Holden Captiva 2010 Problems

This is not an unknown problem with the diesel Captiva. The root of the problem is probably within the fuel system which is over-fuelling the engine. You need to check the fuel-pump pressure as well as make sure all the relevant filters and clean and there are no leaks anywhere in the system. Even then, the actual cause is most often worn out fuel injectors which need to be either reconditioned or replaced. Conventional wisdom suggests that reconditioned injectors will last about half as long as brand new ones before needing attention again. That said, reconditioned injectors are cheaper to buy.

Worn out or dirty injectors have been by far the most common cause of diesel over-fuelling, and the problem is not confined to the Holden Captiva.

The most common way to do this is to lower the window completely via the button, and hold the button down for an extra five seconds. Then, close the window fully with the up button, and hold that for another five seconds. Usually, this will reset the windows so that the body computer knowns where they are and can operate the automatic up and down functions correctly.

In some cars, you can achieve the same by standing next to the car and holding the locking button down on the key fob for 30 seconds. If that doesn’t work, try the unlock button for the same 30 seconds.

DPF additives are real thing right now as consumers run scared over the thought of their car’s DPF needing replacement. These additives use a catalyst that claims to help clean out the DPF and regenerate it, usually by lowering the temperature at which the soot will be burned off in the filter.

Perhaps some do, but just as surely some of these will be snake oil. Choose a known brand and be prepared for the experiment to be a complete dud. Expect to pay about $30 for a bottle of additive, too, so it’s not a cheap experiment.

You can try either the type of additive that is simply poured into the fuel tank when you refuel next, or the type that is sprayed into the air intake system with the engine running. Either way, these are probably best regarded as a preventative measure and the servicing industry seems pretty doubtful about the additives’ ability to clean a DPF that is already blocked.

The cost including a new alternator should be $1000 to $1200.

You don't say what your typical driving day is, so I can only guess on that front, but driving short distances without regularly getting out on the highway for a reasonable drive at higher speeds is a DPF killer. If that's the sort of driving you do then that could be the underlying cause of the problem. You can't fix that. To resolve the problem take it back to Holden and ask them to tell you what they think is causing it and try and work out a plan of action. You would appear to have a good case to put to them to fix the car.