QuestionHello john I have a number of problems with an S reg Vauxhall Astra that is fast becoming the bane of my life! Some 1500 miles ago the head gasket blew (my fault entirely didn't check the water!!!)
Since its skimming and general repair I have had a good 1000 miles from the car. Then however the clutch cylinder leaked all of the brake fluid (obviously the car becoming unusable for a while) but since that repair I have not managed 300 miles before my current problems of the following:
1. The bonnet release catch has snapped. Can you tell me how to open the bonnet without it?
2. After recently passing an MOT not 300 miles later and my battery is flat. Have you any thoughts as to the cause.
3. Quite simply has this car had it and should I write it off?
Thank you for your time and any advice you may give
Lewis
AnswerWell, depending on which end of the cable snapped off...
If the end inside the car snapped off you can use pliers and some pent up frustration to mangle and rip at the cable sheath until you can unwind enough to get to the cable end. Then, pull with pliers to open hood and change cable. If the under bonnet side is the problem, you will need to get underneath it and remove the plastic shields from under the front bumper aria of the car. Then you should be able to reach up and whilst wearing a pair of gloves... trigger the end of the unit. If you are unable to do that, you can probably use a ratchet to unbolt the latch and lift the hood latch and all. Then remove the latch from the hood by pulling the actuator lever inside the latch unit, it will be the part with the frayed cable end stuck to it. Reinstall the latch to the car using the marks it left in the latch around the holes and the footprint it left in the crossmemeber as a guide. Put it back on in the exact same position it was when it came off and you should be fine.
As for the battery... I don't have a clue without knowing how old, what color, what flavor, left or right handed, is it a boy or a girl?
Any who, pay no mind to my brand of humor and take it into a shop and have them test it and replace it or the alternator if possible.
As for the third question, you have gotten a lot out of this car from the sound of it. And if not you whoever had it before you. It is simply saying to you "Hey, I had to put up with infrequent service and no preventative maintenance, so excuse me if I break!" Truth is, the car has seen its share of use and I am sure abuse in one fashion or another.
Get it fixed and have the service center perform a check on it. Ask them to look at the car as if you were going to buy it and to let you know what’s gone south and what has bought a ticket.
Fix what’s necessary and keep to a yearly or better yet twice yearly preventative maintenance scheme. Take it to the shop, have it get a once over and the fluids topped off ect... You will find that this car has quite a few more miles on it to go and will be far more dependable when you keep to a regular schedule of upkeep.
Regards,
John
