VAUXHALL: Questions and answers

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

We have been told that the engine management light on our Vauxhall Zafira is saying ’injector pump’ when it’s put through the diagnostics, but we had one of these fitted by a local Vauxhall Centre when the mileage on the car was circa 65,000 miles. It’s now at 130,000 miles. We’ve had various work carried out recently in the way of service and MOT and, on a 4-mile journey today, the engine management light went on and off 4 times. When the light came on I attempted to accelerate gently and then the light went off and the car accelerated normally. The injector pump is worth far more than the car and if anyone can advise me of another possible cause for the management light, I would be grateful. Any suggestions please? Thank you. (2 Litre Diesel)

Answers

Give us some more information, like when you start the engine does it run from the first try, or has this happened after you changed the diesel filter, or when you last changed the diesel filter, the more information the better - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

I`ve just bought a second hand Vauxhall Vivaro, ex fleet with full service history and 100k on the clock. When driving to Europe for the summer I lost reverse gear. It became difficult at first but now just won`t go in at all. All of the others are okay. I don`t want to get ripped off by a local mechanic claiming they can`t speak English. Does anyone have any advice please? (1.9 CDti)

Answers

You need new gear box cables I’m afraid, they are about £127 + vat. Job takes about 1 hr to do - John Kerry from Durham

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

I bought my Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTI Elite in January this year. The first problem started a couple of weeks after with the AFL lights - dash code AFL service required. I took it back to the garage who told me it had been repaired and was okay, but the next day the fault occurred again and as it was an independent garage they asked me to take it to Vauxhall. I took it to my local dealer who charged £75 for a diagnostic and confirmed the OSF headlamp required replacing at a cost of £890. The garage I bought the car from agreed to pay it and the car was booked in to Vauxhall for the repair to be done, but two days later the car started to show the same dash code AFL service required. I contacted the dealer who asked me to bring the car back the following week for a check and during that time the N/S/F headlamp stopped working and the dash code Check N/S Dipped Beam appeared. Also another problem came up which read on the dash code as Service Vehicle Soon. The very next day whilst driving along a country lane and overtaking a horse box the car lost power and went into limp mode, which scared the life out of me as I was being followed by another car and I had to pull over and stop. I managed to get to the dealer who charged me another £75 for a second diagnostic which showed that the car required a new Turbo and also a N/S/F Headlamp, cost of the Turbo was £1400 and the headlamp £890. I took the car to a local garage who quoted me £750 for the turbo (fitted) and also told me that the headlamp was fine but a Xenon Headlight Ballast was required £120. I was told that the bumper would need to come off to replace the ballast and that would cost another £80 in labour. I had the new Turbo fitted and left the light due to shortage of money. Two days after fitting the new turbo I was driving on a dual carriageway and, you’ve guessed it, dash lights came up with Service Vehicle Soon, the car lost power and went into limp mode. I took the car back to the garage yesterday who put a diagnostic on it and told me that it now requires a Boost Control Solenoid Valve, £120 + fitting. I am getting very frustrated with this vehicle and running out of money. Any help would be gratefully received. Any suggestions please? (2.0 CDTI Elite 160BHP)

Answers

Same engine, had problems with the turbo charges twice already (second time this afternoon), all of a sudden the engine lost power - feels indeed very scary, I suspect turbo charger got too hot. Pulled over waited about 20 minutes to let the engine cool down and drove off with no problems. I must admit I’ve been driving at a high speed on the motorway for long hours, still it should not verify the cause of the problem, never happened with other car makes - Attila from Hungary

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

Can anyone tell me why my heating in my Vauxhall Astra 5-door Hatch stays hot even when I put it on cold and when all my fuses are working fine? I’ve checked through all manual books and I`m baffled and the weather is starting to get hot as well. Please can anyone help? Thanks.

Answers

The cut off valve connection to the heater is not working as it should, change it - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

Hi, I can`t seem to enter postcodes into my sat nav in my Vauxhall Insignia. I’ve tried looking through all menus but found nothing obvious. Is there something basic I’m missing? Also the car has done 78,500 miles, previously serviced at 59,665. What is the next service it needs? Thanks. (cdti sri nav)

Answers

Hi, when the prompt for town city appears simply just put the postcode in instead regards - Steve Rogers from Staffordshire

Where it states town/city just enter the post code. There’s no reference anywhere to this in any of the instructions - Ivan Millington from England

I had the same problem, a lot of head scratching, so simply put the postcode in where prompted for town city and it worked for me - Steve Rogers from Staffordshire

Thanks guys for answer, I will give it a try. Cheers - Richard Wall from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

I had a problem with my Vauxhall Vectra today. I was driving to work and the ecu and engine management lights came on. The car became sluggish and wouldn’t get above 2000 rpm and the turbo wouldn’t come on, the computer was showing enough diesel left for 55 miles. I struggled the few miles to work and switched off. After a few minutes I switched back on and both warning lights had gone off and the car drove normally. After work I topped up the tank and the car drove normally all the way home. Could it be that the fuel level was lower than indicated by the computer and I had picked up some silt from the bottom of the tank? Does anyone have any idea what caused the problem? Thanks for any ideas. (Elite 2.2 dti)

Answers

Hi, I’ve got a v6 2004 model cdti 3ltr. I have got same problem and it’s the egr valve or camshaft sensor - Gary Dodd from England

Hi mate, clean egr valve with brake cleaner. The problem you’re getting is same as me, mine’s going to Vauxhall. I drove my car to garage when it went into limp mode, put it on computer and it came back as as boost pressure sensor was the problem. So getting it done, fingers crossed, 96 pound for part 164 supply and fit. I will let you know, hope it was helpful - Gary Dodd from Shropshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 02 plate. When I drive it it drives along nicely, but sometimes when I`m decreasing the speed by letting my foot off the accelerator or cruising along at a fixed speed, the car judders almost like it`s misfiring and holding back. I have tried everything to solve this. I`ve changed the spark plugs, cleaned out the air flow meter, cleaned the throttle body, put redex in to the air intake valve and changed the ignition coil pack but it`s still doing it. Does anyone have any ideas pleae as I’m so confused now? Thanks.

Answers

Did you check the petrol pump inside the tank? This pump has a filter, clean it. And by the way, could be there is lot of water inside the tank. Get rid of it - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

Hi there. I have a 2002 Vauxhall Zafira 2 litre DTI engine type Y20 DTH. Recently it started leaking engine oil on the o/s side of the car, about half a cupful of oil on the road surface after having driven a few miles. I asked a couple of mechanics and they said it’s the crank shaft front main oil seal that needs replacing. I have replaced the oil seal and now it does not leak as much it used to, but it still leaks about 2 tablespoons, about 20 - 30ml. Have I not fitted the oil seal correctly? I have kept the oil seal flush fit to the crank shaft and not pushed into the shaft any more deeper. Could anyone please advise me why and from where it may be leaking? Any diagrams or videos please? Thanks. (2 litre Diesel Y20DTH Engine)

Answers

I hope when you took out the old seal you did not damage the crank shaft. Anyway, before you fit the new seal you should put some oil on it. To take out the seal on the timing side, use a large flat screw driver. But the seal on the other side (gearbox side) drill two small holes opposite each other on the seal, fit two screws and then with two pliers hold the screws and push the seal out, this way you will not damage the crank shaft. After cleaning put some oil and tap it squarely into position - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

My Vauxhall Meriva wouldn’t lock with the key fob and then when it did open the engine wouldn’t start. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t. I tried a new battery, have had a new ecu unit fitted and a new immobiliser. It ran okay but then when I tried to lock the car it was playing up again. It seems to be an intermittent fault. Does anyone have any ideas please? (Life)

Answers

That will be the key playing up. They have a transponder chip in them that is coded to the car to start the engine - Lee from England

Vauxhall Combo 2007

When I first start my Vauxhall Combo van in the morning it takes about 5 minutes to start, then there`s a puff of white smoke. It`s had a new altenator and a new battery. What could the problem be now please? (1.3 cdti)

Answers

It maybe your glow plugs if your having problems starting - Nicky from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

My son has just bought a 2008 Vauxhall Vivaro. It makes a small whining noise for a little while when it starts from cold (it doesn’t make it for long and not when starting warm). The dealer said they had identified the problem (air intake valve) and that it was fixed. When I rang them to say the noise was still there on cold start they said that they had `listened to other Vivaros of similar age and mileage (80-100k) and ’they all make this noise’. Does anyone have any ideas please?

Answers

Hi. I have had the same problem... Lift the bonnet before starting the van and stand on the drivers side while someone starts the van... Main reasons for cold start whine on the 2.0 cdti are the auxillary belt idler guide pulley and the aux tensioner. Whining isn’t limited to these but are the first items to check. Alternators often whine when bearings are dry / worn. I was told that if you replace the Aux belt that both the tensioner and guide rollers are adviseable.Vauxhall for you? My problem was the top guide roller bearing £35 inc VAT on Ebay complete unit. But as I am an engineer by trade I opted for option 2. I removed the Aux belt and guide roller assembly and simply relubricated the existing bearing, 20 mins later done: And no more whine. But please, if the belt you remove is more than 12 months old replace it and if there are signs of movement in the guide bearing change that as well. Hope this helps - Stuart from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Insignia 2011

Hi, I got up this morning and was unable to open the boot of my Vauxhall Insignia which was fine yesterday. All doors have unlocked but the boot won’t open. I`m pretty sure nothing was stuck in it. Any help would be appreciated. Any suggestions please? Thanks. (Hatchback)

Answers

This a known fault with the boot lock so back to the Vauxhall dealer to be replaced - Gazz from Kent

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

I’ve recently purchased a Vauxhall Zafira Life 1.6 2006. I`ve noticed the electric window on the driver`s side does not work but the passenger side does. Any ideas? The car also doesn’t lock using buttons on the key and when you lock it manually it only locks the driver`s door. When you use the switch on the control panel though in the car it locks all doors. Please can anyone help?

Answers

I have recently bought a Zafira. I had the same problem as your but was in the rear drivers side door. Well looking at several sites I had a look at the door connections between the main body and the door. This is where I had to push back the rubber protective hose. In the hose was 6 broken wires. These have now been reattached and all is working well - Paul Beech from Devon

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

I have a warning light on the dash of my Vauxhall Vectra which is a circle with 3 lines down the left and right sides. Could anyone explain what this might mean? Many thanks.

Answers

We have same problem and manual said it was brakes, we bought new brake pads and checked brake fluid. On going to replace brake pads we found they were virtually new so it wasnt that. Next line of attack for us is to check out the sensors - Marie Heenan from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Combo 2005

Hi, all of the dash board lights came on while driving my Vauxhall Combo. The radio went off, the steering went stiff and then it cut out, so I had a look under the bonnet and the fan belt was missing. Now it won`t start. Any ideas please? (Combo 1.3 cdti)

Answers

Your alternator might not be working, so it’s drained your battery. Your alternator makes the power steering work also. Fit a belt, jump start with leads, and run your battery back up, by leaving radio, heater etc. off when driving. Might just be the belt - Richard from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

I have a 2005 Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch mk4 1.6 twinport and there is a loud ticking sound coming from the engine. I have been told it`s the inlet manifold but I need the engine`s code. Could anyone tell me where I can find it or tell me what the ticking sound could be? (Sxi twinport)

Answers

It could be a couple of things mate. Worn main bearings and big end bearings, or an oil leak from somewhere and the hydraulic tappers are losing pressure, or valves need replacing. I’m about 90% sure it’s one of these – Jack Paine from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva`s passenger`s front floor well keeps getting soaked. It does not seem to be leaking from the roof, nor the door seals and I have checked the obvious (the window is definitely shut!). Could it be something to do with the aircon? Any help would be great. Many thanks. (1.7 cdti)

Answers

Hello, it could even be something to do with the power steering. Dab your fingers in it and see if it has a funny smell to it, or an oily feel, then that’s what it is. Hop this helps - Fast Eddy from Northumberland

I had this with a Vectra and it’s easily solved. Lift the bonnet, just in front of where the windscreen meets the trim will be a piece of plastic that runs (sometimes in sections) the width of the bonnet. Lift this up (you may need to remove a rubber strip) and under there you’ll see a cavity, which if I’m right, will have water sitting it it. Put your hand in the water and at the bottom of the cavity you’ll feel a hole with a rubber "sock" in it. This gets clogged with leaves and debris washed off the windscreen, so push your fngers through it and the water will be released and won’t spill in to the passenger footwell. If this fixes it, please be aware that under your carpet is very thick matting which will be drenched, even if the carpet feels dry. This needs drying out or your windows will mist easily, and you’ll get a musty smell. So either lift the carpet, or, as I did, use a stanley knife to cut a hole in the carpet (not the mat) - just make sure the hole is smaller that your mats! David from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva`s cigarette lighter isn`t working and I have changed the fuse that was blown but it`s still not working. I need this for my sat nav and was wondering what else to try? Any ideas please? Thank you.

Answers

You need to replace the cigarette lighter as its died, only cheap from motor factors or halfords - Gaz Thomson from Flintshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

I have a Vauxhall Zafira 55 reg which takes ages to get started. I need to give it hard acceleration in the morning to start with and the other problem is that it jerks. However once the car is hot enough it`s fine. Any suggestions please?

Answers

Good day Was Ahmed. I had the same problem on my Zafira. Bad news - the TIMING CHAIN GUIDE broke and therefore your rime is out... that cause my problem... but it could also be that the crankshaft censor need to be replace - Cor Snel from South Africa

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

How many miles per tank can a 2 litre 160 bhp Vauxhall Insignia crdi do? Also what is the correct way to use the electronic parking brake? I am finding it difficult to operate it.

Answers

Hi. You’ll easily get 600 miles out of the tank. Electronic hand brake is really easy to work. Just lift if up for a couple of seconds to apply the brake when stopped. To release it either push it down while you have your foot on the brake (the hard way) or just drive off (the easy way). When you reach the right point of acceleration / clutch the brake just releases itself and away you go. You soon get used to this but better to over rev a little at first until you find that sweet spot. Hope this helps - Jamie from Cumberland

Mine gets 30 mpg urban – Elizabeth Faulkner from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2011

I have purchased yesterday a petrol version Vauxhall Insignia 1.8 sri and I was interested to compare the mpg to that stated. I reset this at the start of the day and after 20 miles of around town driving I found the average to be 21 mpg and nowhere near the 30 mpg stated. I should point out that I drove carefully and gracefully during this day. Does this seem exceptionally low and what should my next move be? Should I approach Vauxhall? (1.8 SRi Petrol)

Answers

I have the same and if you’re just driving about town you’ll not see 30mpg. I do a mix of town, country lane and motorway driving and it averages out at 32 mpg. The previous owner was getting 29 mpg so I guess he had a heavier foot. So I’d give it a while longer and a include some non-urban driving before deciding there’s a problem - Stuart from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

I have just bought my first Vauxhall Vivaro 08 lwb this evening with 45,000 on the clock. While travelling back I noticed that when I accelerate sharply or when pulling off at a junction there seems to be a cloud of blue smoke coming from the exhaust. Also I think I can hear a whining type noise when in sixth gear when doing about 80mph. Have I been ripped off? I purchased it from a commercial dealer. Input would be gratefully received. Any comments? Thanks. (Lwb)

Answers

You`re seeing blue smoke because motor oil is leaking past your piston rings and getting into the engine cylinder and mixing with your fuel, which is burning along with the gas. That leakage is getting compressed with the fuel in the combustion chamber and the burned oil makes the blue smoke. Your van probably also doesn’t have as much power as it should and is probably running rather roughly too. If it isn’t yet it won`t be long and it will eventually cause the oil to break down, losing its viscosity and not properly lubricating the pistons. What is also happening is some of the fuel is leaking past those rings too in the opposite direction and mixing with the oil in your crankcase and thinning it out. When this happens the engine will overheat from excessive friction and it will seize. So safe to say take it back as quickly as you can and get your money back – Lee Vin from Durham

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

My Vauxhall Vectra has a clicking noise coming from the glove box area and whilst this is clicking the centre console lights flash and the power steering goes very heavy. Also the main lights will flicker along with the clicking noise and the heater only blows hot air. This all started at the same time. What could be causing this fault? (C)

Answers

Nothing to worry about, its’ the cd unit, don’t worry - Gary Dodd from Shropshire

Vauxhall Combo 2003

Hello. I’ve got a used 2003 Vauxhall Combo and the problem that I’m facing is that when I start the engine the headlights switch on automatically. Since I don’t need the headlights to be switched on, I need somehow to switch them off. If anyone can help me I will be much obliged. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance. (II)

Answers

They are not headlights, these are day running lights and can be turned off by pressing SET which is found next to your hazard switch. Cycle through till you find DRL and set it to off – Rej from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2010

I’m looking to buy a 2010 Vauxhall Insignia sri but, on the test drive despite the car driving very well and no apparent engine noise, I heard what can only be described as the sound of air passing over something protruding from the car somewhere. Nothing is visible but it sounds like air rushing over something as you accelerate, almost a high pitched ssshhhing sound. Does anyone know what this road noise could be? (sri)

Answers

I’ve just had an update from the garage who have said that something needs tightening in the drive shaft. Has anyone come across this before, and does this sound a realistic solution? Lee Bragg from Cheshire

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2007

My Vauxhall Vectra Estate has no interior lights on the sun visor, door open or map lights but the lights in the glove box and boot space work. Also safeguard come on when the key is put in. Any ideas? Thanks. (2.2 design)

Answers

I had exactly the same problem on my 2006 Design Estate. I ended up getting the interior lights wired to the glove compartment light... was some problem with the control unit... safeguard warning still comes on. I think it’s because the rear heater on window is open circuit - Nigel Cundill from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

Hi. I have just purchased a Vauxhall Meriva b Exclusive(61reg) but would like to activate the trip computer. I have tried everything but nothing happens. Does anyone know how to activate this? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Answers

Left stalk -see MENU - then use rotation ring on left stalk for all option access. Some options are not available on some models like second trip computer etc - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2003

Hi. Can anybody tell me if there is a button to turn on the inside light in my Vauxhall Astra Estate? I can’t find it and the only way to turn the light on is by opening the door. Thanks.

Answers

It’s operated by the lighting switch Lydia, just pull the switch out (towards you). Don`t forget to push it back in when you`ve finished - Mark W from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

My Vauxhall Zafira had a new timing chain fitted but since then the idle is lumpy, as if it is going to cut out (although it hasn`t). The car is smooth to drive and it is only when stationary that it seems to not run smoothly. The car is a 2.2 litre automatic engine. Can anyone suggest what I should do?

Answers

Your idle needs turning up, easy - Paul B from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

Hi. My Vauxhall Zafira`s rear passenger doors seem to be in deadlock. A guy came out from a local garage to see why only two of the doors would open (driver`s door with the key and and rear passenger door would not lock). Passenger and rear passenger driver`s side would not open. The mechanic found a broken earth wire in the passenger door, re-connected it and all the doors went into deadlock. He disconnected the battery and the the passenger door opened but now the two rear passenger doors will not open. The diagnostics is showing all doors open and reporting other faults like head lights but nothing for the doors. Does anybody have any ideas? (TDI)

Answers

This is a well documented failure due to brittle copper wiring. Check the wiring harness at the bottom of the rear doors inside the visible flexible rubber boot. The copper strands fray prematurely with the issues you outline. Although a fiddly job a repair is effected by replacing the broken sections with new lengths, using a crimped electrical connector. Insulate the new connections/lengths with water proof/shrink tape. You will have to cut open the flexible black rubber boot, and disconnect the battery. Remember your radio code and re-set sequence, and to re-set the clock etc. This failure also happens to the tail gate especially the nearside - Simon Lerome from Middlesex

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

I have just bought a Vauxhall Zafira Comfort 1.6v auto 2000. It needs a bit if work doing to it but I have got water in the front driver`s side floor. I stuck my hand under where the chassis number is and the sponge is soaking. I can`t see where it has come from. Does anyone have any ideas please? Thank you.

Answers

It is possible the firewall engine bulkhead top seal beneath the windscreen water seal is leaking. This can be found by opening the bonnet and removing the weather/water shield attached beneath the windscreen. This reveals the windscreen wiper mechanism also. Check to see if sealant is there. There may also be water in the passenger footwell - Simon Lerome from Middlesex

Sounds like air con drain maybe blocked, causing water build up and it’s overflowing into the footwell - James Hillhouse from Scotland

Vauxhall Zafira 1999

When starting up my Vauxhall Zafira it keeps stalling, but if it does get started it does not hold the revs and I have to blast the accelerator to keep revs going. Then it does not drive well as it poodles along for a while, eventually does get going but not for long, especially if I have to stop at traffic lights when the engine tries to stall. Any suggestions as to what I should do? (1.8 automatic)

Answers

Spark plugs may need replacing – Jamal Tom from England

Most likely cause would be air flow meter or a lambda sensor - Stuart Harding from Orkney Islands

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2003

Two weeks ago I had my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s front offside wheel bearing replaced. A few days later my ABS warning light appeared and the speedometer is fluctuating madly. Could this be connected to the wheel bearing replacement or just a coincidence? Any ideas? (MK4 1.8 Auto)

Answers

Whoever fitted the wheel bearing could have fitted the wrong one, there are two types, one with cables connected to it for the abs model! And one has no cables for the no abs model, they may have fitted this one by mistake! Les Payne from Essex

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

I`ve had my Vauxhall Vivaro for a few months and have noticed just how slow it is to pick up speed when at lower revs. I can`t help comparing it to the same Vivaro we had last year with exactly the same model and engine size 1.9. Someone told me to change the air flow meter but that did nothing really. I`m open to any suggestions. Can anyone help? Cheers.

Answers

Hi, have just read your question. You may well have this sorted now but if not you could try the following. 1) Remove the EGR and clean all gunk out. 2) Remove the engine fuse box cover and look for the big blue connector. Unclip this and also the little one next to it and spray contact cleaner into these to thoroughly clean all the contacts. Reassemle. 3) Check all the wiring to the injectors as they wear through under air box. Pay particular attention to No1 injector. 3) Check all vac pipes are clear and properly connected 4) Check MAF is clean (contact cleaner sprayed in but do not touch anything inside) and securly fitted and clip is tight 5) Generally spray contact cleaner in all the connections one by one testing as you go to see if you can pinpoint any that are causing fault. 6) If none of above works then you may need a diagnostics done to check for faults. Sometimes even a new MAF can not work properly! Hope this helps - Lee Cussen from England

My Vivaro was very slow in low revs until it went over 2500 revs then the power kicked in. The garage put a new egr valve on and it was right as rain - Gary Neill from Swansea

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

My 2007 1.6 Vauxhall Zafira`s engine management light is constantly on. I had a problem with it juddering and cutting out when gearing down so I changed the EGR valve. The light went out for a couple of days but is back on again. Also, I seem to be using a lot of engine oil, refilling every three weeks. There are no leaks and no smoke anywhere. I don’t know why this is happening. Since changing the EGR the problem with cutting out has stopped. I have also changed the coil pack, cleaned the air mass meter and throttle body. The steering wheel sometimes vibrates and shakes when I gear down and sometimes slows down and then goes very fast as though it`s a racing car. I took it back for a test and the ECU and temperature faults showed up. I had the temperature sensor changed and the ECU sprayed, then the light went out but is back again. I have been told by the garage that I need to take it to a Vauxhall dealership. Any ideas what the problem could be? (Zafira,1.6)

Answers

It’s the ecu, had the same problems, spent £600 on it and then my mate said change the ecu. Did that, the car has been fine ever since - Jon from Bridgend

Vauxhall Antara 2012

My Vauxhall Antara has a problem with blocking of it`s engine environmental filter. The dealer tells me that I must drive at 4500 rpm for quite some distance on the motorway on a regular frequency to avoide this! At 60 mph the revs are only 2000, at 75 barely 2500, on average acceleration maybe 3000. Surely there is a design issue here? I do not use a motorway on a regular basis. Has anybody else experienced this or must I drive it like a racing car every time out? (2.2 CDTi 184 bhp automatic)

Answers

Its the same problem with me. Bought the car four months ago. DPF light goes on and as I read the manual it needs for regeneration. For 4 months having the car I experienced this for 3 times. I think every 300 miles. And you need to finish the regeneration before you switch of your engine. Otherwise it will cause a big problem on your CAR DPF. Because I’m not driving every time on a motorway and I used the car going to work and driving town only I decides to return my car to dealership and swap it to a petrol car engine because as far as I know most of cars from 2005 have a DPF. And I’m annoyed about this DPF problem and also to avoid spending more or less £2000 for new DPF - Rigor Sebastian from Gloucestershire

Had the same problem when I purchased my Antara, dealer told me the DPF light will come on alot during the first few months because the car was new. You will be glad to here it has settled down and has only came on twice in the last year - Phil Mann from Aberdeenshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

Hi. Whenever we turn the ignitiion on in our Vauxhall Zafira, the open door warning goes off (6 beeps) and then stops. It also goes off whenever we put the car into reverse or slow right down and then accelerate (such as rolling up to a junction). Also the interior lights don’t always turn off when you lock the car, which I think must be the same fault. There doesn’t appear to be a problem with the door / boot plungers. Does anyone have any suggestions as it`s driving us nuts? (Life)

Answers

100% it is the fuse box. Email for more info – Mark from England

Looms. Get an auto electrician to check passenger looms, common cause of faults - Steve Rainbow from Essex

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2008

Hi, for some reason my Vauxhall Astra TwinTop driver`s door won`t shut - it`s like the mechanism isn`t grabbing on to the other part. I`ve tried to unlock / lock with the battery operated key and the manual key but with no joy. Has anybody else had this problem at all? Thanks.

Answers

I had this very same problem and hoped it was an easy fix. Unfortunately Ł250 later and a new lock and mechanism, my door was fixed but now my boot won’t open - Lee-Ann from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2001

I have an oil leak on my 2001 Vauxhall Astra hatchback. I was told it was the coil pack housing seal that needed replacing or the distributor housing seal. I`m not sure if this is the correct name for the seal. When facing the car the leak is on the driver`s side, apparently in the gearbox area. Can anyone advise me?

Answers

I would say it`s the rear crankshaft seal. It`s a pretty big job looking up to about £350. You`d be better selling it because if the bearings are all gone it will cost even more – Jack Paine from England

Vauxhall Tigra 2008

How do I get my Vauxhall Tigra`s mirrors to adjust inwards once I`ve parked the car? I don’t mean the glass, I mean the whole wing mirror to adjust so they are not knocked by passers by?

Answers

You fold them in by hand, they do fold inwards, just pull inwards and they fold in - Vicky Page from Hampshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

My Vauxhall Zafira is making a scraping noise when I drive it even in a straight line, but then fades away when I build up some speed. Is this a serious problem or can anyone suggest what the cause may be please?

Answers

Brake pads and discs binding. Get it checked out before your pads are worn down and discs get damaged and need replacing - Junel from Scotland

Vauxhall Tigra 2006

Because my Vauxhall Tigra is a convertible the glass in the door moves up and down when you open the door. I opened the door tonight and now cannot shut the door because the glass is jammed up and hits the body of the car. Can anyone tell me what I can do?

Answers

Try putting the roof down, that makes the windows drop and raise, perhaps this will re-set it - Vicky Page from Hampshire

Try the window reset sequence as detailed in your owner’s manual. If you don’t have a manual, you can download (back to a) 2007 version from the Vauxhall main website (browse to ’previous models’. It should be on page 36 of the 2007 manual. Long time member of the tigraclub.co.uk - Janine from England

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2008

I have recently been having intermittent problems with the service light coming on in my Vauxhall Astra Estate after running at higher speeds ie 70-80mph and the car also loses power. If you slow right down and rest at lower speeds, the light goes back out again. Could this be the diesel ECU unit? It was cleaned recently, but the problem still occurs. Any ideas? (CTDi Diesel)

Answers

The ECU unit is the ’brain’ of the engine management system, and can’t be ’cleaned’. Whenever the service light comes on, a fault code is stored in the ECU which can be read by any garage or mechanic with a fault code reader. This should give an indication of where the problem lies - John Greenslade from Powys

Egr valve wants cleaning carbon build up when going in limp mode - Mark Grady from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

My 06 Vauxhall Corsa has been playing up. A week after it`s MOT the reverse light stopped working, as did my radio/cd player. My friend changed a fuse that had gone which solved the problem and the reverse light and CD player are now working. However, since then my mph clock doesn’t register any speed when I’m driving and there are a few symbols lit up on my dashboard. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Can anyone help? (Sxi)

Answers

Sounds like your friend may have either dislodged something whilst changing the fuse or worse caused some serious damage. First, check that all other fuses are intact. Secondly, the Corsa is known to suffer from a loose connection to the instrument panel: It can be reached by reaching up behind the instrument panel & feeling for a long, rectangular connector. Make sure that the car battery is disconnected before playing around with fuses & wiring though - John Greenslade from Powys

Vauxhall Astravan 2000

Hi, my partner has a Vauxhall G Astravan 2 litre 2000. I was driving it when it suddenly lost power and the engine management light came on. It is now restricted to 50mph and loses speed uphill, even though your foot is to the floor. Everytime you start the engine the light isn’t on but it comes on after a few minutes of driving. I plugged it in and it said boost pressure, deviation, or something like that. I just wondered if anyone can help with what this could actually be? Thank you.

Answers

If you’ve plugged it in for diagnosis, then you need to pay attention to the EXACT wording for the codes concerned. If it’s to do with boost pressure, it means a fault with the turbo or it’s associated components: It may just be a loose or squashed turbo hose, or a split vacuum pipe, but there’s no way of telling any more without actually seeing the van. A decent mechanic should be able to diagnose & quote for repair very quickly - John Greenslade from Powys

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2007

Hi. My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch is in the garage at the minute but they don`t know what`s wrong with it. There are no warning lights and it starts first time, but it cuts out after 15 minutes or so when it gets warm and it won`t start again until it cools right down, mostly about 24 hours. I had the ecu done together with the steering pump and ecu mass air filter but still no joy. Can anyone suggest what is wrong please? (auto)

Answers

Sounds like crank sensor - Phil Wyatt from England

I assume your car is gasoline and not diesel, in this case your problem is the gasoline pump, take it out, it could be the filter or the pump itself - Chucri Kayal from France

It could be the fuel filter. Just gone through everything on mine replacing parts and it was said filter - Steve from England

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2005

Hi. I have a 2005 Vauxhall Vectra Estate but I`m getting no hot air from the blower. The thermostat and matrix are okay, they`ve been checked and there are no air bubbles either. Next stage is gasket on the head. Am I missing something before it goes to the garage and costs me loads?

Answers

I don’t understand how you’d come to the conclusion that this may be a head gasket fault: Are the pipes to & from the heater matrix hot? John Greenslade from Powys

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

When I open the back passenger door of my Vauxhall Zafira the radio goes off. Then when I close the door the light on the dashboard is telling me that the door is still open. Is this a major electrical fault or is it something simple to fix?

Answers

Check the wiring loom at the bottom of the passenger side rear door as these are common to split inside the rubber boot. Check this asap as it can be quite dangerous if the bare wires fuse together. Best of luck - Will Wood from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

Since my Vauxhall Insignia has been serviced the display panel keeps alerting me that the car is due a service, that I need to change the oil and that the oil life is at 0%. What should I do?

Answers

Change your garage. They’ve failed to reset the service indicator. Take it back and insist that they do so. It’s part of the service schedule - John Greenslade from Powys

Thanks for your reply. I have been back to the garage, they took the car away for about 15 mins, came back and told me that they can’t reset it because of the swivel flaps? They said they would give me a call, which they did two hours later... they told me the parts alone are in excess of £600. Apart from the service light that keeps appearing my car is running fine? Mark Donnelly from Fife and Kinross Shires

The service vehicle soon indicator is actually an engine management fault... I had the same problem and when I took it back to the garage they told me my thermostat was faulty! Fixed under warranty with no problems! Sheepie from Aberdeenshire

Mine has the same service light staying on and the garage say there`s water in the fuel line sensor – Alfie from Northumberland

Have you tried resetting it yourself? Turn on ignition, press menu button on left stalk until you get vehicle information menu on display, twist the knob to left of menu button to bring up remaining oil life on the display, depress and keep held in button on the end of the left stalk and at same time push down on brake pedal keeping it in till it resets, release both button and pedal, switch off ignition, should all be done now, good luck - Craig Owen from England

I had this problem. I found out it was a faulty glow plug, I had them all changed and had no trouble since, I also invested in a on board diagnostic kit which plugs into the 20 pin diagnostic outlet on my Insignia, which gives you a readout of any faults and on how to reset the service lights, best bit of kit I have invested in - David Corkrum from Lincolnshire

16 pin - Jack Jones from Dorset

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

I have just bought a Vauxhall Zafira 2006 cdti Breeze. As I`m driving every half hour it starts to smoke (blue colour) and then it goes away and comes back after half an hour, mainly when in lower gears or stationery. Now I even have a yellow flashing light on the dashboard on the mileometer side. The owner told me it`s normal as he changed the egr and pvr valve and I need motorway to flash. I did 35 miles but it was still the same. What does anyone think I should do to fix it as it smokes so much that other cars have to close their windows?

Answers

In simple terms, the engine is worn out & is burning oil. No amount of motorway driving will cure it. The owner who told you it was normal was lying. The only cure would be an expensive engine rebuild. Unless it was a private sale, take it back & get a refund - John Greenslade from Powys

The blue smoke is a result of bad injectors, could be one or more bad injectors – Chuari Kayal from France

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1999

My 1999 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 club 5-Door Hatch`s heating and air con is not working, although I still get cold air. Can anyone tell me if it`s repairable and is it expensive please, only I am looking to sell it? Thanks.

Answers

Hi, my own 5 door hatchback Astra needed to have the engine replaced, I had the same problem with the air conditioning and it needed to have the air conditioning re-charged. This runs around £75, cheaper if you take it to the place around £50. It can be done at home and takes about 30 mins just need to be able to plug in an extension cable for the mechanic. Hope this helps - Karen Keen from Northumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

Could anyone tell me how many miles I should be getting to the gallon in my Vauxhall Meriva? I have been back to Brandish as they don`t want to know, they told me to fill up and put it on zero, then check and do it again. Any suggestions? (1.4 turbo petrol)

Answers

Depends on power, 100PS, 120PS or 140PS? My 140PS manages 40mpg on the motorway and max 30 in the city. I’m heavy on the accelerator pedal - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2002

Hello, I recently had my Vauxhall Astra Estate serviced and was advised that the car had taken 1 litre of anti freeze. I was advised to monitor every day for the next week to see if this had dropped. It didn´t, or need topping up at all. I have since moved to Spain and drove approximately 750 miles from Manchester. This was a full load and a lot of high revs, uphill driving. Today when I checked I had to top up half a litre to get it level again. There appears to be no sweet smell from the exhaust, no damp patches in the passenger foot hold and no leaks. I´m tempted to put it down to the journey here and the struggle on the car, however I might be being a little too optimistic. I`d appreciate any helpful feedback and am hopeful it isn´t a head gasket job. Can anyone offer any advice please? Thanks.

Answers

I had a similar problem. It turned out to be a loose hose clip, and only leaked when the engine was cooling down. I tightened the clip and no problems since - Sean from Northamptonshire

Thanks for the feedback, Sean. I assume you mean the hose underneath the coolant tank? I’ll check again for leaks. Thanks again - Craig Gilroy from Spain

Sorry, I should have said it was the top hose from the thermostat. But it might be worth checking them all - Sean from Northamptonshire

Look at a small pipe close to engine. I had same problem like you but unfortunately my engine seized last week due to the pipe burst and engine heated up and locked - Haque Kataria from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

I`ve got a 59 plate Vauxhall Insignia 1.8 sri. My coolant keeps emptying and I have to keep topping it up every 2 days. When I put the heating on it just blows out cold air. Does anyone know what it can be? Thanks.

Answers

I have an Insignia 60 plate (not an SRI) and last week had the Code 3 - low coolant - pop up, took it to the Vauxhall dealership in Haywards Heath who fitted a new header tank. Went out a day later to pick up the OH from the station code 3 appeared again and now NO heating not impressed! OH has checked the coolant levels and it is empty! - Dealership called out and say the new header tank has a split in it! It has returned to the dealership for new tank! Will keep you posted! Jane Stewart from Sussex

Be careful, ask for a second opinion, I had this problem which ended with a new engine and gear box, this is a common problem - Lee Monkman from Yorkshire

You are loosing coolant because the EGR cooler has split. This is a known problem and if your car is out of warranty you will need to pay for it. Now. the part on it`s own is around £480 not including labour to fit the part. The good news is that Vauxhall have released a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) and a repair kit which costs just over £100, so way better than the original £480. Not all dealers realise that there is a TSB regarding this so you may have to let them know - Dan Brown from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

Hello there. I was seeing what my Vauxhall Vectra could do on the motorway, then after hitting the turbo and going into high revs the car suddenly lost power and since then hasn’t regained it`s full power. The turbo is still there, it`s just not as strong as it was and there`s no real sound from the turbo. Would this have something to do with the air filter? It`s still a strong car and fast, it`s just lost that extra wee kick in the turbo. Any ideas? (elite)

Answers

Hi, check all vacuum pipes going to actuator and to egr valve actuator. They blow of under pressure, pipes might need to be replaced - Jason from Cheshire

Vauxhall Insignia 2010

I have an iPhone5 which I use in the car, using the bluetooth connection built into the radio. All seems fine with me but I am constantly being told by the people I talk to that their is terrible interference on the line but in my car I hear them crystal clear. I do not hear the interfernce but they do. Anybody know what this noise is? (2.0 CDTI Auto)

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I have just developed the same problem and I also have a new iPhone 5. The phone system seemed to work fine with my old iPhone so I assumed it must be my new phone but I have just got my wife to connect her new HTC to the car and its doing the same with her phone. It seems to stop when you pull over and only starts again while driving so it must be some form of interference from the car. I am going to get Vauxhall to check it out - Andrew Duncan from Lanarkshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

Engine management light has come on but before it did car started to judder and lose power. For MOT it had lumba sensor changed - would that have anything to do with it? Cheers. The car is on a 51 plate, can any one help?

Answers

I had this problem recently same problem; change EGR valve is gonna be ok - Key Smith from London

Vauxhall Vivaro 2010

The side loading door on my 2010 Vivaro Sportive won’t lock with the key fob. I will lock from the inside by using the knob but the fob wont operate it, any help?

Answers

Hi, clean the contacts. They’re on the left three plates plus three pins on the door - Andy Kenworthy from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

My Vauxhall Vectra keeps going into idle mode when it gets up to three thousand revs. I have had a brand new EGR valve put on but it is still going into idle mode but not as often, not sure what else would be causing this, any help would be so much help?

Answers

Hi, get an auto electrician, fairly cheap, about £40. I did when this happened to my Vectra. In the end it was fuel pump, or can be fuel rail sensor - Melanie Birch from England

Get a boost pressure sensor, common - Gary Dodd from Shropshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

I have a 57 plate Vauxhall Zafira cdti (Elite version). Recently, there has been a loud ’thumping, pounding banging’ noise at first when driving but mainly now when idle. It’s coming from under bonnet on driver’s side. It doesn’t happen all of the time but is becoming more regular. Any ideas?

Answers

When was the last time you changed the timing belt? Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

As long as I can remember I have trouble clearing the screen on my Miriva. In the summer or when it is not raining, I can open the window but otherwise visibility is bad. I have taken it to various garages and the last one suggested using the air con. This works but of course make petrol use very high. Any suggestions?

Answers

Use anti fogging window cleaner - Bill from Nottinghamshire

Do not use recycled air turn it off - Roy Bennett from Kent

Vauxhall Insignia 2011

Hi, I have owned a 2011 Insignia 1.8 SRi petrol model for a couple of months now. When I start the engine, the air conditioning light comes on automatically, and I have to turn it off manually. This isn’t a major problem, but I could do without it coming on when the temperature is only a couple of degrees outside. When my wife uses the car with her set of keys (the 2nd set that came with the car), the AC doesn’t come on. Is there any way of stopping it coming, so I can just use it when required? Thanks for any help.

Answers

In mine I went through the config button on the dashboard and then into the car settings - you can then turn the auto ac off! Nigel from Blaenau Gwent

Hi Nigel. Thanks for the response. I’ve tried looking in the vehicle settings through the Config button, but I can’t seem to find anything. I’ll have another look, just in case I’ve missed it though. Cheers - Lee from Leicestershire

The air con is meant to be on all of the time, this is part of the climate control so the car can maintain the temperature which you set. Don`t worry about it, it is designed this way - Dan Brown from England

Vauxhall Combo 2012

On a Vauxhall Combo, how do I turn the diesel particulate filter warning light off on the dashboard before a service interval without plugging away computer diagnostic machine into it?

Answers

Put key in ignition, turn all way round till lights come on, press the button on the trip counter for 10 seconds until I term shows, release, turn key back down, take it out - Peter Evevs from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

My partner’s Astra came up with an engine management light and fault was faulty coil pack, engine went into safe mode, a day after having car back from garage. They said car won’t go past 4000rpm and no fault light is on, garage can’t find a fault, has anyone got any ideas please? (1800 sri)

Answers

Hi, it could mean a weak fuel pump? Or fuel filter partially blocked. Hope it helps - Gordon Cameron from Aberdeenshire

Did the garage change the o2 sensor which it located just before the cat. converter? Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2001

Hi. I` drive a Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch cd dti 2ltr. The symbol of a car with spanner in it appears at times and will stay on for about a minute, then it goes off again. Also the airbag light stays on and doesn`t go off at all. What does this mean? Thanks.

Answers

If the spanner light comes on it’s due for a service - Simon from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

My Vauxhall Vectra`s climate control had deminished leaving a very poor cold air flow, so I changed the resistor to the blower motor but still no change. I was just about to consider buying a reconditioned blower motor when I thought that air filter looks a bit sooty so I changed that instead. The blower motor must have been in some kind of limp mode, the resistor slows the blower motor down to prevent the muck from the air filter getting blown all round the cab. I`m now driving round with only red hot air coming out and turning the climate control to cold with the air conditioning set has no effect, only red hot air is coming out. Can anyone help?

Answers

Hi Roy, I have also had a similar problem with my Vectra when he heater was blowing cold at the back of your engine where the heater pipes go into you matrix. There should be a round diaphram connecting the pipes together, this opens and closes. You could try changing this but be warned, it’s a bit of a pig and you could possibly get an air lock once you have done it! Hope this helps mate - Derek Morton from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

My Vauxhall Zafira turns over but it won’t start. The glow plug light and service spanner don’t come on. I had a mobile technician come out as well as the AA and they both plugged a diagnostic machine into the jack plug under the handbrake console and got a communication error. We are still non the wiser as to which way to go with it. Can anyone help? (2.0 dti)

Answers

I suppose this happened to you after you changed the diesel filter. Take out the lid of the filter housing and look to see if the housing is full of diesel or not. In case not, this means there is air in the system. Put the lid and be cautious there is a little tooth in the housing supposed to enter into the lid. Now to avoid such problem in the future, buy a used hand pump, cut the line that feeds the filter housing with diesel and fix this hand pump in between. Now keep pumping until the filter housing is full with diesel, close the lid firmly, then pump again few times and try to run the engine - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

I just bought a 54 plate Vauxhall Vectra and I can’t find the ok button for the dash board? Can anyone tell me where it is? I’ve tried everywhere I can think of it, could it be a button that’s stopped working? Thanks.

Answers

Mate, it’s on the end of the wipers lever... up down and ok - John Bishop from England

Assuming you mean the display in the centre of the dash? Use the same large knob used to select options - push it in, it will click. This is OK - Jon from Dorset

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

Does anyone know if a wheel from a 57 plate Vauxhall Meriva will fit the new type 2012 plate Meriva? I was wondering whether to carry it as my spare as the new type is only provided with a reflation kit?

Answers

Hi. We recently wondered the same thing when buying a 2012 Meriva (still had the spare from a 59 plate Meriva which was sadly written off). The dealer assured us that it would fit but it turned out not to be the case. Our old tyre was 185/60R15 and the new car takes a 205/55R16. I’m not an expert but my reading is that the new wheel rims are bigger (1 inch radius so 2 inches in diameter). If I physically put the old spare next to the new car, I can see it’s quite a bit smaller so I need to get a new one soonish. Saying that, I think the old Merivas may have come with different possible sizes of tyre so the best thing to do is to take down the numbers on your spare and explicitly check those against the new car (we were in a rush on the day and forgot to do so ... might have bargained a cheap new wheel out the dealer otherwise) Hope this helps! Stephen from Renfrewshire

The ’R’ stands for radial, not radius. So an R16 is only 1inch bigger than an R15. Also the tyre size being smaller is not that big an issue. Most space saver spares which some cars come with can be quite a bit smaller. My Insignia had a space saver type, and when I had to use it one time, the car looked like I had parked in a pot hole because of the smaller diameter (and width) spare being that much shorter than the 18inch regular wheels. The main thing to be concerned about is the PCD being different. This is the spacing between the bolts. It did change from Astra MK 5 to MK 6, so may well be the case from old to new Meriva - Steve from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva`s central locking is working fine on all four doors but is not locking the tailgate, I am having to lock it manually. Is there a fuse for this or is it a failed solenoid and if it is a solenoid is it an easy job to fix?

Answers

I had same problem with mine, turned out to be a broken wire in the wiring loom as it passes from the car to the boot. It is located in the top left hand side of the boot running through a rubber sleeve. Move this sleeve back and check wires, you might find one broken - Keith from Kent

Vauxhall Meriva 2010

I am currently running a Vauxhall Meriva 58 plate, which has not given me any major problems . As I am currently looking to update by changing to a 2010/2011 model I am a bit concerned about reports of power steering failure, of which there are several instances. Another conern is the electric parking brake applying itself during normal travel. Two cases are known to Vauxhall to date that I now know about. Before I decide which way to go forward with buying my next car, I would like to know if these issues have been resolved. Can anyone advise? (Meriva B)

Answers

Hi. My 61 plate never gets any of the issues listed by you and others. I’ve covered 18,000 miles and had no issue with steering or electric brake - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Corsa 2008

Hi. My son’s Vauxhall Corsa Breeze 1.2 petrol has the car and spanner warning light on the instrument panel but the car will not start. When he turns the ignition key there is a buzzing sound inside the car but the engine does not turn over at all. The warning light will then flash. I have checked all fuses inside the car and cannot find any that are blown. Any suggestions? Thanks. (Breeze 1.2)

Answers

I have the same problem with my 57 reg Vauxhall Corsa Life at the moment. I was told by the RAC that it sounded like a ECU problem. When my keys are taken out and the car is off the fuel pump carries on going even though the rest of the car is switched off (a buzzing sound). I have had the car/spanner light come on and off since I purchased the car from new and when I originally took it into Vauxhall a few years back they told me that they would check the electrics under warranty but if they didn’t find anything I would have to pay them a stupid amount of money. Unfortunately I was told they probably wouldn’t find anything even if there was a problem and was advised to leave it (by the people at the garage) and the car has been fine (despite the occasional light coming on and off) until now. I think it is probably a manufacturing problem with the ECU, although I haven’t heard of any recalls and it would be hard to get Vauxhall to admit it. I would advise to get someone to have a look at it. It may just be a fuse that’s got a dodgy connection or it may be the same problem. My car is currently stuck and I’ve had to get the battery disconnected for now until I can get it fixed. If I find someone who can diagnose it officially I’ll let you know. All the best getting it sorted out - David Clarke from Gwynedd

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

My problem with my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch is the ignition lights come on but when I try to start the car it won`t start and the ignition lights go off. I have already replaced the battery and it seemed fine, but the next day it was the same problem and I had to jump start it. What could the problem be, the alternator or something else?

Answers

It could be the starter, or the positive cable from the battery to the starter is loose and needs to be tightened - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vivaro 2012

Hi. I`m looking to fit front fog lights to my Vauxhall Vivaro and have been told the wiring should be there and hidden? Any ideas where please? I`m aware I have got to change the indicator stalk for it. Thanks.

Answers

It is clipped up under the front bumper on the passenger side. You will need the loom and a relay as well - Jason King from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

Hi, my Vauxhall Corsa has been off road for a few months and the engine has died as a result. My parents have borrowed an electric jump lead but I don’t know what voltage it needs to be on. Any ideas?

Answers

12v - Matthew Longmate from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

Hi. My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s front electric windows and interior light are not working (the rear windows work). Any idea why? Would it be a fuse, if so how do I locate it? Thanks. (1.8 Elite)

Answers

Your fuse box is below dash right hand side. Ppen pull down drawer release 2 screws a rubber and pull out; fuses behind it - Gordon Cameron from Aberdeenshire

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

Hi, the fuel level low message stays on in my Vauxhall Insignia even though there is fuel in the car. If I try and press the menu button nothing happens, the fuel level low message remains. Has anyone seen this before and if so what do I need to do to fix it? Thanks in advance.

Answers

It depends on how low it was before the fill and how much you put in. Is your range still saying low? If you put under £15 in it won’t register on the gauge usually - Jon VXTECH from Shropshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2012

From the first day I bought my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch the engine shakes (vibrates) intermittently. The engine moves a few millimeters forward and back when I start the engine and driving`s no problem but later, after 30 or 40 minutes drive, the engine begins vibrating when idling at traffic lights or at low speeds when braking. When I turn the A/C on the engine vibrates excessively, non stop. This vibration decreases and then stops if I move the gear from D to N. Sometimes when closing the windows the head lights dim for a few seconds and the engine vibrates, then stops vibrating. It happened only once in a traffic jam with the A/C on, the engine vibrated very roughly then lost power. I tried to start it up twice and on the third time it worked back again. There are no fault codes. Can anyone suggest why this is happening?

Answers

In your case there are few things that cause vibration, 1-blocked air filter 2-blocked injectors(one or more) 3-if your engine works on gasoline, it could be bad spark plugs 4-blocked fuel filter 5-timing belt incorrect - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Movano 2001

Hi. Can anybody please help? My Y reg 2001 Vauxhall Movano Luton drives reasonably well til it hits even the slightest incline and then it loses power dramatically, forcing me to drop down all the gears, even on the motorway. Any suggestions? Thank you. (Luton)

Answers

On the right hand side of the engine just below the expansion tank there are 2 air pipes, check that these are connected properly and have no splits in, as this can also throw a light on the dash sometimes to say there is an electrical fault - Gareth Booton from England

Vauxhall Zafira 1999

My Vauxhall Zafira`s radio is stuck on 3Safe. It was 7Safe but will sometimes let me put in the code when I do a long journey bringing it down by 1 each time. How can I unlock it? The local Vauxhall dealers said they couldn`t help me when it was on 7safe?

Answers

The number before the word SAFE coinsides with the amount of attempts you have left to input the correct code. If you keep trying and the number goes below 1 then the radio will lock itself. You need to get correct code from local car audio shop. Don’t pay any more than £25 for this service. I hope this helps. P.S. Your local dealer should have known this! lak Singh from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Insignia 2012

I`m trying to change the bulb for the passenger side headlamp on my boss` Vauxhall Insignia. It was going well until a know-it-all came in to tighten the screws and now one of the screws has fallen inside the headlamp. How do you remove the headlamp?

Answers

I would not remove the headlamp until I had tried a small magnet tied to the end of a length of cotton. Can’t find a small magnet? Get a small nail and leave it next to a large magnet in a speaker or motor and it will magnatise itself - Mitchell Campion from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

Last week I had no rear lights and flashing brake lights on my Vauxhall Zafira when I applied them. I looked at the wiring and my right hand side all came back on but the left did not. I took it to an auto electrician who says it’s my ecu. I’m not totally convinced as when I checked my wiring again the left side came back on for a few seconds. I’m wondering if it could be the bulb cluster as I have no other problems with my car? I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem?

Answers

I found a loose wire within the plastic casing where the tools are kept. Now have all lights - Dawn Taylor from Cheshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

There is a slight juddering on my Vauxhall Corsa but no warning lights are showing. It was serviced in January and the spark plugs have been changed. We have run the fuel right down and put the cleaner unleaded in it. The juddering does not happen all of the time and doesn`t happen at any particular time. Any ideas? Thank you.

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It’s your clutch plate that’s making it judder, it’ll only be when the car is cold and will get better as the car is warm. You’ll experience this for a few more days to weeks and then lose all drive in the car because the friction plate is worn right down. As for the flat spots I’d buy a Bosch mass a.f.m., should sort the problem but also be aware that the Vauxhall Corsa 1.0 is no Porsche and prone to flat spotting - Steven Murray from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

Hi, over the past few weeks when I start my Vauxhall Zafira`s engine I notice the spanner symbol comes on, but within 30 seconds it goes off and I am able to drive the car normally. If I start the car again within an hour or so the symbol doesn`t come on. However, if I park up say to go to work and return 8 hours later, the light does come on! Any suggestions? Also I have a whistling type of noise whether I am driving or whether I am stationary so I know it`s not the brakes. I was given an advisory on my last MOT saying rear Silencer poor condition, could this be the problem? Many thanks.

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To get rid of the spanner sign is pretty straight forward. Get in the car, put key in the ignition but don`t turn. Press and hold the trip meter button and whilst holding it start the car - Hey Presto its gone! The whistling could be anything so personally I would get it checked out by a garage. I would also get the back box sorted too as they are cheap as chips - Iskender Levent from Lancashire

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2009

I have a leak on the passenger side door of my Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch and have lots of water gathering in the footwell behind the passenger seat. Is this a common problem and does anyone have a solution?

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Hi, under your bonnet passenger side at the very top were your pollen filter is at the bottom you will see some rubber witch you can pull out, it is more than likely that it is blocked and has been filling with water going through the filter past the motor into the footwell, this happened to mine got so bad I needed to replace the motor heater as well. Hope this helps - Alan Preston from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

I need the passenger airbag disabling on my Vauxhall Meriva. Is there a way I can do it? I assumed there would be a switch or some way of turning it off so my newborn can be in the front, (I have other young children in car seats in back seats so need the front). The manual says about transponder? I can`t afford to pay to have this disabled so does anyone know of anyone who can do it cheaply if I can`t myself? (Breeze model)

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The passenger airbag on the Meriva A cannot be turned off. If you consult a baby seat specialist website such as "maxi cosi", they have a list of vehicles and positions in which the seats can be fitted. From the list, it’s clear that the maxi cosi cannot be fitted in the front of a Meriva A - Dave from Lancashire

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

Hi, my Vauxhall Vectra has suddenly started draining the battery, sometimes in a couple of hours. I`ve checked all lights and bulbs and they are all as they should be. I had a tow bar fitted 2 months ago. Also my alarm went off for the first time ever completely randomly and for no reason last night. I`m not sure how to diagnose what`s draining the battery or even where to start looking. I have resorted to disconnecting the battery when parked up for any length of time. Can anybody help? (1.9 cdti 120)

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Check if boot light going off while tailgate shut, could be mercury swith in tailgate, not turning light off. I had that problem - Andy from Yorkshire

That would be an alternator fault - Craig King from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2003

When I`m braking in my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch one wheel locks, even at slow speeds. I have renewed the brake shoes, main handbrake cables and all shoe springs. Both wheel cylinders appear to move freely. What should I do? (1.7 cdti)

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There are different causes for such a problem, but in your case it is probably the brake flexible hose - Chucri Kayal from France

I had this problem on my Astra a few months ago. Found out it was a faulty abs sensor. I was told because the sensor was faulty even when you press the brake pedal a little bit the sensor thinks your slaming the brakes on so therefore the brain of the car is telling the abs to kick in on just the wheel with the faulty sensor which causes it to vibrate the wheel which then vibrates the car - Tom Counter from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

When my Vauxhall Vectra 51 plate is ticking over the temperature gauge goes up as normal. When I take it for a run the gauge goes down to cold and the heaters start to go cold as well. I checked the hoses and all are hot so water is getting around okay. Does anyone have any ideas please?

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Had same trouble with my 4.0 Jag, changed the thermostat, it was stuck open. Solved mine - Lee Frances from England

Vauxhall Tigra 1995

Can anyone advise where the fuse affecting the right hand indicator on my Vauxhall Tigra is located? The three bulbs for the right hand side do not work but the left hand side is okay, so I assume that the fuse must be blown. Any ideas? (1400 Sport)

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It will be a faulty indicator relay, changed loads of them, Vauxhall dealer part not expensive - Richard from Vale of Glamorgan

Vauxhall Corsa

I`ve had problems with my Vauxhall Corsa losing power. Diagnostics found nos 1,2,3 injectors were not working, so they were replaced with new ones. The car started up then stopped and now refuses to start, turning over as if it wants to but it won`t. The computer diagnostics are saying no faults. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to try next? (1.3 ecoflex diesel)

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Just in case anyone else has issues asked in my questions . Put car into Vauxhall dealer - failed ecu on car, now replaced - Stewart from Lanarkshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

Please could anyone tell me whether the front reinforcer bar is the same for a Vauxhall Vivaro van and Renault Trafic? I need one for my Vivaro and I have sourced one but it has come from a Renault Trafic. It looks the same? (2005/2006)

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Yes, it is the same - Tony de Niro from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

I have a Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1.7 CDTI. It cut out completely on me last week so I got the fuel pump and filter changed as that’s the fault that was showing. I picked it up from the garage and it drove home fine. Then doing the same distance later the EML light was flashing on and off intermittently but no loss of power, Could it just be dirty sensors from the engine getting stripped down for them to get to the pump?

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I had the same problem - I would be driving along and the engine would just cut out - mechanic changed the spark plugs for £30 and all ok now - Katie T from Sussex

I have Opel Astra 1.8CSE, 2001 and had the same problem last year, 2012. The engine was dying every time I am on four-ways, robots and going to a stop. When accelerator is depressed, the engine does not die. I lost lot of money running around with auto technicians, until I also searched on the net and got an answer. The cause of engine to cut at deccelaration is the dirty idle control valve. Remove the air line as well as the air sensor, clean the air pipe, the air sensor and the idle control valve with carborator cleaner, the problem will go away. The idle control valve was found with carbon residue that come from petrol-air combustion - Elvis Mokoena from South Africa

Thanks for your replies, I’ve finally got to the bottom of it, after the fuel pump and injectors were changed, EML came on (error was Air Flow pressure drop) so I had a new MAF sensor fitted and the problem persisted, the auto electrician came out and it was a faulty wire between my ECU and MAF sensor. £700 later I’ve been back on the road for almost 2 weeks and all seems to be fine, so fingers crossed it continues like this - Dan B from England

Vauxhall Vivaro

How can I gain access to my Vauxhall Vivaro with a flat battery? There is no power at all so the key won’t work! I can’t get to the battery as access is needed in the van. Please can anyone help?

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Hey Paul, did you find out what it was as I have the same problem? Tony de Niro from Gloucestershire

Still hoping for an answer. Van still locked and I can’t get into it! Any ideas? Paul from England

Just use the key in the manual lock in the drivers door. There is no such place as Londonderry it’s just Derry, thanks - N K from County Londonderry

Oh I didn’t think to use the key in the door... Paul from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

My Vauxhall Vivaro won`t rev above 2000 revs when cold. I put it in first gear and it just crawls along, but once it has warmed up it seems fine. What is wrong and can anyone help?

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Air flow sensor faulty. We have had this problem several times now on customers’ vans - Andy Duck from Somerset

Try cleaning the EGR Valve. Disconnect the big blue connector in the engine fuse box under the expansion tank and clean all treminals, thoroughly with spray contact cleaner and also the little plug next to it! It may need to have the sofware updated by a specialist. This is called "Field Remedy: 1952" and is to solve a fault known as "No throttle responce after starting engine when cold" also check all injector connections especially No. 1. Hope this helps - Lee Cussen from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

Hi, I have a 56 plate Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1.4 Petrol. When I came to start it up this morning the engine wouldn’t fire up, I just had a clicking sound coming from the engine. The radio, dash and lights all work fine but the car just won’t start. I have to bump it to get it going. This happens intermittently, mostly when it’s cold on a night, but that’s not the only time it does this. Has anyone any idea what the issue might be? Thanks.

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Had a similar problem with my 06 Astra 1.7 cdti; it would just click and needed bump starting. I have had my starter motor changed and ain’t had the problem since - Shakil Mohammed from England

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2005

I have a Vauxhall Vectra Estate 1905 CC diesel and it does not respond to throttle under 2000 rpm. Over 2000 rpm it`s fine. You have to drive it hard climbing hills, it`s so slow if under 2000 rpm. It`s been on umpteen diagnostics with no faults showing. Can anyone pin point the problem for me?

Answers

Check all the little pieces of vacuum pipes for splits and sucking air, even the bit off the turbo gate - Des Nicholls from Staffordshire

Egr valve and boost pressure sensor next to it on the inlet manifold need cleaning. Clean with egr cleaner - Jonathan from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2007

The temperature gauge on the dash of my Vauxhall Vivaro does not register any temperature at all and the heater only blows cold air, so there`s no heat getting to that. Can anyone suggest what`s wrong? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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Hi Richard, did you find out the prob as I’m having same probs as just changed the rad. Maybe air or something. Is there a bleed valve? If so where is it? How did you fix yours? Thanks - Tony de-Niro from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1998

I have a 1.6 Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch Sport Petrol. It will drive along nicely then the engine stops and all electrics are dead. Now this does not happen all the time, it can go a week then happen again. To get this going I jump it from my other car and it starts straight away. Does anybody know what this can be? Any help is much appreciated. (petrol Sport)

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Hi. Maybe you have a bad battery. If it is good then clean the terminals and the leads and tighten them good. After that check the alternator if it charging the battery - Chucri Kayal from France

I see your posting was a long time ago. I too have had this problem I have had the fuel pump replaced, the fuel sensor replaced, the heat relay sensor replaced, the coil pack replaced, rewired from fuel pump to somewhere they thought it should go, and then after the 3rd visit to the same workshop, cause I kept being shunted around for the various work (the expert in that area etc) the manager of the workshop said get it fixed once and for all, so they discovered a plug on the fuel pump was damaged and was making intermitant contact.... (this unit not available in SA for replacement part), so they fixed the plug and have surrounded it with silycon, still working.... 3 months later.... Terry Brammage from South Africa

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

My Vauxhall Corsa`s heating fan has been a bit temperamental. Sometimes it will take a while to come on and will go off over bumps and then come back on again. I`d be grateful for any help. Any ideas please?

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I’m having this problem with mine too; its been to the garage 4 time and apparanty it’s the heating plug that keeps falling out but I don’t know where on the car it is, otherwise I’d do it myself x - Charlotte from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

How do you adjust the camber angle of both front and rear wheels on my Vauxhall Vectra? The wheels are leaning inwards at the top and should be vertical. Thanks for any advice. (1.8 club)

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The fronts are done by getting your tracking checked to stop uneven tyre wear... the rears are supposed to lean in at the top - Tom Cruise from England

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

I have a Vauxhall Vectra 2ltr turbo diesel. I`ve just had the fuel pump put on and diesel`s getting to the injectors but not firing. If I take the air pipe off and spray easy start up then she fires till you take the spray away, then it cuts out. What can I do?

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Hi Ken , are you sure timing correct? And don’t use easy start mate; it can ruin a good engine and make them rely on it after only couple of times using it... sorry not into these cars yet as only just got mine so I’m learning! Going on other cars the pump gets timed with engine so make sure all correct and as long as you have the right pressure at right time it should work! Good luck - Dave Aylmer from Gloucestershire

I think that they are chain driven not belt so not touching the chain = no timing prob but cheek that fuel is hitting all 4 injectors ie bleeding it again see where you get after this. Hope this works - Craig R from Flintshire

Vauxhall Tigra 2007

The roof of my Vauxhall Tigra will not open. When I try the switch nothing at all happens. The automatic boot however works okay. Can anyone give me an idea of what it might be as I don’t want to take it to a garage and get ripped off?

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U need to move the shelf in the boot to upright position and lock it in place - Arthur from England

Hi, I had this problem and this may sound daft but it worked for me... Put gear lever in neutral, give it a rattle side to side. Don`t know if there is a sensor to stop any chance of opening roof while in gear? But as i said it worked for me - gremlin fix it from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

Why doesn`t my phone work in my Vauxhall Insignia? It has controls on my steering wheel. Isn`t bluetooth fitted in my car or can something be fitted to make my phone work in the car?

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Mine doesn’t work either, you have to have it fitted into the radio at purchase or you need a secondary cradle fitted at some cost. Both types of latest radio can have them as options as I have seen them working even in the same as mine but once out the factory you can only get a cradle I am told. Bit annoying as you say because all the bits are there on the wheel; it seems a bit mealy mouthed of Vauxhall to me when most modern motors have them fitted - Adrian Green from Oxfordshire

Thank you for an answer Adrian. Do you know or anybody know the cost of getting new radio fitted with bluetooth for car phone to work has anybody had one fitted - Alfie Ayre from Northumberland

You cannot get a new radio fitted with Bluetooth as the Bluetooth is a separate module which sits behind the dash. It is possible to retrofit it but Vauxhall will not do this for you and it takes a couple of days to do. This is because one day the equipment needs fitting but it will not allow it to be programmed to work with your car until around 24 hours has passed. The cost to retrofit it is around £400 and you will need to find someone to do it for you, not an easy task - Dan Brown from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Corsa 1.7dti 52 that has stopped working. I parked the car Monday night and everything was working fine. The next morning I put the key in and turned it and nothing happened, no lights on the dash and no other electrics work, nothing at all. Can anyone help?

Answers

It could be the connector at the back of the speedo, it’s a common issue on early Corsa’s, the fix is to replace the loom (£££££) alternatively take out the cluster squirt WD40 into the connector and refit it, it will play up again at some point but won’t cost a lot to fix every now and then. Sometimes a hard bang on the top of the dash cures the problem as a temp measure! Ian Louden from England

Vauxhall Combo 2003

My Vauxhall Combo van 1.7tdi 2003 won`t start, it just turns over. In the week running up to this while driving along the fuel gauge went to empty then back up again, although it had half a tank of fuel in it. I called the AA out and he tried easy start spray with no joy. He tried pumping fuel to the engine and it wasn`t getting to the injectors. He said it was the edu and I`ve changed that but still no joy. There are no warning lights on the dash and nothing comes up on the diagnostics. Can anyone help?

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Hi Paul, I have the same problem, sometimes when I get into the van and turn the key the lights on the right hand side of the dash do not come on and if I try to start the engine it will not start. Sometimes if I turn the ignition on and off again they come on and I can start the engine. Also when driving along all dials will go off and at some point then come back on again. If you cannot start the engine try tapping the dash board on the right hand side to the top - it always works for me and the lights all come back on. I have now found out that there was a recall sometime ago and they fitted a new wiring harness to the dash. I am having mine done, so hope will not have to hit the dash again, hope this helps – Joe Cox from Northamptonshire

Crank sensor could b gone - Nicky from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

The satnav on my 2009 Vauxhall Insignia [dvd 800 navi} is telling me I am about 20 miles away from where I actually am. The car is out of warranty and I do not have the satnav disc. I will buying a new disc and reinstalling it. Will this solve the problem or is there something else I can do? (cdti estate)

Answers

Try disconnecting your battery for 10 minutes and then reconnect it, this may fix your problem – Dan Brown from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

I’ve just fitted new brake shoes and all shoe springs hand brake cables to my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch. Both cylinders appear to be working but the handbrake is still poorly, it’s partially working on one side. What should I do? (diesel 17cdti)

Answers

You can adjust the hand brakes from under the hand brake inside the car, lift the hand brake, take off the rubber cover where you will see 10mm nut - may be one or two I do not remember exactly, tighten the nuts after you lift the rear wheels. After you tighten the nut turn the wheel, they should run almost free. Don’t over tighten - Chucri Kayal from France

Thank you very much for your info but I’ve already adjusted the handbrake cable, alas no joy which only leaves the flexable joint. Just last week I traded it in for a Corsa cdti 1.3. Thank you again and all the best - William McVey from Scotland

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

I recently changed my brake light bulb on the nearside of my Vauxhall Vectra. After fitting the bulb correctly and starting the car none of the lights on the nearside cluster will work. There is a bleeping coming from the cockpit when I turn the indicator etc on and the warning signs on my console now show faults with all lights on the nearside. Can anyone suggest what to do?

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Hi Paul, are you sure the electric plug on good and solid? Try little WD40 in plug, if they were all working before it should work now, the plug should only fit correctly in 1 position. Hope it is a simple thing like this! Dave Aylmer from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

Last week my girlfriend`s 1.2 Vauxhall Corsa life (54 plate) got a jump start from Green Flag. Now the engine management unit light has come on. Has anyone else had this problem and what did you do - is there anything I can do? (1.2 twin port)

Answers

Mines been on for 6yrs - de be from England

Try and disconnect battery because the jump start as power surged the ECU. I had same problem; disconnect for about 10 mins then try it - Jason Smit from England

I had the same issue, turned out it was the big fuse that feeds the cooling fan, the fuse board is split into 2 parts on Corsas, the fuse jumps the 2 boards and vibration and movement between the two over the years weakens the fuse wire, on appearance the fuse looked perfectly ok (it had not blown) but the wire had fractured! To clear the fault light, hold foot on brake and accelerator (foot to the floor) and turn ignition on, but don’t start the car, the warning lamp will flash a number of times indicating the fault code (you should video this to get the fault code) if it still happens after! Ian Louden from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

Hi. I have just bought an ex AA Vauxhall Vivaro van at auction (so I can`t take it back etc). It drives beautifully but won`t start in the cold weather, only with the magic spray. I can`t find any tips about this on the net. Is there an easy way to test the ’glow plugs’ or check whether they are getting voltage? Also can I verify that it should only be 7 volts getting to them? Any help would be appreciated as it looks a bit of a mission to get to them. Regards. (2 litre box van)

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Had same problem with mine; would not start when cold or damp. Changed glow plug, relay, simple fix now starts fine. But now just after a run seems like no fuel but at least cold problem sorted - Andy from Kent

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

My Vauxhall Insignia seems to start most mornings on 3 cylinders and also constantly revs at 1000rpm,. It has had an egr valve replaced. It`s been back at the dealers on numerous occasions but they can`t find a problem. Does anyone know of a solution to this problem? (sri 160)

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Hi, I have the same problem, I found out it is do to the automatic control system which increases your revs to keep the battery at full charge, very annoying at times, but it is a thing you have to live with till the batt gets fully charged It is most common in winter months when you use extra power, it should right itself when the weather gets warmer - David Corkrum from England

Update from last post: My Insignia got a new battery replaced, car was still over revving all the time until the fan belt came off, it didn’t snap or slice. It came off fully intact, got a new fan belt on it, now the car doesn’t over rev all the time - Morris Stewart from County Antrim

Hi... try putting the aircon on and turn your temp to low, turn fan on full and your revs will drop... cheers - John Warren from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

My Vauxhall Corsa`s heating fan has been a bit temperamental. Sometimes it would take a while to come on and it stopped working completely in the snowy conditions yesterday. I`d be grateful for any help as it is colder in the car at the moment than outside! Any ideas please? (Sxi)

Answers

Check the "big" fuse in the fuse box, the board is divided into two parts and this fuse jumps the two, this fuse can fracture where the two move/vibrate over the years - Ian Louden from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

I bought my son a 2005 Vauxhall Corsa only to find water leaks into the driver`s footwell, soaking the carpet. After researching the web it appears that this is a common fault with this car. Can anyone help me to cure this or direct me to specialists close to me who can?

Answers

Hi, have had same problem with my son’s 2004 Corsa; most garages should be able to do the work but they have to remove a lot of things to get to a plate behind the pedals. It cost me nearly 600 pounds, was a nightmare - John Vallance from Kent

Hi, just read your question and the same thing happends with my Corsa C as well. However, it only happens when it rains or is even wet outside. I took it to a garage and they did say it is a common fault and there isn’t a way to prevent it - John from England

Just had the same problem. Instead of spending hundreds at a Vauxhall body shop, found a different way to deal with this problem by sealing around the brake servo inside the engine bay. They have had no come backs, only cost £72 - Steven Jennings from Northumberland

I had the problem of water in the driver footwell, it was coming thought the plastic trim and the rubber seal to the window screen. I just used silicon along the rubber and it stopped the water comming in - Bert Lucas from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Meriva and it won`t start. All lights are on but no clicking or anything. The car has a brand new battery on as well. I`ve also tried bump starting it and it won`t start. I`ve tried jumping it off another car but still nothing. I hope someone can help even if only to get it started and get me to a garage. Any ideas please? Thanks. (1.7cdti)

Answers

Hiya. I had the same trouble, it turned out to be my ignition - Mick Finnegan from England

They had a modification. The clocks earthed out on shassis go to Vauxhall they sell a plastic cover to rectify problem - Alex McMurray from Wales

Sounds like the camshaft sensor to me. Had the same problem on a Mondeo I used to own - Steve from England

Good bit of advice, get rid - Mick Finnegan from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

My Vauxhall Zafira has done 74,000 miles. Today the engine has started making intermittent noises, a thudding/banging, a bit like a distant jack hammer. The noises are apparently coming from low down in the engine on the near side and only when the engine is in neutral. The minute the clutch is engaged the noise stops. At one point as I was driving there was a grating sound and the next time the engine was in neutral the noise had stopped. Soon after it started up again, then stopped. Can anyone offer any ideas? (Diesel)

Answers

Sounds like your dual mass flywheel assembly, mine went @41k and I had it replaced under a warranty package. Also had clutch assy changed at same time. Hope this helps - Pete Harrison from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

I have two problems with my 51 reg Vauxhall Vectra and would appreciate help. Firstly my cigarette lighter fitting is jammed in and I can’t use my sat nav or anything else. I`m not sure if it needs a new fuse but I don’t know where that is as I can’t see the symbol for it on the panel under the steering wheel? The next problem is the heater, or lack of heat. The car will heat up with the engine running and it’s stationary, but when you drive it the heating goes off and only gives out cold air. I was going to buy one of those plug in car heaters but as I’ve not got the cigarette lighter socket working either I’m kind of stuck and freezing. Can anybody help please?

Answers

Hi Margret, check your coolant level as when low the 1st thing to stop is the heater as engine keeps all the water in it, is the pressure cap on tight? If letting pressure out water won’t circulate around heater, even when low on water it will warm up when stationary and drop temp when move off. As for the lighter I would go to breakers and try get another to see if that works if fuse gone they normally just stay out not in, maybe build up on lighter has jammed it try giving a good tug. Regards - Dave Aylmer from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

My Vauxhall Zafira`s brakes have been freezing on in the mornings. It usually gets going but now refuses to move. The recovery man said calipers need replacing. Is this common?

Answers

Hi, don t worry, it is just because the temperature is freezing, from now on park your car on the first of the gearbox and not on hand brake, you can push the hand brake several times up and down and drive the car and it will come to normal - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

Hi. I replaced my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s front pads and disks today and now seem to have no brake pressure at all. Like a fool I didn`t open the bleed nipples, would this most likely be a seal in the master cylinder and can you repair the cylinder? Many thanks for any answers. (1.3 cdti life)

Answers

Hi, you need somebody to help you bleed the brake, that is all - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

I recently bought a Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 elite 2003 model. When I start it up it has an intermittent rattle coming from the timing chain end when it is cold, but when it warms up it`s okay, no rattle. I had the alternator looked at and that seems fine. Can anybody please help?

Answers

If that rattle is from the chain there’s a very good chance it will fail in the very near future. Don’t think because the rattle stops it isn’t the chain. If you drive it and it breaks at speed you could be looking at a complete engine as they can damage the bottom end as well as the top. Get it checked asap - BigG from Kent

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

Hi, I have a Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 tdi. You could be driving down the road and it cuts out totally, no warning at all. No lights come on the dash and the only way you can get it going is with a tow and away it goes for a while. Has anyone got any idea what this could be?

Answers

If you haven’t done so try getting fuel filter changed as it could be gunged up. Thats the first thing I would do first - BigG from Kent

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

My Vauxhall Insignia states on the log book that it is a 160bhp but when I came to insure it the insurance company has it down as a 130bhp. I got in touch with the dealer I bought it from and they say it`s a 160bhp. It seems to be under powered. I also know that a 160 bhp has a black TI and the 130 has a black I which mine has. I`m a bit concerned that the logbook does not match the insurance policy and what would happen if I had an accident. How can I find out what BHP it is?

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Check your chassis number, think it is the eighth digit. K stands for 130 brake and M stands for 160 brake. Also on a 130 it says 96 kw on sticker on pillar between the two passenger doors, but can’t remember what kw a 160 should read. Had same problem with my car, 160 turned out to be 130 - Fergal Kelly from Northern Ireland

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2007

My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch loses power and the service light comes on when I go over 70mph. I have replaced the Airflow management system. Can anybody help? Also my car seeme to be losing water from the water bottle that fills the radiator. I can`t find any leaks but when I open the lid on the water bottle it refills itself again. Is anybody able to help me?

Answers

Try letting car run with cap off and see if any air bubles out. You might have a air lock or blockage or thermostat stuck shut. Are your heaters warm? Chris from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch. This morning I went to get my car off the drive, it started up okay. I went to reverse off the drive and it was just flashing R then went back to N and when I went to drive forward it was in second gear. What could it be, could it be low on transmission fluid, it is also a semi automatic? What could the problem be? Thanks.

Answers

Did you check your brake light bulbs - Darren from Scotland

Vauxhall Corsa 2011

Hello, both front electric windows on my Vauxhall Corsa went down during the night (stopped down) and the engine was switched off. I started the car and closed the windows using the door switch. Any ideas what could cause this? (1.0l petrol)

Answers

Have you sat on your keys or had a child play with them? If you hold the door unlock button down on your key fob both windows will open. You can also close them remotely with the lock button - Danny from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1998

I was driving home from work when my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s dashboard went dead, the air bag light came on and the power steering went hard. I managed to get home and on further investigation I noticed the battery was smoking through the release hole and there was a small amount of fluid. I bought a new battery and flashed the car up. The dashboard came to life but after a few seconds died, then the airbag warning light came on, still no power steering and all electrics work apart from the main head lights. I have checked the fuses. Does anyone know anything about this problem? (Astra CD 1.6) R plate)

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Did you solve this problem? We have had the same problem for months and to no avail and find the problem! Have checked all earths, new battery/alternator and several sets if headlight bulbs! You had any luck? Milly Jo from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

Hello. I was driving the other day when suddenly my Vauxhall Insignia would only rev to 3500 rpm, then suddenly started smoking thick grey smoke and then revved to 7000 rpm on it`s own. Now when I start it it`s revving uncontrollably on it`s own and smoking like mad. Please can anyone help? (diesel insignia 2.0 cdti Sri 160)

Answers

Your car is running on its own oil. Need to change oil and filter, take it onto motorway revs at 3500 and drive for 25 mins - William Leppard from Scotland

That sounds like a turbo leak and it`s running on oil. I wouldn`t start it again. Get the turbo tested or you could blow your engine – John McCormack from Sussex

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

When driving my Vauxhall Meriva I can hear a loud click coming from what seems like the dashboard somewhere . It`s very hard to locate as it`s only the one click and it happens once or twice while I am driving. It sounds like a stone hitting the windscreen but can`t be this as it`s every time I drive. I also have checked the windscreen for cracks and cannot see any. If anyone has any ideas I would be most grateful? Thanks.

Answers

I have the exact same thing happens with my Meriva. Seems to come from the drivers side dash, and after about the same length of time into the journey. Sorry I never have found out what it is though, has had me puzzled on and off for 5 years now - Anne Smith from Yorkshire

I had a similar problem, but the clicking sound was regular and consistent. It turned out to be a flap in the ventilation system. A small rubber buffer/damper had detached causing the flap to slap shut causing the noise. Experiment with your heater controls and see if it stops. Putting mine on re-circulation stopped it. But did return when put into different mode. Fixed now, it took a couple of hours labour and a bit of glue - Gary Walker from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

When it`s really freezing outside my Vauxhall Corsa opens with the key fob but the door won`t open and I`m afraid to pull the handle in case it breaks off. Any answers?

Answers

Based on other cars it is probably the rubber door seal getting some moisture on it and that freezing. If you put some talcum powder on the seal it will stop the moisture collecting there. You have to be a little careful putting it on, my car has looked like it has been used by a really careless drug dealer, because I put too much on one time and spilled some. A little on a cloth, ideally dry the rubber first and then put the talc on. I always use an unscented one, not sure if it will make a difference but my doors never freeze up with this. You might need to do it a couple of times in a long cold winter - Nic Rayner from Norfolk

Vauxhall Combo 2005

I have just bought a Vauxhall Combo. When I test drove it everything seemed fine, but now I actually have it I have noticed a high pitched noise coming from the rear, especially when turning left. Any ideas?

Answers

Could be bearings or brake squeal, take rear drum off both sides and check condition of rear brake shoes clean them up with some brake cleaner then on the flat spots were the shoes sit against put some copper grease on to stop any friction - Andy Retter from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

I recently purchased my first car, a 1.2 07 Vauxhall Corsa Life this month and don`t know a huge deal about cars, but I have one problem in that the boot won`t seem to open. At first I thought it may be the central locking motor on the boot but, after folding the back seats down and removing the cover and locking then un-locking the car, I can clearly see that the motor is working. I can`t open the boot by key as it is only available to open by the central locking so I`m starting to think I may have a problem with my boot handle somewhere and that it isn`t connecting the mechanism that allows for the boot to be opened. I`ve also checked the manual and looked at the fuse that goes to the boot but that`s fine. I`m just wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if so how did they manage to sort it? Any help would be much appreciated. (life)

Answers

Mine’s the same; the key in driver’s side doors, turn key to the right once leaving key in there, turn it again to the right this will open the boot - de be from England

Thanks for your help but I’ve tried that as well and still no luck - Miles Love from Kent

Hi. It’s a fuse problem. They cost a few pounds and easily fixable - Stacey Petty from England

I’ve tried the fuse and they’re all in working order. Will any other fuses affect it? Miles Love from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi. I`ve had my 04 Vauxhall Meriva 1600 for 6 months and it seems okay, or so I thought. It was always slow pulling away and today with this cold weather it was going like a train, then after a couple of miles allright but not half as good Can anyone help please?

Answers

Don’t bother to even ask anyone, a mate put this question in months ago and still hasn’t got an answer because no one knows the answer and even the mechanics don’t really know, all a bunch of ... but quick enough to take your money before they suggest you try something else - Fred from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2008

I got my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch in July 2012, it has a 4 year warranty. It has been into the garage for a problem which is that the fan does not work when it is icy. It takes ages to demist and there is no heat coming out, then the fan is set on 7 and on high and nothing. The garage took the fan out, checked it and said nothing`s wrong and put it back in and I am no further forward other than being cold. Can anybody help or give me some ideas, as the warranty won’t cover any check on electrics so I have been told? (elite)

Answers

Hi, I think but I am not sure that there should be a elec. sensor which opens and let the water from the engine head enter to the heater, this sensor is not working properly, you have to change it - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

My Vauxhall Vectra 56 plate Sri drove to work fine. When I went to pull away after work as soon as I lifted the clutch to pull away it clunks like mad, coming from the engine. It sounds like metal hitting metal. What could it be? (Sri)

Answers

Sounds like the dual mass flywheel mate - Steve B from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

We have a fault on our Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1.7 diesel 55 plate, which is when the car is off and locked the radio switches itself on and runs the battery flat. Has anyone got any idea what could cause this please?

Answers

Had exactly the same problem, there’s a fault in the CD player. Vauxhall know about this and have issued a rectify note to dealers. Your radio/cd needs to be replaced. I bought mine from ebay, they’re available for around £40ish (just get one newer than ’05 because they sorted it after that). Very easy to change, you need to buy a set of radio removal prongs ( around £3 at Halfords or off ebay off course) take radio out and its just a plug in at the back and sometimes one retaining bolt.New one just plugs straight and if you want to refit the retaining bolt thats you done. Hope this helps - Nik H from Scotland

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

I have a Vauxhall Corsa 2003. I have to turn the key in the ignition lots of times before the car will start and the spanner light was flickering. The first time this happened, I looked in the manual and it said to try the spare key, I did and it worked. However the same problem keeps happening, it takes ages to start, sometimes swapping keys works, sometimes doesn`t. This has been happening for a week. Once I get the car started, drive about 4 miles, stop for about 20-30 minutes and the car started no problem. I left the car overnight and in the morning the same thing, it wouldn`t start, only this time it took even longer to start, with also the exhaust light flashing and a clicking noise coming from the engine. I had a whole new exhaust in Feb 12, new crank position sensor in May 12 and new battery Nov 12. The day it took ages to start with the car/spanner and exhaust light flashing I drove it to a repair garage. The next day they rang and said it was the ’throttle body’, they were going to fix it the next day Fri, now they say they are still looking at it Mon so it can’t have been that. I did have some water leaking into the passenger footwell, which they say they have cleared. I asked them if it was related but they said no. They have now had the car for 6 days! Can anyone help?

Answers

Do a diagnostics test? I had a similar problem and all I had to do was reset the code and away I was! Put your foot on the brake and the throttle and turn the ignition on but NOT the engine. A light on your dashboard will flash a number of times, pause, flash another number of times, etc. This will give you a code which you can use to work out your problem - Ross from Dorset

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

I have just had a new engine control unit fitted to my Vauxhall Corsa. As I was rolling to a halt at a junction the other day, the engine cut out. It restarted without a problem, however this happened before I had the engine control unit fitted and I am wondering whether there is still a problem somewhere? Sometimes when I start the engine, the yellow ’engine’ warning light shows, however this happens intermittently. I am not sure what lights should show when starting the engine? Any thoughts? Thanks so much. (Elegance)

Answers

I had this problem and it was my crankshaft sensor; wasn’t expensive to sort out - John Yates from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

When starting my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch I get a loud squeal then it goes away, but I have noticed I am getting suction in my water pipes and water keeps disappearing, but if I take the cooler cap off it goes back up. What could be wrong? (1.7 cdti 100+)

Answers

Hi, this squeal is the sound of the alternator belt, change it. About the water, probably the water hose which goes from the radiator to the water pump is blocked and it does not let enough water to go into the water pump and then to the engine - Chucri Kayal from France

It is not squealing any more and only just had the belt done about a month ago, getting suds on top of the water in bottle but it’s white like soap suds - gets worse when I rev it, had new thermostat, got to put a new thermostat pipe on tomoz cos old one gets soft when engine warms up, it doesn’t seem to let water in to rad to cool, but no overheating, no smoke or steam, no oil in water or opposite way around, no loss of power, no suds on tickover, only when you give a good rev. Hope some one can help cheers - Chris from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

I am getting water in the footwell of the the driver`s side of my Vauxhall Astra TwinTop. When I removed the rubber bungs from under the door sills at each side lots of water ran out. Where is the leak likely to be coming from?

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My Astra Twintop also has rainwater in both passenger footwells and seatbelts soaking wet! Heavy rain leaks in where the seals join and cannot cope with the amount of rain, manufacture fault as people who have replaced all the seals still have the problem - Christine from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2008

My 08 Vauxhall Corsa is losing coolant but no leak has been found. The head gasket was repaired in November. The loss of fluid is slow but worrying. I have been to two mechanics who cannot find the cause. I would appreciate any advice. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Answers

I had my head gasget done a few weeks ago and was told by the garage to watch my water levels more, and it seems to be since the car came back the temp has sat between 85/90 so if your temp is up then you’ll go through more coolant. I was told some cars are never the same after having the head gasket done - Suzanne from Scotland

I have a 57 Reg Corsa Life. I had the same problem a couple of years ago. The coolant level kept going down and no one could figure out why. After a while I started noticing vapour coming out of my heater vents inside the car, which eventually turned to full blown steam coming out of my vests whilst driving. It turned out the heater matrix had blown. May be worth checking out, I found a few other Model D Corsa’s online with the same issue. It would explain the loss of coolant - David Clarke from Gwynedd

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

I have a Vauxhall Vivaro 2 litre cdti which has been running badly. Not much power and not difficult to start. I had diagnostics which said injector on cylinder 2 short circuiting. I realise they can be difficult to get out and seize and can cause more damage. I was thinking of getting a specialist company to carry out the work, and the guy I spoke to today said I need to replace all the injectors, as if I replace one more are likely to follow. Is this true? He has quoted me a fixed price of £1550 to do all four. If I knew this would be the end of my problems with this van I`d probably go for it. I had a new clutch 2 months ago and have had the van less than a year. I don`t know whether to get this company to do the work or get a local mechanic to try and do the one. Can anyone advise me?

Answers

Hi, I had the same problem with no:1 cylinder, I was advised to change all four, which I did, even the specialist won’t guarantee to get all four injectors out, I managed to change my ones myself, then I got a garage to come round and change codes to the new ones before I even put the keys in the ignition, best of luck. Cheers - Colin from Aberdeenshire

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

Hi. This morning I lost my Vauxhall Corsa`s speedo, rev.counter and dash lights. The dash lights came back on but were dim, they then became bright. The engine starts and works with no problems. Any ideas please? Thanks. (1.7 diesel breeze)

Answers

Hello, this happened to me last year and it was a fuse that had gone. Hope it helps! Ardin from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

After finding a hole in my Vauxhall Corsa exhaust I took it to a garage to be taken care of. I was then told that the entire exhaust system had to be taken off and this would cost me £210. I think they took one look at me and thought "female, easy money". This price seems steep to me. Am I being ripped off?

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Depends where the hole is... but tbh sound like a rip off merchant to me! Dave from England

There are 3 different parts to an exhaust. Find out which part front middle or rear this is very important as they all cost different amounts and then ring different garages and ask how much it will be. I’ve had 2 parts of mine replaced and never been that much - Til from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1999

Hi, I have a 1.0 12v 1999 Vauxhall Corsa that is leaking water. I`m having to put water in it every day, sometimes twice a day if doing longer journeys. There also seems to be oil in the water. It overheats if the water is low and the temperature runs cold. It`s running down the left side of the engine (if your looking from the front of the car) and gets worse when driving. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Answers

Sounds like the head gasket has gone; easy way to see if it has... pull out the dip stick, if it looks like a coffee cream colour then it’s buggered - Dave from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

I have a 2002 petrol Vauxhall Zafira 18 Elegance. The engine immobiliser comes on after driving 15 miles. I have had a full service and replaced the sensor below the cat and put a new cat on by a garage. I have had an electronic test done and it shows no fault with the engine and it as runs fine with full power I was told to run it, as the computer does not recognise the new sensor and cat. The light started when I heard a sound in the silencer and when the sound stopped the light came on. Can anyone help me with how to get the light off and where I can take it as I live in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire?

Answers

Start your engine lift the bonnet, and ask somebody to push the gas pedal while you hear if this whistling is from the auxil, belt, or not. Spray that belt with oil and try again, if the sound goes then change it - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Zafira 1999

Vauxhall Zafira starts then stops when I put my foot on the gas like it is getting no petrol. Could this be the fuel pump? I have had the pipe off and turned the ignition and the fuel just trickles out, should this be pumping out fast?

Answers

Try changing your fuel filter first. It’s a cheaper option and could be your problem. As running on low fuel and cheap fuel can block them. They are normally under neath by the fuel tank on Vauxhalls - BigG from Kent

Yes, it should come out with a fairly strong flow - Dave Smith from Cambridgeshire

Just had a new fuel filter on a month ago so I’m thinking fuel pump, cheers anyway, I will let you know soon - Carl Fisher from England

Car bump started so that ruled out the fuel pump so I had the plugs and coil changed, car now running - Carl Fisher from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2002

Evening all. I`m looking for a bit of help as this Vauxhall Vivaro van is driving me nuts! I`ve just replaced the Turbo which is an epic by the way. Took it for a small test drive and it worked well, a bit smoky but that`s to be expected. Now it won`t start, it`s as if there is no fuel, (there is before anyone says). The remote itself has seemed to die. I was wondering if there is some kind of immobiliser set by the remote? (1.9)

Answers

I have exactly the same problem. If you do work it out please email me john@beyondlimitstraining.com. I have replaced the turbo and mass airflow meter. I thought it may be a relay but the forums are saying there is a car body module that controls the immobilizer, indicators etc... No idea where it is or what it looks like though - John Davies from England

Check you diesel air filter on turbo, if its blown will stop engine working - Paul Graham from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

My Vauxhall Vivaro has developed a knocking from the front wheel area. It had new bearings fitted to the struts but it`s still doing it. I took the front wheels off myself to check and found slight play in the passenger side drive shaft only, but it seemed too little to be the cause of the knocking. A friend who usaully takes care of my van mechanically for me advised me to get rid of it but it drives awesome and is only on 100,850 miles, surely he is over-reacting? Any thoughts or advice is very welcome, cheers. (Vivaro cdti 1.9)

Answers

Hi m8, I’ve had the exact same annoying issue on my 1.9 crew cab after waisting time and money having new front bushes and inner rods fitted. I’ve finally got to the bottom of the annoying knocking. I popped in to Kwik Fit to price up some winter tyres and mentioned this issue to their mot tester. He put the van on the wobble ramps which when turned on violently shaked the van about as if on a bumpy old farm track. Turns out it’s the d ring bushes on either side of the anti roll bar, basically two rubber washers at a cost of £105 supplied and fitted at my local f1 garage. U might want to pop yr van in to Kwik Fit for free test, it could b track rod ends inner tyre rods also. When I googled the problem was mentioned the bushes on springs is a shame it seems every time we have a problem with our vans it’s done through a process of elimination at three times the price it needed to be done at in the first place! My experience most mechanics are rob dogs stick to Kwik Fit, f1 etc - fixed prices. They’ll check yr problem for free and don’t mind actually showing it u either. Good luck, hope u get sorted! Andy Lawrence from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

I have just purchased a 2006 35K manual/automatic Vauxhall Meriva. Does this car have a cam belt and if so when does it need changing? I also saw a report from an owner where their water pump had come away due to plastic fixings causing the cam belt to snap. Were the metal fixings for the water pump in place by 2006 models? (semi automatic)

Answers

What size engine is it? The 1.4 petrol engine and the 1.3 diesel engine has a timing chain, so no service interval. The 1.6/18 petrol engines and 1.7 diesels have a timing belt. Service interval for the timing belt is: Z16/18XE = 6 yrs / 60,000 miles. Z16SE = 8 yrs / 80,000 miles. Z17DTH = 10 yrs / 60,000 miles. Follow this link for info. http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/481/merivayl3.jpg/ Can’t help with the water pump fixings - Dave from Lancashire

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

Hi, can anyone tell me please if the Vauxhall Corsa 1.4i eco automatic 1998 has a cam chain or a cam belt? Many thanks. (Corsa 1.4i eco auto)

Answers

It has a cam-belt - Dave from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

I`ve got a Vauxhall Corsa 2007 1.2 sxi and want to know if there is a way of showing how many mpg my car is doing? Is this possible in this model?

Answers

Only real way I can think of is let you petrol run down {but not out} then say, put £30 pounds worth in, reset your trip meter and let it run down to the same mark... it may give you an idea - Dave from England

A similar way but without running petrol down and trying to remember/assess where the needle was on the petrol gauge: 1) Fill up the tank, completely full until the petrol pump cuts out (as tank is full). 2) Set trip counter and fun can for whatever long journey or a number of short trips (or combination you wish). 3) Fill up tank again until petrol pump cuts out. 4) Note amount of petrol you have put into the tank this second time. 5) Divide mileage by amount of petrol added the second time to calculate miles per litre/gallon. Hope this helps. I used to use it - Henry Stamp from Essex

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

My Zafira has a problem when going over 30mph, a light comes on and flashes, it looks like an anti skid light. I have changed my back brakes and recently changed my front discs and brakes. It passed its M.O.T. fine. Does anyone have any ideas what it could be?

Answers

Yes it is the Anti Lock Braking System Warning Light - Dave Smith from Cambridgeshire

A friend of mine had this fault. He went through everything, including a new ABS control unit, ABS pump etc. It turned out to be one of the ABS rings on the front driveshafts had split. It was fine at very low speeds, but his light came on when he went faster (but I can’t remember at what speed his fault became apparent). What happens is that the split in the ABS ring makes the ring a bit loose, but at a high enough speed it slips on the driveshaft and confuses the ABS control. It took him ages to diagnose this, but since then (a few years ago) I have heard of one more case exactly the same - Jeff from Lancashire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1999

My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s front headlight bulbs both blew 2 days ago. Recently I have noticed a sort of whirring/blowing noise almost like the exhaust is blowing, but it`s intermittent and makes more noise when I’m not accelerating,. Can anyone help and could both things be related?

Answers

You need a new rocker case, the air inlet has gone (not a changeable part). Vauxhall have changed the part number on this - Lucas P from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva (1.7 diesel) won`t start. There seems to be pleanty of life in the battery, but when I turn the ignition, nothing happens. I have tried a jump start from another battery but still the same. Only done 33,000 miles. Can anyone give me any ideas as to what is wrong?

Answers

Is the engine turning over or does "nothing" happen? If it’s not turning over, it sounds like something to do with the starter motor. 1. Loose or broken connection from the Battery to the starter motor. 2. Loose or broken connection from the ignition switch to the starter motor solenoid. 3. Defective starter motor. If the engine is turning over but not firing, most likely causes are ignition or fuel problems. Forgot to ask - Will it start with a push (bump start)? Dave from Lancashire

Thank you for your reply. The problem turned out to be a faulty starter motor. Had this replaced and car now okay - David Thompson from Durham

Vauxhall Astravan 1999

I can`t find how to turn on the internal light above the rear view mirror in my Vauxhall Astravan .It automatically turns off when the door is closed like most vehicles but I can`t see any internal switch. Can anyone help please? (diesel)

Answers

The switch that does headlamps pulls out. This turns on interior light - Doug Livingstone from Sussex

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

Does anybody know where I can buy a spare wheel housing unit so I can fit in the spare wheel I’ve bought, as the Vauxhall Meriva I have has no spare wheel, only a reflation kit? (Life)

Answers

Bought the full spare wheel housing kit from a scrapyard yesterday. Cost £20 complete. Got left and right hand side carpetted storage panels, circular mat for under the wheel, screw and handle for securing the wheel down and the centre cover for over the wheel. Bought it to replace the polystyrene housing for the stupid compressor and inflation kit in my daughter’s 2009 Meriva. I suggest you scour the car breaker ads on ebay. There are lots of them breaking Merivas. You might be lucky like I was and find one with the full spare wheel housing intact - Dave from Lancashire

Use a serrated knife to cut around the polystyrene parts of the housing & a new/used spare wheel will fit. You can still have the glue & pump in the boot if cut diligently. These are OK for a nail etc. But if someone slashes you tyre you are knackered. Make sure you also buy a jack as this is also not supplied - Mike Digby from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

The oil light comes on whilst my Vauxhall Corsa is idling or slowing down. There is oil in the car. Is it the pressure switch, the car does have 98k mileage so is the engine goosed or is it a faulty switch? Also, there seems to be a leak coming through the back window I think or somewhere in the back (passenger side). The water is sitting in the well under the back seat and causing it to smell and there is damp developing now. Does anyone know what this could be or where the leak could be coming from? Thanks.

Answers

Hi, have you found the leak yet? If not try the rear quarterlight, that is where my 1997 Corsa is leaking and it’s collecting in the same place - Neil from Pembrokeshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

Hi, I have been having a problem with my Vauxhall Vectra draining the battery. I have checked it over and found that the glow plugs are on even if the car is off with no key in the car at all, just parked up. So I think that is what is draining it, as I have had the battery and alternator checked and they are both okay. There are no lights, radio etc left on either. What could be making the plugs be on all the time and how do I fix it? Many Thanks.

Answers

Get ignition checked - BigG from Kent

Sounds like a relay is sticking in the closed position. Replace - Graham W. from Dumfriesshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2007

I hope someone can help. My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch started running like it was firing on 3 cylinders the other day and I got the plugs and coil pack renewed. The problem went away but now has returned and I`m not sure what to try. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks. (115) sxi)

Answers

Hi, in this case you have to test four different things, the injectors with UEFI quick probe (made by Waekon), second you have to test the electric harness which enter the top of the injectors if they send electricity to the injectors (with electronicfuel injection test light), test the coil pack and at last the plugs, you can take out the coil pack and the plugs, then fit them in the coil pack and let somebody try to start the engine. Of course you have to use a negative wire and put near each plug in turn, if one of them not giving elec. change it and test it again, if it still the same no improvement, then it is the coil pack, on ebay it is for 65 euros (Germany), if the coil is ok test the lambda sensor - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

The other day my Vauxhall Insignia`s airbag warning light came on and will not go off. I went to the car this morning and found all 4 windows had dropped down about 2 inches. I just serviced it 3 months ago. Has anybody had this same problem or any ideas why this happened?

Answers

Quite simple as I found out from Googling: The key fob will not only open the car but if you hold the open button it then opens the windows! To close them just use the locking button and hold it down! Problem is with keys in the pocket being pressed accidentally. I guess it is a problem with remote key access - key fobs should have some disable mechanism for when in the pocket - Gordon from Norfolk

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

Hi, my light has gone out under my Vauxhall Corsa`s gear stick letters on my automatic gear display. When I get in it when it`s dark I can`t see what gear it`s in. Is it a bulb or a fuse problem? Thanks.

Answers

It should tell you on the dash what gear you’re in, mine does - Hairy Dave from Somerset

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

I`ve noticed a knocking and like juddering (kinda sounds and feels like a flat tyre) around the passenger side front wheel of my Vauxhall Corsa, but it only happens when driving at around the 70mph-80mph, no noise whatsoever at any other speeds. It`s just had a full service and they never mentioned anything when checking bearings and everything. Any ideas guys? (SXI.)

Answers

Hi Emma, I have an 01 Corsa c sxi and I have a similar problem with mine. It’s worse when I go on uneven roads if I turn steering left and right you can hear a knocking noise on the front passenger side. I have replaced all steering components and has made no difference so it’s either steering rack or droplinks - Maggie Wilson from Ireland

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2007

There seems to be a water swooshing noise when I drive and I think the water is trapped in my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch.`s passenger side sill. Also the back footwell is now wet. I had this problem with my Corsa and it got so bad I sold the car as nobody knew what to do. I`m sure the water is not in the doors but don`t know how it`s getting in, but it does sound like a lot of trapped water. What should I do?

Answers

Hi, in all cars, at the bottom of the door there are two holes, in your case these holes are blocked, with a small screw driver you can open them - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

My Vauxhall Insignia service for 35,000 miles has resulted in the temp guage reading as farenheit rather than celcius. Is it possible to redress this easily?

Answers

Hi Ian - I had the same problem but haven’t been able to change it. Have you sorted it out? I’d appreciate an email if you have to ian.hart4@ntlworld.com. Cheers - Ian Hart from Lancashire

The problem arose when the power was disconnected and then reset during a service. I took it back to the garage in the end but the solution was to use the left hand lever on the steering wheel, select menu and look for the option which reads unit 2 unit 1 or unit 3. Unit 2 sets the system to farenheit so by deselecting that for 1 or 3 you will see the display change to farenheit!! Good luck - Ian McCann from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2008

My Vauxhall Corsa just won’t start. I put the key in and it just clicks. I haven’t had any problems with it at all, so it is very strange. The battery has been taken out and shows as fully charged. Has anyone had the same problem and got a remedy please? Thank you. (pc11)

Answers

Starter motor. Try putting the car in reverse {without ingnition on} and rocking it back and forth then try to start it, if that does not work, looks like you need a new or {secondhand} starter - Dave from England

Hi Dave. Thanks for your answer. Problem now sorted, it was the battery after all. Put a new battery in and has been working brilliantly ever since - Gaberial Gatehouse from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

I have a Vauxhall Corsa 5 door hatchback 2003 and the key fob won’t work. I replaced the battery but it still doesn’t work. I tried to reprogramme it using the "Key in ignition, turn twice, press lock" technique, it still doesn’t work. I have to lock and unlock the car using the key rather than buttons. Any ideas? Could it be the electronics inside and how would I get this fixed?

Answers

Key needs tech-2 reprogramming vx dealer - Dave from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

I have a Vauxhall Vivaro van on a 57plate 2900 cdti swb 2.0td. I got it last June but when I went to get insurance I gave them all the info of the van and they told me it was not coming up listed with them. I tried about 20 insurance companies and they all said the same. Then I checked with the DVLA, the log book was okay and then I went to Vauxhall. They gave me a print out of the van. Can anyone give me any advice? Thanks.

Answers

This is going to sound really daft, I had the same problem yesterday and it was because I was not calling van insurance companies. By entering it into car comparison sites etc it did not show up at all - John Davies from England

Vauxhall Astravan 2008

My Vauxhall Astravan has water in my driver`s side rear panel. I cannot locate any holes and when I drive the water just whooshes back and forward. It is causing bad condensation in the front and back and ruining my work materials. The left side is fine. Any ideas? (1.9 diesel)

Answers

Hi, my Astravan has the same problem. If you look under the back wheel arch you will see a rubber gromit. Pull it out. This should let the water out but doesn’t solve the problem of how it is getting in there - Paul White from England

Regarding your body panels filling with water. I had a similar problem and it was caused by rain water entering by getting past the rear n/s lens. There was a gap between bodywork and the lens. Clear silicone does the trick - Vic Marriott from Berkshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s boot lock won`t unlock when I shut it. I can open it from the rear via the back seats, but still have a faulty bootlock. How can I dismantle it?

Answers

Is your Astra the older shape Astra or the newer shape? As I have a problem with mine also. Since I owned the car the boot has been jamming. The boot is currently jammed. I found if you take a battery lead off then reset the central locking after the lead is replaced and suitably tightened it can free up the boot, therefore being able to open the boot with the rubber pad on the car - JP from Perthshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2008

Hi, I recently bought an 08 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9cdti. It`s broken down twice now, the first time they took it back in and replaced the battery and all went well until last weekend when it let me down again. They took it away and returned it a week later and said nothing was wrong with it. I have noticed quite heavy flickering outside and in and now I have no faith in it. Can anyone please help? (1.9 cdti)

Answers

Hi, if it’s your lights flickering just had same prob on my Vectra, changed alternator, no problem now - David Carrington from Kent

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

How can you change the temperature display from fahrenheit to centigrade on my Vauxhall Meriva? There are no ’display settings’ in the config menu. (exclusiv)

Answers

Check out the post from Roger Judge below, dated 09/07/2012. Someone has answered the same question about a 2011 Meriva - Dave from Lancashire

Vauxhall Corsa 2008

The warning light of a car with a spanner through it keeps coming on in my Vauxhall Corsa but not all the time. The car is running perfectly well. Any ideas how to rectify this? (Club)

Answers

The light is the "service indicator" may need servicing - Dave from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

Hi, can anyone help? My Vauxhall Vivaro`s outside air temperature says -28 when it was 8+ so I purchased a new outside air temp sensor, but I`m having trouble trying to find where it is. I had a look behind the front grill after taking off the 3 screws holding it in place, but it wasn’t there. Can anyone help please? (sportive)

Answers

Check the bottom of the driver’s side mirror housing - Bill Keen from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

My Vauxhall Vectra`s boot won`t open, the back window wipers are not working. the only lights working are the brake lights and when I put the indicators on the hazard lights come on at the back. All lights and window wipers are working at the front of car. Does anyone know what the problem might be?

Answers

It sounds like your BCM (Boot Control Module). I had the same problem. Open your boot, open the little hatch on the left hand side, you will see a unit with fuses attached. This is it - Ian Hurley from Lancashire

Vauxhall Vectra 1998

Hi, in the summer I took the thermostat off my Vauxhall Vectra and after a few weeks the engine electronics light came on and stayed on, but the car ran normally. Two weeks ago I fitted in a new thermostat, the light was still on but the car drives like it`s choking and with low power. I cleaned the egr valve but still nothing, maybe some air sensor somewhere? After it reached 80 degrees sometimes the temperature goes to 3000 rot per minute in idle mode. Can anyone offer any help or advice? Thank you. (1.6 16v)

Answers

Idle control valve is on the throttle body, remove it and clean it with carb cleaner and put it back on. This should make the car less jerky and prone to stalling as well, as once they are gummed up they can just drop the power totally when approaching a junction or a roundabout - Hairy McNuff Nutter

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

My Vauxhall Zafira`s heater blower runs okay, then if I travel a couple of miles and turn the ignition off when I restart the blower does not work on any of the four settings. Any ideas?

Answers

This happened a while back on my 05 Zafira A. Eventually the blower stopped working completely. Turned out to be the ignition switch - the blower circuit is fed through this, being quite a high current draw (20A) the contacts had ’burnt out’. Removing the ignition barrel and fitting a new set of contacts cured the problem - Pete Brooks from England

Same answer on mine, burnt out contacts. Rewired, problem solved - Paul Dickinson from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2007

Hi, I have a Vauxhall Vectra Estate and am having trouble with it starting. When I go to start it it takes up to ten seconds to start. Had new glow plugs, diesel filter, oil filter, oil change, cam belt and water pump. I have had the battery tested and that’s fine too. It turns over fine but doesn’t like to start straight away, this only happens if it’s been standing for a few days or a few hours. If I just nip into a shop then go to start it again it’s fine. Any ideas? Thanks.

Answers

Hi. I’m having the same problem with my car. It’s a 05 plate vector estate. If you’ve managed to get yours spurted please can you tell me what the problem was. I’ve had an auto electrician out today and he’s said it’s to do with one of the onboard computer. Only thing to do is have it hooked up to a diagnostic machine and checked - Robert from Yorkshire

Hi. I have a 56 Vectra cdti estate and had problems starting it. Gradually problem got worse over time. Changed battery, glow plugs, fuel filter and even had DPF filter; removed and stage 1 engine tune (performance & efficiency improved considerably after this) but still no joy starting. Decided to change starter motor although everyone I spoke to said it wouldn’t make a bit of difference! It did and has not spluttered or struggled to start since - Matt Gould from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

I need to know where do I find the pollen air con filter on my Opel Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1.8 16 valve CSE 2002 model and how do I change or replace it with a new one?

Answers

Remove the glove compartment on the passenger side, look on the right side next to the firewall there is a rectangular cover (vertically) with two 6mm screws, remove those, unclip the cover, and pull out the old filter, switch on the fan on high to remove old debris, replace with new filter, and close cover. Replace glove compartment, and voila! Herman Scheepers from South Africa

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

In recent weeks I have been getting a light with spanner on my Vauxhall Astra and then I lose power till the light goes off. Today I was driving and the same happened again but then the engine management light came on and it won`t go off and it won`t go over 3 0mph. Can anyone advise me what could be the problem? Thanks in advance. (1.7cdti )

Answers

egr valve recycles exhaust gasses... can be replaced or cleaned.... basically clogged with sh1t oil, due to diesel - Andrew Macklin from England

Hi, did you clean the EGR? And what was the result? Is it ok? Now how many miles on the clock, if it is over two hundred, then it is time to test the catalytic converter, maybe it is blocked and in this case it causes such thing, you can test it (after you drive your for while until the temp of the engine reaches 85/90 degrees centigrade) then point the beam of the infrared thermometer on both sides of the cat. The temp should be the same around 600F. If the temp of the rear side is much less than 600, then the cat is blocked, either you change it or you can dip it over night in water mixed with washing powder, take it out and clean it with compressed water at the washing station - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Antara 2007

I have a problem with my Vauxhall Antara`s battery so I jump start the car, but today I lost all the lights on the dashboard and all the gauges stopped. Could anyone tell me if the fuse is gone and if it is where to look, because I misplaced my manual, or any other part that needs to be replaced? Thanks.

Answers

If the battery power is low you will lose these lights. If you disconnect the positive (red) lead to the battery terminal and wait 30 seconds then reconnect it, the system reboots and all lights and gauges should now be working. This happened to me after returning from holidays and it solved the problem - Stephen Gordon from County Down

Vauxhall Astravan 1999

Can I change my mile/odometer bulb in my Vauxhall Astravan 1700 diesel van? Thanks.

Answers

Hi, remove the 2 screws at the side of the steering top cover and remove cover. You need to turn the steering wheel to locate them, should be facing you. Locate the 2 torx screw there in the oval part of the dials at the top 1 either side remove the black plastic cover. The whole clock section comes out, bit tricky so watch taking it out. At the top of the clock there’s a white lever. Slide that across to remove the clock, unclip the wiring harness and you will see the bulbs at the back - Garry Aberdein from Scotland

Vauxhall Tigra 2006

I have a Vauxhall Tigra 06 plate. What I want to know is am I able to connect my I-pod to the stereo without buying an adapter?

Answers

Does it not have the AUX in down by the hand brake? Vicky Page from Hampshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

I was on the motorway when my Vauxhall Vectra`s engine died, the oil light came on then smoke poured out from under the bonnet and lots of smoke from the exhaust. The coolant water was still full but there was oil round the engine and the dipstick was showing empty. Now the car won`t even turn over. Help, is it for scrap?

Answers

Sounds like you seized the engine. Could have a secondhand one dropped in. Depends on overall state of car and if you can afford a new car rather than replace the engine - BigG from Kent

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

Christmas Day my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch, just after start up, showed a red battery light on the instrument panel and within 100 yards the steering became very heavy, not possible to drive. The battery is fully charged and it can very easily start from cold. The engine fuses are not blown. How can I fix this please? (Envoy)

Answers

Faulty power steering pump. Check fluid... lift bonnett right hand side over engine at back... normally white bottle... unscrew top check fluid level... second hand is cheapest option - Andrew Macklin from Bedfordshire

It’s your alternator, happened to me - Robert Hinchcliffe from Yorkshire

Hi there, I have had this fault many times on my Vauxhall cars. It is either your auxiliary drive belt worn out (alternator belt) or the diode on your alternator gone. This diode changes the voltage to dc current so the battery can charge. The reason while your steering is hard is because the power steering pump runs of the same belt system. So does the coolant pump, so would suggest you get it fixed before trying to drive it again or possible engine damage can occur - Lee Earp from England

My son’s Astra suddenly lost the power steering. After reading that someone wacked the pump to free it off I tried this and it worked, thanks a lot. Just shows I spent 50 years as a mechanic and can still learn new tricks - John Whipp from Essex

90% of the time the fault will be an alternator as the power steering pump is designed to stop if the voltage drops below a certain level and if the alternator over charges the battery the same will happen - Paul Haynes from Berkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2000

Hi. My Vauxhall Vectra auto`s abs light keeps coming on intermittently when I drive. Some days it will be okay. Any ideas? Thanks. (auto)

Answers

This implies an intermittent fault somewhere in the ABS system. This may be a failing wheel sensor (or the cable or connectors) which connect it to the ABS computer. It may be that the toothed sensor ring on one of the wheel hubs has become corroded to the extent that the sensor cannot ’see’ it correctly, or that the ABS sensor is covered in steel particles (from normal brake disc wear or rust particles coming off the sensor ring and sticking to the (slightly magnetic) sensor, thus ’blinding’ it. It may be an intermittent fault on the ABS computer circuit board, or in the ABS modulator (the mechanical / hydraulic part of the system which actually implements the ABS aspect of the braking system). If you take your car to a mechanic with the correct diagnostics computer they can ’ask’ the ABS computer about recent fault indications and rapidly narrow down the cause of the problem. Often, the fix can be as simple as cleaning the sensor / sensor ring or cleaning and re-seating all the plugs and sockets in the system. A replacement sensor is relatively inexpensive (£20 - £50) and relatively quick and easy to change. If it is a fault on the ABS computer, there are places you can send them to for testing or repair. A faulty modulator will normally require replacing (and these are expensive - easily £500). Don’t change parts at random - get the car plugged into a diagnostics computer and change or repair the one part which is at fault. This fault is unlikely to fix itself - Paul Marchant from England

Before doing anything with sensors or electronics check this: Could be a cracked sensor ring on the driveshaft. The crack allows it to move around the driveshaft at high-ish speeds (but not under say 20mph), which confuses the ABS ECU. Third time I’ve come across this - Jeff from Lancashire

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

Hi there, I was driving my Vauxhall Zafira the other day and I noticed an f sign on my trip computer and my yellow engine and spanner was on, but the car drove fine until I stopped, when the car would not start again. It wouldn`t even turn over so I was thinking it could be a fuse but still nothing, so I went and brought a code reader but it would not read the ecu, keeps saying connect to diagnostic plug. I tried a few times and gave up so I asked a friend to borrow their`s and the same happened. Now I`m really confused to know why a code reader won`t work. Does this mean my ecu is knackered or what should I do? (1.9 cdti)

Answers

The car and spanner indicates there is an electrical fault on the car. So may need an car electrician to sort it - BigG from Kent

Maybe it is the diag. that can’t read, because there are diag. that read only the old Opel ( td and dti) and not cdti - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

Can anyone please give me some advice on my thinking about buying a Vauxhall Insignia Estate? It has 110,000 miles and is a 1.9 cdti. (estate)

Answers

I would advise the dealer hook it up to his laptop to determine the saturation levels of the diesel particulate filter. 110k is way past the normal life expectancy of a DPF and if it fails to self regenerate, you might be looking at £1800 for a new one - Fraser Drummond from Wiltshire

I has a 59 plate Insignia Estate for 3 years from new and quickly came to the conclusion that the estate is all form over function. I had difficulty getting more than two suitcases in the boot and have since traded it in and purchased the 5 door hatch version. I can confirm that the hatch (with the inflator kit) has much more room in the boot and is much more practical. Buying an estate? Buy it because you think it looks nice, don’t buy it if you think it will be more practical - Mitchell Campion from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

What would cause the headlights on my Vauxhall Meriva to stay on when I turn the engine off, leave the car and lock the doors? This is very troublesome as the battery always runs down and I have to get help?

Answers

If it only happens occasionally, check you haven’t left your indicator in the ’on’ position after parking up and switching off the ignition, this activates the parking light,[audible alarm should activate on exit though], and could be part of your problem [hopefully]. I did that when I 1st bought my car - Nigel from Essex

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

I have an Opel Vauxhall Corsa Club 2006 model. My car’s right indicator flicker light stays on and doesn’t go off, even if the ignition is switched off or if I put on the left side flicker light which is working normally. What can the problem be?

Answers

Hi, I have a 2007 Corsa Combo with the exact same fault. Have you managed to find out what was wrong? Vos Reyneke from South Africa

It’s the indicator relay; they have two, one for each side. They are located on the right hand side of the engine bay, just to the right of the battery under the black cover. A bit fiddly to get to but that is the problem. Hope this helps - Paul from Hampshire

Vauxhall Zafira 1999

I have had a new ECU fitted to my Vauxhall Zafira. One key works fine, my wife’s key starts but the engine dies immediately. Do both keys need to be coded to the new computer?

Answers

Yes, both keys need to be coded - Dave Smith from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

I had the engine on my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch jet washed and it does not start at all. I took it to motor engineers who have told me the ECU was full of water, as was the new coil pack. It may cost up to a £1000 to rectify. Is the ECU waterproof along with the coil pack and will it cost this amount? Thanks. (Petrol)

Answers

Hi, now you know the problem, why you don’t buy secondhand ECU and coil, it will cost as much as 25 percent off this engineer - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

I bought a used 2002 Vauxhall Vectra C and shipped it to Africa. The battery ran down and had to be replaced with a brand new battery. After driving it for an hour the steering stiffened and became very hard to handle. I stopped and the engine went off. An electrician found that the new battery was not charging, even when the engine was on. I argued with him that I had just bought a new battery that same day. He jump started it with a battery support and the steering became free and easy to handle. What is the cause of my problem and is the alternator faulty?

Answers

It is almost certainly a fault with the alternator, drive-belt or wiring associated with it. Your model of car uses electrically driven power steering (rather than drive-belt powered hydraulic power steering as found on older cars). If the engine computer thinks that the battery is not being constantly charged by the alternator (and that the car’s electrical system is not being powered by the alternator) it will switch off the power steering in order to conserve battery charge, thus hopefully allowing you to continue driving far enough to pull off the road in a safe place), The fact that you had a flat battery (without doing anything like leaving your lights on overnight), and that this happened again with a new battery in a short time is pretty conclusive evidence that this is so - Paul Marchant from England

Yes, most likely it is as why did you buy a new one! Get a volt meter and test when car is running and not running to see what its is as the car has a electric power steering pump and you most likely have air con on as well do you have any light on the dash! Mark Crouch from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

I went to my Vauxhall Corsa yesterday morning to find it unlocked and it had been broken into. I then went to my car this morning, after checking my car twice last night to make sure it was locked, to find it unlocked again! I don’t use the fob, I unlock and lock by hand as the fob key fell apart. Does anyone have any answers as to why it could be unlocking itself?

Answers

Check all the battery terminals especially the earth’s to the inner wing, and with this weather don’t just drive down the road and back go the long way round, keep the music off and build up your battery, hope that this helps - Chris from England

Thank you for your reply, it was doing it for about a week then went on a nice car journey and it hasn’t done it since so hopefully it has fixed itself - Natalie Parker from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

How easy is it to replace a dipped headlight bulb on a Vauxhall Meriva? It is the passenger side that is having the problem. I have attempted to do it myself and it isn’t as easy as it should be. I tried unscrewing bolts to pull the lighting unit out but this appears to still be connected by something at the bottom of the unit which you can’t see or reach. Any help would be much appreciated. Any suggestions? (Life)

Answers

You need to slide your hand down the back of the headlight unit, which can be a tight squeeze. There will be a vertical piece of plastic, that you need to twist and then pull out away from the light. The bulb will be inside which you then just pull straight off. Replace with another H7 bulb and reverse what you have done. Drivers side is more difficult, as you have to remove the air hose feed to be able to get your hand in. You can remove the entire light fitting, but there are bolts on top, and more underneath, which would require you to get under the car and reach up behind the bumper etc. Have changed both bulbs on my friends ’04 Meriva (drivers yesterday), and haven’t had to remove the light fitting either time - Ste from Cheshire

It is not easy. The handbook recommends removing the battery as well. I took mine to a dealer, and the mechanic managed to fit it by getting his small hand inside. It’s worth buying the bulb at a Vauxhall garage which offers free fitting to have this done. Also worth writing to the EU, to force them to mandate manufacturers to make all lights user servicable, especially as they require road users to carry spare sets of bulbs in most EU countries - Russ from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

My Vauxhall Meriva`s radio will not turn off when I turn off the ignition and remove the key, but will turn off manually. What is wrong?

Answers

Your radio’s live [positive] supply is wired to a permanent live supply that does not disconnect when you turn off the ignition. Put it to a wire that has power when ignition is on and none when it is off, bye! Chris from England

The radio has a menu item called "ignition logic" Press the buton marked settings, use the up and down cursor buttons to find the ignition logic button and then change the setting to off. It’s not easy to explain, but try a few times and you should be able to sort it out - Russ from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

My Vauxhall Zafira 2001 diesel has suddenly started misting up very badly, both front screen and side windows. The fans and heater seem to work as usual. Any fixable cause I should look at? Thanks.

Answers

My Zafira 2.0 tdi is the same. Remove glove box and check if the heater motorfan is visible. If it is the problem could be long lever on the side of the motor going to recirculating switch. I disconnected lever and taped moter cover closed, also removed pollen filter, no misted windows - John Birnie from Aberdeenshire

Vauxhall Antara 2012

Hi there, we have just taken delivery of our new Vauxhall Antara and we are very pleased with it, the model is 2.2 cdti 4x4. auto. We picked automatic due to recommendations. We wish to fit a towbar to the vehicle ourselves but could anyone tell me if the one`s advertised 2007 on will be okay as I`m not sure if the vehicle underwent a chassis change? Also would you recommend a bypass relay and does it come trailer prepared, if so what does this mean? We`d like to order now so it`s fitted before the caravan season starts. Many thanks.

Answers

I’ve had the same problem but me and my son fitted the towbar ourselves as it is only 5 bolts. The trailer prepped system is only if the customer uses dedicated electrics which is simply a 30 pin plug and zip ties. It is more expensive to install dedicated electrics but it is safer and gives you the features of enabling anti snaking stability programme in the cars system. If this is what you want to do the cheapest place to buy from is PFjones - Richard Small from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

Hi, I have an issue with my front fog lights on a Vauxhall Vivaro cdti 58 plate. I have put new lamp holders in and new bulbs and have changed the 15 amp fuse but they still don’t work. Any ideas or suggestions please? Cheers. (CDTi)

Answers

Have you tried the relay under the dash? Miguel from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

My Vauxhall Corsa`s horn does not work. I can hear a click from under the glove box when I press the horn. I checked all the fuses in the fuse box in the engine compartment. Any ideas? (1.3 cdi)

Answers

Try the wire connectors on the horn, they may be corroded. Also wire the battery directly to the horn very briefly to see if it works. If the horn works it probably is the relay that you can hear clicking or you have a wiring issue - Paul from Cheshire

Sounds like the horn is bust... Just had same issue on partners daughter’s Corsa - Ade Nevison from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

What tool do I need to remove the hidden screws behind the steering wheel of my Vauxhall Corsa? Is there a way of getting them out? (Life)

Answers

You need a torx set - Dave from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

My Vauxhall Insignia`s fuel cap door opens every time I open the car with the remote key, it has to be push closed each time we open the car. What should I do?

Answers

I had the same problem, took it in to Arnold Clark’s, they lubricated all the parts. Works fine now - S Cowan from Stirlingshire

I just had the same problem and solved it by making sure that the plastic strip, that connects the screw-in fuel cap to the door, isn’t inside the hinge on the right. I just pushed it to the left out of the way and problem solved. Good luck - Paul Thomas from Nottinghamshire

Tried what was suggested sorted it immediately. So simple, many thanks - Michael Brown from Dumfriesshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2002

Hi. Today we were stopped at traffic lights in the centre of Wicklow town when our 2002 Vauxhall Vivaro Opel turbo diesel van started revving all by itself. Grey smoke started to come from the exhaust and the noise of it revving itself was deafening. We jumped out and left it there and ran as we thought it would set on fire. We took the keys out of the ignition and it just kept revving. Eventually it stopped by itself. We managed to get it to a nearby car park. Has anyone had a similar experience and what was the reason for this? Any advice or is very much appreciated.

Answers

It is 100% your turbo mate... Common problem on these vans and also sorry to break even more bad news to you but when these turbos blow they suck the oil out of the engine and if you don’t manage to stop it in time your engine runs dry and ceases, you’re looking at a new engine and turbo mate... Sorry - Gary Lord from England

I don’t think its the turbo, it sounds more like engine sump has pressured up, and is forcing engine oil up through the air filter, which in turn allows the oil to be sucked back in through the air inlet system, and burned as if it were diesel. This is known as perpetual combustion, and usually means the lump gets wiped out, general cause is poor maintenance, allowing the oil to become too thin. It’s a vicious circle really, there is one way to stop it, and that is to put the vehicle into the highest gear, and whip the clutch out quick, this will stall the engine and then you have a fighting chance of saving the engine, then refill with the correct oil, with new filters, oil air and fuel, and bobs you’re sisters brother - Bob Davis from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

When I switch my Vauxhall Vectra off the cd multichanger will just start overnight and drain the battery. I have removed the fuse for the radio and touch wood it`s been fine! Is there any reason or known faults with the nav/cd units that would cause this, or is it a simple case that I need a new head unit!? Has anyone else had this type of problem?

Answers

This is a known fault on the stereos fitted to some of this model of car. The stereo can be replaced with a new or S/H one. Vauxhall offer re-furbished stereos via their dealership - Paul M from England

Vauxhall Vivaro

I changed the egr valve air filter on my Vauxhall Vivaro van but it`s still stalling at low revs and won`t start when hot. There are no warning lights on. The AA said it could be the Ecu unit because the van wouldn’t respond to his computer, which is very expensive. Any other ideas would be appreciated. Can anyone help? (2002)

Answers

Fixed it with red x if anyone has the same problem - Matt Seeley from England

Red x didn’t work, ended up being the fuel pressure sensor £20 cost over £500 on other parts because it didn’t show up on diagnostic machine - Matt from England

Vauxhall Combo

My Vauxhall Combo van`s dials on the dashboard periodically go off. The speedo / rev counter / petrol gauge and handbrake light come on for a few seconds and then it rights itself. Any ideas? (2002)

Answers

Hi Lee, I have the same problem with my 2002 diesel and if it happens on starting it will turn but not start. I called the AA out on one occasion and he knew straight away. Just give it a good bash above the clocks on the dash and hey presto. Trouble is it is a control unit causing the problem and the whole dash has to come out to replace it. Hope this helps - Dave Proctor from Northamptonshire

Hi, the van was recalled for the connector on the back of the dash board. About £20 the a spark needs to wire it up cost me £90 supply and fit - Ste Rimmer from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

In the morning after a night of frost my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch seems to sieze up. When pulling off my drive it struggles to move even though im high revving. What could be wrong?

Answers

This is the handbrake frozen, when you put the handle down the brake is still seized. From now on when the weather in winter is very cold I advise you not to park your car on the handbrake, use only the gearbox and shift it on first - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Zafira 1999

My Vauxhall Zafira`s rear fog lamps don`t work but every other light in the cluster does. I had a towbar fitted in June, could that be part of the problem? (1.6)

Answers

Yes, it will be. There is a connector for the tow bar lights which has a link for the fog lights which is broken when the connector is used. My old Zafira had non-working fog lights for a few years until I realised that the link had come loose - Tom Cawley from Hampshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

I think I have a problem with the heating in my Vauxhall Vectra. I drive to work for about 20 to 30 minutes and the car does not heat up much at all. I topped up the antifreeze but still nothing. Can anyone help? (tdi 2.0)

Answers

Faulty thermostat, the engine temp should be running at 85 degrees normally, if it’s not it’s a faulty thermostat - Stephen White from Northern Ireland

It sounds like the engine thermostat is stuck partly or fully open. The thermostat is an inexpensive part (less than £10 for most cars), although fitting it involves draining and refilling the cooling system (which takes an addition twenty minutes and a new bottle of coolant). You’ll likely save the cost of the repairs in the next few months of driving because you’ll see your fuel economy improve (or recover!). It’s possible however that you may have a clogged / airlocked heater matrix in the car (a little baby car radiator hidden behind the dashboard which derives heat from the circulating engine coolant). How does the dashboard temperature gauge behave? If it always shows ’cold’ then it’s the thermostat. If it shows the engine warming up as normal (mine takes two miles of driving to warm up from cold), then the thermostat’s ok and the fault is with the heater matrix as above - Paul M from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2012

My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch active is 3 weeks old-new from the showroom floor. I have long distances to travel to work and can`t seem to get my windscreen washers to stay unfrozen. I have to refill fluid every other day. but in freezing weather I travel over an hour to work without any water coming through. It’s so dangerous I have to keep stopping to use bottled water on the screen. The wipers are now making a dry grinding noise due to the dryness of the screen. I`m so cheesed off as I didn`t expect this with my new car. Any advice please? (active)

Answers

The fluid is for summer and not for winter, change it and use -30 fluid specially for frozen times - Chucri Kayal from France

Use screen wash, it will not freeze. Do not use just water as it will freeze solid - Norm from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

Hi, I have a Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 SRI and recently I got to the car and it was full of water. I realised this was because there was a blocked pollen filter. Now I have an airbag and seatbelt warning light on the dash. Any way of resetting this?

Answers

Yes. Assuming there’s no damage in terms of wet or corroded connectors, take the car to a mechanic with the correct diagnostics computer and ask them to ’clear the fault codes’ on the car, If there’s corrosion on the connectors, or water still in the electronics, the fault light will come back on more or less immediately, and further investigation is called for. If the fault light remains off, then it’s likely that everything’s dried out and operating correctly, and at that point you’ve got to the end of the matter - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

Hi. My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch is using excessive fuel and when stationary the revs are erratic, idling between 1000 and 1100rpm and it intermittently cuts out, but starts again with no problem. What could it be? Thanks. (Twin Port)

Answers

Very probably the Exhaust Gas Recirculating valve (EGR). I had one go and the symptoms are the same. Not too expensive or difficult to replace. Don’t let anyone tell you it can be cleaned and refitted- it doesn’t work - needs replacing -  Phil Greenwood from England

First of all, you did not mention if your car is petrol or diesel. I suppose it is petrol, so clean the MAP sensor and the Fast Idle Thermo Valve and of course check if there is a leak, or loose injectors and finally check your spark plugs - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

I have a Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 petrol which has a starting problem. After running for about 15 minutes if I stop and then come back to start it again it does not start. I have to wait something like an hour or two and then it starts. Sometimes if it stops on a roundabout accidentally it does not start. Last week it stopped while I was driving near my house, so I had to call my breakdown cover and a mechanic came who started it after 2 minutes and said my fuel pump has a problem and I need to get a new one. He mentioned the fault CDWS. I spoke to the mechanic before and he told me the diagnostic machine sjowed a different problem - the first one is sensor pads in the accelerator or second one is the ECU. I am confused about what to do, please can anyone help me? Thanks.

Answers

If the car is doing this it will soon stop turning over due to the starter motor being knackered, has happened to me this week and I’ve checked the starter motor, it doesn’t work so replacing with a new one is a common fault on Zafira’s. One minute your driving then the rpm’s drop below 1000rpm and your car stalls at any given time then after a few minutes it restarts but eventually it will not turn over check connections on starter motor make sure not corroded or snapped remember to disconnect positive connector on battery before checking. Hope that helps - Scott Fitz from Leicestershire

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

Hi, my Vauxhall Corsa has suddenly stopped displaying miles. Does anyone know how to fix this problem? Many thanks.

Answers

Cluster bulbs - undo dash, 2 small bulbs, have done a few Corsa’s - Andy Kerr from Lanarkshire

Bead bulbs £1 each; be careful pulling them out, if you can grab hold put rubber glove on and don’t squeeze too hard or they go bang and you have to get all the bits out with tweazers - Chris from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

My Vauxhall Vectra cut out last week while I was driving, with no previous warning or lights on the dash. The AA and garage had egr codes come up as a result of a diagnostic check. I have had new egr fitted. Now I get intermittent starting? It starts fine from cold, (no longer cuts out due to egr valve) and if I leave it an hour between journeys will start up, however if the engine is warm/hot it won`t start. Why is this?

Answers

Would like to help but mine is the same as yours. (Vauxhall Vectra 2002 5 door) Mine just stopped dead on a roundabout which is pretty scary, would like to solve this problem can anyone help me or andy to solve this problem? Brenda Kellett from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Insignia 2011

When the outside temperature is minus a few degrees, the 2 rear doors of my Vauxhall Insignia are frozen shut. It appears that the top edge of each door holds a line of ice which you can see after you open the doors with some warm water. What can I apply to the top of the door and to the paintwork it shuts onto to prevent the problem? (Tourer)

Answers

Run a line of vaseline along the edge. Worked for me on the rubber seals - Fraser Drummond from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

Hi, I hope someone can help. I`ve just bought a 55 plate Vauxhall Vectra sri 1.9cdti 120 bhp and when I turn the heating on I get a noise like a bird chirping from underneath the glovebox. I`ve spoken to a garage who said that no way can they repair it, they just wanted me to buy a whole new motor heater and resistor costing nearly £200. Any ideas how I can just get rid of this noise till after Christmas? Cheers.

Answers

Hi Scott, I have the same model with the same problem. The noise goes when I turn the fan speed up. I think it is a loose bit of something flapping about in the vent somewhere. I intend to remove the trim and interior to access where I can hear the noise as soon as we get a couple of dry days. I’ll report back when I do - Johnny from England

If the noise changes with fan speed, then it’s likely that the fan motor bearings have dried out (the grease on them at the factory has degraded to the point that it’s no longer lubricating them). Officially this means a new fan / motor assembley, but experience has shown that it’s possible to remove and oil the thing sufficiently that it works properly once again - Paul Marchant from England

Had same noise on my wife’s 3.2 GSI. Told by a Vauxhall garage that the heater motor needed replacing, costing several hundred pounds. A friend with own independdent garage found that a clip holding the pollen filter housing had fallen onto the motor causing the same noise. Hope this helps - Chris Beard from Lancashire

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

Since I`ve put a new battery in my Vauxhall Zafira, when I take the key out of the ignitiion the radio stays on, there`s a beeping and the central locking won`t work. If I try and lock with the key it only locks the driver`s door, but it only happens every now and again, some days it works and other times it doesn`t. It`s been on the diagnostic machine and it`s saying there`s no fault, so even the garage doesn`t know what to do. I really need help as I need to know it`s safe as I have three children. I`d be grateful for any information, can anyone help?

Answers

Had the same fault on my wife’s car. Remove the positive battery connection leave for a few minutes, this should reset and back to normal again.. Fingers crossed - Phil Poss from Lancashire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

How do I stop my Vauxhall Meriva`s radio coming on when starting the engine and how do I stop it from showing service please?

Answers

Press your speedo trip meter in and hold then turn on the ign: wait and look service will go and 1000 will show then turn off ign and let go of the trip now put ign: On and its gone, bye! Chris from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

I have a Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SRI and it`s wet in the front and back passenger footwells, but I can`t see any signs of where it is coming from. Now with this cold weather it`s freezing all of the windows inside the car. Can anyone help please?

Answers

Mine has the same problem rain water stores somewhere and rushes down from behind the glove box when I start driving. I have met other Corsa people who experience the same problem - Natalie Parker from England

The problem is very likely the skuttle bung. Open bonnet, pull away rubber bonnet seal and you can open a flap to the pollen filter and at the bottom is a rubber bung shaped like a cone. It blocks with leaves etc and the skuttle fills with water, which leaks into cabin behind the glove compt. So no need to remove glove c or anything, its not the windscreen seal, and you’ll sort the job in 10 mins. No garage work www.farmideas.co.uk - Mike Farmideas from England

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2006

Hi, my Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch sxi 55 plate struggles to start. I`ve had it`s MOT and service last week and was told I needed a new battery which I changed and then the amber spanner light came on. I took it back to the garage and he checked the alternator but said it was fine and said it was a bad earth, but it still struggles. I`ve also got problems with fuel. I put £10 in on the morning and on the afternoon the petrol light comes on and flashes, but I haven`t run out. Could the fuel problem be causing me a problem with the struggling starts? Please can anyone help?

Answers

I have a 55 1.4 sxi Astra. One freezing morning the hose burst and ended up frying the engine and cost around £900 for repairs. Make sure there’s no strong fuel or oil smells when starting the car. This happened at about 60,000 miles on the clock. You should maybe take it to another garage or chances are your man at the garage you took it to is right and it is a faulty power problem. Ask someone to try it on a crypton tuner, most well equiped garages will have such a system and you would be best to see your car on the tuner so as to know for sure where your problem lies. You could also get a volt meter test done anywhere your car is parked, someone good with cars usually have such a device and it is another view as it is on test. Good luck on getting restarted - JP from Renfrewshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2000

I have a lot off difficulty trying to get my Vauxhall Vectra`s driver`s side window to go down. I have to press down really hard and move about to different parts of the button to get it to move down. It goes up fine. What can I do?

Answers

It sounds like the switch has started to fail. It’s generally not worth the effort of trying to disassemble the switch to fix it, as they are available cheaply S/H from ebay or scrapyards, and it’s the same amount of effort / labour to replace the switch as it is to remove, fiddle about with, and re-install the existing one. The only other possibility is a partly dislodged / corroded plug or socket associated with the switch or it’s wiring loom. 99% of the time it’s the switch - Paul Marchant from England

Had same problem. Spray WD40 on mechanism, that is the likly problem - Dave Courtney from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

My Vauxhall Meriva`s heater was only blowing cold so we changed the thermostat and drained and cleaned the system and changed the antifreeze, but itstill only blowing warm air not as it should be (design)

Answers

The heater matrix is blocked, go and see a local garage this job is no more than £200.00 - Peter Patton from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My son`s Vauxhall Meriva has broken down 3 times due to the oil filter getting blocked by oil. Each time this happens the garage says it`s because the wrong oil was used. He had a service at a garage two weeks ago and they said the same. Now today it has broken down again with the same problem. What should we do?

Answers

I would get advice from you main Vauxhall dealer, I got a 04 and put in 5-30 oil give them a ring and ask for parts and he’ll look it up on his pc - Chris from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

Does anyone know if my Vauxhall Vectra`s glow plugs only come on if below a certain temperature? Where I live it never really gets below 8 degrees and the car is hard to start in the morning or if left for a few hours to cool down! If I disconnect the head temperature sensor then the dash light for the plugs comes on and it starts perfectly. I have changed the sensor, the glow plugs (all 4 ), new battery and fuel filter. There are no faults with diagnostics and the car drives perfectly, it`s just on first start up. I have been told that the plugs only come in if below 5 degrees, this can`t be true can it? Any advice please people? (2.2 dti)

Answers

It sounds like the engine temperature sensor (CTS or coolant temperature sensor) has failed and is mis-reporting the engine temperature to the engine computer. This will leave the engine computer thinking the engine’s warm. The fuelling of modern engines varies according to their operating temperature (similarly to having to use the choke on a petrol engine from years gone by). Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva`s rear windscreen wiper and heater have not been working so I was advised by others on this site to check the wires in the boot and it turns out they have broken. Is this an easy enough job to do myself by just stripping them back and rejoining them?

Answers

Can do yourself. Neck both ends to be joined but if it’s going to be a tight fit, get some similar wire from a scrap man, and join a piece of wire in, that way if you get some slightly thicker as well then you can neck the thick stuff first, put this on both the cars necked wires first, get the wires to join and make a U shape, hook the U’s together and twist them together and stretch the original wires neck towards the join, then stretch the slightly larger bits of necking over the joins, when you join the next wire try to make the new join up or down from the last so there is no chance of joining and when all done if your outer sleeving is a little loose the tape them in place. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

Hi, I have a 1.4 Vauxhall Corsa Breeze R reg. The fan is not working. Do you think it’s the fan switch or the engine temperature sensor? It’s overheating when you sit in traffic. Please advise. (1.4 breeze)

Answers

Check the fuse. Check that the fan will turn freely by hand. Wire the fan directly to the battery for a second or so. If it runs then suspect the switch or the relay. Buy a small multi meter (£10 or less from Maplin/Machine Mart and will save you a fortune in the long run) and check for battery volts at the switch. Get the engine up to temp and check that the switch works with the multi meter. Find out which relay is clicking and go to a scrappys to get a replacement which could also be faulty if you’re unlucky - Paul from Cheshire

Vauxhall Tigra 2003

I am unable to release the bonnet of my Vauxhall Tigra which seems as though the cable has stretched. Any suggestions please?

Answers

Had the same problem when I was looking at one last week. Get somebody to push the bonnet down at the front whilst you pull the lever - Mark from Leicestershire

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

Hi. My Vauxhall Vectra starts first time no problem, but as soon as I touch the accelerator it revs flat out. Any clues? Thanks. (elite)

Answers

Depending upon which engine’s fitted to your car it may be electronic throttle (where the accelerator pedal is not connected directly to the engine throttle via a mechanical cable assembley much like a bicycle brake cable), which provides an electrical signal to a little motor assembley at the engine throttle. It seems likely that the accelerator pedal position sensor (located in the driver’s footwell behind and above the pedal) has failed (or, just possibly the wiring associated with it). A mechanic with a suitable diagnostics computer can ask the engine computer about the accelerator pedal position, and see the readings change in real-time as the pedal is depressed and released). This will confirm or exclude the pedal sensor as being faulty. In theory, it could be a similar fault occurring at the throttle assembley on top of the engine, but experience has shown your symptoms are more likely to point to the pedal sensor - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

I would like to know where I could purchase a tool called an easy out to remove a broken heater plug on my Vauxhall Corsa? (Diesel)

Answers

At any Motor Vehicle Accessories Shop, Easy Out is American Terminology for a Screw Extractor. Broken glow plugs are extremeley difficult to remove and best done by someone who knows what they are doing, otherwise it could turn very expensive - Dave Smith from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Combo 1999

My Vauxhall Combo has a starting problem with the engine not starting-up and it has grey smoke from the exhaust. I`ve already replaced the glowplugs, glowplug relay and the yellow relay near the glowplug relay. Someone said it might be the glowplug relay control unit or cold start valve? Could it be anything to do with the ignition? It`s turning over okay but not sparking. Please can anyone help? (1.7 diesel combo merit -1999(v)

Answers

Hi Paul. Hope you have got your problem sorted. However, diesels don`t really have ignition. They work differently to a petrol engine, ie they don’t use spark plugs. The glow plugs are just a heater to warm the fuel at start up, after that the engine compresses the fuel in the cylinder and it is this compression that produces the necessary heat to provide combustion. Hence there is no sparking - Dave Walling from Cumberland

Vauxhall Corsa 1999

I have a Vauxhall Corsa 1.0 litre and when it revs up to 3.500 it misses and stumbles about. Any ideas? Many thanks.

Answers

I would say its the mass air flow or the temp gauge that it uses to display the outside temp on the console. Does it nearly cut out when slowing down or breaking? Adam from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

My Vauxhall Insignia`s front windscreen demister only blows out of the dashboard vents and won’t change to blow on the screen when the button is pressed. What should I do? (exclusive)

Answers

Hey Simon. Unfortunately I don’t have the answer for you but wondered if you have found a solution as my Insignia does the same thing. Please email me on s.brewin@hotmail.co.uk to let me know. Thanks - Sam from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

I have a Vauxhall Zafira reg Y 412 LCX. There`s an ice button by the automatic gear lever. Could anyone tell me what the proper use of it is please? Thanks. (automatic)

Answers

It locks out 4th gear and holds all the other gears for longer - Bob from Sussex

Ignore last message - sorry. It’s a option for pulling away in 2nd gear, so if you are on ice or mud etc. If you don’t use the button you would just spin in first gear - Bob from Sussex

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

Do I have to take my Vauxhall Meriva`s dashboard out to change a heater matrix as my carpets are soaking? (1.4 design)

Answers

No, you can access heater by removing the lower trims by the centre console and the lower section by the pedals - Peter Patton from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

The factory fitted alarm fitted to my 2004 Vauxhall Corsa Flight will not respond to my key fob. I have changed the battery in the key fob and I have had the fob checked out on a machine and it showed that the fob was working as it should do. Has anyone any idea about why there is no response from the car when the key fob is pressed? I have stood as close as 3 feet away and I still get no response from the car. Has anyone got any idea what has gone wrong with it and how I can fix it? (Corsa flight)

Answers

It’s likely hat the key fob needs resynchronising with the car - get in the car and put the key in the ignition with it turned to the ACC position - ie before the ignition lights come on - then press the LOCK button on the keyfob - the doors should lock. Remove the key and try the unlock - the doors should unlock as normal. I was taught this trick by a Vauxhall mechanic - it has worked on Cavalier/Omega/Zafira so I guess it should work on Corsa - Vx will normally charge for "reprogramming" the fob - Mark from Hampshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

My Vauxhall Corsa broke down the other day. The AA said that there was a misfire on the cylinders and told me to change the spark plugs and coil pack. I did this and the same problem is occurring, the engine cuts out. Also two of the spark plugs are fuzzy compared to the others. I`m completely baffled, any ideas on what the problem could be? Cheers.

Answers

There is an air intake tube coming from your air filter! Make sure that’s tight as I had the same problem... My car wouldn’t idle - Nick from England

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

I have a Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007. My boot is leaking and I have figured out the problem. Does anyone know where I can get the new boot rubbbers/seals? Cheers.

Answers

Carny open boot also bleeping while I’m driving not coming on my dash board can any one tell me wot stoping it opening thanks - Maxine Smith from England

Mine did the same, didn’t have to buy new. Had them taken off, cleaned out and tightened the joints, the roof was on tighter one side more than the other - Michelle Norman from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

My Vauxhall Corsa`s interior electric fan is not working. I checked the 40 amp fuse in the fuse box under the bonnet, but it appears okay. Any ideas?

Answers

My Vauxhall Corsa interior electric fan is not working. I checked the 40 amp fuse in the fuse box under the bonnet, but it appears okay...

I have the same problem, have you found out why your car done that - Colin Leightley from England

Heater fan fault usually burnt out - Terry from Northern Ireland

The big 40A fuse can fracture although it doesn’t look "blown" just change it! Ian Louden from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2008

I have purchased a Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 SRI Direct on a 58 plate and noticed that there is a slight whirring noise only in 1st and 2nd gear when the vehicle is slowing down whilst in those gears. The engine light is on amber as well. The vehicle went back to the dealer about the engine light and they advised they fixed it as it was a sensor, however the light still remains on. Any ideas? (2.2 SRI Direct)

Answers

If the engine check (MIL or malfunction indicator lamp) is on, then the engine computer thinks there is or was a fault. If the fault has been repaired, then it is normal practice for a mechanic to plug a diagnostics computer into the car and ’clear’ the stored fault information. If the light comes back on then the engine computer still thinks there is a fault. Plugging a diagnostics computer in will allow a mechanic to ’ask’ the engine computer what it’s unhappy about and diagnose any remaining faults. With modern computerised engines such as yours, the only sensible way to proceed is with the above paragraph, and it usually leads to quick and accurate diagnosis - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

I had a bottom radiator hose to exp tank fitted to my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch and was charged £216. They said it took over 2 hours to fit. Does this sound right? (1.7 cdti)

Answers

Hi, I am sure it will take at the most 15-20 minutes to change such hose, but in the first place why did you change it - was it broken or what? Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

Why aren`t my Vauxhall Corsa`s dashboard lights working? I have no illumination but my warning lights and indicator lights are working.

Answers

Bulbs have blown - Tam Cardross from Zambia

There’s a dimmer switch near your light switch, you may have moved it accidentally with your knee - Paul from Cheshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

I’m having a problem with my Vauxhall Corsa`s driver`s washer. It isn’t spraying anything out at all. The passenger one works perfectly fine. I have tried to clean out the jet itself but to no avail. Is there anything else I can do? Thanks. (Comfort)

Answers

Yes, I had the same problem with all three of my washer lines... take it to the garage so they can put some pressured air into it and give it a good clearing through. Worked for me. Sounds like the pipes blocked - Gina from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

Hi, I have a 52 reg 1.0 Vauxhall Corsa Life. Recently it has had no interior heating and just blows out cold air. The coolant has also been leaking but this was fixed with a new water pump. However, this morning it overheated to 90+ degrees and there is also a talc like dusting over the coolant . Can anyone advise what the likely cause of this could be and what to do next?

Answers

Might be your headgasket that’s broke, my advice would be to get it to your nearest garage asap, it’s gonna be expensive if it is the headgasket tho - D Wills from London

Check your mats in car, if they’re wet it’s the heating under the dash, it’s fed by water from engine - Peter Springett from Kent

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

I have a 2009 Vauxhall Insignia and the low coolant sign keeps coming on. On investigation it seems to be from a plastic casing seen on the front right hand side looking to the rear of the car. Has anyone had the same problem or know what the housing is?(2.0 CDTi SRi NAV)

Answers

It’s called the ERG vavle. Cost £500 from Perry’s and the bad news is, it’s a dealer part only. Mine went a couple of months ago - Ian Beech from Yorkshire

We have a 2010 petrol Insignia and our car was recalled for a new thermostat a month after we bought it. Ever since then our coolant warning light keeps coming on and we are loosing coolant. Garage just puts onto computer and resets. Coolant also discoloured, was advised it should be pink. As we are getting nowhere after 2 years with dealership we are now taking them to court - Colin Christie from Aberdeenshire

Check out my name below for the answer to this - Mark Campbell from Suffolk

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

I have a Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 Elite first registered June 2002 engine no 110542288. Does this need a new timing chain oiler to be fitted or would this have been done before it was purchased? I bought the vehicle when it was just over a year old, so I have no idea if it was fitted prior to original purchase. I have been told all vehicles were automatically fitted with this after March 2002, but is that the registration date or when the engine was made? (Elite auto 2.2)

Answers

These engines were fitted with an oil-jet to lubricate the chain which had an orifice that was very small and prone to clogging (particularly if the engine oil was not changed frequently enough). There is a revised timing-chain kit which includes a replacement oil jet with a larger orifice which is much less prone to clogging up. If the oil-jet clogs up, then there is no lubrication to the chain and sprockets and they wear to the point of failure very quickly. If the chain snaps on your particular model of engine severe and expensive damage occurs as the pistons will strike the inlet / outlet valves. The original design-spec was that the chain and sprockets were good for the life of the engine, but many failures and consequent engine damage were reported. There is little warning of timing chain failure (it can generate a rattling noise from the timing chain case area, on the side of the engine where the air-filter housing is). I don’t believe there was a Vauxhall recall for this. The timing chain kit is expensive (about £200 - £250) and it’s labour intensive (read expensive) to fit. Timing chain breakage however, is much much more expensive to sort out. A Vauxhall dealership may be able to look your car up on their computer and determine whether a Vauxhall dealer has replaced it as a paid job prior to your ownership, but it seems very unlikely to me that it would have been replaced in the first year on the road - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Combo

I bought my Vauxhall Combo 1.7 cdti van just over 3 years now reg 05. I notice every time I start the engine quite a bit of white smoke spills out from the exhaust. This morning, for the first time, as I started the engine, it cut out. The van usually rattles a bit and sounds like it wants to cut out, but has never cut out until today, as it gets cold. I’m not sure if it is because it`s cold? The engine revs at idle, then drops and cuts out. I start it again and again it cuts out midway through rpm. Any suggestions are welcome?

Answers

Change your timing solenoid on fuel pump. As it starts, engine rattles and hesitates to work. If you press the gas not much response, white smoke, but no water condensation. It burns your eyes - Kose from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

My Vauxhall Meriva`s warning light for emission control came on for about 100 miles then went out for 35 miles then came back on. What is the problem? (SE petrol 1.4)

Answers

It can be a problem with catalytic converter or an injector issue. Another possibility is a wrong mixture between air and petrol (too much of one or the other). Best connect to any fault code reader or see a Vauxhall garage if still covered by warranty - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

I am having problems with the lights dimming when my Vauxhall Corsa`s steering wheel is turned while the car is stationary. However I also get a flat spot when pulling away at around 1500 revs on the rev counter. While holding the car still on the clutch bite the engine revs will go up and down on their own. It seems as if an electrical component is not working properly. Can anyone help me? (SXi Twin Port)

Answers

Clean And Dry mass airflow sensor and the same with the egr valve... has it worked - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva had started making a buzzing noise but it only seems to be there if the car is decelerating without the brake on. If I apply the brake or the accelerator then it stops. Any ideas?

Answers

Check the brake pads. There is a small metal strip on the brake pad assembly which gives an audible buzz to tell you your pads are worn and this may be what you are hearing - John R from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

My Vauxhall Zafira 2.0DTL 2001 Elegance is suffering from poor starting in that it causes the battery to drain, only during the starting process along with the clocks juddering backwards (voltage drops to 8.99v during cranking). It usually starts in the end if it doesn’t flatten the battery in the first place. The battery is fine as it’s new, doesn’t drain overnight and charges fine. Best mention that I always get the spanner light on after a while too (usually at idle but never after first start-up), which results in reduced power but then it goes out and all’s well. Coded here as PO400 and I’ve cleaned the EGR only so far - two separate faults perhaps? Any ideas? Kind regards. (Elegance 2.0DT)

Answers

The starter motor is right by the exhaust and we have just replaced ours as it has always turned very slowly and has seen off two batteries in 5 years. If the battery is dropping to less than 10V on cranking it’s defective and you may well get false codes and the spanner symbol as the ECU is confused. Take the battery to someone with the tester that puts a load on it and measures its capacity. Batteries today are very poor. If the EGR has a stepper motor on the end that may well be defective if the valve is not sticky as you have cleaned it? If your starter is tired I have just replied to someone asking how to change one, it’s no fun but can be done. When re-connecting the battery make sure the ignition is off and you have a cup of tea while the ECU resets itself as otherwise you might block it out and that requires a visit to the dealer I have been told. Hope this helps - Mike from France

Thanks for the reply Mike. I’m not convinced that the battery is at fault as it’s new and my spare is nearly new yet I get the same starting problems even if I use jump leads from my Discovery 2. There is something going on in the background with the codes that I’m unaware of - maybe even an ECM breaking down. In any case, although I have a spare starter just in case (thinking along the same lines as you) the car is booked in for a full diagnostic in 2 weeks time :) Not many garages you can really trust on the Isle of Man and those that are worth it never advertise and are always busy :)) Tony Tiplady from Lancashire

Hi, change your starter and you will be fine - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

My floor in my Vauxhall Corsa was really wet and worse in the back. What is causing this and how can I stop it? Thanks.

Answers

I had the same problem. It’s caused by inferior sealant use in the factory. Water gets in (rain) and causes the damp inside foot wells. All it needs is new sealant but it is a real pain as the part where the sealant needs applying is in a difficult place to get to and a lot of stuff has to come out to get to it. Expensive in labour and parts is cheap as its only sealant that is needed. Also on the passengers side water comes in when there is a blockage. Water normally drains away but when their is a blockage it comes in the car. So there are two problems which I have had fixed and cost about £600, mostly labour charges. These problems are known as the Corsa curse - Steve Alexander from Hampshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

After switching on the ignition, I get a rat-tat-tatting noise coming from the engine bay of my Vauxhall Vectra, which stops after about 15 seconds and returns for shorter periods of time. Any ideas please?

Answers

Same here, I bet it is the throttle body flapping the butterfly valve, watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn2jlrrq5Lo and listen. I have no answers yet but I’m working on it. Yours, Simon Markham from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Corsa 2008

My Vauxhall Corsa Design has a problem with the heating. At times the heater does not start until I have driven a mile or two and at other times it starts okay, but if I then stop for a short while it cuts out and then takes some time to come on again. This does not happen all the time, but obviously when it does happen the windows steam up and could prove dangerous. What can I do?

Answers

I have the same problem myself and had a friend check it out. My fan was not working altogether. 09 plate bought from new, it’s the balis resistor that’s burning out the wiring. I suspect there may be a recall for this, I’ll check this out with Vauxhall on Monday. The resistor is under the front dash at the passenger side and is easily accessable - Charles Duffy from Lanarkshire

Yes I’m too having trouble with this in my 08 Corsa Ecoflex. We put the blowers on to demist the windscreen one morning and nothing came out. Then we had to wait a few mins before it decided to work. Very odd and very inconvenient. It’s done it since too. I also have a problem in that I experience resistance when accelating between 45mph and 70mph. I lose acceleration when going up hill in 5th gear on the motorway dropping me suddenly to 60mph! Had the diagnostics checked and reset... garage said it could be the booster injection valve... or "anything" he said, rather worryingly! Only owned the car since April 12 - not happy! Gina from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2003

Please can anyone help me find the fuse box on a Vauxhall Astra Estate 53 plate diesel? I`ve looked in the places I thought it may have been but can’t find it. Thanks.

Answers

Behind the panel on the left hand side of the rear load area - Richard Sullivan from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

My Vauxhall Zafira has trouble starting but when it starts it`s fine for the day. I replaced the battery and plugs but the problem is still there. Please can anyone help?

Answers

Might be fuel pump - Neil Morton from Cambridgeshire

Hi. Maybe there is air in the diesel filter, get a hand pump, cut the fuel line that feeds the diesel filter, then fit that pump in between (you can buy a second hand Peugeot or Renault pump), now when you change the diesel filter it will much easier to start your car, and when the engine is running try to press the hand pump and watch if the sound of the engine is different, if nothing changes that means the engine pump is good, and of course you can start your without trouble - Chucri Kayal from France

Check poss connection on battery, if had same fault would start then not. Fit new battery, if same fault cut off battery clamp on poss wire and replace it, not easy as you have to pull poss wire hard to get a it of slack. I`ve not had a problem since I tested old clamp with electric meter, found 5 ome drop wire inside must be corroded – Andy Johnston from Essex

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

I have an 08 Vauxhall Zafira. When I drive the car and make my first stop or slowly stop my car the rear brakes make a wee bit of a grinding sound. Does that mean I need to change the brake pad?

Answers

You should check the pad thickness if you are concerned. If you can’t see them with a torch take a wheel off and inspect them. However if you leave a Zafira with disc rear brakes overnight and it rains rust forms rapidly and this causes a scraping noise for the first application of the brakes as the pads rub the rust off. It is alarming until you realise what it is - Mike from France

Vauxhall Corsa 2010

Hi, my Vauxhall Corsa`s having intermittent problems with first and reverse gears. Sometimes the reverse will crunch, then first gear feels stiff afterwards. It seems okay when cold but once warmed up the problem gets worse, it almost feels like the clutch is not fully depressed. The clutch is not slipping. The car has high miles 76,000. I`ve just been out and couldn’t get the car to do it again but it does happen on a daily basis. Any ideas? Many thanks. (1.4 sri)

Answers

I had this when I first bought my 53 plate Corsa (second hand at only 15,000 miles) and it was the gear box linkage that needed replacing. It only took an hour and cost £100. I hope this helps - Lisa Van Biene from Sussex

This just happened to mine, it’s the gear linkage, it’s plastic now they are replacing it with metal one. Part is £52 pound - De Bee from Devon

Vauxhall Corsa 2000

I`ve just put a new battery in my Vauxhall Corsa and got the orange engine light on when idling, then it switches off when on the road then comes on after 2 or 3 days. The battery`s then flat again and I have to use jump leads. Why is this?

Answers

Alternator issues - Debbie Hill from England

Earth wires from battery to inner wing must be clean and dry, all battery terminals... or will kill the alternater - Chris from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2000

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Vectra 00 opel 2.0dtii. The abs light stays on the whole time. I`ve tried plugging it in with a scan tool but it wont communicate. Any suggestions?

Answers

Not all scan tools will communicate with the ABS computer - cheap ones will only talk to the engine computer. The dearer ones will talk to all the car’s computers - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

How many miles could I travel once my Vauxhall Vectra`s petrol light comes on? This happened for the first time on Sunday. Kind regards.

Answers

There’s no meaningful answer to this, because depending upon speed (faster uses more fuel per mile), your choice of gear (a correctly selected higher gear uses less fuel per mile) and terrain (uphill uses more fuel per mile than downhill). Your car should have a display above the radio on the dashboard. Depending upon which one (MID / TID etc) is fitted to your car you potentially can get it to display the estimated ’range’ - i.e. how far the trip computer thinks (based upon your recent driving style as above) it thinks you have left before the tank is empty. You may have steering wheel buttons to control it, or it may be three buttons on the end of the windscreen wiper stalk. Your owners manual, some looking and a bit of common sense will tell you if this is the case with your particular car. Never run a modern car out of petrol / diesel as it can cause damage to the fuel pump and injectors. If in doubt, buy more fuel a bit sooner, rather than later - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

I have just changed my Vauxhall Vectra`s front passenger side headlight unit and it`s caused all sorts of problems. The car would start up but wouldn`t rev and the indicator light stayed on constantly. I changed the bulbs from the old unit to the new one and I got power back to my revs, but the indicator light still stays on constantly. Any ideas on what I should do please? (club)

Answers

It sounds like you’ve damaged some of the wiring going to the headlight, possibly snagging it on a sharp bit of bodywork and cutting through the insulation causing one or more of the wires to short circuit to the bodywork. Close careful inspection of the wiring loom (and judicious application of insulating tape to the damaged bit) is likely to sort this out - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

I have a Vauxhall Insignia sri cdti 130 58 plate. I wanted to know what are the smallest wheels I can put on the car? Right now I have 18" alloys but want to buy winter tyres (wheels) and I was wondering if the 16" wheels will fit the car? As far as I know the bottom range Insignias were sold with 16" steel rimms. Also could anyone please advise me on the size of the smallest wheels that will fit the car and won`t give me any extra trouble? Thanks. (sri)

Answers

I switched my 09 Tourer to winter tyres last year. Vauxhall said I should use 15" steels which when we tried to fit didn’t go over the calipers. Took them back and fitted 16’s no problem. My insurers also said because they’re dealer supplied I don’t have to tell them when I switch to/from winters, which some misguided and petty insurers may do claiming you’re modifying the vehicle - Eddie Allen from Kent

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

Fault code 55 is showing on my Vauxhall Insignia. A friend says that it might relate to the fan but this is working okay. Any ideas? (cdti)

Answers

When code 55 appears... you must take you car for a drive, leaving it at over 2000 rpm... keep driving over this for about 10 minutes and code 55 will then disappear... this is cleaning the carbon filter from your car... Ivan from Ireland

Vauxhall Corsa 1994

We have been having a problem with the coolant overheating in our Vauxhall Corsa. It seems to happen when lately we have turned the heater on to 2-max power. The car seems to run okay and the gasket part is not leaking any water. Also there is no gunge in the oil cap. When we idle the engine on the drive and then turn the heater to max then the bottle seems to overflow profusely. My relative said it was not the gasket because the car would act this way straightaway without the heater being on at all. Also no tell tale gunge on the oil cap. Please can anyone help as we are at our wit`s end.?

Answers

It’s your thermostat, it’s stuck. A new thermostat is a couple of pounds, an easy fix - Sean Kelly from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2005

I have a Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1.8 sri. The problem I have is sometimes it does not turn over and makes a noise like it`s a flat battery but the battery is only 1 year old. The only way I can start it is by disconnecting the battery, wiping the terminal then connecting it, I`ve tried bump starting but it doesn`t work. I have had the alternator checked and they said it was fine. I`d be very grateful if someone could give me an answer to my problem as I worry on my journey to work if my car is actually going to get me back home. Any ideas? Many thanks.

Answers

Hi, clean the battery cables located on both sides the battery and the engine and tighten them, then try if still the same, then the problem is your starter - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

My Vauxhall Corsa has rain water coming in and settling on the driver`s side floor. I`m unable to locate drainage from the windscreen to see if it is blocked and if that is causing the problem. I have checked under the bonnet and am unable to see any hole either side for the drainage. I would be grateful if anyone could please advise me where to look? Thank you.

Answers

I also had this problem. After taking it to the garage, they found that the sealant that runs around the footplate that sits on top of the peddles had a hole in it. They filled the hole with sealant and I am pleased to say the problem was fixed - Lisa Van Biene from Surrey

Thank you for your answer. I took my Corsa to Vauxhall Garage, they did a water test which showed the seals around the bulk head had gone. This is a major job and would take 7 hours to do. And cost just under £1,000. Decided it was not worth fixing as the car is too old - Dorothy Elliott from Middlesex

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2008

My Vauxhall Astra TwinTop`s rear window demister is not working. The boot lid will not open and it`s going sound around 20 mph. Please can anyone advise?

Answers

You have a broken wire in the boot on the hinge mech inside the boot. It is a main agent job; just had mine done under warranty, otherwise £300 - Bob Poulter from Hampshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s wipers stop and start in the middle of the screen and they only work properly if they are on full speed. When indicating the flash light automatically comes on. Is this a wiring or fuse fault? Can anyone help? (1.6 petrol)

Answers

I had this same fault on my Astra Sri 2002. I stripped the wiper motor down and found the arm which oicks up from the track to be worn away. Hence why it does still work but not as it should. If you remove your wiper motor then strip it down, clean up the two copper contact arms, then solder a new piece of copper on the broken one (I used a busbar copper cut down from a 4gang ext lead) it should work with no problems. Mine has been running approx 9 months with this fix, saved £100 buying new motor. Takes 2 hours approx due to being old with rusted bolts. Hope this helps - Bob the Builder from England

The fault with your wipers is down to the fact, that, the front wiper system is unfortunately, linked to the rear ones and this has caused a relay fault in most astra cars/vans. So unfortunately you will have to either have the relays replaced, or some soldering work to the inbuilt electronics at the front wiper motor - Bob Davis from Norfolk

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2010

I have nothing but issues with my Vauxhall Astra TwinTop leaking and Vauxhall are now saying it`s not covered by warranty, although it has been an issue since day one and been in the garage 5 times within 18 months. How does that work with the three year warranty? Such a rip off buying a new car!

Answers

I’m having exactly the same problem! Mine has is currently in for the 4th time, has had two roof seals replaced and the roof re-aligned!! Now they say that the seal on the boot (which was reported on the first occasion) has to be replaced and Vauxhall are only willing to pay 60% of this cost!!! I’ve had mould growing on my back seat and boot! Surely if you report a fault under warranty, which is what happened with mine, and they fail to correct it during that period then they should be responsible for ensuring the problem is rectified with no cost to the customer! It’s not my fault they can’t fix it!!!! Vicki O’Brien from Lancashire

My Twintop boot is leaking. Water running down and the back of the floor behind the driver seat is wet too. Help me please - Maxine Sith from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1999

Hi, I have a 1999 1ltr 12v Vauxhall Corsa Breeze which when cold feels sluggish, like it`s being pulled back, then judders forward. This only happens until the engine is warm (5 minutes driving). Also, the rev meter keeps dropping really low and the car shudders like it`s about to stall. Any ideas? Thanks.

Answers

Mine was doing exactly the same, today I changed the air flow meter and zoooooom!!! Shelley Shasw from Lancashire

Had same problem a year ago, either air flow mass sensor or egr valve - Sean Kelly from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

Hi there. On my Vauxhall Zafira`s battery the indicator is black, what does that mean? I had to jump start it this morning. Do I need a new battery?

Answers

Black is normally a good sign it is faulty. Should be a green colour. And by you having to jump it I would say it needs changing - BigG from Kent

Yes, you need a new battery, the indicator sould show green - Dave Smith from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Combo 2007

I’m getting a bit of clutch slip on my Vauxhall Combo 1.3cdti (’07). The clutch slips between 2-3000rpm only and it doesn’t always do it. What’s more it only seems to happen under light throttle use (if I thrash the van it doesn’t slip at all). Highly likely that the clutch is worn out, but as it is an expensive job I just wanted to eliminate any other possibilities first before spending a load of dough. Can anyone help? (1.3cdti)

Answers

I got a 96 Combo and it felt like the clutch was slipping after eliminating certain things. The mechanic was baffled and I remembered what a mate said regarding catalytic converters and said if it stopped just smash a hole in it to get home. I mentioned the converter to the mechanic who said he never thought about that and after putting his hand over the exaust (it wouldn’t blow out a candle) so by the time he’d undid the 2 bolts to the manifold it revved like a go cart and after smashing all the guts out of the converter it flew like a go kart. Try starting ya car and wack ya hand over the exhaust; if it has no pressure then it’s your converter and not your clutch ask any mechanic, they’ll more than likely agree. Hope it helps, let me know how you go my email is maccasda@gmail.com. Cheers - Gordon Paterson from Australia

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva is currently in a garage having an MOT but the mechanic cannot move on any further as the rear driver`s side door cannot be opened. I am now desperate to have my car back, can anyone help with a solution to this problem? (breeze)

Answers

Has he unlocked the door twice (pressed the button twice)? I just brought a Vectra and you have to do this to unlock all doors and filler cap. Hope it helps - Triston Tyrell from Somerset

Vauxhall Vivaro 2010

Hi. I have a problem with my Vauxhall Vivaro. When I drive it in all gears there is a noise like as if there is something loose in the gearbox. I also sometimes have problems getting it into gear and now when I put it into sixth gear it just revs. I have totally lost sixth gear. Can anyone help me please? Thank you.

Answers

Check if you`ve got enough or by the sound of it any oil in the box. I think you might be a bit late though if you have lost 6 gears, you probably need another box - Paul Harding from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

Hi. I have a well looked after Vauxhall Corsa 2005 1.2 and the driver`s window seems to be developing a fault. Having used the electrical switch to drop the window down, I find that increasingly when I come to drive the window back up to close that the window gets so far up, stops and opens fully. I have managed to close it on a couple of occasions by stop starting the closing rather than using the one touch. How can I rectify this? Any suggestions before I take it to a garage? Thanks in advance. (1.2 Twinport)

Answers

Sounds like the window is stiff in the runners and the motor thinks you have trapped your arm in the opening so it drives the window down. Get a Haynes manual and remove the trim from the door then make sure the glass moves up and down freely - Paul from Cheshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

Hi my Vauxhall Meriva keeps going into limp mode and then every so often I lose all power to the clocks and indicators while driving. Any ideas to pin point the problem?

Answers

My wife has a 1.6 Meriva and the managment light kept coming on and interminantly would lose power to the clocks and rev counter, speedo etc. Found out eventually it was a faulty ECU. We called a man out, and he replaced with a re-manufactured ECU and re-programmed it. Think it roughly cost about £260 ish. Dealers will charge a hell of a lot more. Hope this is of some help. Apparently it’s quite a common problem.....!!! Nigel from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

My Vauxhall Zafira`s horn won`t work, instead it turns the radio up. My local garage charged me £177 for a replacement handbrake, so I won`t take it there again! Any ideas on what the problem is and a rough price to fix? (1.6 Petrol)

Answers

Could well be a warranty repair, ask your local Vauxhall garage to took a free look - Bob from Sussex

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question Bob. I will give them a visit. Thanks again, your a STAR* Mike Hawthorn from Moray (Elgin) and Nairn Shire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

Hi all, I have a 1.7 dti Vauxhall Astra Estate that I now only use every now and then. When I used it last the battery light was flickering and then the ABS light came on andI lost my power steering. The speedo also kept coming on and off. The power steering would work for a bit then go off again. The wipers also were slow. It cut out a few times but started straight away with a jump start. Any help would be wonderful. Any suggestions please?

Answers

I think you have a problem with your Alternator. Had same faults as you and a mechanic told me to change the alternator and that solved the problem - Richard Sullivan from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva`s brake pedal is hard to press after being parked up overnight, but fine as soon as the engine is started. Why is this?

Answers

The brakes are powered by a servo assister that starts with the engine if you rest your foot on the brake pedal and then start the car then the pedal will sink down a little which is correct, helps let you know that you servo is working - Chris from England

Vauxhall Combo 2003

My Vauxhall Combo`s seatbelt/airbag warning light is staying on. It goes dim occasionally, goes off sometimes for short periods, then back on again. What should I do? (1.7 di)

Answers

Check connections under your seat and passenger. I had same problem since start, put away some stuff under the seat - Nobody from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

How do you remove the cigarette lighter section from a Vauxhall Vectra 52 model? I have tried changing the fuse and it still does not work so I need to replace the whole thing. How do I do this? Thanks.

Answers

Pull up the ashtray and pull out the storage hole. Then pull up the gaiter and remove the surround. Then you should be able to unplug it from underneath then it should pop straight out. Hope this helps - Sam Pardoe from Caerphilly

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1.6 sxi 16 valve which will rev fine whilst sitting still but when I drive over 1500 revs it dies and goes into safe mode. I have recently had the head skimmed and had a new cam sensor but still the problem remains. Any suggestions?

Answers

Hi, you did not say why you skimmed the head, and how the engine was, good or there is a problem, any way, you have to check the turbo when the engine rev. over 1500 rpm does it smoke black or not, if there is black smoke then it is the turbo, clean the EGR and the MAP with carb cleaner, and at last there are those fine black plastic tubes (4 mm) which goes from the turbo to the EGR. Then check the air filter and the gasoline filter for blockage - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

Hi. I have a 2002 Vauxhall Corsa 5 door automatic. The problem I have is that my mileage does not show on my dashboard. Everything else on the dashboard works and lights up, but the mileage is the only thing that does not show. Please can anyone help and give me some suggestions? Thanks.

Answers

Just had the same problem with the Astra this morning. I got into the car and the Engine Management Light stayed on. When I stopped and restarted the engine, the light went out but My odometer is not lit up and I cannot see the mileage or trip. I wonder if the EML was telling me that the bulb on the odometer has gone? At the moment it looks like it could just be the bulb in the dash? Dave Docherty from Stirlingshire

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2006

My Vauxhall Vectra Estate`s dpf fault warning light is coming on. I tried a long run, the light went out but came back on again. The garage says I need to spend £1000 pounds any it. Any other answers? (1.9tdi)

Answers

Hi, I have a 1.9 cdti 56 plate. Had DPF removed and engine management re written and stage 1 tune for around £300. Car runs better and more economical now - Matt Gould from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

I drove my Vauxhall Corsa C this morning for about 1 mile then the engine died. I tried starting it again but it would not start. I tried 4 more times in the last 4 hours but still it will not start. It turns over but will not fire. I had a new crank-shaft sensor fitted yesterday. Please can anyone help?

Answers

Could possibly be the fuel pump or fuel pump relay at fault - Ed from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

I had a full service on my Vauxhall Zafira and my heater doesn`t work properly and my engine management light is on all of the time. Can anybody help?

Answers

I think either mass airflow merter or ERV valve has problem. Buy "Air intake cleaner" aerosole from any car spare shop. Disconnect the air pipe from Air cleaner to Turbo charger. Start the engine and run about 2000 rpm. Spray the Aerosle about 5sec to the air pipe wait about 10sec and spray again. Use about half of the aerosole and increse the rev to 4000 rpm. You should be fine now. If stay the problem buy EGR valve cleaner from German Swedish French (GSF) or ebay and do the same procedure. I had to use both sprays to solve the same problem but my friend needs to use only the first one. If your mass air control sensor or EGR valve is beyond cleaning, you have to replace them. But 99% was solved by cleaning with spray. You can see the Youtube video which show how to clean EGR valve. You can see these sensors and valve on Eurocarparts web site. At least you know how they looks like before you do anything. Good luck - N from Middlesex

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

My 52 reg Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch dti would not start in the afternoon when I finished work. I asked a friend to bring his car round with jump leads but it still did not start. I have just replaced the battery about a month ago. I took the battery out and took it to my mechanic, he recharged the battery but the car still did not start. I managed to start the car after somebody gave me a push but the ignition light stays on constantly and the power steering does not work. I checked the fan belt which seems allright. Can anybody help please? (1.7 dti)

Answers

Hi, the diesel goes back to the tank, it means there is air in the diesel system, you can solve that by cutting the line which feeds the diesel filter with diesel and put a hand pump,with this there will be no air and this pump will prevent the diesel from going back to the tank. But about the power steering, it works on electric power and not with a belt, this pump is located behind the engine at the left hand side, check it, it needs oil topping, and of course there could be elect. short. an advice , if you fail three times to start your engine, do not try to start it any more. (that is the reason which causes failure in the injection pump, then you have to change the pump) - Chucri Kayal from France

Hi, I think you should make a diagnostic to your car, when you have a weak bat. This will effect the ECU ( as you can say it forgets) with the diag. The ECU will remember - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 2000

Hi, can anyone tell me why I can`t get an aerial signal on my Vauxhall Vectra`s stereo and where the aerial is situated, it is all plugged into the back of the stereo but I get no response? (sri 140)

Answers

Hi. The usual cause of no signal to the radio is when the radio is changed to an aftermarket Radio The reason is there are Signal Amplifiers fitted near the Aerial these are powered from the Radio. So as when the radio is off so are the Amps I had this problem VHF Was fine but MW and LW would not work. With the help of a Haynes Manual I traced the wiring from the amps to the connector block behind the radio I used the 12v+ feed for an electric Aerial (which was surplus as no Electric Aerial on a Vectra) this fixed the problem. Otherwise it could be a faulty Radio! Try a length of Insulated wire in place of the car aerial, you need about 10ft roughly. If you get a signal on the Radio then investigate the Aerial problem - William Westlake from Devon

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2008

I have just purchased a Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.6 sport. Are there any particular tests I should do to check for leaks or malfunction of the roof?

Answers

Get the motors of the rear parcel flaps checked and make sure they are in good order. This is what caused the problem on mine and it cost nearly £1000 to have them replaced - Ed Winter from Denbighshire

Vauxhall Insignia 2011

I have a 60 Plate Vauxhall Insignia with a standard fitted Sat-Nav. Is it possible to have the standard fitted bluetooth installed together with the Sat-nav? I have a mate with an Insignia tourer who has both fitted in the car.

Answers

Afraid not, have a MY 11 160 SRi tourer with nav and made the same enquiries prior when looking for a 1 year used model. Was told from different sources it’s a different wiring loom and can’t be retro fitted. Ended up having to have a Parrot MKi 9200 with the steering wheel module installed, not as neat but works well. Apparently if you want the B/T option it needs to be factory ordered like the DAB option, annoying - John Clarke from Cheshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

I have had a persistant coolant leak for the past 2 years in my Vauxhall Meriva. Until recently it lost about a litre every month. As the Vauxhall garage was unable to find the leak I learnt to live with it. Within the last few months I have been losing about a litre of coolant every 50 miles. It has been in the garage 5 times, a gasket was replaced around some component and more recently the cap replaced. They have been very thorough in trying to identify where the leak is. Does anyone have any idea as to where this leak is happening?

Answers

Hello mate, I’ve had same problem with my Meriva 1.7cdti 2004 for the past 2 years. Lot of garages tried to identify the problem but they were not able too. However, a few days ago I decide to do a thorough check myself on the cooling system: Radiator, water pump, all hosing system and some other things that potentially were the cause of the leak. I found out that the leak was coming from a thermostat housing gasket located underneath the EGR valve and there is a S-shape hose connected to the same housing in the same location which was leaking too. There is a very tight place to work, you have to remove battery, EGR valve and some other things out of your way in order to reach the Thermostat Housing and the S-hose. It’s very annoying and that’s why mechanics don’t really want to mess with it, but believe it or not this is very common issue with AstraG/H; Meriva; Corsa on 1.7cdti engine. I hope this piece of information will give you an idea on how to fix this very common leak on Opel/ Vauxhall. Thanks - Blerton Avdiu from Albania

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 petrol. When it stops it will not start but it will bump start. When I get in and put the key in and turn it all of the lights come on as nomal, but when I try and start it there`s no sound and it does nothing. Can anyone help?

Answers

Starter motor or bad connection to the starter motor - Shane Knorz from Newport

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2001

Where is the diagnostic point on a Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch LS DTi diesel 2001 51 plate? I have looked behind the ashtrays front and back, also the fuse box on the driver`s side by the steering wheel? Thanks.

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It is under central shelf, behind gear lever - Sam Khan from Devon

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

When turning left in my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch, the O/S/F wheel makes a noise, like a scraping/sharp sound, but only when turning left. Is it a wheel bearing and if so what`s the approximate cost please, so I don`t get ripped off? Thank you.

Answers

Hi, look at the tire and check it it is worn from oneside more than the other, if so it means you need alignment - Chucri Kayal from France

Hi, it is not the wheel bearing, otherwise you will hear all the way long, anyway you can lift up your car and turn the wheel, if it is the wheel bearing you will hear it. But I think it is something elase like the auxiliary drive belt, spray it with some oil and try if the noise goes the you change it, and don’t forget to check the oil of the steering pump, and at last tighten the wheel nuts - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Corsa 2000

Any idea how you get the dipped headlight bulb out of the driver`s side light on my Vauxhall Corsa? I can get the outer casing off and the electric connection but cannot seem to get the bulb out. Please can anyone help? (1.2 GLS)

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The Vauxhall Corsa can be a swine to get the light bulbs out of, with the bumper needing to be removed for the main beam and side lights. The dipped headlight bulb can just about be removed, there are just 2 pieces of metal holding the bulb in the holder. At the top of the bulb holder you should be able to feel 2 loose pieces of metal - one each side of the bulb (a small mirror would be handy to see what you’re doing) - you should be able to push them towards the headlight bulb and away to the side from the bulb - Kevin Rowe from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2007

Does anyone know how to change a front fog light unit on a Vauxhall Vectra as mine is damaged? I would like to do it myself if possible as I don,t have the money to bring to a garage. Thank you.

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Quite straight forward, each fog light has 3 screws and a plug, undo screws and plug then fog light will come out from the back of bumper. Fit bulb while unit is out because the new unit cover will be a tight fit then re fit light a pug wire back in. Job done - Matt Sarling from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

My Vauxhall Vectra`s engine needs several turns before starting. The glow plugs and relays are okay. Has anyone any ideas? (1.9cdti sri (120)

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Hi, sounds to me that the starter motor is worn. Have this checked out at your local mechanical garage - Matt from Essex

Vauxhall Zafira 2005

Hi, my 1.6 Vauxhall Zafira b has started to vibrate, not so that you get thrown about but you can feel it on the steering wheel and under your feet. I`ve had my wheels balanced and due to an intermittent misfire had my plugs and coil pack recently changed. Diagnostic checks don`t show any definite faults but it`s still coughing and spluttering. Any ideas before I throw more money at it? I would be grateful as I really like my car and need a 7 seater and don`t want it to die on me just before xmas? Thanks.

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Not 100% sure but we had a loud noise/rattle and it turned out to be the gearbox, we are having it reconditioned, also we have had the clutch replaced why the gears are out, maybe this could be the problem? Lee from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Tigra 2006

My Vauxhall Tigra`s engine light has come on again and I lost power. This is the second time this has happened. The garage replaced the coil but the problem has happened again. What should I do?

Answers

Replacing the coil pack is not the answer. You need to take the car to a Vauxhall Dealer and ask them to refer to Bulletin Field Remedy 2181. The problem is a software weakness and the software needs to be upgraded to issue 3151. Vauxhall introduced this in March 2007 but did not want to inform anybody of the defect. Hope this helps - John Miles from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

Hi. I drove my Vauxhall Vectra to the petrol station this morning, put my petrol in and paid. I got back in the car and tried to start it but it just turned over. After removing the key I checked the receipt to make sure I had put petrol in which I had. I tried again and it started but wouldn`t rev or accelerate so I drove home in what seemed like limp mode. Any ideas please? (1.8 Sri)

Answers

Hi, had the same problem in my 1.8 Sri. The problem: I found the cat had melted and this was quite sudden - fine one day gone the next. Best thing to do is get an emissions test done to confirm this before replacing cat at about £490 including sensor - Matt from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

The warning light shaped as a spanner comes on when driving my Vauxhall Zafira and I lose power slightly, then it goes out and power returns. Any ideas please?

Answers

Possible limp mode and might be connected to immobiliser - Neil Morton from Cambridgeshire

I had the same problem and it was my EGR valve, my friend’s car was exactly the same and on looking into it, it seems this is a common problem! Yvonne Parsons from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

My Vauxhall Corsa has a lack of power when in lower gears and it’s taking time to get going. Once over 30mph it’s fine. First time it happened, I thought it was just taking time to warm up with it being cold, but it’s just happened again. Any suggestions please? (Diesel)

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It usually does that when the A/C is on. If your Corsa has 1.3 cdti engine, then you should use your A/C only when your speed is over 50 mph - Dren from Albania

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

Hi, I am about to fit reversing sensors (rear) to my Vauxhall Meriva. Does anyone know the colour of the reversing light wire? (SE)

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Get a voltage tester or screwdriver that lights up from somewhere like maplin, some have pointed spikes on the end, put one end to frame and the other point into the wire, have the car in reverse and ign:on and the engine not running, when tester lights up you’ve found the wire. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Insignia 2011

Why has Vauxhall resorted to replacing electric rear windows with manual winders? I emailed Vauxhall about this reduction in spec but did not get a reply. The local main dealer also enquired and also received no response. Odd is it not? (Vauxhall Insignia SRi 160 diesel)

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Look closer and there have been a few other changes, including: 1. The passenger seat on the SRI no longer has the under leg seat adjustment 2. Space saver is now an inflator kit 3. Rear centre headrest only standard on SE and above 4. Real hand break replaced by button On the upside though the CD40 audio unit replaces the CD30 at no extra cost, seat fabric is slightly improved and emissions (BIK/Road fund license) are hugely improved. Removing electric windows though is just mean - Mitchell Campion from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

My Vauxhall Corsa`s hazard warning lights came on and would not switch off. Also the horn started beeping but after a while it went off. Does anyone please have any idea what this is?

Answers

Sounds like the a factory fit alarm going off - Den Hunter from Lothians

Vauxhall Zafira 2003

My Vauxhall Zafira`s handbrake light is on all of the time. The handbrake releases but I`m unsure if it is releasing properly. Can anyone help me? Thank you. (2.2 Auto)

Answers

Top up your brake fluid level, it did the same on mine, I kept adjusting the handbrake as it was frustrating but all it was the fluid that just needed topping up - Matt from England

Could be faulty handbrake switch, or even dirty connector. If the fluid is low, I would check the wear on your brakes before topping up as the only way the level drops normally is when your brakes are low or you have a leak. If you top it up and find your brakes need changing, then all that fluid will p*** out the resivour when the pistons on the calipers are pushed back and not good for you engine components or paint work. Any fluid spills should be flushed with water asap, but make sure the lids back on the res first - BigG from Kent

Thank you Matt and Big G. In the end I called the AA. They quickly discovered the brake fluid was all but gone, and one of the brake calipers on rear wheel was leaking through an already tight nipple. Thankfully he was able to tighten it a touch and the leak stopped. Just had to top up the brake fluid and we were good to go, has been perfect since, just had to make sure I wasn’t losing any fluid from then on. So far fluid level has remained full. Many thanks - Stephen Couzens from Surrey

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

Hello. I’m wondering if anyone one can help me? I have a Vauxhall Corsa Club 1.2 2002 plate and since I’ve had it I have not figured out how to turn the interior light on and off. I was wondering if there was a switch for this and if so please can anybody tell me where I would find this switch please? Look forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks in advance!

Answers

The interior light switch is the headlight control switch u push it in - Gaz Brotherton from England

Push/pull the lights switch. That’s how it works on a 55 model - Ken from England

On some Corsas you have to press in the headlight/side light switch (like a push button) to turn on and then press it again to turn off. Normally you would twist that same switch to turn the headlight/side lights on - Corsa99 from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 1997

On occasion, just one of my Vauxhall Corsa`s rear lights and also just one of the front lights stay on, even when I`ve stopped the engine and removed the key. On other occasions all the lights go off when I`ve stopped the engine and removed the key. Why is this? Also, on occasion, when the sidelights are switched on one is brighter than the other, why is this? I`m sure it`s not a problem with the car itself, more likely I`m turning the lights on/off in conjunction with turning the engine on/off at the wrong time. Please can anyone explain? Many thanks. (1.2)

Answers

Mine does that if I’ve switched the engine off before turning the indicator off. Turning the engine one and then switching off the indicator usually solves it - Dale Dawson from Bedfordshire

By the sounds of what is happening here is that you are activating a function on your car called ’parking lights’ by leaving your indicator on left or right and then turning your engine off and removing the key. Make sure your indicators are off before turning your engine off and removing the key - Corsa99 from Yorkshire

Could be the parking light option operated from the indicator stalk; an incorrect bulb fitted; one of the front side lights might be deffective (glass gone dark); an earthing problem; or a combination of some of these suggestions - Den Hunter from Lothians

Vauxhall Vectra 2007

There is a battery drainage problem with my Vauxhall Vectra. Recently a new alternator was fitted, which appears to be working as required at 14+V output. Also a new battery was fitted. The vehicle will start 3 or 4 times on a fully charged battery, but will then not start again. When the key is put in the ignition the dashboard lights go out and when turned they all flicker. Checking the battery, it shows below 12V. The same thing happened after a second new battery was fitted. The apparent battery drain is only 100mA. A full diagnostics of the electrics/electronics show no found faults. Any ideas? (Life CDTi 120)

Answers

Starter motor faulty. Dead short inside. Worth a try - Bruck Morton from England

Same problem with mine. I found my battery was dead every morning after locking the car with central locking. I locked the car at night with the key in the door instead, then in the morning unlocked the car with the key in the door and it started up first time. Think I have a battery drain on my vehicle interior module. Battery drain of 100ma is a lot if left for say 12 hrs depending on how good your battery is in the first place. Hope this helps - Dylan Clarke from Lancashire

The problem has now been identified by Vauxhall. There was a micro short in the alternator. The slightest vibration could make this occur or not. Also, sometimes the battery light would come on while the alternator was actually charging the battery. Everyone initially said this was impossible, even Vauxhall themselves!! But the alternator fault was causing this somehow. No one has found out exactly why, as the light turns on when the battery is discharging. Another bit of info from Vauxhall, the ECU will not allow the car to start if the battery voltage falls much below 12v. That was the cause of the dashboard lights going out and flickering on the turn of the key. A third new alternator appears to have solved all the original problems - Pete from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

How do you reset the service indicator on my Vauxhall Corsa? I have tried the usual way but that does not work. Is it different on automatics? (Auto)

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I think you press and hold the trip reset button, foot on the brake pedal and turn on ignition, hold button for a while and the service light should clear? Ian Louden from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

My Vauxhall Corsa does not start sometimes but at other times there`s no problem at all. It is a diesel. The glow plug light comes on each time as it should and then goes out. I have had the diesel filter head changed and have put fluid in my engine to break down the carbon. It has now been to two garages and neither can find out what it is. The Vaxhall computers are not picking any faults up. Can anyone help?

Answers

Hi - I have a 2004 1.3 cdti and was scratching my head with similar problem, I replaced the glow plugs and at same time changed the jubilee clips on both (rubber) fuel pipes running off the high pressure fuel pump (right side of the head as you look at engine) and that worked, sometime the clips Vauxhall use ease off and air is sucked in if there isn’t a tight seal - it’s a cheap fix and worth a go with new glow plugs if you haven’t tried that already! Lee King from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2003

Hi, I have a 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro. It currently has a running problem. It is really slow below 3k rpm and I mean really really slow but once I get up the revs it takes off. Also sometimes it will go into limp mode (not a lot though). I have replaced the map sensor and this didn`t change anything. I have also replaced the thrust sensor, this thrust sensor is ticking furiosly when the engine is running, even with the new sensor. Why would this be?

Answers

Could be boost sensor pipe blocked take off clean and take egr valve out and clean it blocks up all the time if you see oil all over the egr valve check vaccum pump seal. I just replace it, it’s on upper side of engine - Harryzim Morizio from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2001

My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s immobiliser needed to be reset. I had this done but now the car just won`t start. I`ve been cranking it up but nothing, not even any smoke or even when I`ve towed it won`t go. It was running great until the immobiliser locked, but an auto electritian has fixed it but again it`s not even trying to fire up. What should I do? (diesel dti 2.0)

Answers

Hi, I think there is something to with your key, if you have the code for your car ( radio, key. etc..) at the garage the diagnostic will enter the code for the key - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1996

I think I have an electrical fault on my Vauxhall Astra Estate because when I turn my lights on the dash board dims. If anyone has the solution to this problem it would be much appreciated, thanks. Any ideas please?

Answers

Yeah, same on my friends. There is a adjustment switch to turn up the dashboard lights on the righthand side of the car. Adjust it to bright, you won’t have that problem again - Ricky from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

I am thinking of buying a 52 plate Vauxhall Corsa Elegance 1.2 with 55,000 miles on the clock. How concerned should I be regarding the timing chain?(elegance)

Answers

At 55k miles you should be ok - give it a good long test drive and get it hot - then open bonnet and have a listen when its revved up - make sure it doesn’t rattle. Normally ok for 100k - Roger Berquist from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2004

When I put my key in the ignition of my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch and turn it won`t start but the ignition lights go off as if the power has gone, I let the key spring back and I have ignition lights. I have replaced the battery and checked the starter motor and all`s okay. It was intermittant but now it won`t start at all, only a jump start. Can anyone help me? (1.6 16v design)

Answers

You have to push the clutch down to start it - Pete from London

Hi, I think you have a loose battery cable,or corroded cables , clean the cables on the battery and check them on the engine , perhaps there is a loose one - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

About 6 months ago I had a new fuel pump and regulator fitted on my Vauxhall Vectra and an ecu valve and my car worked fine. Two weeks ago I got back in the car from shopping and the car started but cut out straight away. I had it taken to a garage and they advised me they can`t find what the problem is so I had the AA come out and they told me it`s the fuel pressure sensor, as it was only reading 0.2 when it should be reading between 5-8. I was just asking if anyone actually knew this was the problem as I don’t want to spend any more money on it as a fuel sensor is over £100? Please can anyone help?

Answers

You might check if there are any filters in the tank or in the line. Is it more of a problem when the tank is low? Humphrey Lees from France

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I am curious to know if the petrol gauge on the Vauxhall Meriva flashes to show it is empty or approaching being empty, or does the light just come on and stay on till it is empty?

Answers

The amber fuel light comes on first, static as a preliminary warning of fuel low, then flashes as a final warning near the end of the fuel - Jacqueline Stewart from Scotland

Vauxhall Corsa 2008

I bought my Vauxhall Corsa in April with only 41,000 miles on the clock. It`s now done 45,000 and whilst driving up north on the M1 over the weekend my husband found the car laboured when we went uphill. With his foot flat to the floor the car would lose speed dropping from 70mph to 60mph. I put it down to it being really windy but experienced the same problem all the way back (185 miles!). It soon picked up speed when we went downhill and I found the variance of the acceleration really difficult ie on the downhill decline where I’d had my foot to the floor the engine caught up with itself so I would then have to brake! I’ve not known a car to lose speed like that or gain speed before and I wondered if it could be the turbo? There are no warning signs on the car and I don`t experience a problem with acceleration any other time when I’m driving. We didn`t notice this problem when we were away in August (motorway driving) so we’re really concerned there’s something wrong. Any advice would be appreciated. Can anyone help? (ecoflex)

Answers

Hi, could be EGR valve sticking - ALI 1 from England

Vauxhall Corsa 1994

Hi. I bought my lad a 1 litre Vauxhall Corsa and after a couple of weeks noticed the carpet in the passenger seat well was wet, not saturated. I had previously run silicon along the window seal but this didn`t stop the leak so I did a quick water test and found nothing. I removed the glove compartment and cleared dead leaves from the drains/ gutters and from the flaps to these. I then did another water test and took it for a drive when I saw water dripping from near where the wires enter the bulkhead behind the main fuse box etc. I checked the retaining bolts as best as I could but they were fiddly. It`s still leaking but like I said it`s not saturated. Does anyone have any advice please?

Answers

Behind the fuse box is a square box with 4 screws - undo these and you will find the leak - they all leak there eventually - just seal it all up but make sure everything is working 1st - eg cdl, elec windows etc - Roger Berquist from Hertfordshire

Hi Rick. If as you say your corsa is leaking into the passenger side floor I would suspect it comes from the black box that is beside the battery, it contains body control modules, relays etc. You have to remove the cover held on by torx screws and scrape all the old sealer of and renew. A wee tip you are better to remove the right hand skuttle panel and slide the battery along out of the way, it makes it a lot easier to remove the cover. Hope this helps - John Liddell from Scotland

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2004

I have a water leak in the passenger and rear footwell of my Vauxhall Vectra Estate. Can anyone help me and tell me where all of the drains are located and how to get behind the wheel arch? Thank you. (1.8i vvt)

Answers

I had exactly the same thing. There are rubber drains that get clogged up that are located near the bottom of the windscreen. If you open the bonnet and look towards the windscreen on the passenger side you will see a plastic grill. Remove the large rubber seal and if you look inside you will see the pollen filter. The rubber drain is just the the side if it. All I did was get a metal coat hangar bent in two and used it to push the crap through the seal then poured some water down to make sure it was running. The drivers side is a bit more tricky to locate but basically the same place. Once you’ve done the passenger side you’ll know what your looking for. I know it seems weird that the water is in the rear footwell but that must be where it runs through the car to. Good luck - Pete Inglis from Renfrewshire

Vauxhall Astravan 2004

Why are my front wipers on my Vauxhall Astravan sticking halfway up the screen when on the intermittent but fine on the other two settings?

Answers

The park on your wiper motors broke, new motor or recon one will fix this - Blob the nob from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

Can anyone tell me why my Vauxhall Vivaro`s seatbelt and the door opener on my dashboard stays on? All the doors are shut but I cannot get it to go off. I have checked the fuses and they`re alright so does anyone know how to fix this? Thank you.

Answers

You could have damaged the button on edge of door frame, sometimes happens if seat belt traps in door - Steve Smith from England

Hi, this happened with mine. There is a connector under the passenger seat that gets knocked by the passenger. Have a fiddle with this and it will go out - Matt from England

Open the rear near side door, check for a black button at the bottom, on the van chassis sill, with a stop on the door, facing which will depress the button on the sill when the door is shut. Mine was missing. I used several washers in tape as a stop gap to test. I had found the fault and stop light being a pain when all the doors are secure. As a matter of note Vauxhall could not find the part on the computer - James Shanks from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

Hi all. After about 5-10 minutes after starting my Vauxhall Vectra`s engine, all of the dials go back to zero and stay off till I turn the engine off then back on, but all the lights stay on. Any ideas please? Many thanks.

Answers

Sounds like an earth problem, best thing to seek out a good alto electrcian to check wiring - Matt from England

I had the same problem. I went to Vauxhall maintenance and they told me that the software of the car is damaged and they installed new software and from that time it works fine - Gahtan from Cardiff

Here is a known issue on this mark of Vectra where the big electrical plug going into the back of the ABS unit under the bonnet suffers from tarnished pins. The ABS unit (believe it or not) passes a lot of the instrument panel’s signals through this connector as part of the car’s CAN network which allows all of the different computers in the car to talk to each other. It can sometimes be sorted by disconnecting the battery, and then unplugging / replugging the connector a number of times to wipe the contacts clean of corrosion. If left for too long, then this procedure is unsucessful. There is a repair kit available from Vauxhall which is basically a replacement connector to fix this problem. It’s time consuming to fit though, as there are many wires which need to be removed from the old plug and connected to the replacement. Alternatively, some owners have suffered from failing dashboard instruments due to an electronics fault with the instrument cluster itself. This is much rarer than the connector problem described above though - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2007

My Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 model 2007`s headlight and dashboard lights keep flickering, sometimes for a few minutes at a time. I took it to a Vauxhall dealer for a check-up but they told me they could not find any problems! I was really surprised about their feedback. My car has only done 35,000 miles, I do not use it so much. The funny thing is the lights stop flickering for a while when I open the driver`s door, open the car bonnet and if I put the headlight switch on then the flickering goes away. So please can anyone help? I would greatly appreciate it.

Answers

I had a similar problem with dashboard blinking, but no response when I open the door as you do have. Problem was solved when I replaced the battery and put 70 amps instead of the original 55 amps. First check the battery terminals + and -, they can be loose or dirty and make poor contact. Maybe you have a different problem, in my case it helped. Good luck mate - Van Rake from Netherlands

I get this clicking behind glove box and even when the lights are off it makes the headlights flash as well, really frustrating. I have no idea... Anyone? Chris Homewood from England

Yes, the battery is flat if there is a clicking noise. Charge your battery - Richard Barrington-House from Somerset

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

Hi. I have been having some trouble with my Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SXi. When starting to drive from 1st gear to 2nd gear everything is okay. Then from 2nd gear to 3rd gear it starts to misfire. It has been to a garage and put on a diagnostics system and the system is stating that there is no signal to pistons 1,3 and 4. I have changed the coils pack unit and spark plugs. The garage don’t know what is wrong and I am at a loss! Please can anyone help in any way? Best Wishes.

Answers

Not 100% sure but it could be a problem with either your ECU (not giving the correct fuel : air ratio) thus meaning there isn’t enough ’bang’ in the cylinders to move the car correctly (misfire).. Or it could be your crankshaft is not sitting properly and needs looked at because it isn’t pushing the piston up/ pulling them down in the correct timing (most likely) which again means a misfire because there won’t be the correct compression.. Don’t quote me on that though. Just the best guess I can gather. Hope it helped - Douglas from Mid-Lothian (Edinburghshire)

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

Recently my Vauxhall Zafira had a new dpf and egr valve fitted and it now puffs out clear smoke on a regular basis. Why is this and what could the problem be? (1.9 cdti sri)

Answers

My dpf light on my Vauxhall Zafira is always on. My motor man say that it is ok to drive the car. I am not very sure about. Friends have told me that there a way of deleting the dpf light on the computer. Is it ok to do this but I feel that it does not cure the problem. Please advise what should I do to solve this problem - Mary Dayan from Essex

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2012

I have a Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2.0ltr sri diesel with eco stop and start on it. Do I need to leave the eco on all of the time?

Answers

Hi, preferable to let it on eco (consumation is good), but if you turn it on sport then God will be with you, it will consume even double the amount of diesel, but it will be faster - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Combo 2003

Everything was working on my Vauxhall Combo van but I put the key in and turn it and nothing happens, it won`t even tic. Can anybody help?

Answers

More likely that your contacts on steering lock are worn off or disconnected - Kose from Zimbabwe

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

Every time I switch my Vauxhall Vectra`s lights on the rear fog lights come on and the symbol illuminates on the dash. The problem is they won’t turn off, the switch doesn’t seem to work and short of removing the fuse or bulbs I’m at a loss. Any ideas? (SRI 130)

Answers

This is likely to be a bad earth or connection at the rear lamps causing the power to ’leak’ into the other lamps. Disconnect, clean and WD40 (lightly) the connectors to both rear lights, including any earth wires from the lamp to the body. You can add a separate earth wire from one of the lamps black wire to the body to check if it is an earth problem, if so you can either trace the bad earth connection or leave the extra earth wire in place! Stephen Powell from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

Hi. I bought an 09 plate Vauxhall Corsa three weeks ago and all was fine until three days ago on route to work it would not go into third. I figured it could just be me as I’m a new driver but the next day it happened again. My husband tried it and it went into gear for him but he agreed that it made a clinking kind of noise and it did the same in reverse. I was too worried to drive it today and the company cannot fit it in till Monday. Is anyone aware of a gear linkage fault in the 09 Corsa’s? Many thanks in advance.

Answers

Know nothing about cars but my 2009 Corsa was "pulling" (my husband would have said not ticking over properly.) 10, 000 miles on clock and bought from new. Had a diagnostic test done this resulted in a diagnosis of i) requires ignition coil and spark plugs due to corrosion ii) NO 4 cylinder misfire; coil insulation shows cracking. Luckily this man got in touch with the Vauxhall dealer and because of my low mileage, he queried how this could happen. The dealer told him to bring in the car as a recall was indicated! I knew nothing about this and enquired today why was I not informed of this recall and I was told by the receptionist that "there are a lot of Corsa’s on the road we would have got to you eventually." Sorry if this reply is garbled, but as I said I know nothing about cars, that is why I buy new ones! Mo Powell from Durham

It’s your clutch rods going down into gear box that are going - Nina Wilson from Inverness-shire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

I have replaced the no2 fuel injector on my Vauxhall Vivaro as directed by the computer. I also replaced the MAF and cleaned the EGR valve but it still misses and pulls back. Can anyone help please?

Answers

Could be the fly by wire throttle. There’s a black box with a rheostat on the throttle pedal. There’s so much on these modern deisels, you seem to have renewed the usual suspects - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

My Vauxhall Meriva`s heater has started to play up, it is going on then off again in 4/6 minutes. Then it won`t go on but when I stop the car and go back in half an hour it will go on again and then off. Any ideas?

Answers

More than likely the control switch for the fan as it has a reostat in it - Mick Seaton from Nottinghamshire

Check and clean all the battery terminals - Chris from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

When on the motorway or travelling at a constant speed (70-80 km) there is a sound on the right hand front side of my Vauxhall Corsa like someting grinding or rubbing against metal. The sound does not increase if I speed up or decrease if I slow down, but stops when I halt the car. Once on the move again the noise dissapears, however this has started to happen everytime I use the car and is starting to worry me. The car was serviced recently and I mentioned this to the car service place and they said they would check. It has had a new cam chain and fan belt fitted. To describe the sound it is like a wheel turning but lacking lubrication, a bit like metal on metal. Any help would be appreciated. Can anyone help? Thanks. (1.4 litre)

Answers

That sounds like your wheel bearing has gone - Paul from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

I bought my 2007 Vauxhall Corsa VXR about 3 weeks ago, since then the engine management light has come on and it`s using quite a lot of oil. It also smokes a lot when I have topped up the oil. Can anybody give me any suggestions as to what may be wrong? (VXR)

Answers

Hi, this could be that your rocker cover is missing gaskets or has poorly fitted gaskets and the oil is leeking into the spark plugs. Hope that helped - Douglas from Mid-Lothian (Edinburghshire)

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi. My Vauxhall Meriva`s rear wiper is not working. The motor is okay, the wires are not broken and the relay is okay but there is no clicking noise from the relay when I switch on the ignition. I don`t think there is power getting to the relay. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Answers

Hi, your problem is the wiper stalk, or switch on the steering colum, cheap to buy on ebay and a simple fix, cheers - John Scott from Northern Ireland

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

My Vauxhall Corsa constantly pulls to the nearside. I checked the tyre pressures and had the tracking set, also had all joints and linkages checked but the problem still persists. Any help would be appreciated. Any suggestions? (1.2 sxi)

Answers

Could be the torque sensor on the bottom of the streeing column... daughter’s Corsa had the same problem; it can be adjusted but best left to the professionals - Dave from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

I’ve found out that my Vauxhall Vectra has water on the driver`s side footwell as well as at the back on the passenger`s side. I’ve done everything to find the fault. Any ideas please? Thank you.

Answers

Hi, I had same problem... Check your rubber above your windows... as water runs down the door and after time carpets are soaked... quick solution put black electric tape around top of rubber... Richard Goodwin from Kent

There is a draining hole at the back of the engine bay where the pollen filter is. Check that it`s not blocked as this will tend to throw water into the car - Martin Keys from England

Try looking where the air filter is, a little hole should be underneath but gets blocked up, just clean it out - David from Hampshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

Hi, I am really desperate for some advice here so please I`m hoping someone can help me! I bought my 2003 Vauxhall Corsa 1.7 SXI DTI 3 years ago and have never had any major problems. I do mostly town driving but often drive to the North of England to visit my family there so quite a bit of motorway driving. Two weeks ago I started noticing the car felt like it was pushing back when I was driving for periods of time, almost like it wanted to stall. This happened when I was driving slowly in town and also on faster roads, but it always seemed to pick itself up again. However last week I pulled into a car park and in the process of finding a space to park the car just completely stalled and refused to restart. After waiting about 20 minutes it did restart but cut off again only a few moments later. I eventually had to have it towed home. I had the car looked at by 2 seperate garages and have been told by both that the problem lies with the ’Fuel pump control unit’, and having researched a fair bit it seems others have encountered this problem with this model of Corsa. The part itself costs £680!! and obviously there will be a labour charge added to that. What I am asking here is basically has anyone had this issue before and am I going down the right path by having this part replaced? Its an awful lot of money and like I said up until now the car has been perfect. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. (1.7 SXI DTI)

Answers

My freind had the same problum on his 1.7 dti Vauxhall Astra van, I plugged an hand held scanner in to it and it found nothing wrong, he had the crankshaft sensor changed, now no probs at all, his used to run for maybe a mile or so then cut out and sometimes go for a couple of hours then just die on him, I hope this helps you :) Nigel from Lancashire

Vauxhall Antara 2012

We have just bought this Vauxhall Antara, our second and have noticed only one reversing light is working. Is this right, the garage says so? (2wd s/s)

Answers

The new Vauxhall Antara only has ONE reversing light now, the garage is correct, it is a cost saving feature supposedly by Vauxhall. The older model Antara had two reversing lights - Joe Sullivan from Scotland

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2006

Hello. When I put my Vauxhall Astra TwinTop into reverse, the parking sensors go off straight away as if to say there is an obstruction behind the car. There clearly isn’t but it nearly always does this. I have checked the sensors for any soap or wax but they are all fine. Thankfully I do not rely on the sensors but the good old fashioned mirrors, but the noise is so piercing to the ear and quite distracting. Can anybody help please? Many thanks for any responses.

Answers

Louise, my Vauxhall Antara done the same. Mines were an extra fitted as new by Arnold Clark. Put car into reverse and beeps go off and monitor displays either 0.4 or 0.5 s distance from object even when nothing near me at all!! Having finally managed to point this fault out to them, and technician confirmed there may have been a bad batch of control units in the sensor kits which have been quite common. Mine is getting fixed this week - Dave T from Renfrewshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

On initial start up I get blue/white smoke in large amounts from my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch. After driving approx 2 miles all clears. If I stop for even a few minutes there will be a cloud of smoke on start up. I have had the head off and all appears to be okay. Any thoughts or ideas?

Answers

Hi, I believe that this amount of smoke comes from the oil which goes down through the valves on the top of the pistons, everytime you stop your car, so if you check the oil of your engine you will find that it needs to add some oil. Now you did not mention if your engine is petrol or diesel, but solving the problem is almost the same except if diesel there is possibility that the rubber rings of the injectors could be the reason. Othewise you have to check the rubber seal of the valves and change them - Kayal Chucri from France

Hi, these are the valves seals whic cause such white smoke, if you check the oil of your engine you find it less than what it supposed to be on the dipstick, add some oil and find a garage that can change the seals without taking out the head, in this way it will cost less - Kayal Chucri from France

Vauxhall Vectra 1999

My Vauxhall Vectra`s cigarette lighter fuse blew the other day and after numerous attempts to find the correct one I changed the blown one. Since then my car has had to be jump started. It starts okay but it seems to struggle to start. There is nothing left on overnight. I`d check the alternator but I`m wondering if the fuse change has something to do with it. Any ideas? (b)

Answers

It is more than likely the fuse blowing was an indicator of a problem that is causing your earth drain. Try leaving the cigarette lighter fuse out overnight and see if the battery still drains, if so then it’s likely unrelated. If not then replace the cigarette lighter unit as it’s likely dirty or corroded and causing leakage through the element to earth overnight - Stephen Powell from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

About a week ago my Vauxhall Corsa started to smell like fresh petrol. I`ve noticed though that it only smells of petrol when I turn the heaters on, whether it`s set on cold or hot. It doesn’t smell when they`re not on. My warranty has just run out so I`m hoping that it is isn’t expensive, but I have children and the smell of the fumes isn’t good for them so I need to get it sorted asap. Any answers on what this could be?

Answers

I had the same issue, change the air / pollen filter and it will go away - Andy from Lancashire

I had this same problem 2 weeks ago, it turned out to be the breather hoses from the engine were burst had them replaced problem seems to be solved - David Howie from Lanarkshire

Vauxhall Astravan 2007

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Astravan that is a poor starter. When the ignition is turned on the coil light comes on for about half a second, even in low temperatures and then goes out. After this I have to crank a fair few times before it starts. I have fitted new glow plugs but still have this same problem. Any ideas please? (1.7 tdci sportive)

Answers

That will be your injectors mate, I had the exact same problem then my van wouldn’t start at all because a second injector broke. Replaced both, now fires up instantly - Bob from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

I bought my Vauxhall Corsa two months ago from a garage with full MOT, no advisories. I picked the driver`s mat up and found the floor was soaked and has been since. I have been unable to do anything about it until now. Please could you tell me what my rights are with the garage I bought it from because I am going to phone them to look at it. I also have a year`s warranty with the RAC. Please could anyone give me some advice? Thank you.

Answers

The pedal box plate has distorted and is letting water in - you have to have the pedal box renoved - straightened if nec and resealed - Roger Berquist from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2009

My Vauxhall Vivaro 59 plate sportive cuts out on a motorway. The van cut out three times. It started up all three times but the fourth time it wouldn`t start. After a while the van started to run for a mile, cut out, then started again. I got off the motorway and drove 30 miles on a road up to 45mph. Does anyone know what`s causing this problem?

Answers

I had the same problem, had it on the computer on return home, low fuel pressure, had a second opiniom via Vauxhall same result but a fix of 600 pounds, needed a fuel sensor which is fitted on the common rail as 1 unit. My fix 5 pounds, changed the fuel filter, runs up and down the A1 perfect - Peter Sterlibg from Durham

Vauxhall Corsa 2004

My girlfriend has oil in her Vauxhall Corsa`s coolant and I need to check if it`s the oil cooler at fault or the head gasket. Does anyone know how to check the oil cooler for leaks? I would normally connect the coolant pipe on to and from the cooler but I think they are different sizes so it`d be hard to connect them. Any ideas please?Thanks. (1.3 cdti)

Answers

I don’t think your Corsa has an oil cooler for the engine oil - I would suggest you take your car to a reliable local garage and ask for a head test . Does the car over heat? Is the engine oil emulsified? Does the car run hot and lack power? The 1.3 cdti engine seems to have many problems!! Roger Berquist from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Combo 2002

My Vauxhall Combo`s engine will not start straight away. However if you spray easy start in the air manifold it will start straight away. It has been placed on the computer and it is showing a fuel pump position sensor fault. This has been changed, however I am still experiencing problems with it not starting. Can anyone help? Thanks. (1.7 diesel)

Answers

Sometimes the diesel lines from pump to filter need replaced, they can draw air in which causes hard starting. One of the switches on the pump itself does the same too, but also leaks fuel into the wiring loom. Bit of a pain to resolve - Stevie from County Antrim

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

My Vauxhall Vectra`s abs light comes on after about 5 minutes after start up and stays on. The abs system is working as far as I know. I have been told the fault lies with a bad connection in the fuse box. I have replaced the abs circuit fuse and wiggled and checked fuses and relays but this makes no difference. Can anyone shed anymore light on my problem please? Thank you.

Answers

Clean the stepped rings ABS sensor rings on the driveshafts behind the wheels, look for splits, if there is one you have to replace the ring (heat on/off) unfortunately it’s driveshaft off to do it. The break in the ring causes the sensor in the hub to mis-read giving the symptoms you have. Otherwise it could be the magnetic sensor on the hub (follow the wires), they pull out to replace (tricky!) Stephen Powell from England

Take it to a mechanic with the correct diagnostics computer that can ’ask’ the ABS computer why it’s unhappy and showing the fault light on the dashboard. With modern computerized cars, this is the only sensible way to proceed with diagnosis of a problem. It will typically immediately identify whether the fault is with a wheel sensor and it’s wiring, or whether the ABS computer has an electronics fault, or whether the fault lies in the ABS modulator, thus allowing for a prompt and cost-effective repair - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

I have replaced my Vauxhall Vectra`s air flow sensor and the fault keeps coming up saying airflow sensor and going into limp mode. When I put it back on the computer it`s removed the problem and it says it`s fine, then I drive down the road and it comes back on. I have tried 2 brand new airflow sensors so I need help please. All wires look fine and have no damage, I have even cleaned the connections. Any suggestions please? (2.0 dti)

Answers

The ’Aitflow Sensor’ covers a multitude of intake problems and isn’t specific to that component (unless it really is at fault which yours clearly now isn’t). The likely culprit on many cars (including yours) is the EGR valve, blocked or faulty, either the valve or hoses connecting it or the manifold connector being sooted up. You could try removal and clean of the EGR valve (carb cleaner will help) and clear of the EGR pipes, or replace the faulty EGR valve for a new one. Best of luck - Stephen Powell from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

Why does my Vauxhall 1.6l Zafira keep cutting out regularly at over 40 miles per hour, so much that I am afraid to travel any long distances which will require me to do over 40miles per hour? It is just inexplicable and no warning signs are available. Can anyone help? (1.6 litre engine)

Answers

Sounds like it could be one of the coil packs. You can test these by spraying water from a spray bottle over each one and if it arcs (sparks) then you have found your fault. Best of luck - Tom Ryan from Kent

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

Someone very kindly answered my question about the intermittent starting problems on my 03 Vauxhall Corsa 16v 1.2, but I forgot to mention that it is petrol and not diesel and therefore won’t use glow plugs! Does anyone have any tips or tricks to improve things? (1.2 SXi 16v)

Answers

I have the same problem. Garage couldn’t help but now it’s back with them for fourth time. The theory they are now going to test is a check for condensation behind dashboard where and immobiliser sits. The car lets in rain water into front footwell so could all be connected - James from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2001

Hi. I’ve a 2001 Vauxhall Vectra 2.0 dti that needs injector seals fitted. Does the camshaft need to be removed to allowed injectors to be removed?

Answers

No, however you must take great care in replacing the seals and they are tricky do do properly, any knocks or damage to the injectors tip will be costly. If you are not 100% confident I’d ask some local garage advice or for help - Stephen Powell from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2004

I`ve just had my gear linkage cable replaced on my Vauxhall Vivaro. A week later I had the same problem, coming off the ball joint. Would this be the actual ball on the ball joint wearing out, because I had another gear linkage cable fitted about 15 months previous to this one last week? If this is the case should the garage have seen this and changed the actual ball? If not is it a major job and expense to fit the ball? Thank you

Answers

Had this happen to me. I wouldn’t pay for a new cable set from the gear stick. What a bad design, you’d think there would just be a securing clip. I put the connector back on the ball joint and tied it on with some cable. Been like it for 6 months now with absolutely no problems. Hope this helps, Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Had same problem on Nissan Primastar 03 - cable ties works a treat, bit tricky to get in place. 10 months now no problems - Roy B from County Fermanagh

I had this happen too, I fixed it by cutting a small square from a pair of marigold gloves and slipped it over the ball joint before pressing the linkage down. May cause a lot of wear on the cable over time though as I have known the cable to break after some time - Rich from England

Before replacing any cables I`ve just had the same problem. Mine was really hard to get into gear especially first thing in the morning. I took it to Vauxhall who said I needed new cables at £149 and probably the box needed changing as well at £1300. I went home depressed and lifted the bonnet and decided to WD40 the link arm that goes into the gearbox which the cable connects to. Four blasts of spray later my gearbox is as smooth as new. I phoned Abbey Transmissions who rebuild the boxes for Vauxhall and Renault (you can deal with them direct) and they told me it`s a common problem on these vans, as there isn`t a proper seal round the shaft so dirt and debris gets in. It`s now been over a month and I`ve sprayed it every day or so and it`s fine, so I`ve just smeared a lot of thick grease around the shaft to help seal it and it seems fine. It`s worth a go before you go down the road of a new gearbox. PS Abbey Auto Transmision charge £750 for a recon which is £600 cheaper than the dealers, happy days – John from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

My Vauxhall Insignia`s dashboard is showing code 3, which in the manual is low coolant level. I`ve topped it up with water to the correct level but it keeps coming on again. Has anyone any advice?

Answers

I have a 2012 160 CDTi Ecoflex, came up low coolant after owning for 24hrs. The Vauxhall garage said it’s a common fault and they replaced the bottle due to a faulty sensor in them - Richard Haynes from Powys

Just bought a 2010 Exclusive Insignia 160 with 50k on it. Just got the car home and a code 3 appeared, sent it back and they said it was air locked, they also replaced some valve, so far so good. I really like the car - Rab McKee from Lanarkshire

Vauxhall Combo 2007

Hi. I wonder if anyone can help? My 07 Vauxhall Combo`s glow plug light is flashing and the van smokes. Any ideas? Cheers. (1.3cdti)

Answers

Egr valve – Neil from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

My Vauxhall Corsa has a major leak. The carpet behind the driver`s seat is saturated and it is wet under the driver`s mat. I`ve had the car water tested and can`t find where it`s coming from. Any suggestions? (sxi)

Answers

Mine has the same issue, and it’s caused by dead leafs accumulating near an unsealed part of the air system. Just remove the leafs and it might be fixed. Where: Open the hood, and look near the hinges of the hood. On my car there is a narrow gap with a wiring tube in it, right next to some cabin air channel. If some dead leafs accumulate there, when it’s raining you might get some water on standing there, and that tends to get into the air system. When you depart in the morning you get wet feet, with water sloshing over your feet. In my case, the water doesn’t get in when I’m driving through the rain; it accumulates in the air system when the car has been sitting in the rain. Good luck - Bart van Deenen from Netherlands

Thanks very much for the advice, funny enough my car is parked up under a tree every day :-( Carol Brownlee from Scotland

I just had the servo seal fixed, got a machine to soak water out of the carpets, hopefully the wee car is sorted :-) Carol Brownlee from Scotland 

Vauxhall Corsa 1993

I was driving my Vauxhall Corsa to work this morning and the speedometer and odometer stopped working. The fuel and oil temprature gauges are still working. What would you think is the likely cause for this and would it be expensive to fix?

Answers

Does it have a water leak into any foot well? I had that problem once and since then have had starting problems and loss of power. It could all be connected to a condensation issue behind dash causing corrosion to connector or something like that. :/ might not though - James from England

Corsa do leak water into the footwell and could cause condensation probs - however you should pop into your local garage and get a diagnostic check carried out - it could be the abs speed sensor at fault - or possibly the vehicle speed sensor in the gearbox - Roger Berquist from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2000

My Vauxhall Corsa`s power steering is just starting to feel slightly heavier. I have checked tyre pressures etc but don’t know where to put fluid if it needs it. I can only see one reservoir that looks like the brake fluid one. Can anyone advise me? (1200 4 door petrol)

Answers

Is it an electronic steering? I have a 2009 Corsa and I had my steering lock up twice. First time it unlocked itself when I switched engine off, took it to main dealer could not find a fault. 2 weeks after it did same, lucky I did not have accident. Took it to dealers again left engine running they said it was dangerous to take out and lent me a car. They fitted new electronic power sterring unit. I had the car off them only 4 weeks before brand new, it’s been a problem ever since. Did u know they had brake problems, it’s a free dealer recall on Corsas from 1990 till 2011. Never buy another Vauxall, they are crap, the dealers are thick - Roger Yates from Denbighshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2006

If I leave my Vauxhall Corsa for a while, the left hand side back brake sticks and my car will not move, why is this?

Answers

Hi, it could just be like a lot of other cars when you pull the handbrake on and the car is not moved for any length of time the brake lining either pad on disc or shoe in drum sticks. If you park your car on level ground, try leaving the handbrake off and the car in first or reverse gear so that the brake parts don’t touch and see if this makes any difference. If it does it’s not much to worry about if the brakes still stick take it to the mechanic, it’s more complicated. Hope this helps - Chris Coureau from Lancashire

Hi Alana, I’m no expert but have been driving various Vauxhalls for years and I have found this to be a regular problem. With my present Corsa, I leave it in first gear when parked and bring the handbrake up a couple of notches, so as it’s not too tight - but tight enough to prevent movement. I used to leave the h/b off altogether but, as I discovered at last year’s MOT, not using the h/b can lead to the cable snapping when the tester pulls it! As far as the brake sticking is concerned, simply give the car a few extra revs to unstick it. Hope this helps - Harvey from Perthshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

My Vauxhall Vectra 2002 1.8 petrol manual has started making a whirring noise when I accelerate. By the time I am in fifth gear it has stopped, but since it started two days ago it`s getting increasingly worse. I recently had some new valves and a timing belt fitted and it drove really well, but now it`s started doing this. It sounds like it`s metal catching on something but the car still drives okay. Any suggestions?

Answers

Sounds like clutch - Graham Davis from Sussex

Go back to garage and get them to check their work - Matt from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

My Vauxhall 1.2 2005 model Corsa`s rear lights and indicator lights are not working. I have been advised to change fuse #38, would this fix the problem or would I need to replace more than one fuse? I never received a handbook when I purchased the car so am unable to identify which fuses are needing to be replaced. Please can anyone help?

Answers

Hi Amber, I think the fusebox has numbers by each fuse. I’m guessing you may need to replace two fuses - one for the red lights and one for the amber flashers. Halfords sell mulipacks of fuses with various amps for less than £5. Be sure to replace the fuse with the same ampage. Another check you can do is to gently remove one fuse at a time (remembering from which slot you took it!) with a pair of long nose pliars and to see if the metal bit running through the plastic is continuous or not. If not, the fuse will need replacing. Hope this helps - Harvey from Perthshire

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Corsa Breeze and want to know how to get radio stations? I have searched for them but all I get is static so I`m looking to replace the radio, but not sure what stereo will fit my car?

Answers

I had this problem and I found that antenna lead plug had fallen out out of back of radio. You need special tool to get radio out to sort it. Can get these quite cheaply at Halfords - Tony from Dorset

Vauxhall Vivaro 2003

I have recently bought a Vauxhall Vivaro van 2 weeks ago from a secondhand van dealership. It has broken down 3 times within 2 weeks, all with the same issue. When I’m driving on the motorway it just cuts out at about 80mph. It has been back to the garage and they have checked the diesel filter for small metal splinters and it`s clean as you like. They have changed several parts but it is still doing it. I love the van but need something I can rely on and not be worried everytime I drive on the motorway. Can anyone advise?

Answers

If you take off air box u will see wire running to injectors on the top of the engine, bad design cus the air box runs through the cables causing ur problem. Easy fix - Ben Howard from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

My Vauxhall Vectra`s engine management light flashes on and off and won`t start. When the light stays on it starts but runs sluggishly until warm. I have had the ecu tested and the results said it was fine. Any answers please? (sri 120)

Answers

It may be that the ecu is not recognising your key. If you have a spare try that, it’s a common thing if that does not work it’s either the code reader or ecu - Jon Dixon from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

My Vauxhall Corsa`s front passenger light is making a constant whirring noise. It`s like the internal light is struggling to get into position. Any answers please? (sxi)

Answers

Sounds like the headlamp motor drive has malfunctioned - reach in behind the headlamp unit and remove the small plug from the noisey unit - take car to a good garage and explain what you have done and get a cost to replace the motor drive unit - Roger Berquist from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

Hi. My Vauxhall Corsa`s car service (spanner light) comes on when the car starts cold and stays on, but when the car is warm and I switch the ignition off and back on again the light goes off. Does anyone know why? (cdti 17)

Answers

Try getting a new O2 sensor - John from England

No - don’t just replace parts!! It’s very silly to guess and well expensive - get a diagnostic check carried out to verify the fault code - it’s probably a coolant sensor which is way cheaper than an 02 sensor - Rog Berg from Herefordshire

My 1.3 cdti did that at the end of last winter for about 6 weeks, then the light stopped coming on as the weather warmed up again. It was fine all summer, and now it’s just started doing it again - diagnostics brought up a glow plug fault. So, new glow plugs! Dave from Yorkshire

This is what I’m getting. Have changed plugs... did nothing, I think it’s the glow time the plugs are getting. Winter, you need more glow time than summer. The ecu will reset itself after 30 times in warmer weather and that’s why the light goes out till next winter. I am getting fault code 0380 - Peter Cunningham from Aberdeenshire

Vauxhall Combo 2004

Hi, I have recently bought a Vauxhall Combo Van 54 plate. The clutch lost all pressure and then I could not get it back into gear. I have been told that it is the cylinder by one person and the clutch linkage by another. Is this a common fault with this van can anyone tell me please?

Answers

The Clutch is Hydraulic and shares the fluid from the brake master cylinder, there is a flexi pipe on the side of the master cylinder res, feeding the master cylinder for the clutch, make sure there’s enough brake fluid in there and its not leaked out, it may require bleeding to remove the air if its got too low. You may have to remove the driver’s wiper arm and the plastic covers to get in to the pipe, the clutch master cylinder is in the car, above the pedel. Hope this helps - Brandon Young from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2001

Hi, my Vauxhall Vectra Estate 1.8 petrol is getting worse on cold starts ie, revs go up and down in neutral, not constant as before and jumping when pulling away. This is only on choke. Can anyone help please?

Answers

Hi Gary, I’ve experienced similar problems as you. I used to buy petrol from supermarkets, and was advised by a mechanic not to. I now only buy Shell, BP, Esso etc. NO problem since! I hope it will be successful for you - Tim Bingham from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

I occasionally have starting problems with my 03 1.2 Vauxhall Corsa SXi 16v. Sometimes it’s only when I first start to use it and then it’s okay, but sometimes I have to turn it over anywhere between 2-6 times to start it. It’s an intermittent problem and the garage I bought it from insists there’s nothing wrong, but it’s very annoying and I am worried that at some point it’s not going to start at all! Some days it will happily start first time every time. Any tricks or tips to improve things? (SXi 16v 1.2)

Answers

This happened to my mum’s car. She took it to someone she knows and they changed the glow plugs and now it starts fine - Ryan Stephens from Gloucestershire

I think you will find your car is petrol so no glow plugs fitted!!! You might want to ensure what was done on the last service [were the spark plugs changed??] Get a full diagnostic check by a garage that knows what they are doing - Roger Berquist from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

Hi. My Vauxhall Astra TwinTop`s boot and roof won`t open and a beeping sound is constantly sounding after I hit 20mph. Does anyone have any idea what this could be or at least how to disable the beeping sound? I`ve taken it to Pentagon and they are trying to charge me £204 just to diagnose the problem.

Answers

Hi Sam. I had something similar. I believe the beeping sound at 20mph + is because the roof is trying to open whilst the car is moving and it won’t allow it to open at over 20mph. My problem was that the ’open’ button on the key fob is faulty, and got stuck down, so the roof was trying to be opened whilst driving. My key fob still gets stuck and the windows etc come down when I am just trying to get in the car! Worth just checking something hasn’t got stuck in the key fob? Ellen Huelin from Kent

I have the same problem. My car has been on the drive way for the last 12 months - Ian from England

Open your roof then close it again; wait till you hear a beeping sound before you take your finger off the close button. The roof is now closed fully, the beeping will now stop - Thomas Mchugh from Wiltshire

I had same problem with my 2008 Twin Top last year; there is a common fault on a wiring harness in the boot. It cost me about £150 to get this put right but has been no problem since. Hope this helps with your problem - Dave Ford from Northumberland

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

I have water coming in from under the dash on the passenger side of my Vauxhall Corsa. Could something be blocked and making the water find another route instead of draining away?

Answers

Hi - this is a very common problem on Corsa - take it to your local garage and get them to open the fuse box transfer casing on the ns under the bonnet by the battery - clean it out - check all is ok then reseal - Roger Berquist from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2007

My Vauxhall Zafira was making a horrible clunking sound, more so when I went over bumps on the driver`s front side. I have just taken it to the garage who said it could be the suspension bar or coil spring. Any idea what it is and how much it will cost?

Answers

I had this problem on my offside front side. It turned out to be the anti roll bar. Had it replaced for 66 pound inclusive of labour, no more noise - Lisa from Leicestershire

It could also be a wishbone bush that needs replaced - Brian Coyle from Dumbartonshire

Replace the drop links if it’s clunking sound when going over bumps (black plastic link from suspension), these are prone to replacing evry few years easy to replace - Matt from England

I expect you’ve fixed it by now but it’s almost always the small vertical link rod between the strut lower spring platform and the anti-roll bar. This is one of the Zafira’s weak points. The other is the EGR valve and the rest is down to luck. Modern cars... Mike from France

Vauxhall Vivaro 2004

I am looking to purchase a 2004 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 diesel. When I started the van the heater coil light stays on. The seller tells me the alternator has just been replaced and now the van`s computer needs programming. Is this correct? (1.9)

Answers

Does the van still have full power? If not then the pipe from the power boost sensor is blocked, I had this same problem. Some machines say its power boost sensor some say air mass meter. Take it to a main Vauxhall van dealer to test but its nothing to worry about - Adrian Holton from Hertfordshire

The heater coil lamp is also the engine management light. It’s normally an engine sensor. Check the van is running properly. They suffer with egr valves stuck open, they’re a bad design - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

Thanks for your answers, I bought the van and have now noticed that the coil light doesn’t come on at all, shoudn’t it come on when starting? Other than that it runs well - Jay Lilley from Kent

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

After switching off the engine of my Vauxhall Meriva and getting out of the car and locking it up, there is a very strong smell of petrol. Has anyone else come across this problem or know what it might be?

Answers

Check fuel filter area! Arran Flint from Derbyshire

Most likely a worn rubber seal on the petrol filler cap. Know this from past experience - Col clo from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Vectra 2007

My Vauxhall Vectra`s dash light, speedo, rev counter and petrol gauge have stopped working on the dashboard. The indicators work but there are no lights on the dashboard. The warning light of open boot is on all the time although it`s closed. Can anyone help?

Answers

Hi, I had this problem so did my mate. We both cleared it by pressing the mileometer back to 0000 hold it down for a few seconds with the ignition on... it worked for us and in 5 years it never happened again.. Good luck - Del Star from Norfolk

Just to let you know the garage removed fuse number 17 and replaced it and everything is working cost £10 - Michael Kirk from Yorkshire

I can say that this works. I had the same problem and on seeing what had been said previously I tried it, it worked, good advice. Many thanks - Paul Farmer from Durham

I have this problem on my 52 plate Vectra C; sometimes I click the hazards on after about 10 seconds or so then everything works again - Mike from Shropshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

Recently on my Vauxhall Vectra`s dashboard, during and after ignition, I notice the oil can with a spanner comes up. Please can anybody tell me what this means?(2.2 auto design)

Answers

It means the car thinks it’s due an oil-change (sometimes referred to as an oil service). There were two configuration options available. One is normal servicing (as per the owners manual at fixed mileage intervals). The other was the EcoFlex configuration where the engine computer monitors your driving style (lots of short journeys / driving slowly in traffic / motorway driving/ revving the hell out of it like a boy-racer) and asks for an oil change when it thinks it needs it (rather than every 10,000 miles). I think from your description that you’ve got the EcoFlex configuration. This is purely the dashboard indication and can be re-configured by a mechanic with the correct diagnostics computer (usually a Vetronix Tech2 handheld although there are others) - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Vectra Estate 2004

Hi, I’ve recently bought a Vauxhall Vectra Elite estate, 2004 reg, but it didn’t come with a manual and the radio is stuck in safe mode... Therefore I do not have the code to get it working again. I’ve tried to take out the radio so I can get the serial number to try and get a code for it. I’ve taken out the 4 screws and got the right pins to take out the radio but the radio will not budge! Am I doing something wrong? Is there a safety button to release it or something I need to unscrew before sliding the radio out? Any info would be great!

Answers

Hi. Did you have any luck getting the radio out as I have exactly the same problem - Andy Johnson from Middlesex

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2006

My Vauxhall Astra 1.7 cdti is cutting out every now and then. It starts eventually after about 20 mins. Ignition turns over but engine fails to fire up. New air filter, breather pipe clear. Anyone had this problem?

Answers

It sounds like the fuel pipe, or the glow plugs but if it cuts out and takes time to restart it sounds like there is air in the fuel pipe, that may be getting in from a small hole this then starves the engine of diesel and it cuts out and struggles to start back up, try starting it from cold and not revving it and see if it cuts out on idle, if it does it could very well be that, different model i know but our old citroen had this and until we got the fuel pipe replaced we had to lift the bonnet and manually pump the diesel through to the engine using the hand pump attached then turn it over and give it some revs - Luke Carter from Warwickshire

I have the same car and my problem started with this. My heater’s were also not blowing hot air. Is yours? If so, it may be a pipe that’s split that comes off the back of the engine block - John Lewis from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

My Vauxhall Zafira starts fine but coughs and bounces its way out of the estate and is very smoky (blue). Also won’t open out more than 3000rpm until it warms up. I’ve changed the heater plugs but still the same! The car/spanner light stays on until warm. It runs fine when it’s warm but I really need to sort this out, any ideas? (2.0 diesel energy)

Answers

The smoky blue, it means you have problem with the injectors - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

My husband has just changed the ignition barrel on our Vauxhall Astra estate and now the electric windows won’t work and the radio won’t work. Any help would be appreciated.

Answers

Has he pushed it on properly coz I had that problem but if u wiggle it ul find it should work. U mite need 2 use a cable tie 2 pull it on properly. Hope that helps - Neil Jones from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

I have a 2004 2.0DTi which sometimes wont start. It can be from cold in the driveway or even after a long drive for eg stop at a shop for two mins go to start it again and it just cranks over sometimes sounds like it is going to start which it will do after about 20-30 seconds of cranking over. when it does go you get a large cloud of white smoke out the rear. No fault lights or codes and I have had the leak off pipes replaced and it still does it. when started runs fine and be ok for up to a week then does it again and can do it nearly every day. It’s a pain as the AA man said unless it is faulty not a lot can be done to help!! Any ideas please?

Answers

Hi, just read your post & I had similar with my Zafira 1.9 cdti-56 plate. Taken it to diesel specialist today & injectors all fine when tested & no faults reported, but they checked the fuel filter, which was overloaded with gunk & lots of rubbish. This has been changed & am hoping this has done the trick. Will see!!! The AA man said same to me too!!! Weird as I thought they were supposed to be able to tell you what’s wrong! I was told the white smoke is unburnt fuel so would make sense with the fuel filter being blocked. Hope this helps... may not but its worth a try! Karen from Nottinghamshire

Hi. Does your engine needs topping with oil every now and then, if so then you have bad valve oil seals - Chucri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Zafira 2003

I’ve recently bought a second hand Vauxhall Zafira Club dti. When I bought the car I filled it to full with diesel which was around £90 worth. Since having the car I’ve noticed that sometimes when in neutral but the engine running it will feel shuddery and then the engine will cut out. I haven’t had any problems starting it again though. I’ve also noticed that sometimes when driving at lower speeds using a lower gear it is shuddering and if you don’t put the clutch in it would stall. Today it was terrible whilst driving down the street the car was jerking back and forth even with the clutch in. I have taken the car to a garage (he can be hard work at times and was annoyed that I’d bought a diesel car and thought I shouldn’t have bought it) he put the car on a diagnostic machine and no faults were found but he said he could smell petrol coming from the exhaust like it had been contaminated. He believed it couldn’t be loads as the car wouldn’t be running at all but he also said that the smoke had a blue hint to it which is another factor of the fuel having some petrol in it. He advised me not to drain it but to use the fuel up and then go back and he’ll clean it out. Since the visit to the garage I have noticed some better days and worse days with regards to the car. I’m concerned that the garage haven’t diagnosed the problem correctly as no one else I’ve spoken to can smell petrol. Although at times it can be a bit smoky (I put this down to it being a diesel car). I considered getting a second opinion once the fuel was used but that will take a while to run down and I’d like the issue resolving sooner as I may be in a position to return the vehicle to the place I bought it from or though my credit card company but I only want to do this as a last resort as I do like the car. If the problem is that it’s had petrol put in in then I’d just drain it but I don’t want to waste all that fuel if it’s not the problem. I’d appreciate any ideas or advice. Thank you.

Answers

Hi, the smell is from the fuel system if it’s blocked. If not blue smoke can also mean the head gasket gone. Put this in your car and watch what happens after a few days. Happy days!! Cheers. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_370465_langId_-1_categoryId_255221 - Nad from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Does anyone know what this fault on my Vauxhall Meriva is? When I start engine inspector 1000 comes on as the fault? Thanks.

Answers

Someone said turn ign on and trip the speedo but don’t let go then turn ign off and on wait, numbers come up and Insp is cleared let go of the trip turn ign off and on, no 1000 or insp will display - Chris from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

How do I reset the service management symbol on my Vauxhall Corsa 1.7 di? Comes on now and again and will I do any damage driving whilst on?

Answers

I have a 1.7 dti and to clear the codes from the unit’s memory, I took off both battery cables, left them off overnight and when reconnected the fault codes had been cleared. After running the car for a while, 2 codes reappeared instead of the five I had previously... Steve from Spain

Vauxhall Vectra 2008

I had a warning come up on the information panel of my Vauxhall Vectra saying brake light. I have changed the brake light yet the warning is still displayed on the information panel. Any ideas? (Sri)

Answers

I find if you put your foot on the footbrake while turning the ignition key this warning comes up on the display. My previous car needed this done to start it and now force of habit I do it all the time - Graham Gath from Devon

Vauxhall Zafira 1999

Where do I find the power steering fluid reservoir on a manual Vauxhall Zafira Opel 1.6 Comfort left hand drive?

Answers

Stand at the front of your car with the bonnet up, it is on the right hand side near the windscreen and gear box at the bottom a plastic bottle when opened it has a dip stick for you to check level - Kenneth Rogers from Lancashire

Vauxhall Tigra 2005

How do I remove the passenger door speaker from my 2005 Vauxhall Tigra? It has stopped working. Do the door panel and speaker come off together? I would appreciate any help. (Convertible)

Answers

Yes. Remove the door panel. 3 scews at the bottom. 1 behind the door handle, release and 2 behind the rubber handle you use to close the door. Remove the door panel but be careful as the electric cable is attached to the window switches. You can then remove the speaker from the panel - Russell McMillen from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

I have tried everything to get my Vauxhall Corsa`s radio working. I have tried the fuses, taken the battery out and now I`ve run out of ideas. Can anyone help?

Answers

Try putting the correct radio code in when programming your radio. This should enable your radio to work if not get it checked out by the dealers - Dave Lucas from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

I have a Vauxhall Astra Estate. Just recently the hazard lights have started flashing once the car has been locked. There’s no sound from the alarm, just flashing hazards and it doesn’t happen everytime but it can happen 2 hours after I’ve locked the car. Can anybody give me some help? Thanks.

Answers

Hi. Did you ever solve this problem, my Astra 53 reg is doing the same thing - Steve Cooper from Hampshire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2012

Does the 2012 Vauxhall Vivaro cdti have an open door light on the dashboard?

Answers

We have 2006 model, the lamp is not on dash. Something which seems to be done away with. Strange as our 2003 model does have this lamp - Mike Cur from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2008

I have a Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi. Whilst driving today it cut out and wouldn’t restart. I left it 20 mins and tried it again and it started straight away with no problems. I drove it home (approx 2 miles) and when it was on the drive it cut out again, and wouldn’t restart, but 20 mins later, it restarted again.

Answers

The same thing happened to us and we took it to the mechanic. He said we needed an E.D.U. unit at the cost of £300. I searched online and found a company which refurbishes them for £110 and if you send them back your old one you get £30 back and one year guarantee. They are called EDU Solutions, I hope this helps - Sharon Matthewson from County Londonderry

Mine had the same problem, egr valve was cleaned but it still cut out. One week at the garage and they found a faulty crank shaft sensor, replaced it and now it`s working fine - John Steele from England

My car has done the same thing and I was told it was the back pump - Charlie Mooney from County Londonderry

Had same problem, it was the back pump. Had it done at vx 22 quid - Graham Minshall from Shropshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi, I have a 2004 Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 cdti and I have recently changed 2 injectors but still have the same problem! I’ve been told that it might have to be reprogrammed like Mercedes do. Can anyone confirm this please?

Answers

I think that when something goes wrong ie: injectors or anything wrong really, is all reported to the onboard c.p.u. so go and see a nice man at your local garage and he will plug in his red box by the handbraek lever, and make sure he rigs his box for your car : cc. etc. and he will clear the fault for you and any others that have been logged. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

I have a Vauxhall Corsa that had been standing unused for 2 months.The battery has been fully charged and starts up and seems to run okay but sometimes when I change gear or get to a high speed the car starts to lack power but it does not stall. Does anyone know what the problem is?

Answers

Does it feel as if it’s hesitating and losing power even when you’re on the accelerator? And is the warning light coming on? If so then it’s probably the O2 sensor, take it to a mechanic and get them to check the voltage while your driving - Jake from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2007

About 20 seconds after I start the engine of my Vauxhall Vectra the battery light comes on and stays on. I only noticed this yesterday and by the time I had driven home, about 20 miles, I turned the ignition off and about 10 minutes later tried to start the car but the battery was flat. I charged the battery overnight but the light still comes on and stays on. Any ideas please? (1.9 CDTi SRi [150] 5 Automatic)

Answers

Would suggest you get your alterantor checked out - Oscar from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

My 2006 Vauxhall Meriva keeps losing water from the coolant bottle. I have had all pipes tested and no leaks found. I have just had it back from further testing which also says no leaks but the bottle needs to be refilled before each journey to and from destination, no matter how short or long. Any ideas please? It would be greatly appreciated. (1.7 cdti)

Answers

Sorry haven’t got a solution to your problem but I am also losing a litre of coolant approximately every 50 miles on my 2006 1.4 Meriva Energy. It has been into a Vauxhall garage 5 times, gasket replaced and filler cap but still the leak persists. Does anyone have a solution? Len Asplin from Wales

I have the same problem on my Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 cdti 2004 model changed a small water hose under the theomstat unite and have to fill the coolant bottle every 50 miles there is no leaks underneath. Can anyone help please? David Williams from England

I too have the same problem on my 55 plate Meriva 1.4. I’m losing approx 1 litre of coolant per month and the heater is not getting warm unless I rev the engine. I have had a new thermostat, water pump and water pump gasket. The garage have pressure tested the system and assure me there are no leaks but still the coolant is disappearing. There is no white cream under the oil filler cap so I don’t suspect the head gasket is at fault. Did you guys manage to diagnose the problem with your cars? Karl Packham from Staffordshire

Hi, have taken vehicle to Vauxhall dealer who was unable to diagnose problem until they did a "hot" test (they said that they had to have the car running as if it was being driven to find it even though we explained the car only lost water if it was being used, if it was idling the car lost nothing). The problem was a leak on the injector seals which would not show up if the car was just idling. The repair cost £1,500 with Vauxhall. The problem arose again the day after we brought car home, but took it back as the seals had not been replaced properly. So far no further problems other than the pipes are splitting one by one so having to replace each one. Not sure if this is anything to do with repair or just normal wear and tear. Hope this helps - Gerald Herbert from Torfaen

Vauxhall Vectra 2008

My Vauxhall Vectra`s central locking is working on 3 doors but not the passenger back door. When I use the button inside the car to open and lock the same door will not open. Any ideas what it could be and how to fix it? Thanks.

Answers

Need to change eletronic unit behind the door panel - Aj from England

Sound to me like the central locking solenoid has failed, seek out a good auto electrician to check that out for you - Matt from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2001

Hello. I drive a Vauxhall Corsa SXI 2001 Triptonic. I drove my car to work fine however, when my shift ended and I started the engine to go home a flashing (F) is displayed on the dashboard and my car won`t drive. The engine starts and runs fine but the car will not go into gear. Has anybody got any answers? Some people say to change the crankshaft sensor but would it work if the engine and ignition turn on?

Answers

Hi, did you receive any assistance on your query? We have the same problem with my mum’s car and have been informed it’s a costly job, as water from the coolant is leaking into the gearbox oil. Car is a 56 plate 1.4 auto with low mileage, and our local Vauxhall have quoted £3/4000k for the repairs! Sadly its 2 months out of the 2 year warrantee from the garage it was purchased from :o(( Alison Lawless from Lancashire

Hi - get a good local garage to carry out a diagnostic check - F means FAIL which means it wont drive. many reasons for this - 1 might be just to clear the fault code and check the oil - Roger Berquist from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Corsa 1998

I have recently bought a 1998 Vauxhall Corsa and have been trying in vain to find the screenwash lever. I have tried both levers either side of the steering wheel and still can’t find it. Could anyone tell me where it`s located please? Thanks.

Answers

It’s the lever to the right of the steering wheel. That’s the window wiper control stalk. You flick it towards you to activate the motor in the screeenwash bottle. Push it away from you to activate the rear window washer, usually the same motor does both. If nothing happens, you could have a fuse blown or the motor is faulty. Could be the stalk itself but unlikely - Batman from Ireland

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

The electrical system seems to be playing up in my Vauxhall Vectra. It doesn`t show the revs and when it does the dial just flies up and then down to zero again. It`s the same with my MPH gauge. My lights come on when I start the engine which has never happened before and the system completely shuts down while I`m driving, then starts back up again. Any ideas what it could be? (New shape)

Answers

Try changing the clock sensor, it should be fine then - Paul from Cardiff

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

When unlocking my 03 Vauxhall Vectra and am trying to start it a padlock symbol appears on the dash and it will not start. I have tried locking the car and attempting again and if I turn the key to position 3 without waiting for the coil light to go out it will sometimes start. Can anyone help me please? (1.9d)

Answers

Hi mate, did you find out why it was doing that coz my 2002 model has started doing it as well - Mick Fidler from Northumberland

It would appear to be the immobiliser not recognising the key when inserted in the ignition. I had put a new battery in the fob but that did not solve the problem. I then heard the trick of putting a piece of folded paper or card on top of the battery to force it down onto the contact. So far, touch wood, this appears to have worked - Retchless Kevin from Durham

Not an answer exactly but in agreeance with Kevin as we had the same problem and using the ’card’ trick... it solved our problem ’hopefully for a while at least’ thanks... very helpfull!! Foxxy1968 from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

Hi. My Vauxhall Corsa’s left indicator has been playing up for a while now, some days it works fine and others all three left indicators don`t work at all. I’ve tried changing the bulb and the fuse but nothing. I was wondering if anyone had a similar problem or knows what I can do to resolve this issue? (Life 1.0 Twinport semi-automatic)

Answers

Hi, I have a 2004 SXi Corsa and had intermittent problems with my left indicator. It eventually would not turn off - even when the keys were out of the ignition - and totally drained my battery. I done some reserach on the internet and discovered it was the relay swith. I ordered one from e-bay (got it for £17) and my hubby replaced it for me. That was straightforward enough but I think he had to disconnect the battery first which was a bit trickier. My indicators work fine now but my radio has never worked since - hence why I’m on this forum!! Hey ho... Talooz from Lanarkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

How hard is it to change the heater matrix on my Vauxhall Vectra? I have water in the passenger`s footwell and the windows steam up but the heating is working fine? (1800cc petrol)

Answers

I had this problem, it was leaves blocking a water escape, where the pollen filter is under the bonnet by the bulkhead there is a water way check its not blocked... Good luck - Del Star from Norfolk

Vauxhall Vectra 1997

Hi. Can anyone help me please? I drive a Vauxhall Vectra petrol Auto 1.8 year 1997. Overall I am extremely pleased with the car`s performance, it drives well. Last week whilst driving I was making a left turn when suddenly all the lights on the dashboard started flashing and the steering wheel locked in the right hand position which was very frightening. The only way was to stop and restart the car and it worked okay for a few days, then yesterday it happened again with no warning. I’ve had it checked but no mechanic can find anything wrong. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answers

Have you checkd the alternater and the power steering belt? Paul from Cardiff

Yes. Both are fine. Thanks for the suggestion Paul - Freda Rappitt from Gloucestershire

The steering wheel thing may indicate a failing / failure in the differential (inside the gearbox). When you say the steering wheel locked in the right position do you really mean right, or perhaps left..? If you really mean right, how did the wheel get right during a left-hand turn? If it moved to left full lock on its own (and does this only intermittently) then it points to the differential - and suggests the gearbox needs removing and the cogs in the differential are worn and need replacing. The dashboard lights are an unknown. Do you really mean "all" of the lights or perhaps "a number of lights"? Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

The rear windscreen wiper on my Vauxhall Meriva is not working. The front ones are working and front and rear windscreen wash are working and I don’t think heated rear windscreen is working.

Answers

Check the wires haven’t broken at the top of the boot of tht boot u will see two rubbers sleeping ones for the water pipe for the rear jet the left handside one it for the wires which go to the wiper motor and heater, these tend to break with the constant opening and closing of the boot! Goodluck - Steve Smith from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

My Vauxhall Corsa has an odd annoying fault which only happens intermittently. It started last March but has been fine until yesterday. The first time it happened the car had been standing for a week whilst on holiday, all of the lights on the dashboard are okay, it just would not start. I left the car for 20 minutes and went back out to it and it started perfectly. Yesterday the car started okay on the first turn of the key. I stopped two miles down the road to fill with diesel, turned the key and all of the lights appear on the dash but the car will not turn over. A friend arrived after 20 minutes and applied jump leads and the car started. I took the car to have the battery tested, which showed as correct voltage. The mechanic said the alternator was only turning out 12.4 volts and this could be a problem, (I suspect this advice as a load of balloney as the battery was not flat). I went to work and left the car for 6 hours and it started first time. Again this morning it started first time. I have searched the internet for an answer but no replies really fit. Does the alternator have any effect on starting or could it be a bad earth or some other component?(What`s annoying is it will probably work fine for the next 4 months but then do exactly the same.) Does anyone have any ideas? (1.7 CDTI (28k miles)

Answers

Hi Mark, I had a similar issue, however the engine light was the only one that came on at first. Do the instruments in your cluster drop to 0 too? Could be two things, your key is not functioning correctly and the immobiliser is kicking in or the instrument panel is not connecting correctly. Next time it refuses to start, turn off. Gently push the instrument cluster and then try again. I’ve been through so many run arounds with my car - it would seem that it could be ANYTHING! http://www.howtomendit.com/answers.php?id=111394 http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090424011219AA3Yzfe - Heather from South Africa

Hi, this was exactly what was happening with my son’s 52 plate Corsa SRi. The car would turn over but not start, then leave it for a while and it was okay, very annoying. At first we thought it was because he was running too low on fuel (light was on), but then noticed that when this was happening none of the instruments were on, ie fuel gauge was at zero and none of the dash lights came on... the simple fix was to push the dash at the top corner and hey all the lights came on and the fuel gauge jumped up and the car would start. Whilst this was a good anti theft device!!! it has now been fixed by removing the instrument cluster, checking the single connection was clean and the pins not bent and re placing the cluster, all has been well since, hope this helps as it had several people baffled for some time and a couple of "Dad`s repair / breakdown service" requests! Tim Luke from Northumberland

I had this problem, intermitently starting and then not, it turned out to be a sensor at the top of the crankshaft, cost me about eighty quid to get sorted, no probs since. Good luck - Caroline Wilson from Cheshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

Hi guys, this all happened today! I took my son to work about 3 miles away in my Vauxhall Vectra. On the way back I noticed the battery light had come on and stayed on. The car was parked up for 3 hours, then I went back to pick him up and the battery light was still on. Coming back home I noticed the power steering was heavier. I got home and parked up and turned the engine off. When I tried to restart it it was dead! I have managed to start it again but there`s very little power trying to get it started. Could it be the battery or alternator? Does anyone have any ideas? (1.9cdti)

Answers

Change the alternator and the the belt that goes round the alternator and the power steering - Paul from Cardiff

Just happened to me m8, it’s your altenator - Kingsley Taylor from Durham

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

Hi. My Vauxhall Vectra`s clocks have stopped working, no dials or lights on the clocks work. I have checked all fuse and abs leads under the engine and all seem fine. Would a breaker`s yard clock fit straight in or do they need coding as this is the cheapest way to try to change the clocks? Cheers. (cdti 120 club)

Answers

Have you checked the dimmer switch on the right hand side of the console... it’s next to the height adjustment for main lights. If this is turned down it can make the dash seem like its all turned off/broken... Mike Hopper from Staffordshire

Check the dimmer switch is up full and check the sensors for the speedo clock - Paul from Cardiff

This happened to me, I pressed the mileometer to 000 one day and all the dash worked fine... give it a try - Del Star from Norfolk

Just had the same fault, took the clocks out and gave the connector a wiggle, boom back to life, try it m8 - Kingsley Taylor from England

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

My Vauxhall Zafira engine light has come on and the car is pulling and chugging sometimes. Is it dangerous to drive?

Answers

Hi, had similar prob recently, car needed new plugs which helped a bit. The new coil all told about 100 quid now running smooth - Frank from Scotland

Vauxhall Zafira 2010

What is wrong with the Vauxhall Zafira when you turn the key to start the engine but the car sounds like it is going to stall. The car is starting but making a funny noise but once you have driven it around for a while the next time you start the car it sounds perfect and starts straight away. The battery light alternator light flashes when you start the car first time but is fine every other time. Why does this happen first thing every morning as the car is only two years old.

Answers

I had same problem, my car broke down and wouldn’t start but used to make a rumbling sound when I started it... It turned out to be the alternator! Had it replaced for 200 quid, its fine now. Zafira 2006 sri 150bhp - Taz Shabir from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2000

I came to get in my Vauxhall Corsa yesterday and it’s decided to lock me out, nothing happens at all when I press the button on my key. I have changed the battery as I thought it might be that, but the little red light flashes, just nothing happens. I know I could manually unlock it, but I’m worried it will set the alarm off and I won’t have anyway to turn it off. I had the locks redone when I bought the car 6 months ago, can anyone tell me how to disable the alarm manually so I can still drive it?

Answers

Did you get a solution to your problem? I have the same - John Cantrill from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

My Vauxhall Zafira wouldn’t start so I called the AA. He diagnosed it was the remote in the accelerator pedal - whatever that is. He pulled it out of the pedal then put it back in - the car started. He said I would need to buy a new pedal if it happened again and it has done. Do I need to buy a new pedal (cost) or can I get away with getting a new remote. He equated the remote to scaletrix cars, when you pull the trigger on the hand held device nothing works - does that make sense?

Answers

Did you get this problem solved? It sounds like the throttle position sensor on the accelerator pedal. Car manufacturer’ use this system instead of a cable these days. If this component starts to fail, you will have trouble reving the engine as it’s all electronicaly controlled. The ecu will not be receiving the information correctly so may cause the engine to either rev up, not rev at all or run very irregularly. Engine revs going up & down. You may be able to change the sensor on its own rather than the whole pedal assembly - Keith from Norfolk

Vauxhall Corsa 1999

What brake fluid do I use in my Vauxhall Corsa?

Answers

The cheapest you can get from the shop below 75. This was advice from the mechanic who fixed my Corsa when suddenly emitted smokes when caught in a heavy traffic. When he topped up the oil using the one I had bought. He said buy the cheapest instead as it is good for the engine. And he said that is the good thing about Corsa very economic to run however not when it’s near to the end of its life though - Mrs t T from England

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2005

Hi there. I have a Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 1.6 16v 2005. When the engine gets up to temperature I have a tapping sound coming from the engine. The car has done 81,000 miles and I have just changed the oil and filter the on car for it`s service but it`s still doing it. Any ideas please?

Answers

It can be the hydraulic lifters I’m told. Mine does something similar - Martin Gardener from England

Vauxhall Combo 2003

Is a 2007 1.7 cdti ecu engine compatible with a 2003 Vauxhall Combo van?

Answers

Hi. I’ve just put an 04 ecu on a 03 Combo and it will not run as the clocks on 2004 onwards are programmed to the ecu and will not fit a 2003... so now I have to find a 2001-2003 ecu with aircon... if your car or van has aircon make sure your ecu has aircon as will not run and aircon goes mad.... Matt Shaw from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

Hi. Can anyone tell me why my Vauxhall Vectra`s speedometer, fuel gauge, dash lights ie indicators, lights, rev counter, temperature gauge and horn have just stopped working? Although the airbag light was on the dash, it has gone off and is now replaced with the car boot light - as though it hasn`t been closed properly even though it has. Does anyone have any idea about what is causing the problem and how I can fix it? (cdti)

Answers

Hi, have got same problem on my 55 cdti Vectra. Hope someone can help, was going to replace clocks from scrapyard but don’t know if they need coding or owt. Cheers - Jason Fieldsend from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2003

I`m looking into buying a Vauxhall Vivaro lwb highroof 6 speed diesel with 86k on the clock. Can anyone tell me if it`s the right choice of van? Thanks.

Answers

Got to be honest mate, I own a 2005 cdti it drives great... when it’s working. I’ve finally got it sorted and it’s great but I’ve spent a fortune and had loads of hassle. These vans are fragile. Make sure you have full service history. Check the gearbox. If you have any concerns walk away. If they have been serviced and looked after from new they can be great, but if they haven’t they can lead to bankruptcy. Hope this helps - Andrew Pemberton from Carmarthenshire

I have a 06 Vivaro: great on diesel, shockingly bad at running properly, so many sensors. I will not buy a Vivaro, Trafic, Primastar ever again - Costello Vivaro from Ireland

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

Please can anyone help me? The battery and traction control lights are on in my Vauxhall Meriva. I had a new alternator fitted but this did not solve the problem. I then took my car to a Vauxhall garage, they spent a great deal of time looking for a problem, eventually they found a corroded earth wire. This seemed to solve the problem for a couple of months but the lights are now back on. The speedometer also stopped working but only for a couple of minutes. Any ideas? (1.6.)

Answers

Clean all the terminals, especially that pile of earths from the battery - Chris from England

Thank you, I will give it a go. :-) Dee Webster from Aberdeenshire

Vauxhall Corsa 2005

My Vauxhall Corsa`s factory radio has no power after a flat battery. What should I do? (Finesse)

Answers

Hi Mike, what normally happens is your radio will want re-coding after a flat or battery removal - try re-coding your radio but make sure your battery is fully charged - Dave Lucas from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2003

Hi, I have a Vauxhall Zafira 2003. The right indicator does not work. What could the problem be and if it is the fuse what is the number? Thanks.

Answers

Hi, I have had the same problem with my Vauxhall Zafira not only once but few times. There is no fuse but 2 relays for the indicators on this model, one for right side and second for the left side and they are inside the fuse box under your steering on the right. The original ones are yellow in colour and look like square blocks at the top column. Try removing and putting them back in again, also try slightly tapping (not smashing) them with the back of a screw driver - see if it works and remember to check all the bulbs too - Irfan Sheikh from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2009

Can anyone please tell me what the small domed knob above the time/date/radio station readout on my Vauxhall Corsa is? It is set in like a small grill and sits just in front of the windscreen heater grill. (1.2 active)

Answers

I believe it’s the receiver for your central locking key - Ben James from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Combo 2008

I need to change the rear bumper on my Vauxhall Combo. Is this an easy job ie: no special tool or skills needed? (1200)

Answers

Hi. Easy, if you know how to #1 Undo all plastic plugs under rear bumper. #2 Unscrew plastic10mm nut from inside rear arch, it connects two plastic trims together (bumber and arch trim). #3 Pull sides apart, should come off preaty easy. #4 As your sides loose and bottom plastic plugs use to lift whole bumbet slightly up and pull out. If you done all four you should take bumper (plastic cover) off by now - Kose from England

Vauxhall Combo 2008

My Vauxhall Combo`s steering is very heavy at slow speeds and I am wondering what is wrong?

Answers

Could be your drive belt needs tensioning - David Pattison from Sussex

Vauxhall Vectra 2005

My Vauxhall Vectra has lost all power. All the lights such as. engine, engine oil, abs, handbrake, airbag have come on but the car is not starting at all and is making a clicking sound when you turn the key. Can anyone advise me what the problem is?

Answers

This has happened to my car a few times, it turned out to be the "brain" my own mechanic could not fix it, I had to bring it to the Vauxhall garage to have it repaired - I think it was £180!!! just for them to put it onto the computer to diagnose the problem. Good luck - Annie Mack from County Armagh

I had the same problem but it was the alternator. If it’s not charging the battery properly all hell breaks loose, abs light on, heavy steering, unable to start straight after turning off, power steering light on and off, service light making an appearence and a clicking noise from glovebox. I changed the battery at the same time becasue I was told the alternators can smash them too, and vice versa I got a decent battery for 108 and alternator for 130, better than book prices - Mike Hopper from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2007

Has a Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch design 1600cc got 2 coolant temperature switches?

Answers

There is a sensor near the thermostat and one near the radiator - Darren Wonnacott from Kent

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

It doesn’t happen on every trip but sometimes on idling in a traffic jam or at lights there is a loud noise coming from the engine of my Vauxhall Zafira (sounds like a jet engine). It tends to go once on the move again but it has also happened whilst parking etc. The car is new to me, has been regularly serviced with 78,000 miles on the clock and passed it`s MOT last month. Oil etc have been checked. Please can anyone help in simple language (I don’t know anything about motor vehicles)? (1.8 petrol automatic)

Answers

Hi, possibly a vacuum hose with a leak, if it’s this all you need is a new hose, about 5 pounds, and someone to change it - Paul from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1997

Hi. My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s dashboard lights will not come on. I`ve checked fuses and bulbs and all earth leads and all seem to be okay. Does anyone know what could be causing this?

Answers

Hi, there is a plastic wheel beside the light key, try to turn it up or down - Kayal Chucri from France

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

On the display in the middle of the dashboard of my Vauxhall Insignia where miles are displayed I get three red boxes showing with a symbol in the middle one. There is nothing in the manual to say what this might be. Can anyone help? (sri 2 litre turbo)

Answers

Is your middle seatbelt in the back fastened? Laura Lacey from Kent

The three boxes come on when you start up and go off when the system has checked wich seat belts are fastened (up to a couple of mins usually). The symbol if you look carefully is a person sitting in the box when looked down on to the head. It means there is a person in this position with a belt fastened. As stated check if your rear belt is fastened - John Shaw from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2007

Hello, how do I reset the computer in my Vaxuhall Vectra 2007? It keeps saying "brake light and parking light " but there are no bulbs out.

Answers

Hi, look very closely at rear lights, when a bulb blows it seems to drop into the lights. Pull the light covers off, look at bulbs closely and the panel itself for corrosion. Replace bulbs if they’re black and sometimes just pull the bulbs out and put them back. This worked for for me on my Vectra c 2003 1.8 sri - Matt from England

On your car, one of the numerous computers monitors the status of the bulbs (working or otherwise). If it senses a brake light bulb has failed, it uses one of the other bulbs in the light cluster on that side as a brake light (really!) so that although it may appear the brake lights are working, you could still have a failed bulb and not spot it. Pull all of the bulbs, one at a time and inspect them for broken filaments - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2008

Hi there. I’m buying a 2008 Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 1.4 SXI. It has 57,000 miles on it. How many miles before the timing belt needs to be changed? (SXI)

Answers

Vauxhall dealers told me one hundred thousands miles - Caeron Jenkins from England

100K or 10 years - Stephen M from Inverness-shire

Vauxhall Zafira 2002

Hi all. I`m just wondering if anyone could help me out with my problem? I bought a 2002 Vauxhall Zafira a few weeks ago and for some reason when I take the key out of the ignition the ignition lights still stay on. I was told it could be either I need a new alternator, a new ignition switch or a new ignition barrel. I`ve replaced all of these with new but the problem is still there. The strange thing is that if I put the car into reverse gear it takes the ignition lights out but you can still hear the fuel pump, which means I have to disconnect the battery, as I know if left like that it could burn the pump out. I`ve checked the fuses and they all seem fine. Please can anyone help me with this?

Answers

I have now fixed the problem and just thought I’d let you know... It turned out to be a relay under the bonnet. The petrol relay was the cause of the problem, it’s now been replaced and is now fixed... Hope me saying what the problem was and what the fix was might help some one out with there car, if they are having the same problem - Lisa Krill from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2010

Is there any way to adjust the indicator (tick tock)volume on my Vauxhall Meriva? The indicator warning sound is very quiet on my car. (club)

Answers

Get yourself a lights on buzzer and wire it to the indicators if its too loud put a bit of tape round it. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva`s speedometer flickers erratically. I`m not sure what speed I am doing and have to guess, even when the car is stationary. Can anyone help?

Answers

It will almost certainly be the ABS sensor which is also linked to your speedo. You’ll probably find over the next few days or miles that your ABS warning light will come on. A local garage will sort this for you for around £100 - Tommy H from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2009

How often should the timing belt be changed on my Vauxhall Vivaro and how many miles for the first change?

Answers

Hi I had a 2002 Vivaro, always kept up with services etc and mine was always changed at 72000 miles - Daryl Gannon from Kent

Vauxhall Meriva 2010

Does the 1.4 Vauxhall Meriva turbo have a chain cam belt?

Answers

1.4 turbo 140PS have chain cam belt. 120PS and 100PS - don’t know - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

My Vauxhall Zafira`s front passenger electric window stops and starts when you hold down the button. You have to keep stopping and starting to get the window fully down. What should I do? (sri)

Answers

You need to spray silicone along the channel which the glass runs in. You can also use Pledge type furniture polish. I used motorcycle chain oil and it works brilliantly. Try furniture polish first, a good dose, wind it up and down a couple of times and see if that makes any difference before spending out on silicone spray. Good luck! Sean Constable from Devon

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2006

My Vauxhall Astra TwinTop`s roof is stuck half way up! Any quick fix?

Answers

Had same problem whilst on holiday in France. Cause was the motors on the rear flaps that come out, or didn’t in this case. Was insured thank heavens - they cost with fitting nearly £1000 for the pair. It maybe the same reason for you - Ed Winter from Denbighshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

My Vauxhall Vectra has a sucking noise coming from the engine. I`ve been told it’s the breather system inside the Rocker Cover. Can I take the rocker cover off and clean the system or do I have to buy a new rocker cover with the system? Thanks. (sri)

Answers

Removing rocker is easy, check breather pipe and clean if possible, you will need a new gasket and some gasket sealant also. With rocker off check the plugs ain’t swimming in oil and replace plugs. If they are, being careful not to get too much oil down the bore, this silk give lots of smoke out the back till the oil is burnt off - Matt from Essex

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

Hi, can anyone tell me if the wiring is in place for front lights on this Vauxhall Vivaro? Thanks. (panel van sportive.)

Answers

If you mean front fog lamps, wiring is not there. I was told by Vauxhall dealer that wiring loom would have to be replaced at great expense. Earlier models seemed to have wiring there - Mike Cur from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Zafira club 06 reg and the airflow setting doesn’t want to work on the windscreen setting. It works on the front/ face and legs, it’s like the control valves are not opening on the top? Can anyone help?

Answers

Try changing your pollen filter, mine was the same, changed the filter, cost about £20 and now is so much better and gets much warmer too - Wendy from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

When I lock my Vauxhall Meriva my passenger side door won`t lock, you have to lock it by hand. When the tailgate is up all doors lock properly. During starting the car the tailgate opens Any ideas? Thanks.

Answers

Hi. I’ve had my 1600 for 5 months and the drivers passenger door wouldn’t lock down even after hitting the key fob twice. I took the door apart and found nothing wrong, about a week later I came home with the heater on full blast and the next day all doors locked down and have for the last month or so, makes me wonder if rain gets in where it shouldn’t. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2007

Is this Vauxhall Vivaro van suitable for towing a caravan? (1.9TDi 6 speed box)

Answers

You will have no probs towing a caravan, I have a 2006 1.9tdi model and tow my 1001kg caravan comfortably - Alex from Lancashire

Vauxhall Corsa 2003

My Vauxhall Corsa has started to shudder when driving and goes into limp mode. Once I turn off the engine and restart it it is fine, but the shuddering will come back. Also when I brake there seems to be a scrapping sound from underneath the car but not all of the time. What could this be?

Answers

Hi, my son’s car has the same problem, changing the spark plugs seems to resolve the problem for about 1500 miles, them the problem returns? Ray Bonner from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

I have only got cold air blowing from the heater of my Vauxhall Corsa but the pipes are very hot to touch. Can anyone help?

Answers

Sounds like your thermostat is stuck. I’d say change it if it still blows cold when the pipes are hot your head gasket’s gone - Peter Kent from Cornwall

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi, I have just purchased a 2004 Vauxhall Meriva Life and it comes with a cassette player. Can anyone tell me if I can replace it for a 2006 radio model with cd player? Thanks.

Answers

As long as the cd unit displays up with your time display as with your radio cassette then all should be fine but the cd unit itself is deeper and modifications would have to be made before fitting, Hey! They both play music so what the heck. That’s why I haven’t bothered with mine, got the same car. Hope this helps - Chris from England 

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

My Vauxhall Vectra is popping from the back box on tick over and when going up hill if you rev too much the car slows down. What could be causing this?

Answers

It may be that your catalytic converter is breaking up internally and obstructing the flow of the exhaust gasses out of the engine.

Vauxhall Corsa 2012

My Vauxhall Corsa has been working fine but this morning I went to start it and I couldn’t turn the key and the hazard light on the dash came on. I don’t think it`s the battery as the radio etc are still working. Can anyone help?

Answers

When I had that problem I had the steering lock on - oops, so I had to move the wheel as I turned the key? Karen Green from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

Hi, can anyone help me? How do I turn on the inner light of my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch or does it turn on only with the front doors? My second question is, how do the 6 buttons on the steering wheel work because FM radio doesn`t work? Thanks a lot.

Answers

Hi, just pull the headlight switch back and this will turn the light on - Tony Morgan from Cheshire

He he, one of the neatest tricks around, pulling the round light switch to switch on the inner light! Ray Neethling from South Africa

Vauxhall Astravan 2006

My friend’s 1.7 CDTi Vauxhall Astravan has the oil light flickering on and off at times. The van drives well, but the oil light flickers at times though not always. Any ideas? (1.7 CDTi)

Answers

Sound like brake pads need replacing - Dan from Kent

Vauxhall Antara 2012

I want a fixed flange towball fitted to my Vauxhall Antara and I need to know if the Antara is Trailer Prepared? Thanks. (2.2 Exclusiv 4WD)

Answers

Yes the 2.2 Antara 4x4 does come prepared for towing trailers etc. It also comes with a rear suspension auto level when a trailer is fitted, all you have to do is hook the trailer up and ur set to go. Hope this helps - Peter Valler from Lancashire

I have just fitted one. Not all Antaras are fully trailer prep. If you have a blanked of loom plug under the offside rear all you would then need is the end loom from Vauxhall and then sps programming. If this plug is not there it needs a retrofit loom kit extra. The plug this goes into is in the boot on offside under side trim – Alan Rogers from England

Vauxhall Astravan 2000

My Vauxhall Astravan`s engine mangement light comes on and I lose all power. Does anybody know what could be causing this and how to resolve it please?

Answers

Try the crankshaft sensor, cause mine was doing that, so after I changed it, it was ok, it’s going like a dream, now - Jai Guest from Staffordshire

Hello there, regarding the issue of the crankshaft sensor with your van, did it reset itself once you turn the engine off before you fixed it? Kerry Knight from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva`s driver`s side window goes down okay but when I try to put it back up it goes about half way and then comes back down. What could be causing the problem? (Design)

Answers

I’m not a mechanic but I do know that the meriva "Learns" when the window is all the way up, I tested this recently when changing the indicator relay. Try disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it. Make sure you have your radio code handy before you do this. The Engine Mangement system will also have to relearn how the engine performs so take it for a test run after you do this. Dave Campbell from Inverness-shire

Hi, windows do have to learn, but they must be able to go all the way up and down for the relay to switch, if it don’t switch it won’t learn. Clean the glass inside and out then spray inside and out with Silicon spray, work the window up and down pushing it a little until it goes down and clicks: after a few times all should be ok. Now wipe the window dry. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

It would seem that my Vauxhall Vectra`s clutch has gone but the garage are saying that the Hydraulic sequential box may have gone as well. The orginal quote has gone up by £54 pounds, stating it comes as a seperate part and is not part of the clutch. How can I tell if this part does need replacing? (1.8 Elite)

Answers

You should be able to get a three piece clutch kit that has the hydraulic part with it but you can tell yourself if it has gone by taking the inspection plate off which is under the engine. Take it off and check for any fluid coming out when you push on the clutch peddle and another way is to check your brake fluid. If low top it up then drive round and for a couple of miles when you get home check if it gone down. If it has then your hydraulic system does need changing - Paul from Cardiff

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1.6 takes about 20-30 minutes to warm up from start (longer than normal compared to other cars I`ve had for temperature indicator reaching halfway). As soon as the car is driven smoothly outside town or downhill or on the motorway the temperature indicator drops to zero. Hence the heater is ineffective as only cold air is blown inside the car. I recently fitted a new thermostat but still have the same problem. Can anyone help please? Many thanks.

Answers

possible cause is ineffective water pump as you have replaced the thermostat, bleeding the system is a must, however if pressure inside the system is not viable, replace the water pump as well - Vauxhall from England

Hi, first of all the water pump is in perfect condition, otherwise you will have very high temp. Second you have to touch the radiator (that is after driving for a while) and see if is warm or hot, if so then every thing is alright, except your problem with the heater which I suspect the water does not enter the heater, that is why you have cold air. I think there is an electric shut off valve you must find and change - Kayal Chucri from France

Pollen filter needs to be replaced. Had this problem on my Astra. Quick cure - Me cleverclogs from Lancashire

Also check the radiator is not blocked as it can be cold at one bit and very hot at the other end but if the end with the temp sender is at the cold end your car will register as cold but the engine could boil - Obewan Kenobi from Scotland

Vauxhall Zafira 2000

How do I change my Vauxhall Zafira`s starter motor becuase I can only find one bolt and one nut to undo?

Answers

How do I change my Vauxhall Zafira starter motor becuase I can only find one bolt and one nut to undo?

We’ve just done this on an ’04 2.2 dti diesel. You will need to move the diesel filter to the right and hold it out of the way with wire or whatever. We loosened the battery tray to make it easier to access the upper bolt which also holds a plate which is attached to part of the loom. It is removed towards the battery side. Under the starter you have a special bolt which holds the earth lead and the starter. There is a heat shield which is held on by 3 small bolts. Torx 11 I think. There is a bracket at the rear which has 2 10mm nuts, one of which holds the heat shield. The other end of the bracket shares a bolt with another bracket and is also Torx no 12 this time. To access this bolt we had to drop off the plastic trunking protecting the cables above the starter and over to the alternator. There are 3 Torx screw holding this on. The starter can be removed by passing it up past where the diesel filter is normally as long as the rear bracket and heat shield are off already. We gave up on trying to remount the plastic trunking just cable tied the cables together and made sure they were well away from the heat shield. We refitted the starter then the rear bracket, cables and all the rest. Don’t fully tighten any bolts until you have all of them in and almost tight. The car stalled after 10 seconds and took a couple of attempts to fire up probably as we had turned the filter over in order to access the motor. It’s not a job for the faint hearted and you will need the Torx sockets at least no 11 & 12. You should get a 10 as if you need to clean your EGR valve and do other stuff you will need one. You could probably do it by dropping the exhaust and driveshaft but we did the way described above and without a ramp you would be brave to try this. However it was worth all the grief as the difference is amazing and we must have save a fortune in labour. Hope this is of help. I forgot to say: When re-connecting the battery make sure the ignition is off and you have a cup of tea while the ECU resets itself as otherwise you might block it out and that requires a visit to the dealer I have been told... Mike from France

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2010

My Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch`s engine malfunction light keeps flashing, even when running and the car is quite sluggish. Any ideas? (sri)

Answers

Change oil and change plugs. Possibly clean out the throttle body - Martin from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

My Vauxhall Vectra`s heater packed up about four months ago and recently I have started to get a clicking noise coming from the dashboard. It comes and goes every couple of seconds. Can anyone help? (SRI 1.8 Petrol)

Answers

Turn heater up when on cold the flaps at the back of the heater click open if your heater broke on cold these could be trying to open then close!! Bob from Pembrokeshire

There’s a known fault in these cars where the little electric motor and gearbox which control the air valves for the heating inside the dashboard strips a teeth on one of the internal cogs and sits there trying to move the air valves but gets stuck on the damaged tooth - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2008

My 2008 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 sxi has from time to time a strong petrol smell in the cabin. It`s been checked by several mechanics who all report no leaks. Any answers people?

Answers

I have had a smell of petrol in my car since I got it at 3 years old, it’s not there all the time but sometimes it’s really strong and 5 mechanics have looked at it and said there is no problem, so if you find out, please let me know! Lynne Ball from Lancashire

My son had the same problem with his 2008 Corsa and took it to several garages before we found out what was wrong. It appears to be a common fault and can’t believe no one picked up on it! One of the main pipes at the back of the engine was burst all the way down, only cost him about £30 to get sorted - Lynn from Scotland

I had the exact same problem, it turned out to be a split breather pipe which is apparently a very common problem with Vauxhalls. They are around £5 to buy and easy to fit - Kirsty D from Renfrewshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2004

There is a rattling noise coming from my Vauxhall Zafira`s timing belt area when I start the engine . It sounds so bad, like losing kind of pressure. This just started all of a sudden but the engine is not knocked. If something`s wrong could it mean a major problem? I have parked it now for fear of driving it around. Any ideas? (life)

Answers

Have a look at your pully on the a/c compressor - John Birnie from Aberdeenshire

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2000

This morning my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s alarm went off. I unlocked and locked my car. A few hours later I got in the car and the interior light was on and won’t switch off at all. When I put the key in the ignition the beeping sound goes off, the same as when you open the door when your keys are left in the ignition. My air bag light is on and when I indicate right the interior light flickers in time with the indicator. Does anybody have any idea what has happened? Thanks.

Answers

Have you found a solution to your problem? This has just happened to me!! But now when the interior light goes out the radio comes on?? John Binns from Lancashire

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

Can anyone tell me how many miles your warranty lasts on a Vauxhall Insignia?

Answers

Hi. Warranty is up to 100K or 3 years whichever comes first - Kris Kielar from Middlesex

The warranty you were told is right but it only applies if you are the origional owner you get zip if you bought it second hand - Ewan Underwood from Northamptonshire

In answer to the question, you actually get the remainder of the 3 year warranty even if you buy a used Vaxuhall from a main dealer. The none transferrable warranty only in affect on new cars with the lifetime warranty. I had this confirmed by Vauxhall and have paperwork to prove it. My car is a 2011 Insignia SRI VX Line - Phil Holloway from Lancashire

Vauxhall Vivaro 2012

My Vauxhall Vivaro`s radio automatically switches off after about 5 minutes when the key is out of the ignition. I was hoping that this could be changed, or at least extended to an hour perhaps. Any suggestions?

Answers

Check the manual for the radio - you can either have it switch off with the ignition off, switch off after 5 mins or stay on. Can’t remember how to do it - but went through the same exercise with mine - Cal G from Scotland

I have this with mine, it’s not possible to change this behaviour in spite of what the manual implies. After 6 mins the ECU shuts down to conserve power as most systems run through the ECU that’s it for the radio. Vauxhall were of no help and suggested it was a printing error in the manual! Chris Neary from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2008

My 2008 1.9 cdti sri Vauxhall Vectra has developed a fault where I couldn`t select a few gears, first, second and third sometimes. All are okay apart from first now. It feels solid when I try to push the gearstick into first gear leaving me to pull away in second which isn`t good. Any ideas? (1.9 cdti sri)

Answers

Can you reliably select first gear with the engine off? If so it points to either the clutch not disengaging properly (new clutch time), or worn synchro cones in the gearbox (gearbox re-build time). If the problem remains with the engine off, it is most likely that the gear selector rods / linkage between the bottom of the gearstick and the gearbox need adjusting - Paul Marchant from England

Vauxhall Tigra 2007

Where is the pollen filter located on my Vauxhall Tigra?

Answers

The panel that the wipers come out of, the black one, to the left of the battery there is a compartment underneath which houses it, you have to remove a small panel, and the rubber seal between scuttle and engine bay, two clips in housing fold up, pull out filter. Sounds complicated, takes minutes - Mervyn Roberts from Ceredigion

Vauxhall Vectra 2003

When driving my Vauxhall Vectra I find sometimes my dials keep jumping to zero then go back to where they were. When I touch my stereo it shuts off and comes back on as well and my dash lights up and shows a picture of my steering wheel, then goes back to normal. Does anyone know what this means?

Answers

More than likely your alternator/battery on its way out... Same thing happened to me. Amongst other symptoms.... abs lights, heavy steering, clicking in dash, unable to restart car... Mike Hopper from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Zafira 2006

My Vauxhall Zafira`s doors will not lock, the locking system is not working even when I change the battery of the key. Only the front door could be locked manually. Please can anyone tell me what to do? Thanks.

Answers

Put your key in the ignition turn it to position 2, that’s when the dash lights come on then hold the lock button in on the key, the dooors will lock then unlock that should do it - Matt Payne from Essex

The remote reset will work for the front but if the rear doors aren’t locking/unlocking when the key is used then it’s probably the wiring connections through the rear doors that are the problem. Remove the rear door trims and check the condition of the wiring, it is a common problem. Re-soldering any gaps in the wires should resolve the issue - Kevin Rowe from Durham

Vauxhall Vectra 2000

Hi. With myy Vauxhall Vectra 1 .8 ls I`m having trouble finding where this knocking noise is coming from. I think it might be knocking the heat plate at the rear of the exchaust but I have had it cheacked by a garage and they say they couldn`t find anything wrong. Everytime I move the car it starts knocking. Any ideas?

Answers

Check the petrol pipes around the fuel filter under the car. I had the same probs, drove me mad - Kevin Coakley from England

Check bushes on rear suspension roll bar. Mine sounded like golf ball in the boot. About 6 Quid per set - j mc from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2006

My Vauxhall Vectra appears to have oil leaking from what appears to be an inspection plate underneath the gearbox. A new clutch was fitted by a garage with a somewhat dubious history recently, would they have needed to remove the inspection plate to replace the clutch or is it just coincidence? (life 1.8)

Answers

Sounds to me like the rear main oil seal has gone or a shaft seal. These should of been spotted when gear box was out and you should have been phoned with a price. The seals are very cheap, less then £10 and very easy to fit with gear box out. I would go back to garage, there is a chance they could have caused leak when installing the box - Vectra c man from Essex

Vauxhall Combo 2002

Hi, my Vauxhall Combo has been off the road for 5 months. I can jump start it and it will stay running. I take the leads off and it runs fine but when I turn the key off it won`t start without jump starting again. Is this just the battery or something else? Does anyone know?

Answers

Could be the battery, they don’t tend to like long periods of not being used but having said that I think it would be best to check that the alternator is charging properly first - Neil Read from England

What the first guy said is right on the money, have a nice day - Nelson Vieira from Portugal

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

My Vauxhall Corsa is wet on the floor of the driver`s seat. What could this be?

Answers

This happened with my husbands car and it was the drainage channels from his sunroof down the frame of the car and then the water should disperse out of drains, but if the channels get blocked the water dumps into the car instead - and can do a lot of damage behind the dashboard electrics too. You’llhave to find the channels and use a stiff bit of wire to clear them out. Liz Collinson from Gloucestershire.

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

How do I turn off the interior lights above the back seat of my Vauxhall Meriva? It is very hard to drive at night with those lights on all the time.

Answers

The switch on mine is on the roof between the front and back seats. This may be on permanently by the sounds of it - Caz Cousins from Nottinghamshire

I would phone my local Vauxhall dealer and ask for parts or workshop and they will kindly look it up on the pc for you, asking you for model year reg cc etc: so have it all ready. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Interior lights should switch off automatically when all doors are closed. See switch on the door - make sure none are broken, try pressing them by hand. Another possibility - one of the wires from the switch is making a circuit close (broken wire?) and the lights are on. Can you see an "open door” icon between your rev counter and speedo? If yes, the switch is the issue - Pete from Northumberland

The two rear interior lights in a Vauxhall Meriva are both switched on and off automatically when the doors open and close. However, this can be overridden by pressing on one end of each light which activates an override switch - Grand Pa from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

I have replaced two cambelts on my Vauxhal Vivaro Van but when I look at the water pump the cambelt has cut into the water pump and the last time it weakened the waterpump that much that it had cracked all the way through the waterpump. Has anybody had a problem like this? Thanks. (1.9 cdti 2900)

Answers

I was always told to replace everything that rotates when replacing the timing belt and that includes the water pump, this saves having to do the same job twice – Doug from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

My Vauxhall Vectra keeps cutting out when it`s temperature reaches 90. If I leave it for 30minutes then it starts again. Any ideas?

Answers

I have had the same problem with my Sri it has dogged me for the last two years gradually getting worse - Tony Higgins from Kent

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

My Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch`s reverse gear won`t work and it makes a noise when I try to select it. Also the car is leaking fluid underneath the clutch, yet all of my gears 1 to 5 are working okay. Can anyone help?

Answers

Hi. First you have to check the gearbox oil, perhaps you need to top it, after that you have to check for the leak which I suspect it is from the slave cylinder, and give a good check for the brake oil, if it needs toping , then it is the slave cylinder , or could be the pipe which goes to the slave cylinder. Good luck - Kayal Chucri from France

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

Hi, I have just bought a 2009 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTI. Occasionally the engine emits a low groaning noise when it is switched off. From a brief check on the web it could be the turbo valve sensor valve. Can anyone confirm this and advise of the costs involved in rectifying the fault?

Answers

I have a Vectra C with similar Fiat/GM based 150bhp diesel engine, don’t worry about this noise, mine does the same and has always done so and my car has now done 50k miles engine still running perfectly. It sounds like a pressure valve releasing and occurrs about 30 seconds after switching the engine off - Robert Smith from Cambridgeshire

I have had this on a brand new Insignia 2.0cdti (12 plate). Your suspicions are correct, it is a turbo valve sensor. I had to wait 2 weeks before Vauxhall got the part from Germany. Apparently it is fine to drive and it is a common fault (just bloody annoying). Mine was done under warranty. Hope this helps. Next time buy a Mondeo as I will be doing - Chris W from England

The low groaning noise from the turbo boost control valve is common (CDTI only). It usually happens when you dab the accelerator or travel in slow traffic an 1200 revs ish. It can be hard to locate and the groaning noise will sound as if it is coming from behind the dash. However, the boost control valve is mounted right at the front of the car and bolted to the top of the radiator - it will have two small pipes connected to it and an electrical connection. It is easily accessible and a really easy fix for the DIYer but be warned that the valve has a life of 60K miles ish and second hand parts may offer poor value for money - Mitchell Campion from Staffordshire

It is the turbo. Had the same on mine but Vauxhall have a fix for it so take to the dealers. A cheap fix and no more groaning - Will Lovett from Kent

Vauxhall Zafira 2001

I have just bought a Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 auto 2001 and I wanted to know what the S on the gear lever means, why I have a triangle with a skidding car in that is on and what it means? I have looked at all the pads and they are all good, lots left on them.

Answers

Not sure on the S but the light is your traction control. May be a fault on the engine management or as I had on mine one of the rear callipers is not working correctly - Carl from England

If you press the S on gear lever it puts the gearbox into sports mode - Pete Toon from England

Traction control warning light on. Check on centre console for a button with a tyre with tc written in it and try pressing it - Craig Baker from England

The "S" is sports mode, once your at stand still press the button and a S will light up on the dash, now when you drive the engine will rev alot higher before changing, allowing a more faster feel to the vehicle ;) Jas Mitchell from England

Vauxhall Combo 2004

My Vauxhall Combo has water in the driver`s footwell but is not losing any coolant and drains clear. What is it please?

Answers

I have the same issue, if you find out the issue could you let me know and I’ll do the same? Cheers - Adam I from Vale of Glamorgan

The fault is usually the seal on the plate around the brake servo I have fixed so many now! - Neil Read from England

Hi, I had same problem, turned out one of the grommets in bulkhead had come out first. Puddle footwell full off water - Chris G from England

Water gets in through the plate that the master cylinder is mounted on, the seal dries out around this steel plate. I’ve just done one, you would need to remove the scuttle where the wipers are, remove the master cylinder and vacuum servo, to get to it, some of the bolts are from inside the car you need to drop the pedal box, undoing the bolts you can prise this plate up and re seal it, it also enters in the passenger side through the top of the body. Electrical box fills up and shorts out some of the relays like door locking etc, water appears to be dripping near the heater, mine was also leaking through the plastic moulding for the heater matrix under the bonnet dripping through the screws, once you have it sealed get it dried out with a dehumidifier - Brandon from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Astravan 2000

My Vauxhall Astravan`s fan is not working. The van is not overheating but is making a pinking noise plus there is oil in the water and not in the oil. Any suggestions?

Answers

Oil in water. Is you oil cooler leaking? Common problem, not expensive to have fixed - Lee Nichols from England

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 2002

Hello, I cannot open the bonnet of my Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch. The inside lever is loose and it isn’t an issue of pulling that. I have tried thumping the bonnet in the middle towards the front to release the catch. Can I poke anything through the radiator grill to release it? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Answers

an old trick for thiefs is to get under the front of the car reach up behind the rad and pull the whole cable assembly until it releases - vauxhall from England

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

My Vauxhall Astra Estate has oil in the header tank, gasket and oil coolant changed - any suggestions? (1.7 turbo diesel)

Answers

Hi your oil cooler needs replacing which will cost about £80 - Jonny Greer from County Antrim

Vauxhall Tigra 2009

My Vauxhall Tigra`s alarm is going off and there`s water in the sound box. Any suggestions?

Answers

I have the same problem, if you find out on here please comment so I know, thank you - Hayley Donnelly from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2007

I need to replace the front nearside light bulb on my Vauxhall Corsa. and need some guidance as space to operate seems restrictive. Can anyone help? (1.4 Design)

Answers

If you remove the top of the fuse box this will give you a bit more room but it is a tight space to work in. Remove the cover at the back of the lights and put fingers in the hole. You should be able to feel the wires to the bulb, pull them and out comes the bulb. Watch which way the bulb comes out as it has to go back the same way - Skyboo from Norfolk

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva`s speedometer needle moves erratically whilst driving and the car hesitates but doesn’t cut out. When the engine is turned off and I come back to use it later it won’t start, it will turn over but not fire up. In the past it has eventually started and been okay for a while without any problems, but now it won’t start at all. It has had a new ecu fitted about 4 months ago because it was doing the same thing and I thought the problem was sorted but it`s still happening. Any ideas please because I’m running out of patience and money? Thanks. (1.4 life)

Answers

To be honest I haven’t a clue but what I would do is, if you still have it then put the old ecu back on and make sure that everything is absolutely clean, get some switch cleaning spray from Maplin, also clean up every single one of the battery + and - terminals individually one by one, Vauxhall are always packing loads of earth wires together and they can cause all sorts of problems including your alternator going puff. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Movano 2007

Does a Vauxhall Movano van have a cam belt or a chain? It is 12 weeks off an 08. (cdti.LWB)

Answers

Cam belt - Edi White from England

Vauxhall Agila 2002

Yesterday, after switching off the ignition, I got a beeping sound when I opened the driver’s door of my Vauxhall Agila. This is new to me. I checked to be certain that all possible switches were off but the noise persisted. I do not hold a users manual. Can anyone help?

Answers

It peep’s either because keys are still in the ignition or the lights are still on, this will be low beam, full beam or interior - Alan Shine from England

Vauxhall Movano 2003

My Vauxhall Movano van starts, drives, then cuts out and stops. We have changed the high pressure pump, fuel sensor top and bottom, this has made a little difference but it still stops. Any suggestions please?

Answers

You need to change a fuel filter - Denis from England

Hi, I think I have had the same problem with an old Fiat Ducato i had... It is air getting into the fuel system - Michael Fawcett from England

Yes, on the high pressure diesel left of engine a small component with a wire coming from it controls diesel pressure. It’s that every time, fault makes van stall all the time... 2nd hand Renault part will fit fine... Mark Bradshaw from England

It is the injectors, you can get them reconditiond or buy new. I had the same problem. I had a bleed test dune and found 2 injectors faulty. Changed them with 2 second hand ones and it was good as new for 1000 miles then it started again. Spoke to a mechanic who said when injectors start to go it is better to do all of them as they are probably all on there way out. I changed all and now van is good as new, has done 2.000 miles no prob - Clifford Woolley from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2008

Hi all. I was wondering if you could possibly help? I have a 2008 Vauxhall Vivaro with a minor remote locking problem. You can remotely unlock the van and the indicators flash as normal and you can lock the van remotely with the key but the the indicators DO NOT flash as they should although all doors are locked etc as normal. Any ideas anyone? I would be very grateful, thanks.

Answers

Hi, if you open the rear door and look at the bottom left above the bumper you should see a button, there should be a little knob on the door itself that pushes on the button when the door is shut, the knob my be missing there will just be a hole there, I had the same problem I must of knocked it off somewhere. I just glued something to the door and it sorted it - Michael Cason from Bedfordshire

We had exactly the same. The rear door push that operates the switch - Phil Smith from Cornwall

Vauxhall Vectra 2002

The rear view mirror on my Vauxhall Vectra has a flashing yellow light underneath it that flashes constantly when the headlights are turned on. What is this as I cannot find any info on it? Please help!

Answers

Hi, your rear view mirror is fitted with a sensor that makes the mirror tint when some one is behind you with their full beam on, helping not to dazzle you. The light is a indication that it is working fine - Frank Stan from England

I know that’s what it is supposed to do but it doesn’t dim, and I was told that the amber light should stay on and not flash? I have bought a replacement but can’t figure out how the housing comes off to replace it? Don’t want to force it in case I break it. Is there an easy way to do it? Paul Jenner from Essex

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

Where is the horn located on the Vauxhall Astra Estate?

Answers

The horn is located under the front bumper on the passangers side tuck up on the chassis arm. Hope that helps - Sam Young from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Zafira 2010

I am thinking of buying a Vauxhall Zafira which has no spare wheel or jack. The seller says it was not supplied with one. Is this right? (energy)

Answers

Yes this is correct, a lot of new cars come without a spare wheel and a jack now. Instead they come with a can of ’puncture repair in a can’ or something like that it`s called! Basically it repairs your puncture without having to change your wheel but as far as I know it only lasts for a certain amount of miles so you can get to a garage to have the puncture repaired properly! I`ve never used one of these so am not aware of how reliable they are! - Nicole Hartley from England

Vauxhall Vivaro 2007

I renewed the rear crankshaft oil seal 1800 on my Vauxhall Vivaro a thousand miles ago and it is now leaking again. Any suggestions?

Answers

If it is within a year the company should replace it under warranty - Bob James from England

Sounds like a good enough reason to scrap it; they are poorly built, unreliable vans. Get a Toyota instead - John Partridge from England

Vauxhall Vectra 1997

Hi. After reaching the working temperature of ~90-92 degrees my Vauxhall Vectra does not have power as it does when it’s cold. The MAF sensor has been changed, the recirculation system has been cleaned, the EGR valve has also been changed, the air filter is new, the catalytic converter has been cleaned and the vacuum pumps have been checked by a technician. There is no management light, nothing, it just does not have power. What should I check next? Thank you. (X20DT)

Answers

Hi. I had the same problem with my 03. Took it to an auto electrician and put it on a reader, it came up with the code p0400. When reading up on it I saw a review which said if you cut the fourth wire on the egr valve very close (it’s a black and grey one) it will sort the problem. I thought what the hell so tried it - worked a treat and not been on since. Apparently its a well known fault with the Vauxhall. Let me know how you get on, regards - Frank Stan from England

Vauxhall Corsa 2002

I have a Vauxhall Corsa SXI 2002. When I started the car it sounded a bit loud, but it then settled down. After 15 minutes of driving I stopped at the traffic lights and all of the dashboard lights came on, my car cut out and smoke started to come out of the bonnet and the car set on fire.The car is now a total write off! Does anyone know what the reason could have been?

Answers

The guard probably fell off the air con and fan belt hence the noise, the belt probably snapped and the cooling system failed. I take it you were on a journey travelling more than a couple of hours? Once the engine reaches a critical fire point (heat) it will burst into flames and opening the bonnet provided the oxygen to mix in a healthy fire combustion. Glad you never tried to put the fire out as the damage is too great as the heat would warp metal and melt critical mechanisms - Chris Kirby from Germany

Vauxhall Tigra 2006

Is anyone able to help please? The boot of my 2006 Vauxhall Tigra stopped working a week ago. The following day the battery was dead. The AA said that the battery was too old and replaced it for me, at a price of course. The roof and boot still didn’t work, but he was adamant that this wouldn’t affect my battery. Well, my battery is completely dead again! What’s the matter with my car?

Answers

My Tigra done the same and it was because it had a standard battery in it and when I got a large battery it worked and has been fine for 3 years now - Sara King from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 2003

I just bought my Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch a few weeks ago and it is getting through at least a 2ltr tub of oil a week! There is a lot of smoke that`s coming from the exhaust and splatters oil at the same time. Does anyone know what could be causing this?

Answers

I had exactly the same on my Astra vxr 2 weeks ago! Had it in to Andy Stockhall Motors in Widnes! (Vauxhall specialist) Diagnosed turbo main bearing breathing oil into the engine!! Cost me £550 for a new turbo fitted with oil restrictor bolt modification! Cheapest by far! Apparently turbo’s and gearbox’s are common faults with them! Hope this helps!! Johnboy from England

Vauxhall Vectra 2004

I am having trouble with my Vauxhall Vectra starting. First thing in the morning it boots up straight away but then after driving it for say 15 minutes, leaving it for about an hour, it takes about 5 to 10 attempts to start with a big cloud of white smoke coming out pf the exhaust. Any ideas? (dti)

Answers

Sounds like egr problem or perhaps a timing sensor - Matt from Essex