Holden Astra 2010

Holden Astra 2010 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Holden Astra 2010 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• Why does the clock in my 2004 Holden Astra CD keep resetting?

  My first thought is that your car’s battery is on the way out. Are there any other symptoms of this (slow cranking etc)? Essentially, a battery that isn’t fully charged or is a bit wonky can start to shed its responsibilities one by one as it wears out. In this case, you might find that maintaining the clock’s memory/time isn’t programmed into the car as a major priority, so it switches that circuit off as a means of saving every available volt and ampere for actually starting the car (which is the point at which the maximum strain is placed on a battery).

  Beyond that, you could have a dodgy ignition barrel that isn’t making all the necessary contacts when you insert and turn the key each time. I’ve heard of applying a liberal coating of acetone (or a solvent such as carby cleaner or WD40 should also work) and inserting the key a few times in succession. This is sometimes enough to clean the contacts and restore full functionality.

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• Holden Astra 2010: Can it drive with a broken water pump?

  Whatever you do, don't drive it, don't even start it. It's likely that you have done serious internal damage already and driving it, starting it even, would only damage it further. Have it towed to a mechanic and have the engine checked. I fear the damage extends well beyond the water pump.

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• Ask Smithy Xtra timing belt vs timing chain

  The majority of carmakers use a timing belt. Why? It’s cheap. You could also argue that it’s quieter than a chain, which it is, but the main reason they use it is that it’s cheap. Nissan is one that tends to use a timing chain, so too does BMW, but you have to check each engine type to be sure because some carmakers use belts on some engines and chains on others.

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• Holden Astra 2010: How much does a new key cost?

  Depending on the model it could cost up to $480. It would be best to consult a locksmith in your area; many locksmiths are able to supply replacement keys.

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