Emissions light on and car wont start

July 30th, 2009

Question:

Went down to the shops this morning, car started and drove fine. When i came back to the car to drive home, it started then died pretty much straight away and the emissions light came on.

If i try to start it now, the starter motor is working but there’s no life in the engine at all. Another strange thing is that none of my dash lights are coming on except for the emissions light and the seat belt warning (which is on a timer). Normally as soon as the key gets to ‘on’ the dash lights up like a christmas tree but not now.
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Total Closure help

July 30th, 2009

Question:

Just wondering if we have any XC Barinas on here with Clints’ Total Closure unit?
used the following wires

Brown = black
Black/Blue = (Blue on TC unit)
Red/Yellow = (red on TC unit)

installed it inside the drivers door.
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Corsa Tyre Life

July 30th, 2009

Question:

What sort of kilometres can I expect to get out of a set of tyres on a Corsa. I’m running the stock size 205/45 R16’s on my SRi. I realise this is pretty rare so I’m interested in what anybody is getting out of a set of tyres on a Corsa. I pretty much drive like a granny too.

I going to get a set of Michelin Pilot Preceda (The only Michelins that come in 205/45 R16). Any one else running the Precedas?

Could I get away with 205/50 R16’s? and just out of curiosity what was the stock tyre size on the pre facelift Corsa SRi’s?
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Chuffing noise from Engine area

July 30th, 2009

Question:

For the past few thousand k’s, the Barina has been making a farting noise, a chuffing noise, sort of like if you press your lips together and the blow… yes, like your blowing a raspberry.

It’s coming from the D/S area of the engine, most audible through the D/S front wheel.
Have had the timing belt and water pump done…. Twice… (The first water pump lasted 1400k’s…
It did go away after the water pumps were changed over, but came back very quickly. Only does it when hot.
Did it before the water pump was changed the first time (it was leaking). Apparently it’s not an exhaust leak, but that is exactly what it sounds like.
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Fuel Economy

July 30th, 2009

Question:

This is for the Z14XE Corsa C owners – what do you get out of a 45l tank roughly. I gave up at 620km and fillled mine up – is this normal?

also at 100kmh in 5th waht doe the tach sit at (mine is 2900.)

this was done on a run to rockhampton yesterday for those interested at a rough speed of 100-160km. try to get one of these to sit on 100 – I couldn’t! seems it wanted to cruise at 130 for some reason.
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Question about brakes

July 30th, 2009

Question:

I had the car jacked up today trying to find the cause of an annoying rattle (which I’ve narrowed down to the brake calipers).

Anyway, I span the drivers side wheel with my hand and I noticed that with every revolution of the wheel, there is a point where the rotor (or shiny disc as I thought it was called) rubs against the brake caliper. The wheel then seems to slow down because of this and stops after about two revolutions.

I’ve heard it a lot lately when driving at low speeds but thought nothing of it.
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New tyres for ’01 XC SRi

July 30th, 2009

Question:

I’ve had an awesome run tyre-wise with my ’01 XC SRi and got 80,000km out of the 185/55/15 Michellin Energy front tyres, which I’m not certain were even new when I got the car! Better still, the rears still have about 2mm left before the wear markers are reached.

One of the fronts finally let go last week so it was on with the spare and time to make a “few” phone calls to see what I could organise as replacements. I wasn’t interested in Michellins as I know there’s plenty of other brands out there so I had a figure in mind of about $110 per tyre fitted and balanced for something good.

Boy was I mistaken! After about 5 calls to differnet tyre places I kepy getting told that 185/55/15 is rather uncommon and the best price I could do was $120 fitted and balanced for some piece of crap brand called Sonar!!!!

The last place I called finally suggested that I consider going with 195/50/15 as there is minimal difference in diameter and they are a far more common size.
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Bonnet hinges

July 30th, 2009

Question:

Noticed im getting a ratlling noise that appears to be coming from up on the dash toward the passenger side A -Pillar.

Anyway, ive gone mad chasing it and i cant find anything, im beginning to think it is the bonnet hinges, i cant beleive that at 80K theyd be worn. anyway, there seems to be play in them..I can grab the corner of the bonnet and rock it a little, and can hear it too. ive had this happen once before on another car as well.
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Clicking sound in engine

July 30th, 2009

Question:

I have a ticking sound in the front of the engine when the car is cold which stays for about 3 minutes or totally warmed up. It corresponds with engine rpm and has a slight metallic sound.
80 000KM 2002 SRI Any ideas? Also my cruise control won’t engage anymore?

Answer:
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Coolant Issue

July 30th, 2009

Question:

Twice now I’ve lifted the bonnet and found the coolant reservoir empty, with just a little bit left in the bottom. Whats more is that there is no apparent leak, no pools under (or inside) the car at all.

I’ve been to one mechanic who reckons it could be the head, or head gasket. I’m going to take it to Holden to have a look for a second opinion.
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