Holden Astra 2003

Holden Astra 2003 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Holden Astra 2003 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• How do I start a 2003 Holden Astra after it has run out of fuel?

  This shouldn't be too difficult, as the 2003 Astra was only available with a petrol engine. If your car was a diesel-powered car (available in the next generation of Astra) the situation could be much more complicated. As it is, however, you should really only need to add fresh fuel to the tank, switch on the ignition for a few seconds to allow the fuel pump to prime the engine and then hit the starter. Don't crank the engine for long periods if it's a bit slow to start a this will drain the battery and potentially overheat the starter motor. Instead, try starting the engine in bursts of a few seconds at a time with a little time between to let things cool down.

  Sometimes, however, the fuel pump won't appreciate being allowed to run dry and this can cause internal damage to the pump sufficient for it to need replacement. Generally, though, if you can hear the pump buzzing with the ignition on, the pump is working. In some extreme cases, the pump may not be able to prime the engine and the solution then is to spray a little starter fluid down the intake system to start the engine and hopefully allow the pump to catch up. But be warned, this is a dangerous process and should only be tried by somebody who knows what they're doing. It also involves undoing some of the trunking or piping to gain access to the engine's intake.

  The other potential hazard with running a car dry of fuel is that you'll drag all the silt, rust and dirt that once sat harmlessly in the bottom of the tank through the engine and into the fuel system. So you would be well advised to change the fuel filters and check that no rubbish has entered the system.

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• Holden Astra 2003: Water pump and timing belt replacement

  It’s common practice to replace the water pump at the same time the timing belt is changed because they usually need it. It doesn’t appear to be overheating, i.e. the gauge is not going off the scale, so I would just keep an eye on it and if it does show signs of overheating get it checked out.

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• What is a good replacement for a Holden Astra convertible?

  The new Holden Cascada will be perfect for you. It's the spiritual successor to your Astra but a better drive and more classy. I'm sure that, like me, you'll give it The Tick

   

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• Holden Berlina fuel reading

  It’s hard to say in absolute terms how accurate it is, but it is the most accurate indicator we have, given that the information comes directly from the injection system itself, and actually measures the fuel going into the engine. The claimed fuel consumption for the V6 VY Berlina was 6.6 on the highway and 11.00 around town, with an average of 8.2 L/100 km, which makes me think your car is about right.

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