 keeps displaying on my milometer when I start the car - does anyone know what this means? (auto)

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Hi Jenny, it means that your Vauxhall is due its service. I’m guessing that the number 2 indicates that this will be your Astra’s second service. I tend to get mine booked in as quickly as possibly after this message displays as I personally believe that this significantly reduces the chances of anything going wrong with the car. My car had its second service about 8 months ago and the Vauxhall dealership explained that it is quite a major service, as I think that emissions played a part in this one. Having the car serviced regaularly may not seem to be cheap (£180 for the last service I recall but I did have a couple of extra things done) but I believe that it is money very well spent and leads to a saving in the long term (and greater peace of mind) - William from Yorkshire

INSP2 means that you have a bulb not working. Check all of your bulbs but the front sidelight (or parking light will be most likely) - BOB from Renfrewshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

Would you be good enough to let me know if you can, who manufactured the engine for a 2.2-litre Vauxhall Zafira 2002? I am told that it is made by a Japanese company but cannot remember the company name. Can you help me please? (Elegance 2.2)

Answers

Possibly it could be Isuzu, they have been used in the midi van range. Hope this helps, regards - Tony Clark from Derbyshire

The 2.2 elegance engines (type Z22SE) is made in the US by General Motors - Mike from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

I have got to change the battery on my Vauxhall Corsa but am worried that my radio/CD player will not work afterwards because my manual does not give me the code, and my Vauxhall dealer says he cannot guarantee that the four digit security code on my info pack is actually the radio code as well. Vauxhall says that if it is not then I will have to pay £15 for them to give me the code. Is there a way around this problem? Can anyone please help?

Answers

Make yourself a pair of jump leads from 15amp wire attach a set of crocodile clips on each end of the wires connect them to the car battery terminal leads securely. Make sure you get them to the correct terminals on the standby battery and car battery terminal leads (+ to +) (- to -), disconnect the terminals on the car battery and move them clear of the battery. Be very careful that the temporary leads don’t get knocked off the connections. If you can, it’s advisable to secure the jump leads to the car battery terminals by direct attachment ie clamped screwed or taped. Before doing any of this, release the battery to car body securing clamp. Remove old battery, install new battery (fully charged) reconnect terminal leads and secure to new battery. disconnect tempoary leads, replace car battery to body securing bracket - Bill Clark from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2006

Hey, I need some help solving a nagging problem. Please help. Even when my Vauxhall Vivaro is fully warmed up I only get warm or hot air when engine is kept above 2k revs. I tried bleeding it from the thermostat housing as well as the other two bleed pipes but still no luck. Can anyone give me any advice? Thanks in advance.

Answers

Heater matrix, enough coolant? This affects heat circulation, thermostat stuck open? Drain all coolant from engine. Remove header tank cap, leave drain valve open and stick hosepipe in header and flush through for at least 10 minutes. Wear a glove, it’s freezing out. Locate the two pipes that go to the matrix and remove. Do the same with a hose nf flush out for 10 mins. Re-full coolant (2L antifreeze nf rest water). Leave header cap off and start it up. With the heaters on window screen setting and on full power, rev the engine to the limit a few times to get any air pockets out. Screw cap on nf go for a drive. Keep an eye on temp gauge because if it goes above 85-90 then I have an air pocket. Sharp steering from left to right will get rid of this. Then check header tank level nf top up as required. Hope this helps - Nick W from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

The battery light comes on and off but my Vauxhall Corsa is still running OK. It comes on when I change gear or I stop but goes off when I rev the engine. Has anyone any suggestions on what I should check?

Answers

Alternator output is low. Find a local autoeletrician in yell and have it repaired. It’s about half the price of a new one. £50.00 where I live in the Northwest - Billy The Taz from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have a fault with the rear demister and wiper on my Vauxhall Meriva. It started off with the demister not working then the wipers stopped working. I have checked the fuses and checked to see if both are getting power and they are. I can’t seem to find the fault. Any help will be great.

Answers

Hi, I have got the same problem :( It’s so annoying, I will never get another Meriva again. I bought the car and not long after i got it, everything started going ’grrr!’ e.g. anti roll bars, steering columm rod ends, cv joints and a million more things. Hope you get it sorted! - Jessica from England

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

My Vectra-B dash cuts out, speedo freezes, mileage goes out, clock disappears, radio cuts out and enters safe mode, indicators stop working (dash and external), external headlights and brake lights still work. Any ideas? The rear window heater doesn’t work either, could it all be down to the drivers rear light panel? There may have a poor earth as there is a clicking sound when the indicators are used that wasn’t there before. I have had trouble since I replaced a bulb in the summer. (1.8 GLS Saloon)

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I have exactly the same problem on a Vectra C. It appears to be caused by the Body Control Module (BCM) shutting down as it controls all of these things. It still isn’t fixed despite twice going into a garage that specialises in electrical problems. It may be that the BCM needs replacing but that’s expensive and the garage thinks the fault lies elsewhere. The BCM is accessed via the glovebox. We also had a dodgy connection on the rear lighting panel (due to corrosion) and replaced it. It still has the same problems; hitch occurs typically every few minutes, whether the engine is running or not. One web site suggested an alternator fault causing overcharging but this seems unlikely as it occurs when the engine is not running. Good luck - please post back here if you find the solution - Paul Skirrow from Suffolk

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

Hello, my air conditioning is not working on my Vauxhall Zafira. Or my heating, which I need now because of the frosty weather. There is nothing happening when I turn them on and I can’t find the fuse to check. I’ve searched the owners manual but to no avail... does anyone have any ideas?

Answers

Check fuse no 20. Under the Bonnet on the right hand side, there is a box use a screwdriver to do the clip, it is a 10 amp fuse - Marie Talbot from Nottinghamshire

I had same problem went I turned them on very little air came out. It was the pollen filter, needed changing - Steven from Northumberland

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

Every time I apply the brake on my Vauxhall Astra, halfway through it I could hear a clunking sound before it hits the floor. Even at low speeds I would step on it slowly and before it bites I could hear that clunking sound. Braking has not changed, I checked the fluid level and it’s full. Can you tell me what’s wrong? I just had my brakes pads and disc changed recently and even had new tyres fitted and aligned. After that I could hear the clunking sound. (Automatic Club 1.6V)

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Sounds like incorrectly fitted brake pads moving about in brake carrier - Rick Stig from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

Not happy. Wiper blades got tangled up last night. I managed to get home and was told that it is the mechanism. Anybody got any ideas?

Answers

Had the same problem with mine, lift up the wiper covering which was a struggle but I managed to get it up enough to get my fingers underneath and put a couple of cable ties onto the arm which had come loose. That was about three years ago and had no problem with it since. Vauxhall wanted loads of money for a new mechanism - Al from Hampshire

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

My car was locked up at work and all the windows came down, the keys were in my desk. Does anyone know why it would do this?

Answers

Hi Cheryl, I have a Vauxhall Corsa and a couple of times I found the car with its windows fully down in the morning. If you hold and keep pressed down the lock or unlock button on the key fob the windows will come fully down. I’m not sure why it does this, it may be a safety measure, but the problem in this case was either myself or my 2 year old son holding the lock/unlock button down for more than a couple of seconds. I hope that your problem is something similar as it is not anything that needs fixing. Try opening your cars windows using the key fob and see if that may have been how your problem aros. I hope this helps - Lee from Bury

As per handbook. You can open and close window using car Key. If you lock car and then within few second (I don’t remember exactly), you press key again then it will operate the window. I am not sure whether it is true for all model. It is worth to check your handbook - Dhaval Patel from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

What amp alternator should be on my 2001 1.6 Vauxhall Zafira? (Comfort)

Answers

Hi, check fuse or change bulb sometimes the bulbs look okay but it’s not. If not, change yet try hope this works as I have got a Zafira (05) and I had this problem as well - Ali Jee from Lancashire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2011

How do I adjust the jets on my windscreen washers please?

Answers

Use a pin in each of the jet nozzles to direct to where you want on the windscreen - o b from Ireland

There is nothing that can be done. I have the very same problem and have just returned from having my car serviced by Vauxhall. The problem is that the washers are of the mist spray variety which are supposed to be permanantly fixed. All that you can do is report the problem to the customer services department at Vauxhall and hope that this defect is recalled due to class defect. Whilst on class defects, all 2010 onwards Astras have been recalled to sort brake lights which do not remain on constantly when pressed and indeed the battery cover which can become detacted whilst driving (safety). Sorry I could not be of more help however if you report your problem to customer services like I will, hopefully something will be done soon - Archie MacNeil from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

Hello, my Vauxhall Zafira’s break and parking lights are not working. I have checked the bulb but it is all right. I don’t now what to do next, can anyone help?

Answers

You probably need to check the fuse under the bonnet on the right hand side. Diagram in owners manual page 169 depending on version - Marie Talbot from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

The passenger-side rear door on my Vauxhall Astra won’t open. I can hear the central locking working but it seems like the door is still locked? Any ideas?

Answers

Hi, just had the same fault on my Astra. If you peel back the rubber sleeve on the flexi hose which comes out of the door pllar and into the rear door, you’ll probably find a couple of wires are broken - Steve Smith from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

This is my wife’s Vauxhall Astra but I have noticed that the engine coolant seems to have dropped under the ’Cold’ level indicator. I topped it up using the correct Red Coolant. I notice that it has dropped again and there appears to be a froth on the surface of the coolant. On checking the oil, there is no sign of any contamination or brown slurry. Could it be hoses or a leakage or are we looking at something more sinister. The car has 117,000 miles on it, it has been regularly serviced and just passed an MOT. Any help gratefully received. (1.7 DTi Envoy)

Answers

I have a 2006 5 door Astra elite, I had similar problems, the main cause was pin hole leaks in the pipes leading from the coolant to the engine, I had to get several pipes replaced and different times, thankfully I’ve had no problems since but I had to carry several litre bottles of water with me at all times in case the head gasket would have been damaged - H Anon from Ireland

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

Please help!? I have recently bought a silver Vauxhall Corsa, the only thing is I don’t have the radio code as the battery died. It’s a fitted CD player and radio. I can’t get a serial number, is there anywhere I can get it?

Answers

Yes, the code should be on the pass card/leaflet for the vehicle. Vauxhall may have the details stored centrally. Otherwise, there are several outfits that will read the code for you and in some cases can re-set it. For about £10-£20, you will get the code details (keep it somewhere safe). You may find it written somewhere on the vehicle’s paperwork. Check this first - Peter Bennett from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

Where do I find break fluid ress on a 2006 Vauxhall Corsa? I need to change front break pads.

Answers

O/S at the bottom of the windsreen under the splash pan or just in front of it near or on the servo unit. Hope this helps - John from England

Vauxhall Astravan 2002

I’m currently rebuilding the cylinder head on my Vauxhall Astravan and need to know the torque settings for the bolts. Can anybody help?

Answers

The torque settings should be displayed on the head gasket kit, you should have bought, they will be on a slip of paper in the set along with other part numbers and timing settings - John from England

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

My Vauxhall Vectra Estate cut out on me and now it won’t start. I have bled the injectors, had a new crank shaft censor fitted, changed all the rubber tubing. I have tried tow starting it, the fuel filter is full and it its trying to start but flattens the battery. Can anybody help?

Answers

Replace the egr valve, they are very common. It’s by the battery on bulk of the head - Ashley Jones from Blaenau Gwent

Is your fuel pump running? Lift rear seat and listen for whirr with ignition on. If not, check fuel pump relay (purple) under hood. There are two. One is fuel pump relay and the other is fuel injector relay - Sparks from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

Please could someone tell me why my w-reg Astra heater is playing up?! Recently had a new exhaust fitted, due to collapsed cat and since then the coolant system is very iffy. Had problems with air locks but no matter what I try I cannot seem to rectify. The heater blows hot when high revs but cool when tick over. The water temp fine between 80 and 90? Any ideas anyone?

Answers

I’d look to see if the radiator needs flushing. If not that, thermastat then water pump - Kevin B from Cambridgeshire

Try changing or removing the pollen filter. Sounds daft I know but this can solve the problem. I have had to do it before. Hope this helps - John from England

Vauxhall Astra Convertible 2007

I changed the battery in my Vauxhall Astra Convertible because it was completely dead. Now I have a (f) in the computer screen indicating a fault. What should I do?

Answers

Hey, I had this issue and I fixed it by reseating all my fuses, it was showing F(TEMP) without the number. I’m unable to put my roof down since changing my battery so that’s a pain. Trying to find out what it could be but not having much luck - Chris Harkin from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2007

My car is a 2007 Vauxhall Astra Life. I need some air in my tyres but I don’t know how much psi on rear and front. Please tell me what can I do. Thanks.

Answers

Hi Vinh, simply go to http://www.kwik-fit.com/tyre-pressure-search.asp and enter your registration number - you will be presented with the correct pressures from both your back and front tyres.
All the best,
RoadTestReports.co.uk

Vauxhall Corsa 1996

My 96 Opel Corsa is very damp inside and the windows are fogging up really fast. What can it be and what can I do about it?

Answers

Clean out under the skuttle panel - Ryan from England

Vauxhall Astravan 2008

The heater in my Vauxhall Astravan only seems to blow on number 3 and 4. It doesn’t seem to blow on 1 and 2. Can anyone tell me why or help. Appreciated.

Answers

Sounds like contacts failed in switch, try another blower switch from scrap yard or buy new one. Hope this helps - Dave from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1997

Does anyone know how I would go about reprogramming the radio in my Vauxhall Astra? I have the code.

Answers

Hello Veronica. Hopefully the radios will be similar. This is taken from the Astra Radio Manual and is relevant to factory fit CDR500 CD/Radio. "if after switching the radio on "SAFE" appears in the display: Switch on the ignition. Switch off radio with push control Press AS control and hold down Switch on radio and hold AS control down until a confirmation tone is heard. "CODE" appears in the display, after 3 seconds the number of remaining attempts to enter the CODE number appears, e.g 10. Enter CODE number (on car passowrd or radio passcard) using the preset controls 1,2,3 and 4. Example: the code is 0365. Press controls display. Press control 1 once 0 - - - Press control 2 four times 03- - Press control 3 seven times 036- Press control 4 six times 0365 Confirm CODE number. If the correct CODE number can be read from the display, press AS control until a confirmation tone sounds. Muting is disabled. Please be aware that if you do not succeed within 10 attempts, you will be locked out. Good luck Veronica - Andy Mole from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

Hi, does anyone know why my Vauxhall Corsa shudders when pulling away in first gear?

Answers

Ours has been doing this for over a year. We took it to numerous garages, most say there is nothing wrong with it or they can’t hear the noise. Eventually a garage today told us it was the front off-side struts. They told us it would cost two and a half hours labour (£125.00) plus the new struts (we were advised we have both done) at a price of £15-£30 per strut - Cat from London

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1992

I’ve lost the keys to my Vauxhall Astra 1.4i cd 5dr and have no spares. The car has an immobiliser on it. What would be best way to get my car started? I was going to try and the break ignition barrel but was told, because of the immobiliser this won’t work. Any ideas? Please, anything that may work! ANYTHING - ONE VERY DESPERATE MAN - ANYTHING CONSIDERED - I HAVE NO KEYS OR SPARES BUT DOORS ARE UNLOCKED

Answers

You can phone Vauxhall up and order a new key - Wayne Gibson from Scotland

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2003

Hi, does anyone know where I would put anti freeze in my Vauxhall Astra Estate? I can’t find a cap on the radiator...

Answers

It goes into the expansion tank - Sean from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Combo 2005

I’m having problems starting my Vauxhall Combo from cold. The van seems to fire up OK but then stalls if you don’t keep your foot on the accelerator. It seems to do this until the engine gets warm and then it runs OK. Can anyone help with a solution to fix this? Thanks, the engine is the 1.7 cdti.

Answers

It sounds like you need some new glow plugs which preheats the diesel when you start the vehicle - Craig from England

I’m having the same problem, I’ve removed each heater plug and they are all going red. Presuming they’re working, what else could it be? Thinking lack of diesel to heat - Kevin B from Cambridgeshire

My 1.7 cdti is also stalling when cold, I was told to replace engine exaust recirculation valve, which I did. It did not fix the problem, now main dealer tells me it is a fuel problem! I was talking to diesel expert today and he advised to check injectors, then high pressure fuel pump, there are two divergent types one made by Bosch and one by Denso. I’ll let you know how I got on - Bjorn imhoff Imhoff from London

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

I have a set of wheels and winter tyres for the old style Zafira, circa 2006. Is there anyway I can fit these tyres on the new 2008 onwards Zafira? This saves me buying new tyres, although I am prepared to buy wheels if necessary. Thanks. (Design)

Answers

They will fit; my ’52 plate Zafira is wearing ’08 plate alloys - Angus McGill from England

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2006

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 diesel and the power steering light came on. I have some fluid but cannot seem to find where to fill it. The agents suggest drivers front wheel arch, but I cannot see anything. There is a bottle behind the engine in the centre with a pipe going to the universal joint knuckle of the steering. Do I need to dismantle the wheel arch to find the bottle if it is behind the wheel arch. Thanks for any help, John. (1.9 cdti)

Answers

The bottle in the middle at the back under the fuel filter body, lift out the fuel filter only need to disconnect the wiring at the top and bottom. Remove the pipes careful not to kink pipes and the big bottle is right under there, the lid has a dipstick built in - Craig Mackenzie from Lanarkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 1990

The battery light on my Vauxhall Corsa came on and wouldn’t go off. If you fiddle with the wires to the alternator it goes off. However, when I drive over a bump the dials fail and the car loses power and stalls?? Any ideas please?

Answers

I think you have answered your own question. It basically sounds like poor electrical connections, and possibly poor earth connections, check, clean and tighten. If that fails, then start looking for more complex reasons - Peter Bennett from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

Hello, I have a Vauxhall Corsa C 1.4 SRI. Last week I was on motorway when my gearbox stuck (between first and second gear). I called the AA and they told me that it’s a linkage problem, and common on Corsa’s. I changed the linkage but the problem is still there when my car’s temperature goes up to 80and the gears once again stick. Again my mechanic told me that the problem is in gearbox so I changed my car’s gearbox but the problem is still not sorted. Please, can anyone tell me what I should try next?

Answers

There is a plastic stick connected through the gear and engine body, you can see it from above, change it - Moe S from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

Does anyone know if I can purchase a spare wheel and jack for my for my 2011 Vauxhall Meriva?

Answers

Hi, look on Ebay or Vauxhall main dealer, sometimes the scrap yards have a spare jack. I needed one for mine, got it from scrappie, £5 a bargain. Hope this helps - Jessica from England

Vauxhall Combo 2011

Can anyone advise me how to remove the radio from my Vauxhall Combo please? I believe it’s small Allen keys and then I need radio removal keys? Could I use anything other than radio removal keys, as I don’t have any?? Thank you!!

Answers

Your small allan keys are fine to open the fixings, they work just as well as the radio keys - Ken from Powys

Use four drill bits that fit into the holes. You will need to prise them out ward (facing unit right side toward driver door and left side to passenger door) and pulling unit toward you,you may need help in another pair of hands, please be very careful when pulling as you can pull the face of unit - Randy B from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

My Vauxhall Astra won’t start. I put the key in the ignition and turn it, the ignition lights come on but when a turn the key to start there’s nothing, totally nothing! I had a mechanic come up and look, he tried his small diagnostic tester but it wouldn’t read, so I phone the AA guy out, he checked the battery, which is fine, tried bump starting it down the hill... still nothing and then he checked the fuse box for a blown fuse but couldn’t find anything. I had an auto electrician repair some wires in the rear door for me the other night and and it wouldn’t start after he done that. He says it’s nothing he has done, but with his experience he thinks it is like an immobiliser of some sort has kicked in. He recommends taking it to a dealer for a proper diagnostics test. The other problem with the car is that recently it seems to be using a lot of oil - it isn’t leaving puddles but must be burning it somehow? Anybody any ideas? (sri)

Answers

I had same problem turn out, I needed a new starter motor but it could be the ignition switch or immobilizer - Debra Marshall from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

The service light on my Vauxhall Vectra comes on for 2 seconds when the car is started in cold weather. Has anyone else experienced this? (2-litre dti Club)

Answers

I have the same problem, need a fix :( - Sathit Suwannakul from England

Vauxhall Tigra 2007

On my Vauxhall Tigra, why do my heaters go cold when stood still but then as soon as I start driving again it’s warms straight back up?

Answers

Maybe to save your battery? - Paul from Cheshire

A car’s heater works on hot water being run through the engine, that then goes into a heater matrix which has a fan blowing air through the matrix, the air gets heated and then directed around the interior. When stood still your engine is only idling and so the water flow won’t be as strong therefore making the heater go colder than when car is in motion and engine is working harder - Alex from England

It sounds like the thermostat has kicked the bucket. It’s not a huge job to replace and shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. As for the previous answer that was posted, it is correct but not very helpful. If you go to most garages, they should be able to replace your thermostat quite quickly. I hope this info has been helpful to you xx - Leverson Holder from Herefordshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

Can any one tell me what it means when the RANGE comes up on a Vauxhall Astra dashboard with the miles underneath?

Answers

How many miles you have left till you run out of petrol? - Terry 3man from England

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

My Vauxhall Astra Estate won’t start with battery, jump leads, tow. Any ideas? Could it be ECU fuel thingy? Roughly how much for new one and how much to remove and fit one at a small, out of town, one man, repairers? Urgent! Thanks to all who reply. (Merit 1.7 Turbo Diesel)

Answers

Does the engine turn over? If it does, it could be the glowplugs - Sean from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2005

I have discovered a large puddle in the back passengers side footwell of my Vauxhall Astra TwinTop. Can anyone help or advise?

Answers

Hi, yes I have the same problem, water is getting in past the rubber roof seal around the top of the front door window where the roof joint is. Do you park your car on a slope by any chance? I believe the problem happens on mine when parked facing down hill on my driveway. Bad design I suspect as it shouldn’t happen at any time - Pete Evans from England

Mine started leaking while is relatively new and the dealer or GMSA didn’t help to sort it out, all they did all along was a trial and error and now the car is out of warranty and I am on my own. It’s a nice car to look and drive but comes rain, then a disaster - Maurice Mowasa from South Africa

Obviously this is a fault with twin tops, have experienced the same problem but on the driver’s side. Only when rain is particularly heavy. Seat belt gets soaked too and takes a couple of days to dry out - Minnie Peeve from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

I have got a Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI on a 56 plate. I have a problem with the heater blowers working intermittently, it has gradually got worse over a period of about 2 months to the point they hardly work at all. When the problem initially started if I opened and closed the drivers door the blower would start working. This is not the case anymore and the blower just works randomly with no pattern to when it will work or not. Can someone advise if this sounds like the motor or maybe a resistor or something else? (1.9 Diesel TDI)

Answers

Hi. After lots of checking and rechecking with fault reappearing, I found a poor connection between red and white wires to the heater resistor pack. All output to motor at any speed has to go down red and white wire. The solution is to bridge the two red and white wires at the resistor pack with a link of same diameter wire. Use a 30 amp fused link if you are worried (as I did). No problem since. The first 10 amp fuse I used blew after a minute and the motor stopped proving that the link was the only route available for the current. I must have done this job five times before I solved it. Tip: In winter, do not let washer pipes or bottle freeze or tailgate will not open... on same fuse! - Tom Crye from Cheshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

Hello, I have noticed that when I brake hard the stereo turns itself down. My mate’s Corsa does the same. I’m just wondering why this is and if I can do something to stop it happening? (1.4i sxi)

Answers

On the Corsa sxi stereo, they have a feature that links the stereo’s volume to the speed of the car, you can edit it on the menu or just check out your audio manual for it - Edward Gwilliam from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

There is an orange light on constantly on the dashboard of my Vauxhall Vectra, in the shape of a circle with 3 black lines either side of it. I don’t think it’s engine management as it is the shape of a wheel and there sometimes is a horrible whistling noise coming from the right hand side of the car. But goes when I touch the brake. Has anybody any idea what this symbol means?

Answers

This is the brake pad sensor and you need to change renew your brake pads - Sparky Anderson from Devon

You need new brake pads. That’s all - Paul from Berkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

Why does the heater fan in my Vauxhall Vectra only work on full speed but not on any of the other lower settings?

Answers

There will be a resistor pack to control the fan speed. This has failed, it will be a main dealer part only, about £25. You could ask them where it is when you pick it up, they can be under the bonnet or close to the fan so that fresh air cools it - Paul McG from Northern Ireland

http://www.blower-motor-resistor.co.uk/vauxhall-vectra-c-blower-motor-resistor.html Will show you exactly where it is. Maplin may be able to fix it for about a fiver :0) - Al from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1994

How do you clean the windscreen jets on a Vauxhall Astra Estate please? As mine seem to have clogged up... Thank you.

Answers

It might not be the jets. The best thing to do is check the level in the washer bottle if it’s full then you will need to drain some out. To do this there are two screws near the bumper that hold the wheel arch cover on - it’s the passenger side. Put your hand up and pull the pump out in an upward position. Remove the little grommet and clean. It gunks up if you leave the water level low. The washer bottle will empty as you do this. Now the trick is to clean the grommet in warm water. Replace the grommet and put some bleach in the washer bottle. This will kill any slime in there. You will need to leave this for a day to really clean. Take out the grommet again and clean. Pour some water in the washer bottle to empty out the bleach. Reassemble and refill - Paul Hutchinson from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

The engine management light on my Vauxhall Corsa flashed a few times this morning and then went off... Any ideas what causes this and what is easiest fix?

Answers

Hi, my Corsa has been doing the same thing on and off for about a year now. Finally had a mechanic hook it up to the computer and was told the car need a new MAP sensor. Ordered the part which cost around £100 inc VAT. Typically, I went to install the part this weekend and the light has gone off so am waiting for it to come back on to see if the new sensor solves the problem. Will let you know how I get on - Shelley from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2003

The engine management light on my Vauxhall Astra is on and I’m not sure what to do. I have checked oil etc... but it is still on. Can anyone help or advise?

Answers

Hi Joe, the simple answer would be that the engine management light can come on for any different number of reasons and you ought to take your car to a garage that can diagnose the problems. The cost of diagnostic checks can vary considerably (I have paid anything from £30 to £60 for a diagnostic check alone), and then you might need to pay for a repair. It might be that the garage can simply reset the engine management system if the checks fail to diagnose a problem. Have you noticed a lack of power whilst driving the car, that is to say the car will run but on a limited or reduced power? I have had this a number of times on and it turned out to be the Mass Air Flow meter. As I said earlier, your best bet is to find a garage that can run a diagnositic check for a small amount of money then, if required, look to replace or repair the fault as cost effectively as possible - Andy M from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2007

Hi. The heater control cable on my Vauxhall Vivaro is extremely stiff to turn. If I use the control knob to adjust the heater the cable forces itself off the knob. I can move the arm at the other end of the cable attached to the heater matrix with my hand, but takes a lot of pressure to do so. Anyone any ideas as to what might be causing this, as I always thought it was just a flap it was controlling to adjust the amount of heat. Thank you.

Answers

It sounds like your cable is seized or has been clamped by something or the switch or the paddle is seized. Strip everything down, WD40 the lot and see what is giving you the problem - Paul from Cheshire

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

The fan works on my Vauxhall Corsa but it won’t kick in as the engine gets hot. What could be the problem?

Answers

It’s more than likely the temperature sensor, take it to a mechanic fast, this could be a big problem - Jamie Steward from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

My Vauxhall Vectra is shaking when doing over 40 mph. I have checked the suspension, direction and wheels. Any further ideas anyone? (LS 2.0)

Answers

I had the same trouble with my Vauxhall Signum, had the balancing checked etc. It turned out to be one of the rear tyres having excessive wear on the inner tread that could not be seen unless the car is on a ramp. Tyre changed, shaking stopped. Hope it helps - Mark from England

I had this it was the dmf flywheel on its last legs going out of balance and shaking car, this might be your problem - G Dene from England

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

Can anyone tell me the fuel tank capacity of the 1.7-litre Vauxhall Astra Estate diesel tdi?

Answers

The fuel capacity is 52 litres (11.5 gallons) - William Marrs from Ayrshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

I have to replace the rear nearside light cover on my Vauxhall Vectra. How do I do it? Is this difficult or should I be able to do it?

Answers

If you mean that you need to replace the rear light cluster, then it’s pretty straightforward. Open the panel into the light cluster then unclip and remove the bulb holder and place out of the way (wiring loom limits where you can put it. There are three small nuts (not sure of size off the top of my head), two are pretty easy to get to one is a bit of a pain. Undo then pull gently on the cluster and it comes out in one piece. Replacing is just a straight reversal. Is pretty quick to do but you do need to be a bit of a contortionist if only using basic tools. A small ratchet spanner with bar is okay - Richard Sunderland from Dorset

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

Does anybody know the engine code for my Corsa 1-litre Twinport on a 53 plate?

Answers

Z10EXP or Z10EX. I think one has slightly more horse power - Bill Clark from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

My 2006 Vauxhall Astra sxi is making a whistling noise from the rear wheel. One garage said I need new brake pads and discs and will cost around £305 but the car passed it MOT in July and had no problems or advisory notice of brakes pads or discs. The noise only appears when I do over 40 mph and stops when I brake. Does anyone know what the problem could be?

Answers

It could be your rear wheel bearing, sounds like it - Stuart Hunter from Stirlingshire

Hi, the garage could well be right. Sometimes the disc can just touch the brake pads causing a noise, this is quite common and have come across it a few times myself. As for the mot, if the brake performance is there and the tester cannot visualy see the pads then there would be no reason to fail or advise on it. Hope this helps - Rick Stig from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

I’ve changed 3 core packs, the last one 1-2 weeks ago. It’s gone again. Is there an underlying problem causing this?

Answers

Hi my Vauxhall Zafira ’05 1.8 is not blowing hot air, can you help me? - David Jenkins from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

My bottom camshaft snapped in half and snapped the valves on my Vauxhall Corsa. Replaced whole head and now seems that no oil is getting to the top of the engine. What might be causing the problem?

Answers

It sounds like the oil pump is clogged. There is probably a shard of metal stuck in it - Alexander Williamson from Inverness-shire

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2007

The fuel light came on so I refuelled immediately. The "range" continued to display along with "refuel " on the computer display. The amount of miles I had left to travel remained the same before I had filled up. When refuelling, does it not reset itself and if not then what do I need to do for it to correspond with my fuel gauge?

Answers

I had this. To stop it, I made sure I filled up well clear of the red zone. It stopped when I reset all the data displays on the dashboard by pressing and holding the left hand side wheel selector in for all data ranges - Kieran Murphy from England

Vauxhall Astra Coupe 2004

I have a Astra coupe turbo that has 40,000 on the clock. It drives and boosts fine but sometimes, when in traffic, the exhaust starts to emit blue smoke. It fills the whole street. I took the inlet to intercooler pipe off and it was full of engine oil. What is causing this? Please help me some one.

Answers

Head gasket maybe? - Nicky Allen from England

Turbo oil seals - Jay from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

I am experiencing a Vauxhall Zafira problem with starting. When I can turn off the engine after driving for hours it won’t start again. And won’t start in morning but a small push and it will start. It has been to four garages on a machine twice - no problems show up. I have spent a fortune trying to sort out this problem. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Answers

I had this problem try and clean your earth strap - James Cowan from Spain

Vauxhall Tigra 2004

Hi. I hope you can help! I have a 2004 Tigra and have had endless problems with it starting when cold and being jumpy when the fuel tank is low on fuel. I have spent about 300 quid in my local garage on it and still the problem remains! I have had the air sensor changed, the plugs and coil pack renewed and the fuel filter and coolant sensor changed. Any ideas please as it is driving me mad and clearing out my wallet. Many thanks.

Answers

Seriously get rid of that piece of sh*t cheap poor excuse of a car; stop being a tight a*se and buy a decent car. Forget Vauxhall. What did you expect really? You are clearly a moron owning a Tigra and somehow think it’s cool to do so. I strongly suggest getting a life along with a new car, you pathetic idiotic fool - Jason Vale from England

Why did you have to be so bl**dy rude, she was only asking for advice for flip’s sake! I absolutely hate people like you with a passion. Go get a flipping life, you d*ckhead! - Jeff Simpson from England

Hi Sue, the jumpy starts could be the spark plug leads or the timing could be slightly out. To be totally honest with you, it could be a host of diffrent things but that’s where I would start looking first, hope this has been helpful - Leverson Holder from Herefordshire

Jason Vale... The guy who drives a Micra! Shut your potty mouth, you pathetic little man! - Natalie Crookes from England

Sorry for coming to this question late but if you have this problem only when you have a low fuel tank - I would suggest that any particles in your petrol tank (sludge, water - who knows even a bit of plastic wrapping) could be the culprit. If you suspect this, it would almost certainly pay to have the fuel filter replaced as this could be partially blocked - Wez from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

Does anyone know why my side lights come on when I put on the brakes in my Vauxhall Astra?

Answers

It will be a bad earth on the back lights or someone has put the wrong bulb in. A single filiment instead of a double - Alexander from Cheshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1993

Can anyone tell me why the coolant on my Vauxhall Astra requires frequent top ups?

Answers

Try checking the small hoses opposite the battery. I had this problem too - Sean Curran from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

My Vauxhall Zafira sometimes cuts and won’t start but will restart after a few minutes. Does anyone know of any faults on these cars please? (2-litre diesel)

Answers

This sounds like a problem I had with mine. First try cleaning your throttle casing, quite easy to do. It will tell you online through Google. If that fails try replacing your coil pack/spark plugs - Carl Lean from England

Hello mate, I’m having the same trouble. I have been told to change the mass air flow sensor or could be a blocked egr valve. Hope this helps - David Lock from England

Also had the same problem, mine turned out to be an engine control unit. Apparently this is fairly common, as the control unit is bolted to the side of the engine and suffers from hot and cold, also engine vibrations. Hope this helps - Steve Norris from Berkshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

Is there a relay switch for the fog lights on a Vauxhall Astra as the fog lights do not currently work. If so, where is it please?

Answers

Check the bulb, I think you need to replace them - Ronald from Ghana

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

My Vauxhall Vectra has no pressure in clutch? And I can’t put it in gear? What’s wrong with it an does it cost loads to fix?

Answers

On mine it happened a few months ago. Probably you need new clutch and cylinders (master+slave). Looking around £700 all in - Paul from Berkshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1997

I have just bought my Astra and the stereo was working then the battery died... So I got a new one and I noticed that the display on the dashboard wasn’t working anymore. So the stereo isn’t working so I cannot put code in for it to work. How can I solve this problem?

Answers

Try this. Switch ignition on, switch off radio. Press the AS button and hold depressed while turning the radio on. After three seconds, you should hear a beep. Release the AS button. The display should show "CODE" Enter my code, it’s 0810. By press button 1 once (0) then keep pressing button 2 (8) button 3 press twice (1)button 4 once(0) - Phil from Australia

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2008

Should I check my Vauxhall Astra’s engine oil when the car is warm or cold?

Answers

Always check your engine oil when the engine is cold - Willism Marrs from Scotland

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

In a Vauxhall Corsa, when braking, does it show the lights on both sides at the rear or just the one?

Answers

All cars are supposed to show both brake lights or all three if it has a eye level brake light. If it only shows one when braking, it is an MoT failure as brake lights are one of the most important things on the car - Matt from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

I haven’t had much luck with my 56 plate diesel Vauxhall Corsa over the past 4 months. When I drive over 60mph, covering a 30mile period, a car with a spanner light comes on (it does not flash). I have had this diagnosed so many times but no real answer as to why this is happening. Purely, because a light has to stay on for the diagnostics to diagnose the problem. However, when I switch my engine off and then back on the light goes off. My car does not go on limp mode, I simply just stop my car to reset the light as per manual. Also, when it is either cold or damp outside my car struggles to start. My glow plugs have been tested and have plenty of glow and I have had 2 services in the past 4 months, new starter motor, new diesel filter, new key... Only that today, my engine management light came on. But could still drive my car normally. I am at my witts end! Any answers?

Answers

Hello there, the petrol car suffers from the same fault and like yours, it’s very hard to rectify. Had the same symptoms as you and tried all manner of tests to rectify it, the car was not faltering in any way though and the light goes out as you found out. Then read an old post by a v/x mechanic who had tried to cure this, then at last in desperation, he replaced the air flow meter(you have similar device in the diesel). So tried this on mine, same result, spanner light went off! And now only appears on start up as normal. Seems the key is that it happens when the car is warmed up after 3/4 miles, so try this and hope - Roy Durgan from Derbyshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2010

How do you change the clock time on a 2010 Vauxhall Zafira?

Answers

Put the rds on radio, it will change it for you - Andy 7 from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2006

I have had two new front tyres fitted onto my Vauxhall Astra Estate and now the steering has started to vibrate. Has anyone any idea if the two things are connected and what the solution might be?

Answers

Take it back to where you had the tyres fitted, it sounds like they haven’t balanced the wheels properly and that would have been included in the fitting price - Cross Darius from Torfaen

Yes mate. Sounds like they haven’t balanced the wheels after fitting the new tyres. Take them back and get them balanced correctly! - Lee from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2003

I have an Opel/Vauxhall 2.0 DTI Zafira and the service light comes on the dash occasionally. When it does the car dies down and won’t go over 2,200rpm. When this happens I turn the car off and re-start it resulting in the service light going off. The car goes fine then until the light comes back on. What can the problem be? This happens even after the car has been serviced.

Answers

My Corsa dti 1.7 was doing same for months, I checked everything. I even replaced the turbo as it whistled but no change. Once the car and spanner light came on the car lost power, up hills would trigger it faster but would normally light would come on within 10 mins. So if your dti is the same, easy fix. When your clutch pedal is in normal position not pressed it is pressing your switch in so that will give you the location of the clutch pedal switch. Mine was unclipped so wasn’t touching pedal, I cable-tied it back on but still didn’t work so I took it back off and lubricated it and realised it’s on splines so I pulled it out as far as I could and placed it back into position the light came on once but must reset its self after that as I’ve had hassle-free motoring since. Still got the car and been 13 months with no light slowing me down. Forget EGR and vac sensors tried everything still got the parts in boot - Scott Adams from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

My Vauxhall Astra has recently started shaking when I start the car. It starts fine but once it has started it shakes. It;s fine when I am driving but as soon as I stop e.g. at traffic lights, roundabouts, it starts to shake. My diagnostic port is not working either so local garages cannot detect the problem... Does anyone know what this could be? And also how much it would cost to get the port repaired/replaced?

Answers

Hi, petrol or diesel? If diesel and the shaking stops when you press the clutch then I am afraid it "could" be your dual mass flywheel, not cheap to fix - Kel Mordue from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi, I have had this Vauxhall Meriva for 3 years now and find it very expensive to run, as its fuel consumption is terrible. But I’d like to ask if anyone can help me... My electric sunroof will open when I press the button but it won’t close electrically. I have to use a screwdriver to close it. Is this a fuse I need to look at? I’m a single parent and cannot afford the prices the garages will charge to look at this, especially if it is something I could easily do myself. Thanks, look forward to hearing any advice.

Answers

Doesn’t sound like the fuse as the fuse will just control power to the motor so it wouldn’t move at all, sounds like the motor or runners are sticking - Lee from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2010

Whilst driving in second gear I hear a dull knocking sound. It sounds like it is coming from the front near-side of the vehicle. Has anybody else experienced this and knows what the problem is? (Exclusiv)

Answers

It’s your cv joints/drive shaft, costs around £70-150 to get replaced - Joe Spence from Renfrewshire

Vauxhall Corsa 1999

When driving my Vauxhall Corsa there’s a vibration on the back-seats of the car. It also make a sound like an I have a dodgy exhaust the but exhaust is fine. Does anyone know what could causing this?

Answers

Rear wheel bearing - Rob Minton from England

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

My handbrake failed MOT. I got new brake pads, discs and handbrake shoes. Now, when I put the handbrake on it holds the car from going forward but not from rolling back so I can’t do an up hill start. Can anyone help?

Answers

Hi, my S reg Vectra did the same problem as yours. I had to fully replace the whole braking system and the problem stopped - Ainsley Cairns from Ayrshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

The timing chain on my Vauxhall Corsa broke and has been repaired along with valves but oil does not appear to be getting to the top of the engine when the car is warm. It is also burning or losing the oil with no visible leaks - can anyone advise?

Answers

This could be the piston rings, when the piston rings are worn or damaged oil is able to get into the combustion chamber and burns, you’ll be able to tell because the exhaust smoke will be black. Hope this helps - Jamie Steward from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

Hi. When my Vauxhall Corsa has been parked overnight in the rain, when moving off at first, in left hand corner water drips down from under the bulk head near the glove box on the near side. When stationary no water comes in. Can anyone help or advise?

Answers

At the bottom of the windscreen under the black plastic cover (scuttle panel), there is a channel where the water runs down from the windscreen. There are two drain holes in here that might be clogged up with leaves/rubbish. Poke them out with a screwdriver and it should be okay. You will know if there is a problem if there is water collected under there as it should just drain away - Lee from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Astravan 2001

My Astravan now sounds like a jet coming down the road, can anyone tell me why? Please. The noise comes from under the bonnet, possible turbo?

Answers

If you live near an airport that could explain it - Bill Darkin from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

How do I check the oil on my Automatic 3.0 V6 CDTI Vauxhall Vectra? Many thanks.

Answers

The handbook says run the car for a few mins, switch off for 5 mins, remove dipstick, wipe, reinsert and check level. Seems a rave - g clarkson from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2011

Having locked the car and left, returning to find car un-locked and all the windows down. Any known causes?

Answers

Andrew, although this may not fully answer your question it may help lead you in the right direction. I own a Vauxhall Corsa and on a couple of occasions I found the car with its windows completely open when I was leaving for work in the morning. I thought there was an electrical faut but it turned out that, if you you press and hold lock doors button on your key fob it will, if you keep it pressed for 5 seconds or more, lower the front windows until you take pressure of the button or the windows reach the lowest point. It turned out that my 2 year old son had on these occasions nabbed the keys of the kitchen island and ran around the house until apprehended. In this time he had lowered the car’s windows fully.

This may not be related to your problem but I thought it was worth mentioning - David from Stockport 

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

There is water under the driver’s side of the car, running from under pedals to passenger foot area. It is in the rear also, coming in under front wheel arch at passenger side. Is this a serious or relatively minor problem to sort? Approx. cost to repair?

Answers

The water coming in on the drivers side is probably from around the area where the foot brake servo is bolted to the bulk head not the easiest of jobs to do. Passenger side, it has been known that the water can come in through the seal area on the bulk head under the body control unit where the loom passes into the internal of the car from the engine compartment. make sure the drainage channels are not blocked at the sides of the front scuttle, they can get blocked with leaves and debris causing water to build up higher than normal in this area when raining or washing your car - Bill Clark from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2002

Hi, the side door on my Vauxhall Vivaro has locked shut and will not open from the inside or out. How do I get it open? Any help welcome, thank you.

Answers

I had a similar thing but I found that if I pushed the door shut (with my hip) at the sliding side of the door the contacts at the locking side will make properly then by locking and unlocking the van with the remote I can hear the central locking working at the side door and it opens. Hope this helps - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Have you tried opening the door from the inside? When you have opened the door, check the door rubber hasn’t come off or if there’s crud under the rubber stopping the door closing properly - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Movano 2001

The power steering pump is leaking. In fact, it is dripping and resulting in an empty reservoir. I know the only solution is to fit a new one - can anyone you me how easy it is to replace it? And how to proceed? (2.2 TDI)

Answers

Takes about an hour to change. Work from underneath. First remove drive belt. Then disconnect hoses. Finally undo mounting bolts. Two at front and one at rear if I remember correctly. Refitting is reverse of above but connect hoses loosely before tightening mounting bolts. Then tighten hoses. After refilling reservoir, turn steering from lock to lock once or twice to remove air then check for leaks - Paul Prosser from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

Hi, can anyone advise as to how I can turn the passenger air-bag off on my 2006 Vauxhall Astra?

Answers

I’ve already looked into this as I have a baby on the way, and found out that you can’t turn it off - Aaron Bywater from Somerset

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

The heater blower fan on my Vauxhall Astra works for a few minutes (when the car is left overnight) then fades away and won’t work again till the next day. I have replaced the resistor and checked the fuses. I don’t know what else to do, can anyone help?

Answers

Hi, I had a similar problem with mine and then it stopped altogether, maybe you should try the heater motor as mine had burnt out. I got a new one and now it’s working - Donna Breen from County Tyrone

Vauxhall Vivaro 2007

My Vauxhall Vivaro van lacks power and is a bit sluggish. When it gets to 70 mph it just stops and won’t go any faster. Has anybody else experienced this and can offer any advice?

Answers

Hope this isn’t a silly question but did the van used to go past 70 without any problem or has it always stopped at 70? I bought an ’07 Vivaro ex-fleet van which did exactly that. I discovered by contacting the previous driver it was fitted with a limiter. After many phone calls to local remapping specialists and a Vauxhall dealer (and ofcourse google), I was repeatedly told there’s nothing that can be done about it. I then spoke to a Vauxhall dealer that specialised in vans, 20 mins and £38 later, it was sorted with a simple ECU alteration on their Tech II equipment. The van now pulls perfectly and is much safer for overtaking on the motorway - Mike Pars from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

My engine management light on my Vauxhall Zafira is on and code reader indicates a multiple misfire and mixture too lean. It’s not the coil. Is there a common fault to cause this? All the vacum pipes and manifold gasket are fine. (1.6)

Answers

Hi Joe, I have the same problem at the moment. Apparently I need a sensor on the manifold but the mechanic can’t get this off at all. His aunty had the same problem on her 57 plate 1.8 life (like mine) and it wasn’t the sensor on the manifold but the sensor on the exhaust so my mechanic has ordered a sensor for that now. You have to start with the manifold one first and then move on to the next one. My Zafira is an automatic, is yours? I’ll let you know the outcome okay? - Julie from Scotland

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

Has anyone had the brake pedal go "hard" while driving. Pretty scary! I was in traffic and was using the brakes at low revs when all of a sudden I had a hard brake pedal and limited brakes !!!! Picked the revs up and the brakes came back. (2900 lwb cdti)

Answers

Yes mate, I had exactly the same thing happen to me in my 54 plate traffic as I was in traffic I went to push my brake pedal but it was rock solid. I tried both feet and as I sh*t myself, I took both feet off and pumped it then it seemed okay again and it never did it again, very strange. I didn’t crash by the way although it was very close - Aron Roger from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2008

Hi, I have a 58 reg SRI 1.9 TDI. Since I have got it the steering has been heavy and pulls to the left and right slightly. Kwik Fit have attempted tracking wheel balancing but the problem is still there. I have just got 4 new tyres and front discs and brake pads plus front digital alignment and tracking. But the steering still pulls to the left and its heavy. I even took it to the dealers and they said that there was nothing wrong with the car. Can anyone can help me, or advise?

Answers

Bent axel or damaged chassis - Scott Scott from Ayrshire

It could be a right hand drive car - Stan from Cheshire

Vauxhall Tigra 1999

When my Vauxhall Tigra gets to about 80-85 mph the orange engine light comes on but when I go back down to about 70 mph it goes back off. It is mainly when I’m on the motorway and the car is well warmed up. Any ideas what may be causing this? Many thanks, Mel.

Answers

You shouldn’t be speeding anyway! - Matt Draycott from Nottinghamshire

Does it splutter and the light comes on? It sounds to me like a ignition fuse. The same thing happened on a mk2 Punto. There under the bonnet is all i know as I only got my Tigra yesterday...but that’s my idea pal - Jay from Germany

I had a problem a bit like that. Try coil pack replacement then disconnect battery for 12 hours to reset management system reconnect battery start leave to find base idle the drive slow/fast revving freely. This should help management system relearn, see how you go - Jason B from dorset

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

My car runs on 215/50W17 Michelin HP (91 load) tyres and the suggested pressures depending on who you contact vary considerably. Can anyone give me the definitive pressures? Many thanks, Barry. (3.2 automatic Elite)

Answers

41 psi - Fiend Fiend from England

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

Hi, my power steering is playing up and the pump one minute makes that whining noise and then stops. I’ve also had a leak which I do believe maybe an o-ring in the return pipe. My main concern is that I have tightened everything up and refilled the system up but only a litre of dexron II fluid and the cv boot has blown up like a balloon. Why is this? All comments would be greatful. (Envoy 1.6)

Answers

Firstly, it won’t be the c.v boot that’s blowing up, it is the rack boot. There is an internal leak at the steering rack, it will have to be replaced, sorry - John Thomas from Argyllshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

Everyday I need to jump start the Astra, there is a clicking sound when trying to start, the battery once started shows 12+ volts. It needs to be boosted to start. Does anyone know of any reasons why the battery goes flat so soon?

Answers

Sounds like your starter motor mate. Try giving it a tap with a hammer, if this doesn’t work then a new starter motor is needed - Andrew Mclean from England

Vauxhall Astravan 2004

My van vibrates at speeds of between 20 and 40 miles an hour, but not when free rolling or with clutch in. Any ideas!!!

Answers

Normally, vibration on steering is either tracking or balancing - Andrew Mclean from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

The no. 1 plug seems to get covered in black and stops firing. I changed the injector and it still does it. Could it be an electrical fault?

Answers

Ek het dieselde probleem gaan maar die coil pack vervang en kyk of dit werk - Sakkie from South Africa

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1997

How do I delete the inspection sign on the trip counter on a 1997 Vauxhall Astra?

Answers

This is how I did mine. Without starting the car, hold the button in. That resets for a few seconds until the 00 comes up then it should be reset - Rob from Bedfordshire

Hold the trip counter button in while turning on the ignition - Jason Morgan from Swansea

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

I am looking to buy a Vauxhall Vectra but am a little worried by the gear stick. The stick does not self center and when I push it left or right (in between gears) it stays off center? It drives well and gear changes are smooth but there is play in the stick. Is this a sign of a larger problem or is it just that gear sticks stick? (Energy)

Answers

Changing the subject slightly I’m sure I came across this problem when enquiring about how to change the gear knob for a custom built one. It suggested holding the gear stick firmly because you may snap the plastic supports which directs you to each individual gear. I couldn’t tell you if this expensive to rectify or even if I am correct - Antony Chadburn from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1999

How many bolts are there on the Alternator Bracket to the Engine Block on a Vauxhall Astra?

Answers

There should be three bolts. One for adjustment - Mel Hecquet from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2007

Approximately a week ago I went back into my car after it being in a car park for couple of hours. The light on dash that signfies doors/or luggage compartment is open has been illuminated ever since. It also means that the interior lights remain on when you driving. The light goes off when you lock the car but as soon as you back in again it illuminates and stays on while driving. I have pulled the fuse to switch off the interior lights but cannot seem to solve the other issue. Anyone any ideas, I have a Haynes Manual but does not seem to state in there what to do either. I was wondering if it could be some sort of door sensor problem, would like to fix myself if I can as due MOT in few weeks and have spent fortune on new tyres and servicing in last month so need to save some money. Any help greatly appreciated. (Astra Breeze)

Answers

Hi. I think you pulled the headlamp switch too far out. It has two settings. So push it in all the way. To switch on your head lights, pull it out once. To turn on the interior light, pull it out further. Good luck - Thys Heyns from South Africa

Vauxhall Agila 2007

I have a 2007 Vauxhall Agila. Could anyone tell me what might be the cause of a small amount of oil in my water reservoir tank? Thanks.

Answers

Head gasket - Ste Chaddy from England

Vauxhall Combo 2008

Should the door mirrors on my Combo van fold inwards manually? The hand book says they do but the supplying dealer says they don’t. They appear to be fixed or seized and I am afraid they will break when pressure is applied. Surely they should fold towards the door glass? Is this a common fault with these vans?

Answers

They do not fold in. Just the mirror move to adjust - Randy B from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

Hi, does anyone know how I might reset the computer on a Vauxhall Astra after a service?

Answers

Press the trip counter button, hold it in while turning on the ignition - Jason Morgan from Swansea

Vauxhall Vivaro 2007

I have a slight wobble on the steering. I can feel it more when turning and it doesn’t seem to correct itself properly. I’ve had it in the garage but they cannot find anything out of sorts. They said NO to the following: wheel bearing, power steering, discs, balancing or even tracking. Can anyone help? (2.0 cdti)

Answers

Check your top shocker mounts or even your track rod ends as they put the same ones on as the Renault Laguna and sometimes can’t take the weight - Chris Hhhhh from Lancashire

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

When slowing down at traffic lights or give way junctions, my Vauxhall Zafira completely cuts out instead of idling, not always, but most times. Also, since this has started there is an intermittent low whining noise that disappears after a few minutes. Any advice would be appreciated.

Answers

Recently got rid of my 52 Zafira 1.6. Drank oil relentlessly but the main problem was EGR valve which caused car to cut out at junctions or worse at roundabouts. How I survived God knows - Fred Smith from Dumbartonshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

The heater resister has stopped working in my Vauxhall Vectra so I only have my heater blower on number 4 setting, 1 to 3 do not work. How do I locate the resistor so I can change it. Many thanks in advance.

Answers

http://www.blower-motor-resistor.co.uk/vauxhall-vectra-c-blower-motor-resistor.html That should help - Al from Wales

Vauxhall Vectra 2008

Does anyone know at what mileage the timing belt should be changed at on a 1.8-litre Vauxhall Vectra?

Answers

100,000 miles, as told by Vauxhall dealership when asked the same question - Steve Collins from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

A bit of a strange one this... Oil levels... one minute it’s over then the next it’s on minimum. I’ve got people telling me that I’ve got a partical fuel filter problem, then someone tells me I’ve not got one fitted - the cars is too early for it. I need to source where and why the oil level is going up. The car’s running really well, it’s quiet, no smoke , fuel consumption is OK - all as normal. Can anyone tell me what the hell is going on? It’s doing my head in!

Answers

I think it sounds like oil pump is not working properly - Jim Bowers from Dorset

Oil pump my a*se, if the oil pump was not working the engine would have seized up! - Ted Bundy from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1999

The thermometer gauge on my Vauxhall Corsa keeps going to red as soon as I pull off. It’s not the water pump or the head gasket as Ihad a switch put in to stop this from happening. But still happens - any ideas anyone?

Answers

Possibly your thermostat is kapput or needs a new gauge if you have had a new thermal sensor switch fitted on the engine or possibly a short in the cable from the temp sensor switch. Suggest you get a diagnostic done if it is overheating then it won’t be long before you need a head gasket/cylinder head - Bill Clark from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Combo 2006

Hi, does anyone know how to reset the service light on the odometer of a 1.3-litre Vauxhall Combo?

Answers

Hold the trip button in whilst turning the key to position one, it will start flashing, hold until it stops flashing. The insp sign will now have gone. Release button, job done - Barry Robinson from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Tigra 2000

Hi. Please HELP! My Tigra is using more coolent fluid then nomal. When I’m at traffic lights for a long time it starts to go to 100 but when I do drive it goes back to 90-ish. Is there something wrong?

Answers

Try taking out your coolant thermostat. If nothing appears to change, check there is no air or blockage/restriction in the radiator or hoses. The coolant could be "boiling off." If the engine takes a long time to warm up from starting & appears to run cooler than normal - except for maybe a long fast motorway journey - replace your thermostat with a new one. It may be sticking closed. To do a quick check on the thermostat, put it into a container of boiling water to see if it opens - Wez from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Astravan 2003

I have changed the battery in my Vauxhall Astravan remote but the remote will still not open or central lock - can anyone help or advise?

Answers

It is most likely that you have to put the key in the ignition turn on, do not start the engine, then push the lock button on the key. This should activate the system and match the two together now that you have replaced the fob battery - Jim Watson from Kent

Get in the van, close the doors, insert key in ignition, turn on but do not start, press either button on key and it should reset. You have 30 seconds to do this after turning on ignition - Nick Harrison from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

I can’t open the boot on my Astra SX1 Twinport. The rear washers are working so it’s not a blown fuse. Any painless remedy for an awkward DIY person or is it simpler to book into garage for repair?

Answers

Have you tried the boot release switch in the driver side interior sill or from the key button? That could work. Also is it unlocked? If not known, it could be jammed. Can you push the button in as if to open the boot? Get inside, put the rear seats down to get in to the boot and unscrew and remove the rear panel cover, not 100% sure as I can’t remember where all the screws are. Hope this helps you - Mark Sprudd from Newport

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

I want to put pressure in my Vauxhall Corsa tyres - what is the maximum pressure I should put in?

Answers

Hi Humphreys, if you go the Kwik Fit tyre pressure search webpage - http://www.kwik-fit.com/tyre-pressure-search.asp - and enter your car’s registration and it will provide you with the recommended front and rear tyre pressures in PSI - RoadTestReports.co.uk

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

Hello, can anyone tell me how to replace the bulbs/lamps on dashboard, where I have the odometer etc.. What are and how to remove the car components?

Answers

I had the same problem. You will need to take all the dash out starting with the glove compartment then the vents at the side (put in a small screw driver to spise them out) and you will find screws behind. I must say it’s not an easy task but if you manage it, check all your lights before putting everything back. Good luck - Gordon Kenny from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

Can anyone advise me on the best way to remove the central air vent from the dashboard of my Vauxhall Corsa?

Answers

My friend is a Vauxhall mechanic for Evans Halshaw, and when I took my 2009 Corsa in for a service he noticed my central air vent was broken (middle part holding flats in place snapped off) and he said that if I was to replace it, the whole circular vent actually just ’popped out’, you could use a screwdriver to do this or something flat like that to get into it. Hope this helps anyway - Paul from Northumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I disconnected and removed the battery on my 1.7-litre diesel Vauxhall Meriva so that I could replace a light bulb. I reconnected battery and the dashboard lights came up, so power appears to be OK. Bit it now turns over briefly before going to a series of clicks (and won’t start!) Any idea what I have done wrong (checked clean, dry terminals, and good tight connection)?

Answers

Your battery is flat! - Ray Morris from Durham

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

Why is my Vectra making a wining noise but once the clutch is dipped the noise stops? Has anyone else experienced this?

Answers

By the sounds of it, I would say your clutch slave cylinder is on its way out. When they are worn, they whine until you put clutch pedal down and they are pushed against clutch plate then they go quiet - Graeme Lee from england

Vauxhall Movano 2000

Where are the glow plugs located on a Vauxhall Movano?

Answers

The glow plugs are located down in front of the injectors, you will need a long reach 10mm socket to undo them - Phil from London

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2007

My Vauxhall Astra would not start 3 weeks ago. I had it jump started and it worked perfectly until yesterday. I had to jump start it again. I took it to the garage and they said a battery cell had weakened but prior to going to the garage I noticed that the boot light bulb was extremely warm and have a suspicion that this could have been turned on due to a fault and drained the battery. Any ideas?

Answers

Charge your battery, then remove the boot build (this should break the circuit. If your battery stays charged afterwards, that’s likely to be the problem. Just leave it out, they are useless anyway - Ian C from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

On my Vauxhall Vectra CDTI 1.9-litre SRI, a spanner light comes on when I start the engine from cold and goes out after about 4 minutes. Doesn’t do this when I start from warm (eg. car has run for several miles in the last two hours). Performance is fine at all times. Having read the manual I drained the fuel filter and no water was present. Anyone out there got any ideas?

Answers

Try your glow plugs. After trial and error that is what sorted my exact same problem - Lee Jackson from Cheshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

I bought a Vauxhall Astra second-hand with no manual and I can’t set the time and date on the clock. Can anybody help?

Answers

It does it automatically - Mark Crampsie from England

Clock is automatic but doesn’t allow for British summer time changes - so is one hour out during Spring/Summer - Minnie Peeve from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2000

I went in to the back of someone a while back, and caused minor damage to the front and the radiator has a few fins bent/dented. Since then, it has taken a while to star and on ignition sheds load of smoke from out the back. I used the 1.7-litre Corsa last Sunday and was fine, did about 20 motorway miles then parked overnight. There was some bad rain that night and cold weather and since then it has not started at all. Turns over, then slowly fades off and stops, heard what sounded like liquid bubbling from engine and clicking from back. Stopped. Tried again a few hours later, same thing. Have bought battery in to charge, just in case, but any soloutions/help? Should I leave until warm conditions? Ot try bump starting it?

Answers

Sounds like water in the ECU, put it in the airing cupboard overnight should be fine - Dan from England

Vauxhall Vectra 1996

One of my Vauxhall Vectra dashboard bulbs has gone (right side of fuel gauge). I have never had a Vectra before but I need to replace it. Has anyone any ideas?

Answers

Go to this website www.vvoc.com and look up the ’how to’ section, and look under ’led replacement dash lights’. There’s one with pics. I know it’s for led lights but it shows/tells clearly. Hope this helps - D Jackson from Scotland

Vauxhall Astravan 1998

Hi, the heater in my Vauxhall Astravan has started to blow cold on all 4 settings. I have just changed the thermostat but it has made no difference and there is plenty of water in the header tank. The temperature gauge does work inside the van on the clock. Can any one help with winter coming up?

Answers

I had the same problem, I changed that water pump and it worked fine, maybe you should check that - Simon Jon from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

I have central locking but the key fob does not work so I manually lock and unlock. The nearside back passenger door does not lock with other doors so I push button down. Can this allow someone to steal fuel as I have now, for the third time run out of petrol when there should be a mimimum of half a gallon left? It has central locking so no fuel locking cap. Can I get one? Or should I get a new fob? Will this stop them getting into the fuel?

Answers

Take the key fob apart as if you are going to replace the battery. Put a small bit of paper in the fob replace and try your key. It works most times - James Cowan from Spain

I’ve had a similar problem with my nsr door, turns out to be the wiring from your B post to your door had broken wires in it, it would require repair. Your central locking problem may just be a battery - Steve Norris from Berkshire

Thank you for the key diagnosis, with the paper, it has worked for us. Saving us buying a new key fob - Tracey Whit from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2007

On a Vauxhall Vectra, what is the switch with a running man with ))))) used for!?

Answers

Hi Richard, the running man symbol is your car alarm. Your car is alarmed automatically, activating the switch cancels the alarm. I use it when I leave my do in the car otherwise his moving in the car would trigger the alarm. For any dog lovers out there, the dog is not left anymore than 10-15 mins. I wouldn’t recommend using it if you leave the wife in the car - Duncan Clark from Sutherland

Vauxhall Tigra 2005

The drivers side electric wing mirror on my Vauxhall Tigra has been smashed but the actual casing is OK. Do I need to replace the whole thing or can I just pop the mirror out and replace that? If so, is it easy to replace it? I have phoned a few garages and they all tell me different things so I’m a bit confused!! Thank you.

Answers

Natalie, just ask a valleys boy! Go to a car parts shop where you can buy a replacement glass with an adhesive back then just stick it on top of the broken one, job done. P.S. Make sure you buy the right size one - Alant from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

When I switch on my Astra headlights the infotainment light goes out - has anyone else experienced this and know how to fix it?

Answers

There should be a dimmer switch for dashboard, look on the panels near your headlight adjuster, there should be a wheel type dimmer switch there - Ian C from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2010

Hello, could you please tell me how many miles before I need to replace the cambelt on a Vauxhall Astra? I think it is 100,000. Thank you.

Answers

It’s roughly about 60,000 miles - Callum C from England

My book say 100,000 - Eilidh Ross from Inverness-shire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

How do I replace the milometer bulb on a Vauxhall Meriva. Unfortunately no-one has done a workshop manual for this model....

Answers

Haynes do a manual, check Ebay - John Worby from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

On my Vauxhall Corsa I can’t remove the polystyrene jack holder in order to remove the right hand rear light cluster, to change a bulb. The polystyrene block is larger than the hole it has to come out of. I don’t want to cut it. Any ideas please?

Answers

You need to remove all tools from the poly, and carefully slide a screwdriver up behind the plastic and gently prise it out. It comes out on an angle eventually just takes persuading and patience, it’s not much bigger than the gap and does come out, just a tight squeeze - Dan T from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2008

Does anyome know why there are fumes coming out of the air vents on my 1-litre Vauxhall Corsa Life?

Answers

It may be air condition system fault. It has happened in my car then the air conditioner stopped working. A technician said cooler had gone - Sam from Sri Lanka

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

I have a 1.6 petrol 16v Zafira. While driving along I suddenly lost power and the little car with a spanner symbol came on. I pulled over, switched off the engine, then started it again and everything seemed OK. But about a mile down the road it happened again. I did the same again and everything is fine except my speedo, rev counter and other dials froze at the speed and revs I was doing before the power loss. Also, I have lost my indicators, hazards, dashboard lights, interior lights, back wiper, intermitant front wiper and when I wash windscreen, the water swirts but the wipers don’t go - they do work on speed 1 and 2. Any ideas what could effect all these things?

Answers

This may be an immobiliser problem, I think that is what the warning light means, check your owners handbook to be sure - Steve Norris from Berkshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2007

How do I get the service light to go out on a Vauxhall Vivaro? I have serviced it myself.

Answers

The service light tells you there is a minor problem. It usually comes on together with another amber light. Normally the airbag light. Fix the problem and the light will go out - Paul Prosser from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Hi mate, try this. Turn the ignition on, press and hold throttle pedal down and whilst still down, pump the brake pedal three times and turn off ignition. You have 10 secs to do this. Hope it sorts you, cheers - Paul Harding from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2007

Does anyone know how you get rid of condensation from the inside of a 2007 Vauxhall Vectra headlamp?

Answers

You could try using a hair dryer on low heat until you find out why it is doing it, you might have to buy a new headlamp - Gordon Kenny from Lancashire

I took the light out of the car and held a hair dryer on low heat for 15 mins to dry it out, it has been fine since then - Mark Cole from Derbyshire

Mine did the same, dry it with a hairdryer on low setting then pop a satchet of silica gel into the lamp, mine doesn’t do it anymore :) - Mary Corrigan from Cheshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

Hi, I have water in the passenger side foot well. I have had the covers changed on each wing, could this be the cause?

Answers

Does this happen when it rains? Check under the plastic grill under the windscreen wipers to see if there any leaves blocking the drainage channel by the battery on the passenger side of the engine. This normally causes a water fall effect from behind the glovebox. If it happens when it doesn’t rain, check your water levels, you might have a leak somewhere in the engine. A broken heater matrix would leak in the passenger side too, see if your heating works. If it does it’s not that - Sam Dixon from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

While driving my Vauxhall Corsa, when I get to about 2,000 rpm the car pulls back - has anyone else experienced this?

Answers

I have had the same trouble. I even broke down the other day, got it to the garage where it started, they tested it and said no fault! My revs seem to be very high. Any help would be appreciated! - Sophie Vince from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I had a really bad experience with my car this morning... I’m a new driver and my power steering suddenly cuts off while driving on a roundabout. I still managed to drive it and park it but the experience was somewhat scary. I have been to a local garage but they couldn’t identify the problem because it went OK when they tested it. Could anyone please enlighten me with the problem?

Answers

It’s your steering column, take it to a Vauxhall garage, it should be covered by Vauxhall as they have been having a lot of problems with these. You can also phone Vauxhall customer care, I know of 2004 being covered by warranty - Chris Vance from Northern Ireland

Go to a Vauxhall main dealer and ask for a post warranty application. Vauxhall know the steering columns have problems on these cars and will replace free of charge. Did you know they have electric steering? Mine went wrong on a six year old model and they did it no quibble. Hope this helps - Steve from Devon

Vauxhall Corsa 2008

What is safe mode on a Vauxhall Corsa and what comes on to say it’s in safe mode? Thank you.

Answers

Your radio is in safe mode - Keef from Hampshire

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

When I’m driving my car, a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Breeze, my engine management light comes on and the car seems to lose power (it doesn’t cut out and the problem goes away if you take it out of gear and the revs drop off). It happens between 3,200 and 3,700 and then it is fine. A couple of people have said it is a safety mode that is related to the crank shaft sensor. Is it easy to replace? Or would I need to go to a garage?

Answers

Hi, I have had the same problem with my Corsa after taking it to the garage and having different things said about the cause, it went away completely after the air flow mass meter was replaced - Craig Moss from England


Vauxhall Astravan 2005

Hi, please can someone help me? I have an Astra van mk4 cdti with a 1.7 engine, only 75k on clock. I have too much pressure in my header tank and the pipes are very hard. Someone has said it was the injector sleeves so I got new ones fitted but things are still the same. Then I got my head skimmed and the pressure tested but still the same.... I use about a half pint of water a day and it does not over-heat when I start it up and it get up to temp. The water in the tank goes and when I stop it water comes back in to tank. Why? I have just been out to it, the heater was hot and it just went cold, went down my street and it got hot within 1 minute. I have just spent over £800 and don’t know wot to do next. This was my dad’s van and he has just passed away so this is my pride and joy. Please, please some one help. Cheers.

Answers

Did you checked the thermostat? Maybe its faulty - Gerfex from Malta

Hi there, I’ve had the same problem, it was my oil cooler - Alan Singleton from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

Hi. I have a problem with my Vauxhall Astra that when I turn on the ignition the brake lights stay on all the time. I have replaced the brake light switch but problem still persists - any advice would be most welcome.

Answers

It isn’t the brake light bulb that needs changing, it’s the brake light switch which anywhere in front of the car, my previous car - a Renault Clio - had it under the steering wheel next clutch and brake - Rubz M from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2001

Can anyone help? When I open my driver side door there is a constant beeping until the key removed out of ignition. Why is this?

Answers

Karen, the beeping sound is to remind you to remove your ignition key. Some people have locked the door by pressing the door lock button and lifting the outer drivers door handle then closing door, result is you are locked out with keys locked inside car - Les Buck from Durham

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

I have bought a pollen cabin filter to replace the old one on my Vauxhall Astra Estate 1.7D. Could somebody please tell me where it’s situated on my car type? Thank you.

Answers

It’s usually behind the glove box, so remove that and then it’s in the centre behind the radio. There is one screw to undo on the flap then you just slide the old filter out. It’s a bit of a fiddly job - Steve Astra from Surrey

Vauxhall Zafira 2003

Hi, I have an old shape Zafira and the light with the spanner going through it comes on and then the car has no revs. The book says its something to do with the immobilisor... How can I disconnect this as I’ve just had a baby and I can’t afford to take it to a garage!

Answers

It may not be the immobiliser as it is the engine management light, we have had ours go on while driving and we lost revs. This was the car being placed into safety mode and could be any amount of faults which need to be diagnosed by plugging in to a computer, ours came up with a swril flap and egr valve fault - Penny Oliver-Davidson from Devon

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

Hi there, I have a problem with my Zafira 2006 1.9 cdti screen heater. It does not have any air coming out of it. I was told by my mechanic that the air heater unit was faulty, so I replaced it with a new one... but still had the same problem. It even burned the air heater unit resistor so I had it repaired by an electriction. It has been a little better but still the screen gets steamed up and you can not see. It does not seem to have enough pressure coming out of the screen heater - I have even changed the pollen filter on it but still the problem persists. Could anybody please help me?

Answers

Hi, I have just purchased a Zafira and took it up the motorway. All of the windows steamed and I could not see unless air con was on full. Have you any explaination? - Michelle Griffiths from England

How can I change my Zafira 2002 pollen filter? - Arshad Ali from Lanarkshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

F comes up on my Vauxhall Meriva dashboard and the car won’t start - does anyone know what this might signify?

Answers

Hi. I don’t have an answer to your problem, but I have the same problem and hoping that you have found a solution? I will come look here to see if you have found the problem, or if you can email me, I will appreciate it: thysheyns@mweb.co.za Thank you very much - Thys Heyns from South Africa

It happened to me. AA fixed it - both brake lights had blown. Replaced bulbs and car started working. Hope I was helpful - Fred Hollingworth from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

The speed dial on my Vauxhall Zafira is rising and the ABS light is flashing. Could somebody please tell me what they think the problem might be?

Answers

My 2007 Zafira (1.6 petrol) has just gone in to a main dealer with similar fault: ABS light on/flashing, loss of speedo, intermittent revs, loss of power and engine management light was also on. Bad news though, it was diagnosed as a leak over the fuse box - causing fuse box to short. £275 for part + vat + labour = £490. The good news is that it’s a common fault on the Zafira so the main dealer covered all of the cost except for £75 that I am liable to pay. Hope this helps! - Matt Howells from Neath Port Talbot

It’s your ABS module - Chris Vance from Northern Ireland

Vauxhall Agila 2001

I can’t find the accelerator cable in my Vauxhall Agila. Can anyone please tell me how to find it? Thank you.

Answers

This isn’t a cable, it’s a drive-by wire, it’s a throttle pot. Just look on the throttle body and you will see. If you have a problem with this it may be the variable resistor on the pedal, or the motor on the side of the throttle body. Use a multimeter to test for voltage to the motor, this may require two people - Ste Chaddy from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

My Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 top of the range 2006 was written off 2 weeks ago in a car crash that was not my fault (the other driver has admitted liability). There was just over 20,000 miles on the clock. I have been offered £5,800 by the insurance company. Is this reasonable? I am unsure. Thank you.

Answers

Yes, that sounds reasonable. I’ve just bought a second hand 2005 Meriva for £4,500 and having starting problems after less than two weeks. My advice: take the money but don’t buy another Meriva! - Alex Bayman from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

The speedometer on my Vauxhall Zafira goes up to 120 as soon as I move off. Has anyone else experienced this and can antone tell me why this is happening? Thank you.

Answers

It may need checking as sometimes the wire is not put back in properly after a brake or suspension change - Daniel from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

The top radiator hose has blown off the radiator twice now, whilst driving along normally. Has anyone had this experience or know the cause please? Lucky I was able to stop each time and switch engine off quickly to avoid engine overheating! Thanks for any advice. (1.8 petrol auto)

Answers

Did you cure this as mines doing the same? - Gary from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Astravan 2001

I have no reversing lights, no indicators, no speedo, no trip clock. What’s the problem?

Answers

It could simply be a fuse affecting the dash instruments so give those a check over before you do anything else - Steve Astra from Surrey

Fuses dude, check the fuses - Ronnie Wilkinson from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

It’s hard to start in mornings but once started, it’s okay. (19 cdti 8 valve)

Answers

Change your heater glowplugs. They are about £30 a set - Gordon Kenny from England

Vauxhall Combo 2008

I have a Vauxhall Combo van 1.4 diesel. The indicators on one side have stopped working. I can hear the relay clicking very quickly. Can anyone one tell me where this relay is and could this be the problem?

Answers

Check the bulbs and connections, normally if a bulb goes one indicator will flash very quickly or not at all - Keith Brown from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Movano 2003

Central locking is not working but key sending signal. Why?

Answers

You can try this I know it used to work on my 2000 astra. Put the key in the ignition and turn till all the lights appear on the dash then press and hold any button on the key fob. Hope this works. If not, try a new battery in the key fob - Steve Astra from Surrey

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I changed the steering column, now the steering is heavy. Why?

Answers

It’s not in line. Loosen it off and start again, check the UJ joint as well if it’s got one on there - Jason Cunningham from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

The battery light comes on while driving instruments erratic. How come? (1.6 petrol)

Answers

The alternator is shot by the sounds of things - Jason Cunningham from England

Unfortunately, it sounds like the alternator is on it’s way. Usually the speedo will stop working and then start again randomly and the battery is a common telltail sign. Hope this helps - Jack O’Loughlin from Kent

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

How do I reset oil service light?

Answers

Before you put the key in the ignition, hold down the odometer reset button, keep button pressed as you insert key and turn ignition lights on. Continue to hold for about 10 seconds. Job done! This works on my ’06 Astra so hope it’s the same on yours - Steve Astra from Surrey

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

Hi, there is a strong smell of something burned coming from the front of my car. It started when I was stuck in a traffic. What can it be?

Answers

It’s most probably the clutch, same thing happened to mine and was told it’s the clutch. Eventually had to change it and cost me £625 - Moj Rahman from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2011

Hi, my Corsa is 10 days old, I can hear a whine from 1500-2000 rpm, moving or stationary. Vauxhall say it’s normal noise from the induction system or pipe work resonating. It’s very hard to hear noise when outside car with bonnet up, but it’s clearly present inside. Not happy with their opinion. Anyone know? (1.3CDTI 75 SXI)

Answers

Hi, I have a 1.7 diesel and have the exactly same noise, sounds like it comes from the air filter. I have had two people look at it and they say that it’s fine and supposed to make that noise but I’m not convinced either but if yours is like it too I presume it must be ok? - Ross Brewer from England

Hi, the whine is more like a groan or the similar sound of dry wiper blades across the screen. The noise is not a turbo whistle. The noise is heard more clearly doing slow maneuvers. It’s driving me crackers. HELP! Vauxhall say they need to check against another model - Mark from Cheshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

When should the cam belt be changed on this model? Thank you.

Answers

Every 40k - John Hough from Surrey

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

The indicators on the dash have all gone out, is it a fuse in the engine bay?

Answers

There are usually two fuse boxes, one under the bonnet and one in LHS of the boot on MK5 Astra and on MK4, there’s a fuse box below and to RHS of steering wheel behind mini glove compartment. So check those too as it is most likely to be a fuse that’s the problem - Steve Warren from Surrey

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

My Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 easytronic is leaking water from what looks like an overflow pipe behind the passenger footwell. The water doesn’t appear to be from the normal water system as I’ve checked it and that’s all okay. The car isn’t overheating either and it’s a hot sunny day, so it can’t be excess rain. Please help me remedy this annoying problem.

Answers

It is most likely the air conditioning unit if so then this is normal an easy way to tell is leave the car running without the air con if you don’t see any water the you know your safe - Jack O’Loughlin from Kent

It could be the BCM box cover, I had a similar problem on my 1.2 SXI (51’ Plate). To the right of the battering is a black box that contains all the fuses/relays. There is a rubber seal around that box and when it becomes perished, it allows water to seep into the box, which in turn runs down the wiring loom into the passenger side foot well. New BCM box cover and gasket shouldn’t be more than about £20. I changed mine and that stopped the problem - Oliver Shillito from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

Hi, can someone tell me if my Corsa from 02 1.2 semi-automatic has a timing chain or timing belt?

Answers

Don’t know if this will help but I had a 1.0 Corsa of the same year and that had a timing chain - Edward Gwilliam from Worcestershire

Timing chain on your Corsa - Ryan Dorrill from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Meriva

Occasionally our Meriva automatic won’t start as the gear light is flashing on and off on the dash. You have to start in neutral and every now and then, the light in the dash keeps flashing on and off and prevents the car starting. My mechanic hooks up a laptop and resets the error. I brought it to dealership who changed the brake light switch as they believed this was the problem. All was good for a while but has reoccured recently. Any ideas?

Answers

Hi, I had the same problem, the cure is simple. Check your brake light bulbs. Both need to be okay to make circuit when brake is pressed to start engine. My Meriva is a semi auto. Hope this helps - Bri Ward from Lancashire

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

My front wipers do not go through the whole motion moving about a third up the screen then stopping and then another third and so on and never park to the original starting point. Any ideas? (1.8 petrol)

Answers

I’m no mechanic but did you turn them on when it has been icy or snowing? Undo the bolt on the wiper so its loose. Turn on your wipers then wait for the motor to stop in its original position then do it back up. Should cure your problem - Rob from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

My engine has started to make a knocking sound when the engine is on. I have checked the engine oil but this is fine.

Answers

Have you checked the anti-freeze? Does your engine start to over heat? - Bill Brady from England

Vauxhall Agila 2000

Why is my Agila misfiring when stood still?

Answers

A miss is caused by numerous things, you won’t be able to find the culprit as it requires diagnostics, but it’s a run down of ignition, fuel, compression. This is like standing at the bottom of a tree looking up at all the branches, which road to take? If you get it right it’s pure luck - Ste Chaddy from England

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

I have a problem with my horn. I brought my car to the garage many times and finally they say the problem is the accessory part SIM in steering. What is this and where I can find it?

Answers

I have the same problem on my 2006 Astra with the horn. If you phone Vauxhall direct they will have you take the car to a dealer to be fixed free of charge, they accept that there is an issue with the horn wiring on this year astra and have recalled the cars to be fixed. Mine’s booked in for tomorrow should take 30-45 minute to fix. Hope this is of help :-) - Chris Williams from Berkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

I have ’04 Vectra 19tdi sri 150bhp, when I put the key in to start there’s nothing I have to wait for the engine managment light to come on then it might start. Some days I can be sat 30mins before it will start, I’ve had a new wiring loom fitted because Pentagon said that’s what it needed but it’s still the same. Any help please? I’m at my wits end with it.

Answers

I don’t know but mine has started doing the same. I can bump it off but it won’t start off the key but I don’t know what is wrong with it. Can anyone tell me please? - Jamie Brown from England

ECU about to die, sell it NOW. Otherwise get ready to replace diesel pump/ecu. Around £1,200 from Vauxhall - Paul from Berkshire

I don’t think the advice of selling is fair to the person that will buy and inherit the problem - Keith Richards from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

What is the reserve fuel volume when the low fuel light comes on? (1.4 twin port)

Answers

On my 1.2, its just over a gallon left - Edward Gwilliam from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Movano 2005

Hello. I have a problem with one Movano. There is a lot of vibration when the vehicle is moving. I went to service it but was told that the problem is probably in the transmission but I have some doubts. Can you give me some advice of what it could be? Thank you!

Answers

I have a garage in Kent and a customer of mine had the same problem. After checking engine mounts and drive shafts, the problem was the diff drive shaft bearing on the N/S drive shaft. where the drive shaft connects into the gearbox, the bearing wears and causes the van to vibrate. In my case, the van shook very badly giving the impression of a buckled wheel - Peter Crocker from Kent

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2005

The boot on my Twintop is locked and can’t open it, the chime alarm keeps sounding but not showing on dashboard. Any ideas?

Answers

A friend of mine had the same problem with hatchback Astra. It turned out to be fuse. Only found out because his rear wiper stopped as well. Must be on same fuse replaced and both worked - Rob from England

Hi, this happened on my 2007/8 Twin Top, it turned out to be a problem with the central locking system, fuses were fine on mine - Christine Carmichael from Lanarkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2011

Should the alarm led flash when the car is locked?

Answers

If the remote alarm system is the same as the new Astra which should be common across Vauxhall’s range. Press your key fob to lock your car, the vehicle locks. Press the key fob again, within 15 seconds this activates the deadlocks and alarm. The LED goes solid red for approx 4 seconds then flashes approx every 5 seconds as a warning - Steve Astra from Wales

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2005

Just had an alternator replaced on my Vauxhall Astra 2005 diesel turbo. Everything seems to be running smooth apart from the brakes are so stiff all of the sudden. Had brake pads replaced only last month but honestly I am almost unable to brake because it’s that stiff, what could this be? Before alternator failure, the braking was absolutely fine.

Answers

Sounds like they have left the vacuum pipe going to the brake servo off. These used to have a vacuum pump on the back of the alternator going to the brake servo - Chris from England

Have they reattached the vacuum pipe that goes from back of pump on alternator to the servo? If that isn’t fitted then your brake pedal will be hard - Gareth Nichol from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

Does it have a spare wheel?

Answers

Under the carpet in the boot - David Neilson from Scotland

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

Where is the scanner plug fit on an Astra mk5?

Answers

Just in front of handbrake lift plastic panel, should be under there. Mine’s 2005 so I guess it will be same - Rob Row from Nottinghamshire

It is located under a panel beneath the handbrake - M L from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2010

Hi, I want to change real break pads on Vauxhall Vivaro but the piston does not go in as I try to push in to get enough space for the new pads. Does anyone know why this happens and how to do to get the piston moving to get a bigger gap so I can replace the pads?

Answers

You need a brake rewind tool. You have to push and turn at the same time, you can do it without tool but quite awkward - Mad Drwok from England

You have to turn the piston - Terry Ball from Lancashire

Pushing alone will not work on these brakes. You need to turn it as you are compressing it. If you don’t have the correct tool for doing this, you can use a G clamp and a good pair of large grips. Put the G clamp to compress the piston and then put the grips around the top of the piston just before the rubber. While closing the G clamp, turn the piston using the grips. Be careful not to damage the rubber with the grips - Mike from Wales

Vauxhall Combo 2004

Hi there, I am having problems selecting gears when the engine is running. I can select any gear I want when the engine is off. Once the van is in gear, it pulls fine with no slippage! I have heard about the gear linkage problem, could this be the case? Or could it be a problem with the hydraulics? Thanks in advance, Andy.

Answers

Hi there, I’ve got a Combo from the year 2002 1.7Di and have the exact same problem unfortunately, I’m running low on cash and wouldn’t like to be robbed at a repair shop. So I was wondering if you would be so kind to tell me how did you repair your van? What was the fault and how much did it cost you? Thanks in advance - Mário Costa from Portugal

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2009

My spare key wont start car, it will open door, manually, but not by remote, also it fits in ignition and turns all lights on dial but nothing else happens. Any ideas how to get it working?

Answers

You need to program the key to the car. To program the keyfob to open the doors: 1) switch on ignition, system will then remain in synchronizing mode for 30 seconds 2) briefly press a button on the remote control 3) the central locking system locks and unlocks to show that the remote control has been programmed to program the key to start the car. You will need to get the transponder in the key reprogrammed if you take your car passcard into the dealers. They will be able to program it for you, but I personally would look for an auto locksmith to do it as they tend to be much cheaper than dealers - Martin Murray from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

I just bought this car second hand yesterday and today noticed that the temperature gauge oscillates between COLD (~70) and the middle 90 reading. On the highway, it gets right down to the 70 reading. What could be the cause? Thanks for your help. (1.9 TDCi - 120bhp)

Answers

The engine coolant thermostat is worn. The thermostat fails to open on most newer engines, to prevent a thermostat failure from causing engine to overheat. You should have the thermostat replaced - Stephen from Wiltshire

It’s your thermostat. You need to get this replaced otherwise your fuel consumption will be very poor - Naz Nazzer from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

I went out to start my car today and the alarm would not stop go off. Any ideas?

Answers

Try starting the car, this happened to my Vectra when the fob stopped working - Paul Clem from Durham

If you have central locking, lock and then unlock the car then try starting. It happens all the time, no big deal. Hope this helps - Jamie Steward from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2008

Why is it that all of a sudden there now appears LOW BEAM in the centre display when I first apply the ignition? It goes away when I change the mode on the computer but always reappears after I switch the engine off and then back on again. (1.8 Design)

Answers

Could it possibly be that one of your low beam bulbs has blown? - Ian Hatten from Perthshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

In my Vauxhall Astra club 1.6 petrol 8-valve (2000), when in traffic and the temperature rises to 90 degrees centigrade and it becomes extremely difficult to change gears. This does not change until the engine cools down to normal working temperature. Could anyone please indicate a cause of this and any possible remedy? Thanks. (Astra Club 8-valve)

Answers

If your cooling system is working well then you need to check the gear box. I think your clutch does not open or you burned the clutch - Ronald from Ghana

Vauxhall Vectra 2000

My car keeps going into safe mode and won’t drive over 40mph, what is the cause please? (diesel 2.0 dti)

Answers

It’ll be your EGR valve. Clean it out brake cleaner - Craig Harrison from England

Does the light with the car and spanner come on? - Gareth Barlow from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

There is a light that keeps coming on on my dashboard EPS. What does this mean and how do i fix it? (semi automatic)

Answers

It’s all been covered by Watchdog - http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2010/09/vauxhall_meriva.html  Why there hasn’t been a general recall, I’ll never know. My wife is learning to drive and mounted a kerb as she lost control of the car when the steering went heavy and couldn’t negotiate the bend when it suddenly went heavy. Called the dealer and they were vague - called the helpline on the Watchdog link and they offered free half hour diagnostic - Mark Smyth from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

Hi I have a Vauxhall Zafira 7 seater petrol ’07 reg. The problem we have is that the warning light stays on for the hand brake whilst driving and the bleeping is enough to make anyone insane. Please can anyone help?

Answers

I suggest you have the handbrake checked - Dan from Bedfordshire

It might be there is a shortage of brake fluid - P Joseph from Cheshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

On replacing the cylinder head gasket would the cam belt also be replaced, and if so, what mileage would be expected from a new belt?

Answers

It is recommended by Vauxhall that the timing belt is always replaced any time it is removed. Replacement mileage for your model is 91,000 miles - Paul Prosser from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

All my gauges inside are not working, no lights inside, nothing. Any ideas why?

Answers

Hi, I had this problem it turned out to be a sensor on the management system, it was not cheap to fix look round before you buy from dealer - George Vincent from England

Vauxhall Combo 2002

I was driving down the motorway the other day and I lost power to my van, I managed to pull over to the hard shoulder and ended up having to call out the breakdown service who had to transport me 150 miles back home. I have fuel in the van and is showing 1/2 a tank, the engine turns but won’t fire up and there is a light on the dash board which looks like a car and spanner. Does anyone now what might be wrong with my once trusted little van? Please please can anyone help this maiden in distress. Grateful thanks to anyone who can lend advice. (1.7 di diesel)

Answers

Yes, the fault on your combo is your edu. Situated behind the engine. Guaranteed - Ray from England

It means there is a problem with the emission system need to code read it to be sure. They do suffer from a problem with the fuel pump ecu which bolts to the back of the engine with 4 bolts and a multi plug. A code read would say something like spill valve faulty. If so, there are companies on the internet that will repair for about £100 - Ian Merrill from Lincolnshire

I have just experienced the same problem, we were losing power just as described and also called out our recovery service, we were realyed to a local garage who could not diagnose the fault on the equipment so we went to a Vauxhall garage paid £50.00 to have crank shaft sensor and the little flap part in the manifold not working properly. The car went back to the original garage who replaced the crank shaft sensor and cleaned and refitted the manifold. When I collected the car, it was difficult to start as it kept stalling, the mechanic said it probably had a little air in the system where the pipes had been removed. The next day, it would not start at all so had to go back to the garage. Fortunately, we were sent a very experienced AA patrol officer who suspected that there was a problem with the fuel getting through, he placed a battery pack on the car and got me to turn the engine over while he gave the fuel tank a bash from each side of the car. This started the car momentarily and confirmed that the problem was the pump in the fuel tank. The garage cleaned this all out and it is now running fine. So much for the Vauxhall diagnosis which cost me £50.00 and an initial £371.00 garage bill, the latter cleaning of the tank cost me £129.00 - Nanny Sandra from Surrey

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

Can this car run on biodiesel? (cdti 1.3 life)

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Well, don’t know about the 1.3 but the 1.7 cdti life 80 ps does :-) 54 plate - Matt Jackson from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

I have a problem with the central locking. When I activate it, only the drivers door button comes up straight away and the passenger door button sometimes will not come up. You have to keep pressing the remote on the key fob, what is the problem?

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Think it is supposed to do that. One click opens the driver door, second click opens the others. Think it is a security feature, I have it on mine - Anon from Wales

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1999

As soon as we connect the battery, all of the dashboard lights come on. The engine however will not turn over at all. The ignition barrel feels like it is spinning and maybe broken inside, or is it a battery problem? Please help. Thanks Gavin.

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It could be the starter motor - Shahid Noor from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch

While driving my ABS light came on, do you know why?

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If it shows ABS with smell of fuel and cuts off, then I am deadly sure that you need to change your ignition leads! - Mthobisi Gregory from Wales

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

Should I have a front headlight on all of the time which is brighter that the half beam lights? I have a light indicator on my dash which is not on the hand book and lights on permenantly?

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Short answer: Yes. Long answer: These are called daytime running lights (DRL for short) They are now required on all new cars (as of Feb 2011). This is a Europe-wide law imposed by the E.U. These lights are usually dimmed when the normal headlights are switched on - Stephen from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

Oil is getting in the water coolant bottle car still runs great but what’s making the oil get in? (Diesel)

Answers

The head gasket is away - Ian Crawford from Renfrewshire

Head gasket - Ash from England

Be careful, I had this prob spent loads on getting head gasket done and it wasn’t that at all (this is main dealer), it still had oily water. It was a small seal to do with the turbo, cost four quid and it has never done it again. The water stayed crystal clear - Baz Chatten from Essex

I own a 2001 1.7 Astra estate and I have had that trouble twice and each time it has been the oil cooler, have that checked before paying out for the head gasket - Edward Mantle from Cardiff

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

Please someone help, I have a Corsa (engine z12 xep), the camshaft broke so the engine was removed to replace it at the same time the gaskets, oil, stretch bolts, and some other parts were replace. We have now put the engine back in but we can’t get the car to start, I have had the RAC out to no success. These are the comments from the RAC: ’Non-start-engine management light not working. flashing when cranking then throttle butterfly clicking. check earths, carry out battery disconnect’. Please can someone advise?

Answers

You may find the crankshaft sensor is not plugged in or may not be working, they are common for packing in. It’s at the rear of the engine and goes into a hole in gearbox above nearside driveshaft can be removed with 8mm spanner - Ian Crawford from Renfrewshire

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

The ABS light comes on but not all the time. The car has failed MOT because of it, can anyone help?

Answers

The ABS switch on brakes may be broken - Natalie from Ireland

If the ABS light comes on and off then it could possibly be a broken wire or dirt on the ABS sensor - Sean from County Antrim

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

I have a Vauxhall Corsa Twinport, the camshaft broke so the engine was taken out to replace it and whilst the engine was out gaskets, pistens, and oil were also replaced. We have put the engine back connected everything back together but the car won’t start. I have called out the RAC and these are the notes he made: ’non-start- engine management light not working. Flashing when cranking then throttle butterfly clicking. Check earths, carry out battery disconnect. Member advised engine has been removed & repaired and not run since. Poss poor connection or ECU fault.’ Any suggestions?

Answers

Did they set the timing up properly? There is a tool you have to put on the camshaft gear to set it in its exact position. Otherwise it will not fire up and it should leave some kind of code that could be read - Ian Merrill from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Zafira 1997

Yellowish engine light on and sits shuddering when accelerating in second gear, any suggestions or best mechanics to go too? Thanks.

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Does your car feel like you have taken your foot of the clutch too soon when you drive it shuddering or jumping? That sounds like you need to replace your EGR valve - Mark O Donoghue from Ireland

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

Hi, I have a Vauxhall Astra 1.3 diesel. The car is loosing its speed, does not pick any speed when driving on motorway, the engine management light comes, flashes, and the speed starts to dies out. Please suggest what could be wrong with it. Thank you.

Answers

Turn ignition key to second click whilst holding down accelerator pedal and brake. In the dash (where speed is) it should come up with ECN codes. Google these and you should see what the problem is. I had a similar fault on my Astra 1.7Cdti turned out to be the MAP sensor clogged up with soot! Just took it out and cleaned it up. No problems since (also cleaned the EGR on the safe side!) - M L from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

The car won’t start, strong smell of petrol from engine. Any ideas? (1.2L)

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Tim, I had that problem. Check the oil and see if it smells of petrol. We spent days trying to work out what was wrong and I had access to a diagnostic tool to no avail. It had dumped over a gallon of fuel into the sump as it got past the pistons. We had to put new oil and filter. The vehicle I was working on was a 1997 1.4 auto 16valve if this fits in with your symptoms. Email me at mcbrib@aol.com and I will try and explain what we did to get it to run - Ben McBride from Berkshire

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2000

What bhp is my Astra?

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If it is 1.8 petrol, then it’s 140bhp - Billy Menzies from Ayrshire

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2006

The alternator indicator is illuminated on display, is it battery or alternator? Don’t wish to purchase battery to no avail.

Answers

Get a battery test done on the car first - Craig Mc from Northumberland

Alternater mate. The light has nothing to do with battery condition. If you have jumpy dash dials, DON’T drive it. It’s probably got a faulty regulator and can cause wiring to burn out. Put a meter across the battery terminals with the engine running, it should read around 14v for a 12v battery. If it’s a lot higher or very erratic then get the alternater changed - Shaun Stott from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

Why when it rains does the passenger front floor flood? (Elegance)

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Try replacing the door seal, I had similar problems on my 2002 Zafira - Mark H from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

How much is it to have a timing belt changed in Cardiff?

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Not sure in Cardiff. I had my Zafira (Petrol) done and it cost £180. It included the a waterpump as they tend to go and it’s the same process. Saves future costs - Any One from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2003

How do you remove rear brake callipers and hub/disk?

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Remove pads from caliper (remove one caliper bolt, swing body up and remove pads). Remove caliper carrier (remove two bolts - space is a bit restricted). Remove hub nut (remove dust cover, undo nut) Pull on disc to remove - Paul Prosser from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

When is the cambelt due to change? (1.9 d)

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It has a timing chain not a belt - Lee Parker from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

There is a ticking noise coming from under bonnet. On removing fuse 34, the noise stopped but the engine would not start. (cdti 1.9)

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Sounds like you have removed the petrol pump fuse - Les Miller from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2000

I want to buy winter tyres for my Vectra Club 1.8 Hatchback. How do I find out what size I need? (Hatchback 1.8)

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Its written on the tyre wall? - Martin Murray from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2009

There is a strong smell of petrol on the inside of my car but not the outside. There is nothing leaking underneath. What could it be?

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Hi, are any of the dashboard warning lights on? Maybe the engine management? - Graham White from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Vectra 1997

My car starts straight away then dies straight away. Why?

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Could be your wiring. When you activate the Starter Solernoid, power goes to your ignition. When the Starter Solenoid cuts out, so does your ignition connection. Check you have correct starter for model and year or that all wiring is connected - Graeme from Scotland

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

When driving vehicle at 50 or 60mph it is superb. If I go for power (70-80), the tool management light comes on and the vehicle drops to 50, I turn off engine and it starts straight away. What’s wrong? (diesel)

Answers

Could be going into limp mode, it won’t go over a certain amount of revs if it is. Needs to be checked with a fault code reader but may be a faulty cam sensor or crank sensor for example - Shaun Stott from England

I had same trouble with my 2.0dti. I cleaned the egr valve and the sensor near it and it seems to be okay now - Melv Smart from England

I had the same problem with my 2.0dti. Check all the pipes going to the turbo switch valve not the proper name but it’s located at top right of radiator, it’s like a little barrel with two thin pipes going into top. One of mine had a very little split in which caused my light to come on. Easy fix and cheap, works perfect now - John from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have an ’05 plate Meriva 1.4 petrol that has only done 20,000 which is obviously very low mileage. I have been informed by a local mechanic that the timing chain needs to be replaced which has made me slightly suspicious because the car has done very little miles. I would be grateful for your thoughts on this.

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Well I think he’s pulling your leg. Ask vauxhall as I was told that the timing chain will last for over 100,000 miles until it makes a noise. That’s why I bought one as cam belts last 40,000 miles only and I sell my car when they get to 7-8 years old so I won’t need to have the chain done, ask first - Tony Jones from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1991

My Corsa is in gear but will not move. Why?

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Have you been driving it for a while, or has it not gone when you first started it? Could be the crankshaft sensor. Simple change. Are there any warning lights? - Joe from Mid-Lothian (Edinburghshire)

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

What type of clips should be used to secure the rubber driveshaft boot to the driveshaft?

Answers

Hi Bill, I have a Meriva and the drive shaft boots kept popping off on full lock. I bought some jubilee clips and they haven’t come off since. I got them from the car shop spares. Hope this helps - Tony Jones from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

Does the Vauxhall Vectra 1.9cdti 150 bhp sri have a timing belt or timing chain? And when does it need changed?

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100.000 or ten years - Jimmy from Scotland

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

Does my car have a cam belt? (1.4 life)

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Hi Elaine. Merivas have a cam chain not cam belt so they don’t snap. I was told by Vauxhall they last over 100,000 miles. Hope this helps - Tony Jones from England

The Meriva has a belt and it needs to be changed at 50,000 miles. I changed mine and it looked like it would last quite a bit longer. There are four parts that need changing. 1 belt two guide rollers and an adjustor roller. I got the complete kit on Ebay for about £60.00. You may like to get the water pump changed at the same time. The whole job should cost about £250 at a Vauxhall dealer or about £180 in a back street where you will probably get a better job if you take a chance. The person who said it has a chain is a joker - David Smith from England

1.4 petrol has a timing chain, 1.6 & 1.8 petrol have timing belts - John Worby from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

Why doesn’t this model have a temperature gauge?

Answers

There is a test mode where you can see car speed in kph and engine temp in degrees centigrade. With the stereo turned on, press and hold the ’Settings’ button next to volume dial on head unit till you hear a beep, then press BC button below 8 or 9 times. You will scroll through info about the car in the main info screen depending on the system installed in your dash. The temperature usually sits between 80 and 90 degrees on my 2006 petrol Astra - Steve Warren from Surrey

Vauxhall Tigra 2000

Today, my indicator lights have decided not to work. Front and back. The hazard lights are working but there is no indication of this on the dash. Is this going to be an expensive problem to fix?

Answers

Hi Shona, check the fuses, if they’re ok then check the relay. Hope this helps - Stephen Cronshaw from Lancashire

Hi Shona, I’ve got a 54 plate Tigra and had been experiencing the same problem. One day they would work then the next, the indicator light would flash really fast on the dashboard but no indicators would work. I took it to my mechanic who was already fixing a long list of stuff for me and I asked him to check my indicator bulb because I thought it had come loose, only to find out that the relay had gone, so that was yet another problem I had. New relay has been fitted and now all working fine - Sharon Jagger from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

I got a 3.0L Vectra diesel, I drive 200 yards and then it won’t move. Why is this?

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I have an ’06 Astra diesel that done the same thing last year. It ended up gettin a new brain and it’s starting to mess about again but this time it’s being recalled by Vauxhall to get a new chip installed somewhere in the dash because when the lights are turned on the horn doesn’t work. When it is fixed, I look forward to selling it - Colm Canavan from County Tyrone

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

If my Vauxhall Zafira ’07 key snaps, do I have to replace the key fob as well or can I buy an empty keyfob and key and put the electronics from the old keyfob into the new keyfob?

Answers

Yes, you can use old electronics from the existing key in a new case. Make sure you don’t lose the small chip - Anyone from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

My battery is flat and unable to open doors or boot, how do I get in car without damaging the car? (2.5 v6)

Answers

Hi Michael, use key in door then charge battery - Stephen Cronshaw from Lancashire

Vauxhall Combo 2002

I need help with fuse layout and I have no book to look at. Its for the lighter, what size of fuse and where does it go please?

Answers

It’s a 20amp fuse and it’s fuse no 25 on my van. On the diagram, it’s the middle column fourth row from top or second from bottom - Ian Myers from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

Hi, I have a humming noise coming from my car its a 2008 Vauxhall Zafira 1.9cdti (150). When I am driving at 50mph, you can hear the humming noise all the time but when I turn the engine off while driving at 50mph, I can still hear it. Anyone know what would be wrong with it? It’s driving me mad. Thanks.

Answers

It sounds like it could be a wheel bearing - Mick from Derbyshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

If the battery light appears whilst driving, will this cause any problems for the car? The cambelt is absolutely fine. When I turned the car off and left it standing for a few hours, it started up fine, then five minutes into driving it, the ABS light came on and the steering went heavy every time I turned the steering wheel. Does this mean I need to replace my alternator or just my battery?

Answers

The assisted power steering is a known fault that Vauxhall and VOSA are aware of. Contact your Vauxhall dealer and they should repair free of charge - Richard Joseph from Wiltshire

Hi, you need to change your alternator, I had the same promblem with my Zafira 2006 - Sultan Shah from Lancashire

Vauxhall Tigra 1999

I can’t get the handbrake to disengage. This has happened a few times before, my drive is on a slight slope, usually takes about five attempts but it has been broken down and on drive for three months and I can’t get it off no matter how many times I try, it was always fine on flat surface. Any ideas?

Answers

It sounds to me like your brake shoes need changing. It’s a common thing for most Vauxhalls, sometimes they need a little hit with a hammer - Steven Goodson from England

Put it in reverse, then turn ignition on to bump start should then free the rear brakes, make sure you have a full battery - Obione Jedi from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

Hello, I have a Corsa ’09 currently on finance and I am getting worried because my car drives fine and everything is really working well. I do short journeys to work 30 mins a day. but when I go in to 1st gear and wait at traffic lights, I seem to smell petrol through my air vents but when I’m driving normally 30 mph and out of first gear, it’s fine, no smell. Has anyone else had this problem or know what I should do? Thanks.

Answers

Hi. Sounds like you need to replace your petrol filter. When did you last have it serviced? - Simone Parkinson from England

Hi, there is probably a crack in a hose from the engine which is giving off them fumes. Take it back to your dealer and it should be replaced under warranty. I had the same problem six months ago - David from Newport

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2009

My Astra mk5 has a light on the dash board. It’s yellow with a car in. It stays on, been like it for a week. What does it mean?

Answers

Has it got a spanner on it too? If so, it’s the service light - Sammie from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

My partner always drives at the exact limit and has been a driver for over 30 years. We recently received a speeding letter stating that she had driven at 36mph in a 30mph zone which surprised me as she has never ever broke the limit and when we had a Vauxhall Corsa, we had a problem like this only. I had noticed something wrong with the speedo and took it back to the dealers, they told us there had been a fault on the Corsa. Has there been any notice of the speedo doing the same on the Meriva?

Answers

Hi Paul, it may be because of the aspect ratio (height) of the tyres. If this increases, the speed will increase without it registering on the speedo. Worth checking - Pete Corden from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

The oil light keeps flickering on when the car is idling and oil is leaking from engine. What could this be?

Answers

The oil pressure switch needs changing when looking under the bonnet to the left front of the rocker cover black switch - Marcus Pennington from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My car illuminates a ’F’ on the dashboard twice when am driving. It fails to engage gear 2 or 3 when am driving up hill, I am so worried about my car and my child. Please advise me on what I should do.

Answers

If your car has an auto box, check your stop lightbulbs. If one or both have blown, the vehicle switches to limp mode [ie: will only select 1st gear]. Replace the bulbs and all will be well! Can someone tell me how to replace the milometer bulb on a 2003 Meriva? Unfortunately you can’t get a workshop manual for this model - Brian Higenbottam from Kent

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2010

Please can someone help?! My steering column switches, seems to be getting a mind of their own! Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. Just this morning, I tried to use my horn, only for the sound volume to get quieter! Please can someone advise me on this? The car’s not even two years old yet. Thanks. (Sri Turbo)

Answers

The sim card has failed. Mine went last month and has since been replaced, everything works fine now. This is a common problem - Paul Sugden from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

Can anyone tell me where the wheel brace and jack might be located in my corsa comfort ’02? (comfort)

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Your spare wheel is in the boot under the mat lift the mat up and have a look - Bob Gordon from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

How much will it cost to have my alternator replaced? Thanks.

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£60 approx recon, got my wife’s done. It is usually the bushing gone on them not the stator. If you are replacing it yourself, you will need to move a lot of parts that are in the way. Good luck - I Sadiq from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

My engine is stalling when I put it into drive on the auto gearbox. when slowing down, it is stalling. What can the problem be please? (auto)

Answers

I had same fault with 1.4 Astra Enjoy. I had new coil pack fitted not that. Had the ECU reflashed, but still had the same fault and was told I needed a new ECU. I took it to another garage and was told the cat convertor was full of gunge. Offered to clean up or replace. Decided to have replaced and fingers crossed. I have had it a week and it seems okay. EML off, not cutting out or pulling back. No faults were coming up on diagnostic check - A Weir from Scotland

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

I have a Vectra 51 plate. It’s a great car and runs well but just lately, it has started losing power and cutting out. After about two minutes, it will start again and run perfect then in a couple of days, it will do it again. It’s getting more frequent now but the garage can’t pick anything up on a diagnostic.

Answers

Replace the camshaft sensor - Graham Stevens from Devon

Could be cam shaft or krank shaft sensor put on diagnostics will tell you problem - Steve Talbot from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

I have changed the cylinder head gasket and set up the timing belt in the correct place but car will not start. Why?

Answers

Maybe possible of needing either a new starter motor or alternator - Connor Anderson from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2005

Hi I recently bought a Vectra 1.9 cdti but I am having trouble with the built-in sat nav. When I insert the sat nav disc, it keeps saying incorrect disc but it is the correct disc for that car. Any ideas?

Answers

It could be the CD is faulty, it happened to me. I got another CD and mine works fine now - Simon West from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

Hi, my husband is having trouble removing their rear wiper blade housing from his Astra Estate. He has managed to lift up a covering cap and found the bot/nut, this just will not budge, he’s covered it in WD40 but still no joy. Has anyone got any tips? He is in fear of damaging the whole thing if sheer brute force is applied!

Answers

Those things get stuck there like a fatty in front of the TV. What you need to do is get a small puller, the type that goes under cover and put the threaded section against the stud holding the wiper on. Drank her up, have her off. Simples, like this one - http://www.fordtraktordeler.no/images/galleri/images/ters.jpg - Daniel from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

My car is wet in the driver’s well, under the mat and under the carpet. Any ideas on what is causing this? It is only the floor, no other part of the car is wet inside.

Answers

I had an identical problem with my 03 Corsa 1.2. In my case, the solution was simple. Open the bonnet and to the left of and down from the brake servo assist, there’s a drain hole. It was blocked with general debris, dirt and dust. When it rained or when the windscreen washers were on, the water had no place to go, except passed the servo and in, on down the interior front wall and into the drivers footwell. A blast of compressed air from the garage cleared that and a couple of other areas and no problem since. Try feeling the interior front wall after using the washers or after driving in rain. It’s probably wet. HTH - David Kennedy from Fife and Kinross Shires

There is like a black mastic seal in the same area as the break servo and if check the mastic seal stops at a certain point. THIS IS WHERE THE WATER IS GETTING IN. I had the same problem and poured like an underbody sealeant all down and around the area where the mastic should of continued. Its sealed and have had no probs since - Steve Mortimer from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

Can anyone tell me why the car keeps going into the "limp" mode? The manifold has been cleaned and the AGR valve changed. I need help, does anyone know what could be causing it? (2.0 sri)

Answers

Try cleaning your air flow senser with carb cleaner spray or a new one - Ian from England

If you keep doing small journeys that may be a reason. To try and make it better, do a junction of the motorway now and then not going above 4th gear and taking the speed/revs up nice and high. This will blow the crap out of the particle filter - S Van from England

Have you checked that the cat converter hasn’t collapsed? That would restrict the emissions from exiting the exhaust. This would put your car into limp mode - Darren Watson from England

New air filter, then re-program the cpu - Stan from Cheshire

Vauxhall Combo 2002

My Combo van only starts with a push, it turns over. It’s a diesel. Any ideas?

Answers

Check out your glow plugs with an avo meter put meter on bell then connect one side to earth other side to glow plugs individually. If bell rings, plug ok if not replace it - Frank Gibson from Ireland

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1998

The radiator is not cutting in when the temperature gauge starts to rise. Why?

Answers

Hi Tracy, it could be a faulty thermostat not opening to let the water flow to the radiator. Also the fan should come on at certain temperatures. Hope this helps - Stephen Cronshaw from Lancashire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

My van has just developed a loud knocking noise from engine. No warning, no loss of power, no oil pressure warning, no oil leaks under bonnet, oil ok, water ok, but it sounds like the bottom end is about to drop out of the engine! Seems very strange. Only thing I can think of is that something has broken in the bottom end (bolt sheared or something). Anyone else had this? The van has done 90,000 miles. Already had new gearbox and new top engine mount bracket which sheared. (1.9cdti 2900 lwb panel van)

Answers

Had this problem? Turned out cambelt had slipped 2 tooth - Karl Newton from England

Thanks for the reply, turned out the cam belt had slipped. Sounded like the engine was going to blow up! I had the timing redone with new belt perfect again - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

I have an automatic Opel Zafira 1.9 (Diesel). Once in a while, the engine emits white smoke continuously. When I turn off the ignition and restart, it stops then later starts again. I was asked to check the fuel filter and oil. I’ve worked on all that but the problem happens intermittently. What could be the problem and the possible solution? Thanks.

Answers

Engine warmer, I have the same with my Combo. If it’s the same and it smells of diesel, it’s actually by the front left wheel up and it’s a small exhaust port. I’m guessing the reason it is intermittent is due to the face. Sometimes the engine is warm and sometimes it’s cold. It’s pretty normal for all this so don’t worry. Simples - Daniel from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

I have a persistent squealing/whizzing noise on the engine when I accelerate and when holding speed. We are new Zafira owners and we are being told this is considered ’normal’. Is this the case or are we being fobbed off? Any advice gratefully recieved.

Answers

Sounds like turbo needs refurbishing: £480 - Andrey from Nottinghamshire

This noise is not the turbo because I have a Zafira without a turbo and the noise or squeeling comes from this too. It is a common fault and is to do with air intake system. Unfortunately, some have it and some don’t. Only two options: turn the radio up to drown the noise or sell it...! - Lee from Northumberland

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

I am trying to replace rear break pads but seem to be having problems removing calipper from disc once the bolts are removed. Any tips? Thanks, P.

Answers

Just give it a gentle tap with a hammer, it is probably just the pressure of the brake piston holding it in place, but don’t forget when you’re replacing pads to unscrew the cap on the brake fluid reservoir then push the brake piston back to able your new pads to fit also a bit of brake grease on the back of pads to stop any squeeling noise when braking. Hope this helps - Lee the mechanic from Northumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

Our Meriva has done 70,000 km and has a chronic but intermittent power loss at speed. On level ground, it won’t pull in 5th, 4th and on some hills even 3rd. This problem comes and goes but is not related to fuel because we have the same problem on LPG. Lots of sites point to the EGR valve, should it be cleaned/replaced/or blocked off? Many thanks for any ideas!

Answers

It’s the egr valve, quite a common problem with diesel cars these days but they are expensive and a pig to replace as they are under in inlet manifold, expect a bill of around £400 - Steve from Devon

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

How do you change the bulbs on the display unit for time, date, outside temperature infotainment system?

Answers

You have to take the dash out radio, air vents etc about 1 1/2 hour job - Toggy gray from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

Everytime I reach 45mph and go to stop say at a set of lights, all the lights on the dash come on and the car stalls. It will start again but be very sluggish and eventually when stopped, it stalls again. It did this last year so I changed the air filter and it was fine. I did the same this time but it is still doing the same thing. A few people said the fuel isn’t getting through probably because i wait until the petrol has run near enough to nothing. Can anyone help? (comfort)

Answers

I am having the same problem and I have been to vax and they said it was an ECU fault, something to do with ECU earth to the full pump censor. I couldn’t afford to get it fixed properly so they done a minor fix which got me by for around a year but now I am getting the same problem and I am getting electrical problems now as well :( This problem always happens when the car is hot - Russ from Scotland

Vauxhall Zafira

How much oil does it take in a 2L diesel Vauxhall Zafira engine?

Answers

I have just spoken to a dealer and he said 5.5L is more than enough. You just need to take it for a spin - Simon Grass-Smith from Derbyshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2004

I have a problem with my van. I was on the motorway driving at 70mph when I removed my foot from the accelerator pedal to brake but my engine kept on running at the same revs and then blew up the engine. I bought another reconditioned engine and the same problem of high revs keeps coming once you start the engine. I changed the ECU airflow meter and it’s still the same problem. Please help.

Answers

You have residual oil left in the air intake hoses and intercooler. Did you use the original oil breather/seperator off the first engine? If you did, this is also blocked - Paul Sparky from Durham

The oil seals go on the turbo and the engine keeps running on the engine oil burning this instead of diesel until all the oil is gone and the engine detonates. I’ve heard of this happening a few times - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

How do you fix the timing after replacing the belt?

Answers

Did your cambelt snap? - Bob Laborn from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Combo 2005

I keep getting water inside the front footwells. Pressure washer used on the door and roof rack holes but no signs of any leaks there. Could it be from under the bonnet? No rust holes to be seen anywhere. Has anybody else had this problem? Help. (1.7tdi)

Answers

Hi Barry, I’ve done a couple of these now. The problem I had was the fuse box cover that sits behind the battery. The seal was split at several places and letting water into footwell. Remove scuttle panel trim from passenger windscreen then remove battery. On the cover will be 6 torx screws, remove them then the cover will come off the fuse box. Inspect the seal and you will then see your problem. My fix was a bead of silicone round existing seal, never leaked any water since. Hope this helps - Shaun Balfour from Scotland

Vauxhall Vivaro 2004

Hi, I have a 2900 Vauxhall Vivaro diesel van. It starts then stops after 5-6 seconds and wont rev up. What’s wrong? It will do this all day long. Please help.

Answers

Did you get the problem sorted? Give me a call if you’re still stuck - 01914 990 093. Cheers - Neal Cavanagh from Northumberland

Sounds to me like the mass air flow is not working. It’s easy to change - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

My car has done 24,000 miles, when is it due for a replacement cambelt?

Answers

After 40,000 miles, mate - Derek from England

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

Hi, when starting my diesel car, I let the engine management light go off before attemping to start it. Most times, my engine management light flashes and wont alow me to start my car. HELP! (1.7 cdti.)

Answers

I had a similar problem, I am using my spare key now and it hasn’t happened again - Sean from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2004

What is the mpg for a Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 di 2004?

Answers

Mine does around 35-36 to a gallon urban unladen. Best I’ve had is 40 on a motorway run to Scotland and back. If you use it heavily laden or have heavy right foot, 30 would be good - Paul Prosser from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

The display for time, date and outside temperature has stopped working. The battery has not been disconnected. Any ideas please?

Answers

This happened on mine. I would try changing the bulbs in the unit first, they are directly in the display. If that doesn’t work, the unit has gone. Mine was the bulbs, there are two behind there - Michelle from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2007

The driver’s window won’t go down but can hear motors working.

Answers

Sounds like the window is wedged stuck. Your motor is still running as normal. You’ll need to take the door panel off and you should find the motor runners have come away from the window. Hopefully a straight clip/snap back in - Anyone from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2003

How often do you replace the cambelt?

Answers

After 40,000 miles - Derek from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2003

I’ve just changed the turbo on my van and now I’ve got oil pumping out of the exhaust. What could it be? Thanks, Steve. (19)

Answers

Turbos need oil but not too much, the seal inside the turbo is allowing too much oil passed, refer back to where you purchased it from. Why did you change it in the first place? If it was because of failure, what did it fail on, I found that when I replaced mine it failed also and the cause was metal in the oil even though new oil had been put in on replacement - steve from Cheshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

Can anyone tell if the short wheel base version of the Vivaro will comfortably take two pallets?

Answers

I can lend you a tape measure :) - Gary B from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

First thing in the morning, it ticks over okay but won’t rev. It’s okay after 15 mins then through the day, she struggles on and off. Please help. (cdti 19)

Answers

I’ve had the same thing happen, Keith, but not for such a long time (normally 30-60 seconds, longer when particularly cold). I assumed it was a safety thing and wouldn’t let you rev to let the engine warm up - Jamie Cocks from Newport

Hi, I have been driving Vivaros for years now. Ranging from 2005 up to a new 2011 one. And all except the new one had the same problem at some point - your turbo goes. That’s the symptoms of it. It’s a lack of power, not always but most of the time. Hope this helps - Alan from Ireland

If you unplug the mass air filter and the engine runs fine then this is the problem. However you will find that the van will be hard to start in the morning, it’s easy to change the m.a.f. It’s in the air intake hose - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Combo 2005

The battery warning light comes on and goes off and back on again while engine is running at random. Any idea why?

Answers

First check and clean all connections, then alternator will need testing in shop, possible recon unit, and make sure the belt is tight - Shane Bakewell from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

Just parked my car on a hill and it’s rolling back, it doesn’t when facing downhill. Anyone know the answer?

Answers

You first need to check the linings. If the car has stood, it will need cleaning out and freeing off, won’t roll forward because brake shoe leading edges face forward, but only trailing edges for backwards, so just clean out, adjust handbrake, try pulling handbrake on and driving back in reverse on incline for couple of yards, you will find it will hold - Shane Bakewell from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

My Zafira 2004 (Opel) misfires if i give it full fuel, it hasn’t power to run and maximum speed is 40. What is the cause?

Answers

Ignition coil pack failure or spark plugs failure - Ed from Essex

Vauxhall Tigra 2005

Hi, I’ve got a 2005 Tigra and my emission indicator light has come on. Any idea what might be wrong with it? I’ve just had it serviced and MOT’ed. (Sports convertible)

Answers

One of two things - either it’s producing too many emissions or the Lambada sensor in the exhaust needs to be replaced, but the latter being more likely. You should disconnect your battery for two hours to reset the engine management. If the light stays off then there is no problem. If it comes on again, you should bring the car to a mechanic to check the sensors - Caolan Laverty from County Antrim

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

My son has a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2. The driver’s footwell is always soaking wet. Any remedy will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Answers

Have you had your windsreen replaced lately? If so, it could be that the window wasn’t fitted correctly - Sean from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have a 2005 Vauxhall Meriva (diesel). When first starting the car up on a morning, it cuts out and only works if I keep my foot on the accelerator for about 2-3mins. The revs sound uneven and it’s as if it’s lacking power. Also it has started to cut out a couple of times when driving, this is starting to worry me now. Just had a service end of March and test done. Any ideas?

Answers

Hi, mine does exactly the same thing. It’s a common fault in pre-2006 cdti engines (mine’s a ’05 plate). We spent £500 having a few simple things changed (fuel pressure sensor and injectors were the main things) which cleared all the faults on the diagnostic machine so it should run perfect. But it’s not a lot better. It still fails to idle although the noise is slightly better and I would say the amount of time I have to rev it for has been reduced. The mechanic advised me not to rev too hard, just to push lightly on the accelerator and hold it in place at about 1,000-1,200 revs (any less it cuts out) for about 20 secs before driving off otherwise it’ll knacker the engine. Now I just wait till the lights go out, then another 10 seconds and off I go. Unfortunately, we live on a hill and when I get to the junction at the top I just have to pray there’s nothing coming so I can pull straight out. If I stop, it’ll cut out unless I slip it quickly into neutral and keep revving. It’s not ideal I admit, but the car is nice otherwise and I bought it ’sold as seen’ and didn’t realise it had this fault til the next morning. The bloke must have warmed it up good and proper both when we viewed it and when we collected it! And so now I’m not prepared to throw all the money down the drain! After searching on the net, the only people I can find who have fixed it have spent thousands doing it at Vauxhall and have had part by part replaced. It seems to be a combination of things that causes it. So I’ve pretty much decided I’m just going to run it until I can’t bear it any longer and then I’ll part exchange it. On a nice warm day when the engines been warmed up! I would never sell it privately and put someone else through this! But a Vauxhall dealer who can get it fixed in house for free? Well, that’s another story! - Sandra P from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2010

The dashboard display says that an engine oil change is required. After changing oil and filter display, it still says the same. How do you remove this from dashboard now that the oil and filter has been changed? (1.4 sri)

Answers

Press the reset button for the millage and hold it down together with the break pedal and then start the ignition and wait for about 14 secs - Tony from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

What does the car and spanner light on a 2003 Vectra 2.0dti mean?

Answers

It means it needs a service. I had it before on my ’05 plate Corsa - Connor Anderson from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

I put on a new exhaust and fuel filter but now it won’t start. There is fuel, there is spark, the compression is fine, but the fuel is not getting through the injectors to allow the car to start. Is there a relay that is preventing the fuel from going through? Urgent help needed as I want to use the car to get to work tomorrow. (2.2 SRI)

Answers

Put the ignition on a few times to let the system pressurise, then spin it over and it should fire up. Also make sure that you have put the fuel filter round the right way - Bumble from Essex

Vauxhall Astra Coupe 2005

Sometimes my car won’t start and theres a orange picture of a car with a spanner on it. What does this mean? It only does it now and then. Cheers.

Answers

You need to get your car hooked up to a diagnostic machine. You’ll get a code then put it into Google with the car model and it will tell you what it means. I did it with my Vectra sri 150. Hope this helps - Henry Harris from Dumfriesshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

Why does my Corsa 2003 make a load ticking noise when the engine is warm?

Answers

Mine used to do this. One day, it just wouldn’t start. I got told it was my timing chain had this changed and now it runs perfectly. Don’t leave too long though as if it snaps could cause problems and mean a whole new engine - Lauren Fish from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

Hi all, last week when I started the engine the service and the seatbelt/airbag lights came on and stayed on and are on now constantly, is there an easy remedy or fix or do I need to go to dealer to be charged a lot to turn them off? Thanks for any advice, Jim.

Answers

Check the connectors under the driver’s seat. Just wiggling them should improve the connection. Poor connections are a common problem in the pretensioner circuit - Paul Prosser from Rhondda Cynon Taff

I had the same happen, turned out to be the glowplugs. It was all four on mine but I was told it happens if resistance is low on just one. Hope this helps - Charlie Scorer from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2006

Does the Vivaro come with jack and wheel brace? If so, where is it kept? I have already tried under driver and passenger seats.

Answers

Yes, it does come with a jack and wheel brace. It also should come with a screw in type towing eye. These items are in a purpose made plastic case and should be under the driver’s seat. Cheers - Robert Dyson from England

It should be in a plastic box that clips in under the driver’s seat - Richard Constantine from Shropshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

Why does my 1.4 manual gearbox Astra keep losing heat through the blower? Sometimes the heat comes on and sometimes it won’t. When checking the radiator expansion bottle, it is empty but as soon as I re-fill it, the heat through the blower comes straight back on. Any ideas why this is happening?

Answers

It could be a head gasket problem - Terry Turner from Wiltshire

The reason why the heater is not blowing hot when the expansion bottle is empty is because there is probably no water in the heater matrix due to a leak somewhere. If there are no obvious signs of water in or under the vehicle, you might find that your head gasket is blown or worse, the cylinder head has cracked internally and is burning the water up through the exhaust system. Have fun, cheers - Robert Dyson from England

Hi I had a similar problem but for a 96 corsa. Maybe it could be that you need to replace the head gasket if it is this just check the oil dipstick and cap to see if you have a mayo type substance. Also, smell the rad ex tank. If there’s a smell of exhaust fumes in there then this could be your problem. Hope this helps - Phil from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Hi, I have had an oil lamp showing on dashboard so got my oil changed but it’s still on. Any idea why? Thank you.

Answers

It could be the sender unit is faulty - Terry Turner from Wiltshire

You should have the garage check the vehicles oil pressure switch - Robert Dyson from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

My car was working fine when I stopped off at my sister’s house. I went to get back in the car to leave and it wouldn’t start. All the lights were working as usual but the car wouldn’t start. I waited a little while, tried again and it was fine. Can anyone help please? Thank you.

Answers

My Zafira has done this twice to me, once at lights on a very busy roundabout. When the breakdown van came, they could find nothing wrong. Both occasions have been when the weather was really hot. Mine is a 2008 car - Sue Hill from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

Does anyone know where the oil filter on my Zafira 1.6 Life will be, please?

Answers

You will find the oil filter is at the front of the engine, look underneath the car to see it located central of the engine. It’s very hard to get to but make sure you use the proper tool to refit oil filter. I don’t think tightening by hand will do the trick or you will have oil leaking out of it when you start engine, just like so called Quickfit or should I say Quickquide did to my car. Now I do my own servicing... - Lee from Northumberland

Vauxhall Vivaro 2002

Does this van have a cam belt or cam chain?

Answers

A cambelt is fitted to your vehicle just like my 1.9 Primastar 2002 - Robert Dyson from England

Vauxhall Combo 2003

I have a few problems. First of all, the carpet’s sometimes gets soaked, heard something about a heater matrix but not sure. I’ve also had to change the remote in my key, thought I could just change the remote and stick it in and do the usual to code it but heard it needs to go on the computer for this to work. had no central locking for a while and its doing my head in! Don’t suppose anyone knows of anywhere I could take it cheap in Tyne And Wear to get it done or any mobile mechanics? It’s gotta be cheap as times are tight! Thanks in advance.

Answers

I had this problem myself, I managed to take the chip out of the original key and swap it over - David Rambo from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

I am looking at buying a diagnostic scanner but not sure where to plug it into my Zafira. Can anybody help?

Answers

You need to plug your scanner under the hand brake. My daughter has a Zafira ’05 - Angela Taylor from Essex

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

My car has done 50,000 miles, and oil cap and and inside oil filler tube are covered in white gunge. What causes this and is it serious?

Answers

What colour is the oil in the sump? If it is gungy white, then it looks like the head gasket has blown. If it’s dark then it’s probably just condensation in the cam box mixing with oil. A good long run in your car may possibly clear it. Cheers - Robert Dyson from England

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1997

I just fitted new brake shoes and now the handbrake does not work. Why?

Answers

When you fitted the brake shoes, did you adjust the handbrake adjuster? Where the bar goes across the top of the the two shoes at the side is a small rachet type catch. These are supposed to be auto adjust but they quite often don’t work very well. By using a screwdriver, you can rachet them up which will adjust the handbrake cable. Do a couple of clicks on each side and retest until you have roughly 4/5 clicks on the hand brake - Paul Crook from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

My car won’t start but the lights stay on the dashboard and it wont even bump. Can anyone help?

Answers

Check CPS wiring connector and the timing belt - EJ Matixx from England

Vauxhall Combo 2003

How do you remove wiper arms after taking nuts and washers off? (1700 Di.)

Answers

Use a puller and press them off, you can get a small puller at Halfords I guess, they are a b*tch to get off otherwise. Don’t mess around, go straight for the puller - Daniel from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate

I have a Vauxhall Astra estate and the central locking system has gone. I can only open the driver’s door. I can not put any diesel in as the little door for petrol cap will not open. Any suggestions on how I can do this?

Answers

When the car is open, pop a screwdriver in the finger pull on the filler cap and push it towards the back of the car to release the catch and pop open. Once open, clean the catch up. Mine was caked in cr*p but once it was cleaned, I could open it. As for the central locking system, find a local scrapyard for a new motor. It’s much cheaper then buying a new one from rip-off Vauxhall. It is located in the driver door. You may have to take it out yourself or if you ask the owners, they may take it out for you but may charge a bit more. Not sure where in Bucks you are but Freddie Cox in Bleakhall Milton Keynes or ASM in Aylesbury and Thame are both places I’ve used before. ASM remove the car parts and you just pick the part up. Hope this helps - Paul Crook from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

Having problems with engine wanting to stall when accelerating in all gears (revs dip and coil warning light flashes). Has stalled and junction twice, then won’t start. Got it started with easy start in to air intake, alright for a while then happens again. Changed fuel filter, air filter, oil changed easy stuff. What to try now?

Answers

Check that the battery terminals are tight and that it is securely fixed down - EJ Matixx from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

How much fuel is there left in the tank when the needle goes into the red?

Answers

It’s only when the red light flashes that it’s very low and needs fuel - Debi from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

My airbag/seat tensioner light has come on. Any ideas on what the problem might be? (SRi)

Answers

They do time expire, some makes may be DTC fault cleared otherwise airbags/ECU would need changing - EJ Mattix from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2003

Hi, my car is burning oil very fast and there is now black smoke coming from the exhaust. Every now and again it also cuts out when I slow down from time to time. What can be the problem?

Answers

Hi there, I have the same problem and have been told it is most likely the oil seals or the piston rings. Hope this helps - Shane Daniels from Berkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

I have just bought a Vectra in mint condition. I went to drive it last night, everything OK but none of the lights will come on. Does anyone know what the problem might be? (Club 1.8)

Answers

Hi, mine did the same and it was a loose connection on the main fuse board. I had the conector cleaned and pressed closed then pushed it back together and it then worked fine. Hope this helps - Chris Slade from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2003

The traction control light starts blinking when I reach 40 mph. When I reach 50 mph the engine starts to cut out. When I reach 60 mph I lose power until it comes back down to 50 mph. I am not sure if the problem of losing power and traction light blinking is related. Anyone who has had similar problem? Any help appreciated.

Answers

It’s your mass air flow sensor. It needs to be replaced - Paddi Long from County Down

The vehicle’s top speed can be restricted/modified by some scanner software, check the origin of the vehicle - EJ Matixx from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

I drove back from Stockport this morning and as I pulled off the A55 I noticed that the engine did not sound right. It sounded rougher than usual. I did not drive it all day and this evening as I was taking my mother in law home I started the engine and there was a puff of smoke from the engine, a kind of knocking noise and then the engine sounded normal. As I started to pull away I noticed that the oil light was still on and as I put my foot down there was a horrible screeching sound coming from the engine. I have to go to work in the morning, which is about 30 mins from my house and I was wondering if the car is fit to use as the local garage is not far from there. Please help....

Answers

It sounds like your timing belt is about to go. Don’t drive the car any further, you will do the car even more damage, as I found out not so long ago! I had the same screeching noise, then the temperature light came on before conking out. I hope you get it sorted - Scott Shaw from Cheshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

The windscreen wipers coming in to contact with each other and damaging themselves! Any ideas ? (Life)

Answers

One wiper blade should be shorter than the other. The driver’s side should be a shorter blade than the passenger side. I had the same problem, just change blades, it should do the trick - Ken Wells from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

Has anyone had problems with ball joints on their Astra?

Answers

Yes, have had to replace mine twice in one year, poor road conditions haven’t helped, but you would have thought Vauxhall could have made them tougher. Perhaps they like their customers visiting their dealerships regularly - Shahid Noor from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

What air pressure do I put in my Zafira’s tyres when it is fully loaded?

Answers

Fully leaded will be 35PSI, semi loaded will be 33PSI. Normally owners go for the 34 PSI if the cars use changes frequently. This is for 15" standard wheels only - Adam Chance Akering from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

How many miles can I get out of my 1.2 Corsa when the red fuel light is flashing?

Answers

I got 30 miles out of it! Becky H from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2005

My engine is misfiring between 1,000 and 2,000 revs. Does anyone know what is the cause and why it is juddering at these revs? (1.3 cdti)

Answers

I have same problem, only mine misfires on tick-over, no lights come on - Tina Smith from Lincolnshire

It is possible you have a piston misfiring or possibly your coil pack and spark plugs just need changing - John Docherty from Ayrshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2008

I have rain water leaking onto the passenger floor. This only happens when there is really heavy rain. I am not sure how to stop it, can anyone offer any advice?

Answers

Most likely culprit will be the windscreen seal. Sit in the car and get someone to hose the outside and check around the inside of the screen for water entering. If there is a leak I recommend complete removal and replacement. Must be done by a trained fitter - Ron from Staffordshire

You will have two rain water gulleys under the grill that is sat under the windscreen. Both of these will be full of debris etc, they overflow then water flows in from the back of the heater box. Clean both out and then it will be A’OK. No need to take windscreen out - Brian Ukbrit from England

You will find it is the rain water drainage holes are blocked and there is also one in front of the pollen filter under the bonnet, accessed by lifting up the black strip. You may also find your blower will now only work on setting number four! My blower has gone today for the fifth time in two years, getting very frustrating now and expensive! Go on www.blower-resistor.co.uk for a step-by-step picture guide of how to find the resistor. If anyone knows why my resistor keeps going help would be gratefully rec’d. The motor runs freely, the pollen filter is new, the drainage holes aren’t blocked? - Amy T from England

Have had same problem, two hours on A1 in heavy rain. Floods in passenger well, heater motor on flat out not switching off so resistor pack flooded and blown. All because of bunged up drain point. Bad design. Make sure you get well cleaned out and dry fan motor area - G Clarkson from Lincolnshire

http://www.blower-motor-resistor.co.uk/vauxhall-vectra-c-blower-motor-resistor.html :0) - Al from Canada

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2008

When does the cambelt need changing on an Astra SRi?

Answers

70,000 miles - Mark Sandy from England

Vauxhall Tigra 2005

Hi, I have a Vauxhall Tigra and the electric window goes down OK but it will not go back up again. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Answers

Hi Paul, I’ve just had a problem with my 54 Tigra where the passenger window won’t go back up properly. I messed around with it until the window wouldn’t go up OR down and was left open about an inch. I opened the bonnet, opened the fuse compartment and, using the manual, found both the window fuses. I took each one out, checked they hadn’t blown (which they hadn’t), cleaned them and put them back in. I put the ignition on and, hey presto, the window went straight back up. Not sure how long it’ll last or if it’ll do it again but it’s shut tightly for now which is all that matters. Try it and see. Good luck - Rachael from Dorset

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

The windscreen wipers do not re-set, might this be a Relay or fuse problem. Or is it something to do with the wiper motor itself? Any suggestions? (Club)

Answers

I had the same problem with my 1.6 2001 Astra. I thought it might be a relay but it turned out to be the motor wearing out. I changed it (took about 15 or 20 mins) and everything worked OK - Steve from Swansea

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

Hi. I have had problems with my car for some time now. It keeps cutting out whilst at junctions, traffic light etc. I took it to a mechanic who tested it and no fault has show. I then went on to having a sevice oil change etc as I thought it may be clogged valves or something to that effect although this didn’t solve the problem. So I then payed to have all the filters changed and the tank cleaned out once again, this hasn’t solved the problem. I’m at my whits end with it now as neither the mechanic nor myself have a clue whats causing this PLEASE HELP!! (1.7 cdti)

Answers

I heard people fixing this problem by changing the airflow mass meter dont know if this will help though - Steve from Bridgend

Vauxhall Vivaro 2002

My coil heater light on dash stays on all the time. What can I do to correct this? Thanks.

Answers

A number of problems can cause this. When I had that, it turned out to be the boost sensor. I would first drain some diesel out of the fuel filter in case it is water in the fuel filter. If the problem is still there get a diagnostic check. If your boost sensor is the problem, you will notice your power is low at mid to high revs - Paul Prosser from Rhondda Cynon Taff

The coil light is also the engine management light, it usually indicates a sensor failure somewhere on the van. Get the fault codes read to find out the problem - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

My screen washer is not working - no noise from the pump. Which fuse is used for the pump?

Answers

Hi, check your fuses, my car did the same in the cold weather, it seems to fuse easily if water is frozen. Check fuse box in engine bay - Billy Reid from Berwickshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

I have a 1.3 cdti Corsa 54 plate. It’s been losing power, won’t go over 30mph. The exhaust emmission light is on and the oil pressure light is flashing and there is black smoke. What could be wrong?

Answers

Your diesel particulate filter is probably blocked. Cars clean themselves by heating this up, but this can only be done on longer motorway type journeys. If you rarely take your car out of the city it will not have had a chance to clean itself. Normally I would suggest thrashing it down a motorway for a bit. But if yours can only go up to 30 it sounds like you need to take your in for them to clean the filter - Thomas from Surrey

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

The light on dashboard ( car with spanner) keeps illuminating, and car loses power at same time. Garage thought faulty throttle circuit, cleaned and replaced accelerator. No improvement. Is drivable but very low power. Any suggestions? (1.6 Life)

Answers

Look on Google under egr valve, exhaust gas recirculation or something like that and be prepared to have your eyes opened. It’s a problem a lot of Vauxhall’s have and your local dealer should be well aware of it. I’m no mechanic but I have a Zafira and very similar things have happened to mine. With me it is intermittent and usually occurs when the engine is working hard. Sometimes when you stop the engine for a bit it recovers - Andrew from Westmoorland

This is called limp mode, it will need tech 2 to check for a fault - Steve from Yorkshire

This light is not about engine management. It is immobiliser and key security. If you look in the cars handbook, it mentions putting the key in the ignition and operating the lock and unlock a few times. Do this with all the keys you have - John from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Combo 2001

What is the reserve tank capacity?

Answers

I think about 30 miles  - John McLoughlin from Ireland

Vauxhall Zafira 2003

How much engine oil does a diesel Zafira hold? (2.0 DTi)

Answers

I used just under 5ltrs to max mark last year - John bcfc from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Vectra 1999

The electric windows stay on when I turn engine off. Why is this and is it normal?