Antara Problerms - New Members Please Note
Sept 9, 2018 17:54:04 GMT
bigjohnsparky and Ray like this
Post by Dulac on Sept 9, 2018 17:54:04 GMT
Here is a list of various items and concerns that have arisen with a number of Antaras over at least the past three years or so, to which answers are available to most (if not all). Some of you might be aware of additional items, in which case feel free to add to it, but not just one-offs:
1. Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) warning light illuminated; Ignore at your peril;
2. Parking brake ineffective; Try pulling it twice - if still no good clean and adjust the mechanism;
3. Difficulty in engaging 2nd gear (manual box); Learn to live with it;
4. Transfer box failure (AWD models); Have the oil checked and topped-up periodically and only use the GM product; if it fails then rob a bank;
5. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve problems;
6. Rear screen washer not working; Pipe joint comes adrift and pumps washer fluid into the luggage compartment;
7. Excessive fuel consumption; The throttle is very sensitive to a heavy right foot and the screen display can often be misleading - and a DPF regen uses fuel:
8. Noisy engine; 2.2 diesels have a chain, not a belt:
9. No daytime running lights; They were not required by Law when the last Antara was made;
10. Heat damaged starter motor cable; The subject of a formal recall;
11. Oil dripping from beneath engine; A known manufacturing fault on some vehicles where Vauxhall has sometimes offered assistance to an 'engine out' proper repair;
12. Stop/start ineffective; Could be the wrong battery or a failing battery; also doesn't work during a DPF regen;
13. Caravan fridge doesn't charge when towing; Inadequate electrical kit installed by the towbar fitter;
14. Engine management light illuminates and engine power is lost;
15. Damaged turbo pipe;
16. Corrosion of luggage compartment door;
17. Upgrading on board computer; Can be upgraded by a Vauxhall dealer using the correct software, at a cost;
18. Automatic headlamps don't work. Can be corrected by a Vauxhall dealer in less than a half-hour using the correct software;
19. Fuse box terminal becomes loose causing displays to go haywire; Check terminal connection for tightness and inspect supply cable for damage;
In my opinion the most important item to pay close attention to is the regeneration process for the DPF, which is sometimes a nuisance but simple to comply with. If ignored it can lead to a number of problems with the day-to-day running of the car and if completely ignored the car will cease to run and repairs will be expensive.
It is worthwhile reading the Owner's Manual (OM) supplied with the car. This explains the various features on offer and how to operate them correctly, without getting into great technical detail. OMs are available to download online at Vauxhall UK if you don't have one.
Bear in mind there seems to be quite a bit of difference between pre and post-facelift models (i.e. around 2012), particularly regarding the available engines. Also, I do wonder how many Antaras were used under a PCP scheme - because of the size of the car and the ability to get in and out of it fairly easily - and then sold-on after three years, after being used by owners for frequent short runs to the shops, GP surgery, school, etc. The cars need a good blast on a motorway as often as possible to get the engine and exhaust hot and when buying a used Antara bear this in mind and don't be seduced by a low mileage.
For towing a trailer they are very good indeed and remember that all cars have their problems, whether they are German limousines or not.
1. Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) warning light illuminated; Ignore at your peril;
2. Parking brake ineffective; Try pulling it twice - if still no good clean and adjust the mechanism;
3. Difficulty in engaging 2nd gear (manual box); Learn to live with it;
4. Transfer box failure (AWD models); Have the oil checked and topped-up periodically and only use the GM product; if it fails then rob a bank;
5. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve problems;
6. Rear screen washer not working; Pipe joint comes adrift and pumps washer fluid into the luggage compartment;
7. Excessive fuel consumption; The throttle is very sensitive to a heavy right foot and the screen display can often be misleading - and a DPF regen uses fuel:
8. Noisy engine; 2.2 diesels have a chain, not a belt:
9. No daytime running lights; They were not required by Law when the last Antara was made;
10. Heat damaged starter motor cable; The subject of a formal recall;
11. Oil dripping from beneath engine; A known manufacturing fault on some vehicles where Vauxhall has sometimes offered assistance to an 'engine out' proper repair;
12. Stop/start ineffective; Could be the wrong battery or a failing battery; also doesn't work during a DPF regen;
13. Caravan fridge doesn't charge when towing; Inadequate electrical kit installed by the towbar fitter;
14. Engine management light illuminates and engine power is lost;
15. Damaged turbo pipe;
16. Corrosion of luggage compartment door;
17. Upgrading on board computer; Can be upgraded by a Vauxhall dealer using the correct software, at a cost;
18. Automatic headlamps don't work. Can be corrected by a Vauxhall dealer in less than a half-hour using the correct software;
19. Fuse box terminal becomes loose causing displays to go haywire; Check terminal connection for tightness and inspect supply cable for damage;
In my opinion the most important item to pay close attention to is the regeneration process for the DPF, which is sometimes a nuisance but simple to comply with. If ignored it can lead to a number of problems with the day-to-day running of the car and if completely ignored the car will cease to run and repairs will be expensive.
It is worthwhile reading the Owner's Manual (OM) supplied with the car. This explains the various features on offer and how to operate them correctly, without getting into great technical detail. OMs are available to download online at Vauxhall UK if you don't have one.
Bear in mind there seems to be quite a bit of difference between pre and post-facelift models (i.e. around 2012), particularly regarding the available engines. Also, I do wonder how many Antaras were used under a PCP scheme - because of the size of the car and the ability to get in and out of it fairly easily - and then sold-on after three years, after being used by owners for frequent short runs to the shops, GP surgery, school, etc. The cars need a good blast on a motorway as often as possible to get the engine and exhaust hot and when buying a used Antara bear this in mind and don't be seduced by a low mileage.
For towing a trailer they are very good indeed and remember that all cars have their problems, whether they are German limousines or not.