VAUXHALL ASTRA ESTATE: Questions and answers

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1996

How do I get to the fuel pump on my Vauxhall Astra Estate Opel and what checks can I do on it before removing or replacing it?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

My Vauxhall Astra Estate`s central locking has no power but none of the fuses have blown. Any suggestions? (1.6 Design)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

Will a passenger side mirror for a Vauxhall Astra fit on my Vauxhall Astra Estate okay? (Club)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2007

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

Answers

Discs front and back - Sean from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

Hi. I have a 2ltr dti Vauxhall Astra Estate, fitted with a f23 gearbox. The gear lever assembly is the cable type and is very loose. The part that is worn is the socket that the lever fits into. It seems this cannot be purchased seperately, you have to buy the whole housing ranging from £150 to £200 for a part that should cost no more than around a fiver. Does anyone know where I can source this small but important part from? (Club)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1997

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2002

I own a Vauxhall Astra Estate. Can anyone tell me what is code 0400 egr?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2006

I have just purchased a Vauxhall Astra Estate and the CD player works but the radio doesn`t. Has anybody got any ideas? (Astra Club CDTI 10)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

My Vauxhall Astra Estate`s gear lever is sloppy. I have narrowed it down to the socket that the ball of the gear stick sits in being very worn. This type of gear stick assembly is unique to the 2.0ltr and v6 models and uses cables, not a bar. Vauxhall don’t sell this part seperately and want around £200 for a whole new assembly. Does anyone know if you can get this socket elsewhere? (2.0ltr dti)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1997

My central locking keeps locking when I stop the car OR unlocking once I’ve left it! Can anyone help, please?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2007

How many miles to the gallon should I get in my Vauxhall Astra Estate? (Life)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2007

My Vauxhall Astra Estate has a whistling sound coming from the turbo but it still runs okay and has plenty of power. Does anyone know why? (1.7.cdti)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2006

I have just bought an Astra and on its first long journey the engine management light came on. As it has a 3 month warranty I took it back to the dealer. They say, when they tried it the engine management did not come on and they maintain no record of fault came up on testing, says maybe it just cleared itself. Is this possible or have they just reset the light. Have not picked up car yet as feel sure they are fobbing me off. It only happened when the engine got hot due to longer journey. Please help, thank you.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2003

The temperature gauge on my Vauxhall Astra Estate has stopped working, the immobiliser and coolant dash lights go out and on intermittently and the engine revs increase and decrease with the lights. I have changed the ecu, thermostat and thermostat sensor. Can anybody help? (1.7 tdi)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

Hi, I bought a Vauxhall Astra estate 1.6-litre petrol 2005. I don’t know if it has timing belt or chain... It has done over 80,000 miles - can anyone advise?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2007

My Astra estate cdti keeps cutting out every time I put my foot down or let the turbo kick in but if I drive steady its okay. Could someone please give some suggestions? (cdti 90 special edition)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2004

When should the turbo kick in on a Vauxhall Astra turbo diesel Estate?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2006

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

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

Answers

Once again the EGR - Choukri Kayal from France

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

The ignition light on my Vauxhall Astra kept showing and going off and now more recently it comes on more often and sometimes find the car stalls when slowing down or stopping. Any help please?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

Hi. I replaced the engine on my Vauxhall Astra but it will not start. I checked all the wiring, the fuel pressure seems low. What can I do? Please help.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2002

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

My Astra is a diesel and I have just found oil in the water chamber. I have checked my oil and that is normal. It seems to run OK. Is this something I should worry about?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

My Vauxhall Astra’s mileometer has put the lifetime mileage of the car to zero? Can anyone help please?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

My rear heated window and heated door mirror no longer work. The relay doesn’t click on. I’ve checked the relay, plus the fuse and wiring, to the hatch, these check out OK. Does anyone know how to fix this fault?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

Not starting!! My Astra estate 1.6 manual petrol seems to have a mind of its own. It’s an R reg which I think is 1998? On occasion, when I try to start the car all the electrics will come on as normal but when I try to fire the ignition nothing will happen, no noise, no clicks, absolutely nothing. But all the electrics stay on, no dip in power either. Every garage I have spoken to said they cant help unless the car won’t start when its there, but then it starts just fine. Can anyone shed some light on this please? Thanks.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2004

Hi there. I have a Vauxhall Astra estate 1.7-litre dti. The revs will not go above 3.4 or won’t reach 4.0. I don’t know why, thanks for anyone help.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

Can anyone tell me where the oil pressure switch is located on my 1999 Vauxhall Astra?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

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

Answers

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

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2002

Hi, my battery was disconnected. When reconnected I put the radio code in, the radio works normally but when I switch on the CD player the screen shows CDC Safe. It is a Phillips 600 radio, fitted as original equipment. Does anyone know what I need to do to get my radio working again? (CDX B Model)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2007

There seems to be no power to the back (rear) door on my Vauxhall Astra Estate. There are no lights and I cannot open the door even when the car is unlocked. Any suggestions?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2003

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

Answers

It goes into the expansion tank - Sean from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

My Vauxhall Astra Estate is losing water but no signs of creamy white in oil... and it is not over heating either. It is also miss firing when idling. Can anyone help as I don’t want to shell out money on all number of things...

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

I have a 1998 Vauxhall Astra Estate that does not have an adjustable steering column. Can it be lowered by fitting a packer to bracket?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1994

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

Has anyone had to fix a broken window wiper control arm on a Vauxhall Astra Estate? I was too eager with the window washers and it has completely snapped off from the steering column. Can’t survive winter without wipers and a screen wash! (Club)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

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

Answers

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2006

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

Answers

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

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2011

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

Answers

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

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2006

My garage has told me that there is a broken engine bracket on my Vauxhall Astra Estate. Can I fit it or does it require specialist (ie a garage) to carry out the repair?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

My Vauxhall Astra Estate dti wont start. The battery, starter and alternator are all ok and I’ve also had a new ignition switch but to no avail. Any further ideas anyone?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

Does anyone know how the interior panels come off inside a Vauxhall Astra Estate? Thank you.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

I have bought a pollen cabin filter to replace the old one on my Vauxhall Astra Estate 1.7D. Could somebody please tell me where it’s situated on my car type? Thank you.

Answers

It’s usually behind the glove box, so remove that and then it’s in the centre behind the radio. There is one screw to undo on the flap then you just slide the old filter out. It’s a bit of a fiddly job - Steve Astra from Surrey

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1996

I have an Opel Astra 160I 1996 model with a single injection system. The engine code is 16NZ. It will not start if I crank it but starts when I roll-start it. Could I please get some advice on the possible cause? Thank you.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

How do I disable the passenger airbag on my Y-reg Astra Estate please? I have a carrycot type car seat for my newborn daughter that takes up all the back seat but occasionally I have to carry passengers so she will go in the front seat but I need to disable the airbag for her to be safe. Any help gratefully received.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

The indicators on the dash have all gone out, is it a fuse in the engine bay?

Answers

There are usually two fuse boxes, one under the bonnet and one in LHS of the boot on MK5 Astra and on MK4, there’s a fuse box below and to RHS of steering wheel behind mini glove compartment. So check those too as it is most likely to be a fuse that’s the problem - Steve Warren from Surrey

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1997

How do I get to change the spark plugs?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

In my Vauxhall Astra club 1.6 petrol 8-valve (2000), when in traffic and the temperature rises to 90 degrees centigrade and it becomes extremely difficult to change gears. This does not change until the engine cools down to normal working temperature. Could anyone please indicate a cause of this and any possible remedy? Thanks. (Astra Club 8-valve)

Answers

If your cooling system is working well then you need to check the gear box. I think your clutch does not open or you burned the clutch - Ronald from Ghana

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

Can this car run on biodiesel? (cdti 1.3 life)

Answers

Well, don’t know about the 1.3 but the 1.7 cdti life 80 ps does :-) 54 plate - Matt Jackson from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

Oil is getting in the water coolant bottle car still runs great but what’s making the oil get in? (Diesel)

Answers

The head gasket is away - Ian Crawford from Renfrewshire

Head gasket - Ash from England

Be careful, I had this prob spent loads on getting head gasket done and it wasn’t that at all (this is main dealer), it still had oily water. It was a small seal to do with the turbo, cost four quid and it has never done it again. The water stayed crystal clear - Baz Chatten from Essex

I own a 2001 1.7 Astra estate and I have had that trouble twice and each time it has been the oil cooler, have that checked before paying out for the head gasket - Edward Mantle from Cardiff

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

Why doesn’t this model have a temperature gauge?

Answers

There is a test mode where you can see car speed in kph and engine temp in degrees centigrade. With the stereo turned on, press and hold the ’Settings’ button next to volume dial on head unit till you hear a beep, then press BC button below 8 or 9 times. You will scroll through info about the car in the main info screen depending on the system installed in your dash. The temperature usually sits between 80 and 90 degrees on my 2006 petrol Astra - Steve Warren from Surrey

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2003

My ABS light comes on after 3 minutes of driving or so, what could be the problem? I have a loose wire with plug next to left front wheel.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2008

Hi, anyone out there know how to get the onboard computer telling me miles left , fuel comsuption, etc? Thanks. (1.8 desien)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

The engine management light comes on about 45mph and will go out if you accelerate. What is causing this? (1.9tdi)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2003

Hi we have an automatic club Astra. Great car but about six months ago, it started stalling when decelerating and coming up to junctions, tried new throttle box and a new throttle pedal with electrics. Now tried new switch on gearbox. Running out of ideas and money. Any help appreciated, even the mechanic doesn’t know.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998

I have changed the cylinder head gasket and set up the timing belt in the correct place but car will not start. Why?

Answers

Maybe possible of needing either a new starter motor or alternator - Connor Anderson from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

Hi, my husband is having trouble removing their rear wiper blade housing from his Astra Estate. He has managed to lift up a covering cap and found the bot/nut, this just will not budge, he’s covered it in WD40 but still no joy. Has anyone got any tips? He is in fear of damaging the whole thing if sheer brute force is applied!

Answers

Those things get stuck there like a fatty in front of the TV. What you need to do is get a small puller, the type that goes under cover and put the threaded section against the stud holding the wiper on. Drank her up, have her off. Simples, like this one - http://www.fordtraktordeler.no/images/galleri/images/ters.jpg - Daniel from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

Hi, when starting my diesel car, I let the engine management light go off before attemping to start it. Most times, my engine management light flashes and wont alow me to start my car. HELP! (1.7 cdti.)

Answers

I had a similar problem, I am using my spare key now and it hasn’t happened again - Sean from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2001

The display for time, date and outside temperature has stopped working. The battery has not been disconnected. Any ideas please?

Answers

This happened on mine. I would try changing the bulbs in the unit first, they are directly in the display. If that doesn’t work, the unit has gone. Mine was the bulbs, there are two behind there - Michelle from England

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1997

I just fitted new brake shoes and now the handbrake does not work. Why?

Answers

When you fitted the brake shoes, did you adjust the handbrake adjuster? Where the bar goes across the top of the the two shoes at the side is a small rachet type catch. These are supposed to be auto adjust but they quite often don’t work very well. By using a screwdriver, you can rachet them up which will adjust the handbrake cable. Do a couple of clicks on each side and retest until you have roughly 4/5 clicks on the hand brake - Paul Crook from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate

I have a Vauxhall Astra estate and the central locking system has gone. I can only open the driver’s door. I can not put any diesel in as the little door for petrol cap will not open. Any suggestions on how I can do this?

Answers

When the car is open, pop a screwdriver in the finger pull on the filler cap and push it towards the back of the car to release the catch and pop open. Once open, clean the catch up. Mine was caked in cr*p but once it was cleaned, I could open it. As for the central locking system, find a local scrapyard for a new motor. It’s much cheaper then buying a new one from rip-off Vauxhall. It is located in the driver door. You may have to take it out yourself or if you ask the owners, they may take it out for you but may charge a bit more. Not sure where in Bucks you are but Freddie Cox in Bleakhall Milton Keynes or ASM in Aylesbury and Thame are both places I’ve used before. ASM remove the car parts and you just pick the part up. Hope this helps - Paul Crook from Buckinghamshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2002

The display of the clock, date and temperature has disappeared since havivg the interier valeted. Can it be re-established?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2002

Is there an on-board computer on this vehicle?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1996

My cars coil keeps getting hot and cuts the power to the car making my car stall, this is especially when I’m in traffic and when the weather is hot. If I cool the coil down with a wet towel (as my local mechanic advised me to) or when I swop the coil with another one the car starts and works again but only for a short while before the coil overheats again and makes the car break down again. Is there anything else I can do to fix this problem properly? Can I put a bigger coil on my car (example one made for the same make but for the 180i or 200i motor instead)? Please advise as this has been informed to me a common fault with this make of car. (1.6i)

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1999

The windscreen wipers do not re-set, might this be a Relay or fuse problem. Or is it something to do with the wiper motor itself? Any suggestions? (Club)

Answers

I had the same problem with my 1.6 2001 Astra. I thought it might be a relay but it turned out to be the motor wearing out. I changed it (took about 15 or 20 mins) and everything worked OK - Steve from Swansea

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2007

There is a squealing noise coming from the back wheels after a distance. The noise disapears when braking. Does anyone know why this might be?

Answers

That sounds like wheel bearings to me. Usually, if noises appear when braking, it’s pads or discs, when the noise disappears on breaking, it is usually bearings. My 2p worth :o) Rob Barron from Dorset

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2006

I have a Vauxhall Astra Estate 2006. I have no water coming out of the washers, the motors are working, what can it be?

Answers

I had the same problem, my dad replaced the fuse, apparantly it is a common thing on Vauxhalls when it get icy and snow, my fusebox was in the boot on the left hand side, think there were 2 screw like things to open it and the fuse diagram was in the manual - Jo P from Oxfordshire

Sounds like the filter is blocked up. If you pull the motor out from the water bottle you can get in at the rubber filter. The filter is like a wee plug. When you have it out clean it and flush the bottle out to clear it out - Stephen Keenan from County Fermanagh

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1997

My car is overheating, temperature gauge goes to red. I checked water level in radiator and there was no pressure when I undid the cap. I’ve changed temperature gauge sensor but I’ve still got the problem - can anyone help?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2005

I would like to know when I should have the timing belt changed on my car? Thank you.

Answers

It is recommended that you change the timing belt every 60,000 miles - Shahid Noor from England

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2002

I have just bought this car and have noticed that an orange light has come on. It is not the oil light, it is situated in the middle of the mph display. Could anybody tell me what it is? Thanks in advance.

Answers

It’s an engine management light telling you that something is not right, it’s probebly the exhaust gas emissions valve that needs cleaning - Maggie Jack from Ayrshire

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2002

How often should I change the timing belt?

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2000

My question is: I have been trying to look up the insurance group for my Astra Club 8 v estate year 2000. We bought it in 2003 but I cannot find any information on our model, as I would like to know what insurance group it is, and what CO2 it is? It also doesn’t do very well on the fuel front - very juicy indeed. We are thinking of changing to a smaller, cheaper insurance and Road Tax and hopefully more miles to the litre. Can anyone recomend a car fitting that description?? Many thanks.