1996 Vauxhall Astra?

Question

I have just bought the above car as a local runabout. It has the following faults. 1) heater fan only works on full blast. 2) it leaks, drivers carpet wet in small patch so it mists up. 3) when driving along around 30mph, it misfires slightly but dosen't cut out, rev it up and it seems fine. I was looking for a Japanese car but needed a car fast, me thinks it is a lemon. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi.
It is not uncommon for the heater switch to pack up on these cars, so replace it if you want a slower fan speed. You will have to find the leak and fix it if you don't want to get wet or foggy! As for the misfire check that the main live lead (the big red one) on the back of the alternator is OK. These can get intermittent on some Astras/Cavaliers/Carltons. The symptoms being that on even throttle at relatively low RPMs or idling you get a misfire. Whilst accelerating or decelerating then the misfire stops, only to return on even revs. If this is the case then remove the live lead (10mm socket or spanner) from the rear of the alternator, squeeze the connector around the lead shut (where the wires poke into it) with a pair of monkey grips or mole grips and then refit the wire to the alternator.

Answer 2

Try to be fair on the car and what you paid. Probably around £500. The same Jap car would of cost you twice that and could still have the same problems.

Heater only blowing full is resistor pack is gone. Either replace that or just cope with it on full.

Water in footwell could be coming in either from the door seams or windsreen. Try cleaning out the door seams. If that doesn't work then ask your local windscreen shop to replace it under insurance. About £50 it will cost you that way.

The slight misfire is likely it just needs a service. All in all not too bad for an old banger.

Answer 3

i think your the lemon not the car