Holden EK FAQs

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

• Third brake light on my 2015 Holden CD Cruze wagon isn't working

  The three brake lights are almost certain to be on the same circuit, meaning that if two are working, the third one is likely to be suffering from something as simple as a blown globe. Perhaps the globe is loose in its socket, but if two out of three are working, then you probably don’t have an issue with the wiring or fuses.

  The wiper issue could be to do with the body computer (which controls a huge number of a modern car’s functions) but, equally, could be something as simple as dirty contacts in the switch part of the stalk that controls the wipers. Some contact-cleaning spray into the switch might do the trick.

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• 2014 Holden Barina won't select reverse

  Based purely on your symptoms, a broken clutch is the most likely cause. When a clutch loses the ability to fully disengage the engine from the transmission (through either wear or damage) the gears can become very difficult to select. Sometimes they will engage with a crunch, at other times you may not be able to select them at all.

  This is a different problem to a worn clutch which has lost its clamping ability and is slipping, but the ultimate fix is the same: A new clutch assembly.

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• Coolant issues with my 2011 Holden Commodore SV6

  Before you do either of those things (replace the engine or the whole car) find out where the coolant is leaking from. You might find that it’s a simple case of a leaking hose or a worn out water pump that is causing the leak. If that’s the case, it could be fixed for a few hundred dollars or perhaps even less. Even if the problem is a rotted welch plug or a blown head gasket, the cost to fix it won’t be anywhere near as high as replacing the engine.

  On top of that, you know the history of the engine you have, while a second-hand engine can be a bit of a lucky-dip: You might get a good one, you might not.

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