Conference terri::cars_uk

    Thought I'd share this rivetting experience with you, in case it is of
    help to anyone else.
    
    Wiper screech - problem and cure.
    
    From new, my SRi had suffered from wiper screech. After weeks of ignoring
    it, I finally got round to finding a fix after a journey during which my
    two young sons began making up silly songs to the wipers' accompaniment.
    
    Symptoms: The screech had a metallic timbre, was not affected by how wet
    the screen was, present on both wiper speeds, screeched on both the up 
    and down sweep - weird.
    
    I tried most of the usual tricks, cleaning screen to remove wax, swapping
    wiper blades around etc, to no avail.
    
    Then I noticed how little clearance there is for the wiper arms - the
    pivots are actually under the bonnet and the arms pass through a
    gap between the window surround and the back edge of the bonnet. On
    closer inspection, sure enough, I found that the spring on the
    underside of one of the wiper arms was scraping away rubber from the
    window surround.
    
    The cure: a carefully judged bend of the wiper arm to raise the angle
    of the arm and give sufficient clearance. Not too much or it fouls the
    edge of the bonnet.
    
    Not a lot of people know that.
    
    Brian.
    

    Well I too have had problems with my new SRi, unfortunately not just
    wiper problems. I got the car two months ago, and three times I have 
    had exactly the same problem:
    
    1.  Journey home from Solent to Basingstoke on days when I need the 
        car in the evening.
    
    2.  Stop to buy paper/milk etc
    
    3.  Come back to car and it won't start.
    
    The engine turns over beautifully, but there's no spark. Each time the 
    RAC has towed me to the local Vauxhall dealer.
    
    First time:   Two days later, car OK, pick it up, not too concerned, 
                  it's a company car after all.

    Second time:  Two days later, car OK, this time I asked what was wrong
                  Fobbed off with "Oh we just recharged the battery". Grow
                  suspicious.
    
    Third time:   Two days later, car OK, moan like Hell at Vauxhall dealer,
                  he says "we recharged the battery", I say "*@%^&#&%^@!!,
                  but engine turned over with no problem, RAC man says that 
                  coil seems dodgy", he says "we recharged battery", I say
                  "blah blah blah so why did it discharge? Why did engine
                  turn over? Why didn't you fix it after first two attempts?"
                  He says "we recharged battery". I say "Well I'll see you 
                  in a month's time when it breaks down again then" and 
                  leave.

    
    Andy

    
    My SRi had the wiper noise too, but it went away eventually of its
    own accord... probably wore away the rubber trim.
    

	I have an unusual and expensive problem with the clutch on my
    Cavalier and I was wondering whether anyone else has had the same
    problem or whether I have just been unfortunate. 

	The car is an A reg 1600 GLS Cavalier done 110k miles.

	Most people when they have problems with the clutch on their car,
    have problems with the clutch assembly or the clutch cable. Not so my 
    car!!

	On the Cavalier the clutch pedal is mounted on a bracket, which is 
    held by two bolts onto a plate behind the dashboard. What has happened
    on my car is that the bolt nearest the driver has pulled through the
    plate, so that the clutch pedal is waving around in the breeze. ( not
    a lot of use when you want to change gear.) As I am working in France
    and didn't think to bring such things as welding equipment with me, I
    have put the car into the local Opel dealer. The garage told me the
    repair would take 2 weeks and cost 3200 francs ( ~340 quid). 

	I would be interested to know whether this is a design fault on
    the Cavalier, or whether the previous owner had been particularly 
    heavy footed on this car.

		Stephen Kell

    

Why not drill two holes in a steel plate, and mount that over the damaged panel,
then bolt the clutch pedal assembly through the damaged panel to the new plate.

Cost: negligible
Time: an hour or two at most

Scott

    hi,
    
       A friend of mine had the same problem. It only took a hole drilled
    from above the plate in the engine bay and a large bolt fitted. This
    cured the problem. Cost was minimal, but ensure you drill the hole in
    the right place, I think from memory that the hole is drilled area that 
    could catch water and therfore if you miss with the first attempt and
    have to drill again you may have a water leak.
    
                           Alan.
    

    The problem I have is a horrible noise from the steering at the limits
    of lock.  In fact I haven't been in a Cavalier yet that doesn't exhibit
    the same problem so I was rather suprised that it hasn't been mentioned
    already.  Any ideas ?
    
    Regards
    
    Nigel
    

    I have had this in other cars. The explanation is that when the
    steering hits the end stop, the turning bits start to graunch. It is
    only really a problem with power steering, as manual steerers tend not
    to go to the limits. The solution is not to use tha last millimeter of
    lock.
    
    Steve

Maybe this should be in the silly questions topic but - how do you know when 
you're a milimetre before lock?

Jon

    Silly answer - go to full lock, then back off a millimetre.
    
    Jeff.

	I was wondering if any of you out in note-land can help me?

	This morning I got into my Cavalier 1.8GL G-reg, started the engine 
	(no problem) and started to drive through Basingstoke.

	After I'd gone a couple of miles I came to a round-a-bout (no kidding!)
	and as I slowed down and put my foot on the clutch the car stalled.

	I started it again (and again no problem) and drove around the 
	roundabout and while changing gear it stalled again. (driving a
	Cavalier without power-steering is *difficult*)

	The car continued to stall for the next couple of minutes until I
	stopped.

	I looked at the oil (OK) and water (OK) and, since that about covered
	my mechanical knowledge, I got back in the car to drive to a garage
	and the problem had gone away!!

	Any ideas what caused it? Why it suddenly went away? and should I 
	take it to a garage?

	Paul.

	P.S. It's a lease car.

Probably some ice somewhere under the bonnet, maybe in the auto-choke.  After
you stopped, the engine will have heated up more rapidly (no air flow), thus
melting the ice and curing the problem.  It definitely sounds fuel-related,
possibly aggravated by low fuel-level in the tank.  Or maybe damp electrics.

Or maybe not, I don't know, I just put these replies in to make people think I
know something about cars...

Scott

    I may be a bit biased, having driven an older cavalier (A reg) which 
    did similar things, but for what it's worth - automatic choke, if it's
    not set up right, it can cause the sort of problems you're having.
    
    Helen.

Does anyone know what would cause a Diesel to stall suddenly ? I was driving
along when the engine just died with no warning. I was doing about 40-45mph at
the time and was not changing gear. The car started straight away after I'd
stopped and I've not had any problems since (this happened last Wednesday).

Any ideas ?


Thanks,

Karen

Since diesel's don't rely on anything to make them go "bang", there must
have been no fuel getting through.

Was it a very cold day? Maybe your fuel was waxing in the heater?
What kind of car is it?

It might just have been an air-lock in the fuel pipes - were you low on fuel?
Going round a bend or roundabout?

Did it stop suddenely, or just "run down"?

Did it restart immediately, or after a few re-tries?

Now, there's enough qustions to be getting on with!!

Peter.

>>Was it a very cold day? Maybe your fuel was waxing in the heater?

Fairly cold, but it has been colder. I usually fill-up with Shell advanced, but last week I used Esso.
this time used Esso. Maybe Esso is not as good in the cold ?

>>What kind of car is it?

Pug 205 XLD

>>It might just have been an air-lock in the fuel pipes - were you low on fuel?
>>Going round a bend or roundabout?

I wasn't low on fuel, but was on a bend

>>Did it stop suddenely, or just "run down"?

It stopped very suddenly with no warning

>>Did it restart immediately, or after a few re-tries?

restarted immediately.


Phew !

    My first BX diesel, which had NO fuel pre-heater was very prone to
    doing this in the cold. The fule filter (the big canister shaped
    thingy) was behind the headlight and in an air path The wind-chill
    factor was sufficient to cause waxing. 
    
    I could keep going by keeping my speed down!. I cured it by wrapping
    the thing in an old woolen blanket (Ahhhh) which kept the chill of it.
    
    Could check if yuors is in a potential draft, and also if you have a
    fuel heater fitted, and working (if electric, check connections)
    
    Richard

    I had the opposite experience.
    About ten years ago I had the experience with my VW Golf Diesel, this
    car went faster and faster, even when the accelarator pedal was 
    left alone!
    
    Reason; Car was running on its lubrication oil. High pressure in the
    crankcase caused the breathing system to lead this oil into the engine.
    
    An FCO had to correct this, but to late: cylinder head was cracked,
    while this car was not able to withstand 110 m/h!
    
    Thank god it was a leasemobile.
    
    Hans
    

This morning, when unlocking my Cavalier CD, the drivers door unlocked but the
rest of the central locking system remained firmly locked. Thinking that the
battery must be flat for some reason, I opened the drivers door. The alarm went
off, that eliminated a flat battery as the cause. I then shut the door and 
re-locked and unlocked, still no joy. I tried it one last time before heading
for the phone and it worked. Anyone had simular problems?

/Dave.

	Dave,

	I've been experiencing this problem in a Cavalier 1.8 GL for the
	past month or so.

	Driver's door unlocks, the rest don't about 40% of attempts.
	However - if the rest don't unlock then I can open the driver's
	door (no alarm) push the door lock down to relock the driver's
	door while the door is open and then lift the knob to unlock
	it again.

	This *always* successfully unlocks all the doors. ie. the problem
	only occurs when using the key.

	'Course when I took it to the garage last week the bl**dy thing 
	worked perfectly!

	Paul.

	I had the same sort of thing on the Range Rover tailgate... it
	only unlocked on the central locking about 40% of the time.
	Happened from new, went back many many times, it was never fixed.

	JJ,

Maybe the alarm wasn't part of the problem, as it often goes off on it's own (to
the delight of my neighbours).

I think I'll wait and see if it reoccurs before going through the trauma of
getting a dealer to fix it.

/Dave.

    Re: .9
    
    Exact same problem with a 1990 1.8GL. Garage fitted a new microswitch
    in the door and it has been fine since. Alarm does still occasionally
    go off on its own. Closing the air vents may help (?).
    
    As an aside, this car stalls in cold weather and at inopportune moments as
    described in 1321 and this has never been fixed. Vauxhall response "Yes
    we know about the problem. All new 1.8's have fuel injection." Kenning
    in Reading had several in the workshop, all 1.8 GLs with the same
    problem, in Feb-March. A thought if you are considering one second-hand.
    
    - Scott

    re .9
    
    Had the same problem with the new Opel Astra.
    
    Brought it to a dealer and had it fixed same day.
    
    That was three months ago and has worked fine ever since.

Central locking on the Nova GSi

I had a problem where the central locking refused to lock the car...

Forcing the knob down manually temporarily fixed the problem.

Vauxhall reset the drivers door lock bits and I haven't had the problem since.

    Does anybody have any ideas on the following?
    
    My Step-father has a Cavalier GSI 2000 4x4(how he affords the insurance I
    don`t know).  Over the last 3-4 days a problem has arisen, when parked
    and being revved the rev counter will red line, when actually driving
    the maximum speed reached is only 75 m.p.h (this car will obviously do
    well over 100 m.p.h).  All the spark plug gaps are set correctly as we
    check last night, does anybody know what the problem could be??
    
    Any ideas would be appreciated.

�    and being revved the rev counter will red line, when actually driving
�    the maximum speed reached is only 75 m.p.h (this car will obviously do
    
    Has he tried using the gear lever ?
    
    J.R.

    My old man had the same problem with a Montego he had. In the lower
    gears it would rev freely up to the red line as you'd expect, but in
    the higher gears it just wouldn't go above about 4000 RPM.
    
    The car was taken to the the local Rover dealer who umm'd and err'd
    about it and replaced various bits and pieces (including the engine
    management system) but the problem still existed. He finally solved the
    problem by trading it in for a newer car, (not a Montego !).
    
    Dave.
    

Sounds like the classic case of the fuel filter 
needing to be replaced.

Jeff

    The idea about the throttle cable could be on the right track, there is
    a little clip used to adjust the tension/slack this came of my cavalier
    and gave similar symptoms - it was fairly obvious where the fault lay
    though as the throttle felt totally different !
    
    Andy

    I have a Cavalier GSi at the moment and had a problem quite similar
    where if the car was stopped with the engine running it would rev 
    itself.....turned out to be a knackered Catalytic converter..
    and it took the garage ages to find that...
    
    				Tom.

    Thanks for all the entry`s, found out that is was a problem with the
    Catalytic converter, 300 quid for a new one.  Thanks again.
    

    A minor issue that I'll get sorted out at the first service, but
    has anyone else had the "one touch" operation pack up on the electric
    windows ?
    
    My LS TD is less than a month old and already the one touch facility
    failed on the passenger window but reset when I next used the car
    and now it doesn't work at all on the drivers side. However, the
    electric windows operate ok otherwise.
    
    Its no big deal but I was just wondering if this was a common problem.
    
    Royston

	The one touch windows on my wife's Cavalier SRi failed after 3 years.
	This reinforces my predjudice against unneccessary bells and whistles.
	They developed this irritating habit of raising themselves, at least
	they failed upwards.

	Dave

>    A minor issue that I'll get sorted out at the first service, but
>    has anyone else had the "one touch" operation pack up on the electric
>    windows ?
    
Okay, so it's a different car, but this feature ceased to be on my Rover 214
after about a year.  The bloke at the garage muttered something about a
governor unit not working properly, but I eventually concluded he had no
better idea what the problem was than I did.  It still doesn't work...

Chris.

Funny that! Mine have just packed up on the Passenger side window ...
going to get it fixed next service.    

KR

    Car = Cavalier SRI 16V (New)
    
    Anyone know how to get a bigger gap between the top of the knees and
    the steering wheel ???????
    
    Had the car 3 weeks and tried everything .....
    
    The car I test drove here in DECpark was with a tiltable steering wheel
    and that's gone with the addition of the air-bag
    
    A great car apart from this bl***y annoying symptom.
    
    Cheers
    
    John
     

	Can you lower the seat?  There's a knob on the botton right of the
	drivers chair (at least in my wife's SRi).

	Dave

Take the blooming seat height adjuster out, it makes the seat too high anyway.

Andy

Tilt the steering wheel?

    RE .2
    
    Is that a genuine answer, if so how do you do it ??
    

 To be honest I dont know, but I've always wanted to take it off all the seats
in all the Vauxhalls I've ever had. I'll have a look on my Astra at the weekend
and let you know.

	Andy

    It's not an unheard of operation. I had it done to a Peugeot 405, but
    that was to increase the headroom rather than the kneeroom.
    
    Try a Vauxhall parts department and see if it's a standard operation
    and whether there are any special parts to do it.
    
    Dick

    Not that its a help now you have the car, but I believe Vauxhall
    now offer the no cost option of a tiltable steering column (but no
    air-bag).
    
    I'll look into what is involved in removing the seat height adjustment
    if it will lower the seat height to give more headroom.
    
    Royston

    
    Any Cavalier drivers out there come across a problem with the brake
    pedal?  When I first drive away - the pedal feels 'normal', ie not too
    hard to depress, and travels a short way before the brakes feel 'fully
    applied'.  After a short hack up the motorway, the pedal is a lot
    harder to press, like its really tight, and I only have to just touch it
    for the brakes to bring the car to a halt.  
    
    After being parked up for the day, the brakes feel ok again.
    
    Odd.
    
    Mikef  

The only suggestiong I can think of is that the
motorway hacking is warming up the pads, and
these in turn are warming up brake fluid to such
a point that it's physically affecting the
fluid.

Check your pads... are they binding severely?

The pads should always have a small degree of
binding (ie.touching the disc) but maybe yours
are a little too tight?

If all else fails, try replacing your brake fluid
with a higher spec. In fact, all it probably needs
is a quick bleed of the braking system. Possibly
some air in the system. The question then is -
how did the air get in!

Hmm, funny quirk. Not serious though is it?

I know some Cavaliers have a problem with front
discs warping (ie. new shape ones, G-reg and so
on ?). Might be worth checking out.

Good luck!

Dan.

    re-1.  Thanks.
    
    Its not serious as long as I remember not to put too much pressure on
    the brake pedal once things have warmed up...
    
    Mikef

    
    There has been a recall for a Brake/electric cable chaffing possibility
    on Cavie Turbo Diesels, so I would definately get it checked in a garage !
    
    Don't know about other models though.
    
    Doug.

    Mike,
    
    As its a lease car I would check it in to a garage and get it sorted if
    its worrying you.
    
    The way I read it though is that after a motorway run the brakes are more
    efficient than normal as you don't need to apply the pedal very much.
    
    Could it be simply that the brake servo and pads are working better when 
    the car is warmed up after a long run ?
    
    I've never noticed a problem or difference in behaviour with the brakes
    on my Cavalier. My only problem is that the damn thing (1.7TD) isn't quick
    enough :-)
    
    Royston
                                                          

    Re: .11
    
    How are we supposed to be notified about recalls ?
    
    This is the first I have heard about it.
    
    Royston

re.13:   

>How are we supposed to be notified about recalls ?
 
Assuming you mean "if it's a lease car" ...

The manufacturer sends the notice to the car owner (lease company), they then 
sit on it for a month before sending it to Digital. Digital then look up who
has the car and send the notice via internal snail. 

Dave.   

    Thanks Chaps.  Its booked in for its 9000 mile service tomorrow, I
    mentioned the problem to the garage just, but they didn't say anything
    about a recall.  It is starting to worry slightly because I just have
    to rest my foot on the brake pedal to get a great amount of effect,
    depressing the pedal just a little would give me an emergency stop.
    
    
    cheers
    
    Mikef

    Re .14
    
    Its a pretty poor isn't it considering that recalls are often
    safety related.
    
    Royston

I got my recall papers thru the internal snail 2 weeks ago.
The main prob with the fix is it had to go to a REAL Vauxhall dealer for it.


Expected repair time is 20-30 mins can get the Hot-line number for vauxhall if 
any on wants it

	trev.

    
    The number on the letter is 0800 318206
    
    
    Trev
    

    Thankls Trev - my car is one which should have had the recall notice,
    hopefully I can get the work done tomorrow when its serviced.
    
    Ta
    
    Mikef

    
    Chaps,
    I received my recall letter a week before a colleague did !
    
    Re. getting done at same time as the service;
    you may need the letter as the dealer takes it to stamp and return
    part of it to Vauxhall I believe.
    
    Doug (still getting in excess of 53 mpg overall :-))

    If you don't have the recall letter, call the Vuaxhall helpline number
    from a couple of replies ago, and get them to check for your
    registration.  My Cavalier needs to be done, but I haven't had the
    letter yet, so I called the garage who are servicing it today, and they
    are happy to do the work, and I just post the recall letter onto them
    when they get it.  Its quite a minor thing, and only takes a few
    minutes to do I think.
    
    Mikef

    This problem is also with the Astra TD with my receipt of a recall
    notice this morning. The letter was sent out by Vauxhall on June
    3rd, and received by car fleet about 10 days ago. So if you haven't
    heard anything. I'd be inclined to chase it up. 
    
    Still revelling in that power surge!
    
    Gordon 

    BTW - my brakes problem was due to the servo thingy, causing the brakes
    to stick on.  The garage kept it overnight and I hope it all gets fixed
    today.
    
    cheers all
    
    Mikef

Can anyone post which models etc the recall applies to please?

Cheers

-DAve-

    I received my recall notice today for the "important safety check"
    (wiring harness chafe on brake pipe).
    
    It was dated 28th May from Vauxhall, 30th June from Hertz and two weeks
    to get to me from car fleet.
    
    WHY on earth did it take so long ?
    
    Royston

snap,
got the same letter this morning same dates etc for my TD


Steve.

I hope this is the appropriate place to ask this !!

I have two niggling problems with my Cavalier.

1.the passenger seat has started an annoying rattle,I have
  looked every where to locate this problem.If a passenger 
   is in the seat the problem goes away,has anyone else
  had this problem with the new seats.
2.My cassette has started an anoying habit of chewing 
  tapes,I have cleaned the drive and it will work fine 
  for a couple of days,then start misbehaving again.
  I would like to remove the drive and clean it properly
  as I suspect the capstan wheel is causing the problem.
  How do I remove the tape drive from the console.

The car is a Cavalier 1.7td gls , L reg.

Steve.

    I know this doesn't help...
    
    All three of my cavaliers had rattly passenger seats, and the calibra
    as well. The two carltons didn't seem to suffer. The current volvo
    estate has so many rattles I can't hear the other cars bouncing off the
    outside.
    
    Me? I'm getting an Omega.
    
    Andrew

re.27:

Yes, I've got that rattle in the passenger seat in a 'L' reg GLS 1.7TD. Never
had before in three other cavaliers. 

Dave.

    I have an 'H' reg. Cavalier that used to eat tapes. It had the standard
    Vauxhall (Philips?) 4 pre-sets radio. According to my local garage,
    (Sonning Common, Vauxhall) this was a known feature of those tape
    machines. In the end it got so risky that I took the unit out and
    replaced it with another make.
    Cheers,
    DaveT

    I had a rattly/squeaky seat also.  I went wild with WD40 and fixed the
    problem, though I'm not sure where the problem was exactly...  After a
    couple of days of WD40 smells, everythings fine now.  The Cav also has
    a lot of wind noise on the passenger side also, though i can't track
    that down.
    
    Mikef

    
    Try changing the passenger?

thanks for the replies,looks like I need to break out the
WD40 this weekend !!

Steve.

    If it is of any help, a rattle which seemed to be coming from the
    passenger seat in my 1.7TD, was actually the hinges on the nearside
    rear passenger seat. The hinges have lots of loose bits which WD40 will
    not cure...
    
    Also, FWIW, I think the cassette part of the current audio system is
    absolute rubbish. I am already on my second unit after 9 months. The
    eject mechanism takes quite a few bashes before permitting the tape to
    leave... it does not seem to be anywhere near as resilient as the old
    one (the radio is pretty good, tho').
    
    Dave 

I've had two Cavaliers a 1982 1.6 SR and
a 1986 1.8 SRi.

Each have suffered from similiar problems in
that rain/water runs down the windscreen and into
the tray (where the wipers and interior fan is)
and then runs out through two pipes (one at each
end).

The problem is with the pipe on the drivers side.
This lets the water run directly onto the bulkhead
of the car and after a period of time this starts
to rust through to the inside, just below the bottom
of the pedals. It wets all the floor, stinks the car 
out and once rusted through you really need to get a 
metal plate welded on.


Is this a common fault or have I just been unlucky?????

Sounds a bit like the problem Ford Drivers (Ha,ha,ha!!)
have with battery trays on Escorts (ie) happens with 
most of 'em.


StEvE

    trying to unlock my cavalier has become over the last few days really
    difficult....like I think I'm going to break the key in the lock
    difficult . This only happens when I have locked the car , deadlocks 
    and all , from the drivers door . If I dont put the deadlocks on I have 
    no problem , If I lock from the boot I have no problem . I've tried
    WD40 but no success .
    
    Any advice ?
    
    F.

re.37:

My wife's 'F' reg Cavalier did this, sorry can't remember what the fault was but
it required ordering a part which took a week.

Dave.

    
    Has anyone got any information about the electric windows fitted to
    Vauxhall cars? While operating one of the electric windows in my 1994
    Astra it drove down fully and wouldn't go back up. I had to find the
    nearest dealership (It was minus 1�C outside) to get it repaired. They
    said the motor/control unit was knackered and fitted a new one to drive
    the window shut - they then removed it since it was ordered for a
    Cavalier  with a similar problem. Since then I heared a report on
    Watchdog stating that Vauxhall have had numerous complaints about the
    electric windows and  I also know of two other people where the window
    just drove down during the night for no reason whatsoever. I have since
    had the Motor/control unit replaced on my car but wonder if the new
    unit is an upgraded one or one that could have a similar fault a couple
    of months down the road. If anyone has had faults with their windows or
    knows if Vauxhall are acknowledging that they have a problem I'd like
    to hear from you.
    
    					Cheers,
    						Martin...
    

Hi,

A colleague at my previous company (nearly 2 years ago) had the problem
of the window on his 2.0GL Cavalier opening on its own while travelling
at 70MPH+ on the M4. Although my Cav at the time (an SRI) did not have
a similiar problem the, electrics were the most common cause of faults
the most unusual being the time that the headlamp wipers were on
contnually if the lights were on and then the engine would only shut
off if the lights were turned off. 

It would appear that Vauxhall have still not cured the Window problem
2 years later -)

\Graham

    
    Well, I've just had the window motor and harness replaced in my Astra
     passenger side door.
    
    Symptoms?
    Other half thanked me very much for leaving window half
    down in freezing weather ( She was using it that day :-) )
    I thought someone had tried to break in by forcing window down.
    
    Mmm. Window went up,down,up, stuck up. Next day working OK.
    Three days later come out in the morning and window completely down.
    Stuck Down - garage jammed it up until parts arrived.
    
    Ps. Garage - Yes sir, it is a problem, that's we can't get the ( I'm
    sure he said 'new modified' ) parts until next week.

    
    I had problem with the windows locked in the up position on a Cavalier.
    Complete replacement of the wiring loom was required. This also fixed
    the problem of the non-working "lights-on warning buzzer" which no
    Vauxhall dealer had been able to fix in the previous two years.
    
    It still took them two goes to fix the fault. First claim for a fix
    proved that the windows would only operate with the driver's door open.
    
    I have found Vauxhall to have the least capable service departments of
    all of the different manufacturers. Certainly in the Bristol area. 

    A colleague in this office has been having this problem... 94 Astra 18.
    GSI.
    
    December, drivers window went down and wouldn't go up. She took the
    car to the local dealer who said this was a known problem and ordered a
    new motor (there was someone else in at the same time with the same
    problem).
    
    She asked if a new unit could be ordered for the passenger window. They
    said no...
    
    Yesterday the passenger side broke - same problem (well - worse. This
    time the window actually wound down whilst the car was parked and
    locked!). She took it in this morning to get the problem fixed. The
    garage said they'd order two motors - one for each door - as this was
    company policy for this problem...???...
    
    Looks like the Astras have a known fault...
    
    Andy

    Colleague in Basingstoke (Joan Collins) also has this on a 1994 Astra.

Hi all,

I have one of the new Astra Sports........should I arrangee
to have the window motors replaced at its first service ??

Barry

    About 9 months ago, the windows in my 'K' registered Astra started 
    going up and down of their own accord.  The windows also stuck at 
    the most inconvenient moments, eg when just entering a car wash.
    
    The garage claimed it to be a problem of water leaking down the side
    of the glass and shorting the motor.
    Vauxhall had issued a modification to the windows seals - which 
    the garage duely carried out.
    
    To date the windows have behaved as they should.
    
    As this was a Herz lease car I don't have any info on the 
    cost, but from memory it wasn't horrendous.
    
    Judy

    
    My 'trusty' Calibra consumed two passenger door window winders in its
    time with me.
    
    Mark

Nobody has answered.......am I able to get these motors
replaced BEFORE they start playing up ??

Barry

Don't ask us... ask Vauxhall (or Car Fleet or Hertz ????)

    Let's start a series of notes on vauxhall problems?
    
    My calibra new in Mar 94 had an air con problem fron the start which
    after unacceptable time and aggro was fixed.
    
    In Nov 94 it started playing up and eventually died.  Itook it to my
    usual garage and they said "needs new seals sir, they'r on order" The
    seals arrived and turned out to be the wrong ones, they were ordered
    again and again were the wrong ones. It turned out that the Microfiche
    had the wrong part No on it (Now where have I heard that befor?).
    Eventually the right seals arrived (It's now the week after the Xmas
    break) and were fitted. As it was too cold to test it when I left the
    garage I tested it at the weekend, Guess what? it didn't work! I called
    the service manager and he said "it leaked a bit when we re-charged it
    but it stopped so we assumed it was OK" He ordered a new condenser
    which has been fitted and it now appears to be working!!!!
    
    There are several issues here.  Vauxhall had made a mistake on the part
    No, the garage was incompetent, I have wasted time travelling back and
    fourth to the garage. I moaned about having a hire car on the first
    visit and they lent me several vauxhalls FOC, but who would have paid
    for them if they had refused to lend them to me? The garage would not
    admit there is a known problem and discouraged my discussing it. 
    
    Hertz did not want to know and said it was Leaseplan's problem
    Leaseplan (someone in DEC)said it was Hertz's problem. At this point i
    told Leasplan (someone in DEC) I didn't care who's problem it was but
    it certainly wasn't mine!  I still don't know who's problem it is but
    will chase it up when I have recovered from all this excitement.
    
    It seems to me that Vauxhall are going down the pan in a big way, are
    they producing goods that are fit for purpose?  are they using the
    right garages?  are they totally incompetent????
    
    I've been a Vauxhall fan since I rode around Norfolk in my uncle's
    Vauxhall Cresta as a kid, however I am now considering other makes for
    my next car and blow the expense.
     
    
    
    Guy
    
    
    
    
    

    Why not try Vauxhalls' Passenger Car Reliability technical dept.
    
    The last name I have is Richard Tyler, on 0582-21122
    					      0582-426217.
    
    Please tell us what happened...
    
    Tony.

I have a cavalier and my drivers window motor burnt out. I was told it would take a while to get the motor, 
since there were none in the country... I now know why!

I have also had an AStra and a cavalier with Central locking problems where the locks
would either not open or not shut, or even more worrying
would shut then open once they knew you'd gone shopping.

I would agree with an ewarlier reply that the electrics are the most suspect
part on these vehicles. It took nearly three years of trying to get my
central locking fixed on my last cavalier leasemobile.

iwm

    
    I have a similar problem with my Astra GSI. The passenger window goes 
    down but won't go up again.
    
    I have found that if I open the door, disconnect the wiring loom plug
    at the door hinges and then reconnect it, the window works.
    
    

    My cavalier has just started the infamous window problems,it appears
    that a woodpecker has nested in the passenger door.When this noise
    starts only the passenger window will work.Then when the noise stops
    the drivers window is jammed.
    If the drivers door is given a gentle thump it releases the window and
    all is ok for about a week.
    The knocking from the passenger door will continue even with the engine
    off and the keys removed from the ignition.
    Needless to say it's due into the garage next week for a repair.
    I'm at present in a position where I am afraid to open the windows
    in case they stay open....
    
    Steve

    The answer to all you Vauxhall owners is simple.
    
    For your next car have the Air Conditioning option , and keeep your 
    windows closed. What are the chances of both the Air Con and leccy
    windows not working at the same time.
    
    In a Vauxhall , I would say about 50:50 :->

a cunning reply but not good enough ...... :-)
I need to open the windows in car parks to get the tickets,and also to lean out
of the window and shout motorcycle couriers and taxi-cab drivers ....


Steve.

    My car was fine until the base note was entered!!!!!
    
    The passenger window has just opened by itself for the second time and
    is now stuck down!!!!
    
    Hope it doesn't rain
    
    dg
    
    

    I have a new (November) Cavalier 1.7TD.  It has had this problem since
    new, and the problem is this:-
    
    When the car has been left standing for a period of time (more than I
    hour) the oil light on start takes between 1 and 4 seconds to go out. 
    I leave the engine to idle until it has gone out and it IS low oil
    pressure coz the rattling reduces once it has gone out !
    
    So far, they (Vauxhall garage) have 
    1. said there is not a problem (but changed the oil pressure switch anyway !)
    2. fitted a new oil pump (under great duress).
    
    So, am I getting them to chase a problem which is normal for this type
    of car/engine.
    
    All those of you with Vauxhall 1.7TD's will be able to tell me whether	
    you have the same 'problem' or not.
    
    I get conflicting messages from Vauxhall, one phone call it does sound
    like a problem and the next it doesn't.
    
    Cheers for any responses./
    
    JOE

    I have been driving a Cav 1.7td for over a year and never experienced
    this problem. The oil light goes out immediately the engine starts but
    like all diesels its quite noisy 'til it warms up.
    
    Royston

    I've got a 1.7td Astra.  Sometimes the oil pressure warning light goes
    out immediately, sometimes it takes a couple of seconds.  ~25,000 miles
    so far and goes well.
    
    John

    
    Thanks for the replies people !
    I have just been talking to leaseplan about this problem.  The tech
    chap there called some of his friends in the field and they went and
    started up some brand new ones (1.7TD's).  Both the new cars had the
    same charateristics.
    
    Maybe it is 'normal' !
    
    Anyone else ?
    
    Cheers
    
    JOE

It's a lease car, so why would you worry about oil pressure warning lamp?

Dave.

    ref -1
    
    Dave, he may want to buy it off the scheme one day!!

    Have any of you Cavalier drivers had this problem.
    
    Over the weekend I noticed an intermittent clicking noise coming from
    the passenger door. Its not a rattle as it was happening when the
    engine and ignition was off. 
    
    I was going to book it into the garage for this woodpecker impression
    to be looked at but its been ok today.
    
    Royston

re.5:

That's the only explanation.

Dave.

re.21:

Sounds like your electric window motor is trying to jam the window open but
something is stopping it. Consult your dealer.

Dave.

    on my td cav, the oil light stays on for three seconds or so after the
    engine fires up.  It may always have been this way, I've not had any
    engine trouble in the 12 months or so that I've had the car.  Is it
    meant to go out straight away?  
    
    mikef    

    Why should I worry coz its a lease car ?
    How sad.  If it is indicative of a problem I want it fixed, lease car
    or not.  
    
    Imagine:  11:30 PM, raining, wife driving home from visiting mum, two
    small daughters asleep in the back, and the clanking from the engine
    goes above its normal deisel level and the red oil light come on - and
    stays on.
    
    Not to worry, its a lease car !
    
    
    It seems from other noters that some peoples cars do have a delay until
    the light goes out and some don't !  The past two days mine has gone
    out even before the engine has started to get to idling speed, then
    this afternoon after the car had been standing for an hour it took 4
    seconds again !  Hmmm.
    
    Cheers
    
    JOE

Yes,

Read backwards through this note string. You'll see many similar
with this symptom.

Richard

    This last comment makes me question the viscosity / weight of the oil 
    in use.  Diesals require specific SAE grades and type (not all Oils 
    are good for diesels).  Has this been checked?

re.8:

If you are so determined there is a) a problem b) it needs fixing then why not
just call Vauxhall's technical dept. and ask what the normal behaviour for this
car is? In my experience they are open, honest, and helpful.

Dave (Cavalier 1.7TD keeper - the worst car I've ever kept).

    Interesting comments; it's time for me to trade in my lease car and
    I am (was?) considering a 1.7TD Cavalier. 
    
    Do the Astra diesels have the same problem?
    
    Dave

   Re .10  �the worst car I've ever kept).
    
    Dave, care to expand a little on why you say this ?
    
    My Cav TD is possibly the most boring and slow car i've ever had but 
    far from the worst.
    
    Royston

    DAVE
    
    I have not contacted the Vauxhall tech dept myself but the lease firm
    have on a number of times.  They were certainly helpful, according to
    the lease firm.  They did authorise the changing of the oil pump, but
    it seems to have made little difference.  Remember the lease firm got a
    dealer to go to its car pound and start a few and they both had the
    same 'problem'.
    
    On the last contact the Vauxhall tech dept said that they did not see
    it as a problem as it was only 3-4 secs before the oil light went out. 
    
    So, at the moment the matter is on hold.  My personal problem is that
    if it was normal for the oil light to stay on for 3-4 secs and it did
    it every time - fine - but it doesn't so why the difference.
    
    As to the oil viscosity - freezing whether or mild spring day makes no
    difference, and the oil was changed when the oil pump was swapped.
    
    AS to the car, well the Testorossa I was parked behind on Saturday
    would be a better car, but I have exactly what I expected from the Cav
    TD (apart from this blessed oil light !).  Anyway, I did 'choose' it -
    cost cutting again Joe.
    
    cheers
    
    JOE

    Joe
    
    Personally I don't think theres a problem and you are worrying about
    nothing. 
    
    After my earlier reply stating that the oil light goes out straight
    away on my Cav TD, I should have said that I had not noticed it staying
    on. In fact since then I have kept an eye on it and it does indeed take
    a second or two to go out. Last night (shock! horror!) it actually went
    out after two seconds then came back on for � a second. I'm certainly
    not running to the dealer though. These diesel engine are tough lumps.
    I guess it takes a couple of seconds for the oil pressure to build up.
    
    It surprises me greatly after Vauxhall said that it was normal
    behaviour they then fitted a new pressure switch and oil pump.
    
    Royston

re.12:

>  Re .10  �the worst car I've ever kept).
>    Dave, care to expand a little on why you say this ?
    
It's also the most boring and slow car I've ever had - so at least you know
where I'm coming from!

Build quality is/was aweful (couple of panels modified and improved by repairer
since new). Exhaust knocks due to engine vibration - which is excessive even for
a diesel ( actually it's excessive for a dumper truck!). Wipers never worked
properly and until fixed recently, made a horrible noise. Radio aerial keeps
geting stuck (took two years for this to happen on previous Cavaliers). Seats
rattle. Hatch rattles. Transmission rattles and vibrates excessively. Etc...

Dave.

    re-1
    
    Sounds like you have a real 'monday morning' car.  My cav is a year
    old, and smooth n quiet.  Tho perhaps I'm tempting fate by writing
    this...
    
    Mikef 

...and I forgot to mention that the oil warning light only goes out after about 
four seconds.

Dave.

Roy,
my cavalier went into Ralphs yesterday for this problem,they have said it is the
wiring loom rattling on the door,they have re-fitted it and hope the problem has
been rectified.It certainly has'nt rattled today,but sometimes it may not do it
for several weeks.


Steve.

    Thanks Steve for the reply. However, I think mine is a slightly
    different problem. Its not a rattle as it actually occurs when the
    engine is switched off as well as when I'm going along. The leccy
    windows work fine but I suspect it is something to do with the motor.
    
    I'm booking the car in for a service next week so I'll get it sorted
    then but sod's law says it won't happen when they look at the problem.
    
    Royston

    Royston et all
    
    Yep, I've stopped being fussed by it (oil light).  It was the -sounds
    fine - no it doesn't - sounds fine blether from Vauxhall that got me
    going.
    
    As to the car, well I agree with Dave that the exhaust rattle is
    excessive and something under the gearchange tunnel sounds like its
    trying to get out.  All this you only notice if you drive it around
    town (80% of my current driving).
    
    Still, first service coming up and I just know it will all be put right
    !
    
    Cheers
    
    JOE 

    I suppose it depends on the mileage you do but the frequent 4500 mile
    services are useful to get minor niggles put right.
    
    I'm pleased Joe that you are no longer worried about the oil light
    issue. Keep an eye on it though to see if it gets worse or if the light
    comes on after startup or when the engine it idling.
    
    Just for info, I have covered over 30k miles now and never needed to
    top up the oil level between services (yes I do check it).
    
    Royston

     In reading this string, I watched carefully for mention of a
     possible defective oil filter. Not knowing the setup of this
     engine, I would have to ask, is there a cartridge-type oil filter
     used on these engines? If so, it sounds like there was a bad batch
     made, and that the filter is emptying itself when the engine is
     shut down. Most filters (or is that filtres?) on cars in the US
     have built-in check (or is that cheque?) valves to eliminate the
     emptying of the oil filter when the engine is shut off. I have seen
     several of my filters exhibit this problem, and it is far from
     inconsequential to have no oil pressure on cold startups for the
     first few seconds (while the filter is filling up after being
     drained.) I hear the same thing each time I change my oil in my
     cars, when I replace the filter. Some cars have oil filters fitted
     vertically, with the opening for the engine facing upward, and
     in these cases, conciencous mechanics will fill the filter with oil
     before fitting it to the engine, which all but eliminates any
     startup clatter caused by lack of oil flow/pressure.

          Just my thoughts,

          Mike

	I've had the woodpecker for company on and off, thankfully
	more off, for the past year, despite the motor being changed 
	once. 

	Things took a turn for the ghoulish the other night 
	when the alarm went off at 2am. I went out and found 
	the drivers window had sponaneously retracted,
	and is now completely defunt. It's now at the local
	dealer where they say they've been inundated with people
	reporting similar problems, there were at least two other 
	drivers reporting the woodpecker phenomena. The garage 
	is treating it as a warranty issue, although mine's
	expired. Looks like Vauxhalls profits could take a dive
	this year!

	Hertz have kindly given me, compared to the rattle
	wagon Astra diesel, an oasis of calm in a brand new,
	the one in front's a blob, Carina, in which I'm 
	thoroughly enjoying listening to my CD's.

	Gordon
		 

...and I also forgot to mention the billows of smoke whenever I attempt to do
more than roll down hill by releasing the handbrake.

Dave.

I've had this problem on my Astra too. The garage fixed it the first time by
changing the motor, (about 6 months ago), but its just started up again.

The symptoms are that you get the rattle, even when the ignition is switched off
and it causes the one touch operation to loose its memory. If the rattle
ever stops then the one touch memory can be restored by holding the button
down for at least 5 seconds (as recomended in the driver manual). However,
once the rattle starts up again, then memory is once more lost.

I've taken to removing the fuse at night in case anything nasty should occur!

Its going in for a service on wednesday, we'll see what they can do.


	Mike

    ME too - looks like a Vauxhall "feature"
    
    My car is just over 12 months old - and the oil light exhibits all the
    common symptoms
    
    Cold "mornings"  - it's on for about 4 seconds
    
    Cold "evenings" - about 2
    
    Warm - goes off immediately
    
    Tony
    
    PS I leave today - next week I'll be in a Mondeo (diesel) will it be
    less noisy/less rattles/less vibration - I do hope so !
    

    I have a 1.7TD and I think it's a great car, particularly after the
    Renault 19 1.4!!
    
    It's faster, smoother, has better acceleration, is more economical,
    more comfortable!
    
    I haven't even noticed the oil light staying on
    
    Regards,
    
    Jim

    Not quite the same subject but this seems to have widened out to a
    general chat about Vauxhall diesals :-}
    
    Had a real problem with cold starting recently. Sometimes I needed
    to turn the starter for nearly TWO minutes to get it to fire!!!
    It would sort of work it's way upto starting during this period
    (visions of waves crashing on beach, trains entering tunnels, fireworks
    exploding - you get the picture) before finally starting.  Then it
    would put down enough smoke to hid a battleship and be OKish for the
    rest of the day!
    
    Turned out to need new valve shims (at 24k miles).  Funny thing was
    that the garage had FOUR Astras in with the same problem - one with
    only 4k miles on the clock.
    
    Since them - great starting, better economy and rocket-like (well scud
    like) performance.
    
    Rgds, Mike B.
    
    Did You Know - the 30-50 acceleration figure for the Astra 1.7TD is
    only 1 sec slower than the Astra 1.8i Sport.  Well !!
     

    re-1 replacement of shims.....
    
    Maybe it's the quality Japanese engineering that does so well!
    
    Aren't the 4500 mile interim 'turbo' services a real bind?
    
    My Montego's Perkins turbo (contradiction in terms?) only needs
    servicing every 12000 miles!
    
    My Citroen BX19 TGD had problems starting when the glow-plugs got
    fouled up and eventually had to be replaced...after 50,000 miles.
    
    Tim
    
    
    
    

    
    >> It seems to me that Vauxhall are going down the pan in a big way, are
    >> they producing goods that are fit for purpose?  are they using the
    >> right garages?  are they totally incompetent????
    
    I'm surprised you express Vauxhall's shortcommings in such mild terms.
    I've had 2 Calibra's with A/C. It always breaks in Spring and gets
    fixed again by Winter - 3 years on the trot!
    
    I've tried 3 main dealers. None of them have A/C trained people - they
    all use sub-contracters. A/C Parts are very hard to find because they are
    not Vauxhall systems. If I owned these vehicales myself, I would take
    legal action against them - they clearly do not know what they are
    doing. Digital people just say that its the lease co's problem. They
    deny it and invite Digital to complain about poor service. Now that we
    only have one main source for supply of company cars, everyone just
    toughs it out (why bother complaining when we can't move our business
    elsewhere?).
    
    Cheers
    
    John
    
    
    

    for what its worth...
    
    I'm now on my third unit in 1 year.
    
    GREAT !!!???
    
    Pete.
    

    Both my electric windows have stuck UP, within the last couple of
    months, Cavalier SRi. It appears to be a pretty common occurence.
    Phil.L�

    
    Talking of fuel economy. I got the diesel mainly for this. My Astra
    1.7TD returns  460 miles to a tank. It's done 4500 miles so far. 
    What should I see when it loosens up assuming that I'm the average 
    driver.
    
    
    
    Gary 

    My Cav 1.7TD started off giving me 45mpg. I now get a fairly consistant
    47ish mpg having covered 31,000 miles.
    
    The fuel consumption doesn't vary greatly. I would expect between 45 to
    50 mpg.
    
    Royston

    
    Royston -   tell me that in miles/pertankful
    
    
    
    ta 
    
    Gary 

    I get around 300 miles, or just a touch more, on the first half-tank. 
    I've never taken it all the way to the bottom, but it must be just over
    600 miles.
    
    mikef

    �tell me that in miles/pertankful
    
    Well the Astra has a tank size of 11.4 gallons (source: What Car?)
    
    45mpg would be 513 miles
    
    50mpg would be 570 miles
    
    Remember though you would normally fill up before the tank is
    completely empty :-)
    
    Royston

    My Pug 405 GLDT Estate, driven by me, turns in a consistent 40mpg in
    mixed driving. My wife manages to improve on that considerably. I
    expect to get around 550 miles from a tankful, my wife can exceed 600
    no problem.
    
    Cheers, Loz$heavy_right_boot.

    
    Astra TD - my records show an average 49.7mpg over the last year.
    I have managed over 500 miles on a tank a few times, actually had the
    low deisel light on once (wow!)
    
    Made driving to Scotland boring though, just had to stop to
     stretch my legs...

    
    I was told by a friend that his Cav 17TD does approx 660 to a tank.
    Thats double my old Mr2. I'm pleased with 460 in the Astra but want
    more.
    
    Gary 
    
    (yes the Astra TD is the most boring car Iv'e ever had as well)
    

    �I was told by a friend that his Cav 17TD does approx 660 to a tank.
    
    But Gary the Cav's fuel tank is 2 gallons bigger than the Astra !
    
    Royston

    
    
     -1  I know that don't I. I was just telling t'others what he gets. ;-)
    
    
    Gary 

    Like a few notes back, I'm scared to open my windows now.  It started
    with the passenger side.  Driving from Cardiff to Reading, baby in the
    front seat, tipping down with rain.  I had to dump the misses and baby
    in a dry place and drive around the block several times until the window
    went up again!  Eventually it did.  Now the driver's side is the same.
    
    Before I phone, any idea how Wadham Kenning (or any Vauxhall
    dealership) react.  ie. Will I have to pay to have this fixed?
    
    Kris

    �Will I have to pay 
    
    If its less than one old it will be covered under warranty (its a lease
    car anyway isn't it ?).
    
    Royston

    
    Last night my car alarm went off so I ran outside to see what was
    happening - no one in sight. It timed out and immediately went off
    again. This was when I heard the infamous Woodpecker noise stated in
    previous notes. I had to locate the fuse and pull it out, thus no
    window movement at present. I spoke to the garage and they said
    "Electric windows, has it stuck down or is it making a clicking noise?"
    Looks like they have had a few more complaints since I first started
    this topic. So it goes in on Monday to get its new motor fitted - I was
    surprised they had the parts in stock but was told "we try to keep a
    healthy stock of them now". I have still not been told whether the new
    parts are upgraded motors or an identical replacement. I'm going to see
    if I can get some answers from Vauxhall on the subject. I'll post any
    information when I reciece it.
    p.s. It's not the same window as last time, it's the drivers side this
    time.
    
    Martin...
     

    I've just had motor and cable assemblies replaced in both front doors.
    The initial problem was ticking doors (drove me batty trying to find
    out what it was until I read this note). Although the car is over a
    year old, the repair was done under "warranty".
    
    Dave

    I am currently the owner of a 'L' reg Corsa SRi and am going through
    the painful process of having the window regulators replaced (under
    warrenty, thank goodness).  The ticking noise started  two months ago
    at first I thought it was the cover to the jack points.  Then the
    passenger window pleased itself whether it open or shut!  Took it to
    the dealership.  They had it one day, let me have it back saying they
    needed to order a part.  The following week they had it for a further
    day and replaced the regulator in the passenger door.  On collection
    they told me they had disabled the regulator on the drivers side and
    ordered the same part for that one.  Three weeks on I still do not have
    use of window on drivers side.  This can be embarassing when entering a
    multi-story or as on a previous note wanting to shout at taxi drivers
    etc.  Luckerly the sun roof is manual. 

    
    
    Well just to add to this string.
    
    My Astra, about a year old, is going in on Friday to have the passenger
    door electric window motor replaced. Driver window fine!!!
    
    I had the same symptons(sp!) as everyone else with the tapping in the
    side of the door. However came to a head when parking my car(reversing)
    I opened the passenger door window to get a better view through my
    mirror. Parked safely therefore tried to close the window... This is
    when the fun began. It would go up so far, then come down again. Press
    the button again and it went a little higher before it came down.... As
    it reached the top(after numerous presses of button) I just switched off 
    the ignition hoping it would stop....
    Fortunately it did, but haven't used it since!!!!
    
	Has anyone had a problem with their screen wipers?? When I put my
    front wipers on, for the first backwards and forwards I get a little motor
    noise. After that it stops.... However if I don't use them for a while
    and it does the same thng next time they go on?????
    
    IM 

Re .24:

�    it reached the top(after numerous presses of button) I just switched off 
�    the ignition hoping it would stop....
�    Fortunately it did, but haven't used it since!!!!

That sounds a little drastic not to use the ignition since then?

T ;-)

    Walking through DECpark's carpark (DECCarPark??) I noticed a metallic
    grey Cavalier with it's rear window down.... just left there.
    
    Made me think of this stream :-)
    
    Cheers,
    Dan

re.26:

Did you report it to security?

Dave.

    Errr.... I was on my way home :-S.
    
    I know, I know, that's no excuse. If someone leaves their lights on,
    etc. I always tell security (if I'm arriving).
    
    Cheers,
    Dan
    
    P.S. The amount of people that leave windows open, or a sunroof open,
    at DECpark is amazing. They deserve all that comes to them, I can tell
    you!

    
    Have any new calibra/cavalier drivers had any problems with the car not
    starting??
    
    I got a shiny new calibra SE4 recently and it has now failed to start
    twice. This morning I started it and drove 1/4 mile to a shop, came
    back to the car after 3-4 mins and it wouldn't go. This also happened
    about three weeks ago and on both occasions if you leave it alone for
    1/2 hour it will start first turn of the key!!!
    
    The AA say the don't know of any faults, my local vauxhall dealer
    doesn't know of any faults, but another engineer who got an SE4 after
    me had the same things happen the day after he got it!
    
    Also while waiting for his SE4 to be delivered he had a 16v for a week
    and it also failed to start but was ok after some time.
    
    Its a long shot but has anyone else seen this and had it fixed??
    
    Adrian  :-(

Heat build up from the exhaust/turbo/general engine can often evaporate fuel in
the system, making it hard to start a car again when it's hot. Providing the
ignition fuel system check out ok, and the car is starting fine from cold this
may be your problem.

Check that the various heatshields are all fitted properly....especially any
that are close to the exhaust, and that the fuel injection systems cooling fan
is working.....if fitted.

John

Admittedly this was on a mark 2 Cavilier, however I'm sure all suggestions are
welcome,

I had a similar intermittent starting problem, often after a short journey, and
of all things it turned out to be the relay for fuel pump.

However it can get expensive trying this, swapping that, so I wish you the best
of luck!

    It may get expensive for vauxhall/leaseplan but not for me!!
    
    Car is going into garage tomorrow, I let you know if they find
    anything.
    
    adrian

    I had a Cavalier Sri with a similar fault. They eventually (4 visits)
    claimed to replace the Top Dead Centre sensor and it behaved perfectly
    afterwards.
    
    Andrew

    
    Got the car last night, the only thing they found was that when it was
    on the diag machine the CO mixture suddenly went bannanas!  They
    tweaked it and now we must wait for the next time its hissing down and
    its fails to start!!
    
    adrian

    Astra Diesels, mmmm.... Owned my 1.7TD for 6 days so far, and after 880
    miles the turbo went last night, currently waiting for Vauxhall
    assistance to pick me and the car up and organise a hire car.
    
    Apart from that, the engine so far is not as good as the equivalent Pug
    1.7/1.8TD that was in the Rover 218SLDTurbo I had before, acceleration
    is not as strong and the turbo when it was working didn't come in until
    about 2500 rpm as opposed to 2000 rpm on Rover. It'll be interesting to
    see what happens after the turbo gets fixed,
    
    	Euan

RE.36:

I dare not rev mine beyond 2500 rpm in case it shakes itself to bits!

Dave.

    
    Mine goes like a rocket  ;-)

This may be a red herring but the ECU fitted to the 16V Escorts has a 
similar problem (...sigh, the ECU of the previous versions of the 
Escort/Orion had problems which I found as well). In the case of the 
Ford the ECU gets confused about temperature of the air and the 
coolant if you start it from cold, run it for a few minutes then 
switch it off. When you try to restart the the engine the ECU decides 
that the ambient air temperature and the coolant are below freezing 
point (or some such low temperature, don't ask me how it decides 
this) and proceeds to dump huge amounts of fuel into the combustion 
chambers as you crank the engine. Result - flooded engine won't 
start.

The fix for the Ford is to go for a walk for about an hour and then 
it *may* restart when you get back. Alternatively lift up the bonnet 
and disconnect the temperature sensor for the coolant (mounted in the 
thermostat housing on the Ford engine) this fools the ECU into 
thinking that the water is at boiling point, crank the engine and it 
*may* start. If it does, pop the connect back on and drive away! If 
it doesn't there are more hoops to jump through but I won't bore you 
any more.

Maybe someone would like to try this on a Vauxhall?

- John.

      
    
      Has anyone out there had problems with getting the fuel into
    their Cavalier.
    I have a 1994 Cavalier 1.8i LS and when trying to fill it up with 
    gas, the filler hose keeps cutting out.
    
      anyone else having the same trouble,...........
    
      

     I have seen this problem before and what caused it was the tank had
    sucked itself in, so it could only take about half the fuel that it is
    supposed to, It was thaught to be a blocked breather that caused it...          
    
    Chris...
    

    
    I had a blocked breather on my Cavalier. The garage found this to be
    the cause of a petrol smell in the back of the car. Now that you
    mention it the filler hose did seem to cut out fairly easily which I
    haven't noticed for a while. The petrol smell has now come back again
    however! 
    
    Anybody noticed petrol smells in Cavaliers and no of a cure other than
    above?
    
    Ian 
    
    
    
    

Today I received the latest Which Guide to Cars or whatever they call it.  It
was amusing to see that the only recurrent problem they have had reported on
recent Cavaliers is "electric windows".  This seems to tie in with some of the
discussion here, but isn't very reassuring to someone who's about to get a
Cavalier with electric windows ...

T

    Some salesman in our local Vauxhall showroom told me that the '96 Astra's
    haven't got RDS radios any more... is this true ?  They didn't have any
    '96 brochures available either (and told me that the '95 Astras were no
    longer available due to "the amazing success of the recent marketing
    campaign" at which point i felt decidedly nauseous).
    
    Martin_who_got_caught_in_the_over_60000_miles_purge_and_has_to_say_goodbye_
    to_his_beloved_Escort.    

on the face of it, it sounds a bit like the salesman is talking, uh to
put it bluntly, bollocks; I'd be interested to hear how this progresses.

Chris.

    He said something about {mumble} and {mumble}. (Insert any two car
    radio manufactuers here eg. Grundig and/or Philips and/or Blaupunkt
    (?)). My brain was already in "filter out sales pitch cr*p" mode by
    then.
    
    I wondered he meant that the '96 models don't have the extra dashboard
    display thingmy, but I still haven't seen one yet.
    
    Martin.
    
    PS. Are we allowed to say bollocks in this conference ?

    Incidentally, I just went into the Vauxhall dealers near LZO and had
    the following conversation:
    
    Me:	Have you got a copy of the '96 Astra brochure please ?
    
    Receptionist-type Lady: Yes, your in luck, they have just come in. I'll
    get you one.
    
    Me: Excellent (or similar meaningless remark)
    
    {pause}
    
    Receptionist-type Lady: No, I'm sorry, they haven't come in yet after
    all. I must have imagined it.
    
    Me: Duh. 
                                                    

    Well you'll all be thrilled to know the RDS scare was a piece of
    mis-information�. I am now the proud owner of a '96 Astra brochure and
    they have Blaupunkt "full RDS/EON" radios with the same wierd display
    in the dashboard rather than on the radio itself.
    
    � = bollocks

  
  Problem with a '94/95 model 2.0 16v Cavalier...
  
  Without looking at the manual (I'm not sure where it is) I can't tell
  what the potential problem is, but occaisionally when I try and start the
  car, normally first thing in the morning, the engine management light
  flashes and car stalls.  I've not been too happy with the engine
  management system since I've had the car as it seems to keep saving the
  engine from stalling when the engine is idling (i.e. most of the time it
  doesn't have a static idle point).
  
  Any ideas?  The cars going in for a service hopefully this week, so I
  just wanted a bit of background if that's possible...?
  
  Cheers,
  Chris.

    re .172
    
    Fuel injection relay? I had one fail on my Calibra and before that on
    my Astra Sri.
    
    Clive

    
    I've had a Cav 2.0 16v SRi since Aug and I've had a similar problem on
    several occasions.
    
    I generally always wait for the check indicators to go out before
    starting up and occasionally the eng man light flashes at me.  I turn
    off the ignition and start again and it's ok.  If you try to start the
    engine when its flashing... it won't !!
    
    According to the manual the eng man is stuffed when flashing.  On
    reflection I "think" it has always been when the engine is cold.  Got
    another 3K before first service so I would also be interested in
    anybodys findings/opinons on this one.
    
    Regards,
    
    - MARK -
    

    
    re .173
    
    also had the same on my previous 8v cav '90-'92.  This was replaced
    when it failed.  The problem we seem to have is with the ECOTEC eng man
    system and not the fuel relay (???) as you would think (??) that
    Vauxhall would have sorted out the relay by now ?!?!?!?
    
    - MARK -
    

    Speaking from experience :-(
    The relay usually only causes a prob when it gets very hot
    and never was a prob when the car was cold. The faulty relay
    is grey and the good ones are black I seem to remember, and
    live in a ridiculously big box near the washer bottle.
    
    I suffered months, nay years of flashing eng man light and intermittent
    cutting out/running rough etc, and it was the connections on the
    Airflow meter vibrating against the underside of the bonnet
    (eventually) the garage turned the meter body, and lenghtened the leads
    it's run faultlessly since, shame it's nearly time to get another
    one....
    
    Mayy

Watch out for faulty Vauxhall diagnosis machines with this problem -

The engine management light on my husbands Cavalier (1994 V6) kept coming
on in the summer, and the local Vauxhall garage put it on their diagnosis
machine, which said it was a faulty sensor - nothing actually wrong with
the engine.

Several visits to various garages later, it turned out the diagnosis machine 
was faulty - I seem to remember it got mixed up between left and right and
said the wrong sensor was faulty!  So they ended up replacing lots of parts
before they fixed it.

Carol Gilroy.

    Cavalier GLS TD 1994.
    This car now has the following faults, to which the chap at Ralphs
    Garage said "Oh yes, they all do that"....
    
    - Radio has lost LCD display - tape has head skew problems.
    - Drivers electric window "lazy"
    - Outside temp gauge u/s (for the second time in as many months)
    
    Not good... wish I had a Ford.
    
    		Simon

    Yes, mine has the Radio and window problems.  Leaseplan/Vauxhall/Hertz
    whoever have been arguing about who gets to fund the replacement radio
    display since before Christmas, so I'm guessing what channel I'm
    listening to at the moment...
    
    How ould I know if the tape player has a head skew problem?
    
    Mikef

    The radio is an interesting point, since its now out of warranty.
    Arguments will ensue - I'd give 6 months :-)
    I'm only guessing that its head skew on the tape  - 
    when it turns over to play the otherside there's lots of 
    "wow" and "flutter" (tech terms :-)
    		
    		Simon

Meetoo!

My LCD display is "broken", with only a few of the segment sections
appearing, so i can't tell what station i am listening to or whether
TP is on or off.

Sounds like a common problem with the radio (mines on a Frontera).

mb

    re .178
    
    Simon,
    
    Yep I've had all the problems and had them all rectified at the next
    service.
    
    I'd hardly call them major faults, just little niggles.
    
    I'm 50,000 miles up now in my Cav 1.7 TS LS and have been extremely
    pleased with it. Now I'm trying to decide what to replace it with.
    The cars in the frame so far are Astrs Sport TD (pinapple yellow!) or
    a Vectra TD.
    
    Royston

    Re: LCD radio displays
    
    I just talked to Barry at Ralph Motors about the radio display 
    and who paid for replacement.

    The situation is that there used to be a two year warranty on the
    stereos but now its only one year. He talked to the lease company who
    weren't having any of it if the stereos were less than two years old
    so they contacted Vauxhall who wouldn't budge on the matter.

    There shouldn't be too much of a problem now though at the lease
    company know where they stand and will pay for replacement if necessary
    when out of warranty.

    Royston with shiney car

    PS Ralphs do a nice valet with a service.

Well my reply yesterday prompted me to call my local Vauxhall garage, as
they had supposedly ordered me a new LCD display when my Frontera was last
serviced (in November!).

It turned out that they had several in stock (but forgot to call me) so
i popped round and put one on my Hertz card at �24-00 - wow, it is soooo
nice to see what you are listening to again!

The only problem was that i had to dig out my Stereo Passcard to find
out what my security code was to activate the radio afterwards!

mb

    re .183 Royston
    
    Yes, Barry said that he was currently dealing with 5(!) instances of
    broken LCD display, when I was there this A.M.

    At least you won't get this problem with the Vectra which has an LED
    disply (with very useful radio controls on the steering wheel on the
    GLS)
    
    Royston with Vectra demo

    Still no news about this - and I haven't got the time to chase up
    Hertz. While I was in Davy's recently for the (second!) recall on the
    car, I enquired about the radio, seems all I need is the code, and they
    can replace it, it's just the display LCD after all.
    Has anyone actually been through the process yet, Hertz/PHH ->
    Davy's/Vauxhall Main Dealer ? 

    I thought Barry at Ralph Motors was sorting this out for you ?
    
    I had the LCD display replaced by Barry a couple of months and had no
    hassle. He just ordered one and I went back a week later. Have your 
    radio code handy as it needs to be reentered. Since then there has been
    this issue about who pays for it.
    
    Royston

    Yes, there is still this issue about who pays for it, I'm not in the
    office much at the moment, I will sort it upon my return.