Damn service department

[sadavidsriturbo]

Hello peeps long time no type.
I have not had much luck with my car again after spending 3 long months in repair (old lady in car park smashed into it ) i have had another set back. Well long story short my gear box has s@#$ its self and in true Holden style they have been trying to worm their way out of repairing it putting the damage down to my driving habits.

Now i have taken the obvious steps like customer assistance and then getting a gearbox professional to assess the gearbox and give reason as to why it failed still complaining the matter got escalated to the Holden state business manager only for he to tell me they reviewed my case further only to have the same out come that the part did not malfunction due to a manufacturing fault but as to my driving so the conclusion is it is my fault and they are not liable. But now it gets interesting i at 15,000km noticed a knocking sound every time i engaged the clutch or backed of the accelerator when i accelerated it would take the slack and then make a knock sound then when i backed off the accelerator the same, it kinda felt lke an engine mount. Spare of the moment i bought the car in(no booking so no documentation) for some one to have a look being only a slight knock it was hard to fault and the mechanic said the car was fine so i drove around for a further 13,000km with the knock only getting worse i bought the car back in again for them to check it out this time i booked it in as i thought they would fix it, mechanic drives it he says nothing wrong i say bull shit made the car do the knocking noise ect they say ok it does have a problem i say i think it is engine mounts ??? They look and say engine mounts look fine but we will change them any way bring it in next week so i do and they change a front engine mount. They ring me up and say car is fixed come get it so i do, as soon as i get in put it into 1st go to take off clunk 1st thing that happened, call them up it is still doing it ok bring it back in and we will change the rear engine mount. Ok bring it back in a week later earliest they could fit me in apparently they change the rear one, again phone call your car is ready come get it so i get in take off clunk again i ring up i thought you said the car was fixed, it is i say na it is still doing it did you even road test it guy says of course we did (like im an idiot) i say well if you did you must be retarded as you cant drive the car without it knocking let along it go unnoticed . ok they said bring it back in and we shall fix it so i do i leave it there for half a day for them to ring and ask me if i could put my car back to standard as they are having trouble finding the source of this knock ok my car has wheels 20x8 eibach springs whiteline sway bar and a 3 inch zorst i say no way how hopeless are you guys i am taking it to another dealer. So i book it in for the next day, as i am going to the dealer my gearbox goes kaput. They have established that my driving caused it but i feel that their stupidity caused it to totally malfunction as the gearbox is beyond repair and i have to now get a brand new one $7500.00 fitted i want to take them to court or something, do i have a case??? i feel that because of 1 the mechanics not doing there job properly 2 the long intervals between the visits for repairs and 3 them not telling me that i should not drive the car as they do not know what the problem is has caused it to become a major problem i am willing to cover some of the cost but not the whole lot as it is bull shit any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

[MatsHolden]

My old man had his gearbox replaced under warranty on his AH Turbo. Different issue as it was whining and it also had 100,000km on it. But they did replace it, so I'd keep on them. ALthough having your mods will make it more difficult for you unfortunately.

[sadavidsriturbo]

My old man had his gearbox replaced under warranty on his AH Turbo. Different issue as it was whining and it also had 100,000km on it. But they did replace it, so I'd keep on them. ALthough having your mods will make it more difficult for you unfortunately.


I know like i said to them guys come in with there commodores same if not more mods and because they know commodores inside and out it is easy for them to diagnose a problem my car comes in and they are all baffled so i get the run around and its my fault i am seeking legal advice on Tuesday but i feel that its not going to get me anywhere as they are probably going to use the mods as a loop hole and say thats why they could not pin point the problem as the parts are not genuine holden and where not fitted by a holden dealer so that noise could have been anything as they already said that to me

[hazrd]

try the department of fair trading too man they are usually pretty good to deal with, sometimes takes a little while to sort out but they arent too bad

[Manda88]

Does 15000km service have box fluid change? Get your fluids checked independently maybe wrong causing friction and now melted your box?
They will prob try to ping ya for your exhaust but that will be absolute bs cause those boxes are rated much higher than an exhaust could free up..

I say you have a case if your under warranty

[sadavidsriturbo]

try the department of fair trading too man they are usually pretty good to deal with, sometimes takes a little while to sort out but they arent too bad

Thanks i have just written a strong complaint i will send it off on tuesday


Does 15000km service have box fluid change? Get your fluids checked independently maybe wrong causing friction and now melted your box?
They will prob try to ping ya for your exhaust but that will be absolute bs cause those boxes are rated much higher than an exhaust could free up..

I say you have a case if your under warranty

I wont be covered due to the mods and the wear but my issue is the run around that i got thus causing it to get out of hand from a simple new spider gears (could have upgraded myself with an lsd) and only cost around $2k which i would be glad to pay for to now a whole new gearbox $7500k

[DEE-80Y]

I could be wrong, but my understanding of warranty means that if anything breaks or is faulty it is covered by warranty. If it is broken or faulty due to modification then you're out of luck.

I thought warranty was void if the mod was in direct contact with the fault eg 20" rims voids suspension claims.
If you have applied mods to your engine so you are producing more power and the gearbox can't handle it.

I don't see hows wheels would cause your gearbox to go. I say seek all the advice you can and see what options you have.

Maybe even go to another service dept and get their opinion on what you have been thru.

As I said I could be wrong, but it's another point of view. Good luck mate, this is the reason I didn't buy another Holden.

[hazrd]

As I said I could be wrong, but it's another point of view. Good luck mate, this is the reason I didn't buy another Holden.


and they wonder why they are going down the gurgler :rolleyes:

best of luck mate, let us know how u go

[rjastra]

and they wonder why they are going down the gurgler :rolleyes:

best of luck mate, let us know how u go

FFS... any manufacturer will try that on if the car in question has been modified and if that modification may affect the component in question.

Then again... are you sure that the initial accident didn't in some way cause this issue?

[ASTRAY]

cant help you with holden mate, but im sure there are gearboxes on ebay for around 1k from wreckers.
dunno if the turbo boxes are the same though mate
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Astra-AH-Automatic-Transmission-to-suit-04-09_W0QQitemZ270402098604QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_ Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef53895ac&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

[MatsHolden]

Then again... are you sure that the initial accident didn't in some way cause this issue?

That's a good point.

[xplosv57]

Quick question, what's actually broken in the gearbox??

[EL BURITO]

sounds odd, your not pulling more power thou so how can this effected your gear box, have you had a 3rd party look at your car? Fair trading may ask for this also.

Is there any thing on the UK forums about gear boxes going at this many kms

can you break your writing up a little please

[nigelh]

From what you have said I would say the diff gears have broken and gone through the Gearbox. correct?
The only reason spider gears (the small diff gears) fail is from excessive wheel spin and that would be the reason Holden has voided your warranty. Seen it happen many times before.

[Manda88]

From what you have said I would say the diff gears have broken and gone through the Gearbox. correct?
The only reason spider gears (the small diff gears) fail is from excessive wheel spin and that would be the reason Holden has voided your warranty. Seen it happen many times before.


lol i blame holden for wheel spin too then lol wheres the traction control!! haha:D

bet yeh as burito man said your not running any extra power through your box because of your exhaust... your car would have lost power over the years from wear, exhaust wouldnt probs make it back to stock levels, but in saying that the gearbox would also be wearing down and be able to handle less.. so damned if you do damned if you don't with the situation..

check your box type with that one thats been posted... its deff the cheap way to do it, dont let holden get your money for their mistake!

[ChrisMaz]

I still can't get over how crap holdens service department are at dealing with problems on their european models. :mad:

[EL BURITO]

I still can't get over how crap holdens service department are at dealing with problems on their european models. :mad:
Chris unless you have a used car warranty (witch isnt really worth shit any ways) Go and see J&P on Waneroo rd for your services he knows his euros

[Orion_996]

That just sucks mate, I had similar issues with stuff like that when i had my car. And $7500 for a gear box.... where the hell are they getting that from???!!! My mate just had a new gearbox put into his 330 BMW and it cost him $3900....

[sadavidsriturbo]

and they wonder why they are going down the gurgler :rolleyes:

best of luck mate, let us know how u go

Thanks i will


FFS... any manufacturer will try that on if the car in question has been modified and if that modification may affect the component in question.

Then again... are you sure that the initial accident didn't in some way cause this issue?

Na the problem started before the accident


cant help you with holden mate, but im sure there are gearboxes on ebay for around 1k from wreckers.
dunno if the turbo boxes are the same though mate
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Astra-AH-Automatic-Transmission-to-suit-04-09_W0QQitemZ270402098604QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_ Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef53895ac&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Yeah gonna keep trying but if all else fails i definitely wont go back to holdens


Quick question, what's actually broken in the gearbox??

It was the spider gears and some pin that they spin on but they spat straight thru the middle and out the side so the whole gearbox is rooted


From what you have said I would say the diff gears have broken and gone through the Gearbox. correct?
The only reason spider gears (the small diff gears) fail is from excessive wheel spin and that would be the reason Holden has voided your warranty. Seen it happen many times before.

Exactly.....

[Manda88]

cheaper option for you??

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BRAND-NEW-Z20LET-ASTRA-TURBO-MOTOR_W0QQitemZ350141789530QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_C ar_Parts_Accessories?hash=item518613b55a&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

sounds like it comes with gear box, stuff it don't come with you can salvage from your engine now.. sell your engine without the g/box after to make some money back :p

[AH08]

Or here.......... http://cgi.ebay.com.au/holden-astra-halfcut_W0QQitemZ320377365145QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU _Car_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4a97faa299&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1| 293%3A1|294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/holden-astra-halfcut_W0QQitemZ320377365145QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU _Car_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4a97faa299&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)


and.......... http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Astra-AH-Engine-1-8L-to-suit-04-10_W0QQitemZ270402098606QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_ Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef53895ae&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A4|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0| 293%3A1|294%3A200 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Astra-AH-Engine-1-8L-to-suit-04-10_W0QQitemZ270402098606QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_ Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef53895ae&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A4%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A200)

[sadavidsriturbo]

cheaper option for you??

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BRAND-NEW-Z20LET-ASTRA-TURBO-MOTOR_W0QQitemZ350141789530QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_C ar_Parts_Accessories?hash=item518613b55a&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

sounds like it comes with gear box, stuff it don't come with you can salvage from your engine now.. sell your engine without the g/box after to make some money back :p


Or here.......... http://cgi.ebay.com.au/holden-astra-halfcut_W0QQitemZ320377365145QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU _Car_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4a97faa299&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1| 293%3A1|294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/holden-astra-halfcut_W0QQitemZ320377365145QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU _Car_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4a97faa299&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)


and.......... http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Astra-AH-Engine-1-8L-to-suit-04-10_W0QQitemZ270402098606QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_ Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef53895ae&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A4|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0| 293%3A1|294%3A200 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Astra-AH-Engine-1-8L-to-suit-04-10_W0QQitemZ270402098606QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_ Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef53895ae&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A4%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A200)


Thanks guys keep em coming i have been looking but i guess i have been looking in the wrong places id like to get a brand new one but would settle for 2nd hand if the price was right.

[nigelh]

If you end up with a 2nd hand one. I would take the front housing off and check the diff and maybe fit a quaife or kaaz lsd before you fitted the box because its a common problem.
You need a f23 gearbox the 2.2 and the diesel have them but with different gear ratios.

[sadavidsriturbo]

If you end up with a 2nd hand one. I would take the front housing off and check the diff and maybe fit a quaife or kaaz lsd before you fitted the box because its a common problem.
You need a f23 gearbox the 2.2 and the diesel have them but with different gear ratios.


Excellent thank you very much for the advice as i don't have a clue how to go about this if holdens still don't come to an agreement and like most i would like to keep the cost down so thank you

[sooty]

You need a f23 gearbox the 2.2 and the diesel have them but with different gear ratios.

Diesel runs the m32 ;)

[Wraith]

Yeah, as mentioned by Adam - dept. of fair trade will hopefully sort it out for you !

I've used them in the past regarding a matter with a Holden dealership (not same prob as yours) but they sorted it good and quick for me ;)

All the best with it...

BTW I got sore eyes reading your post LOL :lol:

[sadavidsriturbo]

Yeah, as mentioned by Adam - dept. of fair trade will hopefully sort it out for you !

I've used them in the past regarding a matter with a Holden dealership (not same prob as yours) but they sorted it good and quick for me ;)

All the best with it...

BTW I got sore eyes reading your post LOL :lol:

Thanks i have rang business and consumer affairs (S.A. version) got told to send them a complaint in writing give them 7 days to come to some sort of agreement and then take it from there :mad:

sorry about the sore eyes not the best with punctuation when im in a hurry

[hazrd]

7 days is good mate

CAV (consumer affairs vic) tell u to allow them 2 weeks so 7 days isnt too bad... I did say it might take a little while but sometimes its really worth it and they are very helpful and thorough

hope u get it all sorted mate

[Wraith]

Thanks i have rang business and consumer affairs (S.A. version) got told to send them a complaint in writing give them 7 days to come to some sort of agreement and then take it from there :mad:

sorry about the sore eyes not the best with punctuation when im in a hurry

No worries about the puntuation sadavidsriturbo your post is all good, was just joking :)

Let us know how you go, Adam mentioned 2 weeks above here in Vic., but in my case (was in 2005) they sorted it out pretty much immediately after I'd telephoned them...the dealership in question then took another week or so to contact me about the matter, but the Dept. of fair trade was onto it immediately, I was extremely happy with their work ethics :)

I'll stay tuned with interest to your outcome, hope it all goes good for you :)

[Manda88]

keep us posted would love to know how this shapes out.. ill keep fleabaying for a bargains for ya just incase :p

[Manda88]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Astra-SRI-Z22SE-Manual-Gearbox-2-2L-to-suit-01_W0QQitemZ270402098589QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_ Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef538959d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1| 293%3A1|294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Astra-SRI-Z22SE-Manual-Gearbox-2-2L-to-suit-01_W0QQitemZ270402098589QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_ Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef538959d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)

another cheap g/box for ya

[glider]

doesnt he need the 6 speed petrol turbo gearbox? I would assume any other gearbox would not match up? (the z22se gearbox is 5spd)

[sadavidsriturbo]

doesnt he need the 6 speed petrol turbo gearbox? I would assume any other gearbox would not match up? (the z22se gearbox is 5spd)


kinda....... I heard on the grape vine i can even use the calibra 6 speed with some mods ??

[Manda88]

but then you will get calibra DNA lol.. and as ive heard from every calibra driver on here its a costly thing to have :p

[cozac]

Dont know much about ur problem but had a new gear box put in myself only 2000kms ago with 35000kms on the clock. My issue was a bearing in the gearbox failed and shaft destroyed everything, even made a hole in the gearbox casing the size of a golf ball. They quoted me 13 thousand for it. Had a group next to Roseberry holden look at it.

Forgot the group's name, but Suttons in roseberry know them pretty well. Go to them and have them check it out for you. The owner's name is Surge. He'll look after you. And, bonus is Holden take all their gearbox's to him and he'll look after you for sure. Just tell him you know Jason with the red astra with VXR gearbox and clutch that ****ed up.

Hope it all goes well.

[mr corsa]

Dont know much about ur problem but had a new gear box put in myself only 2000kms ago with 35000kms on the clock. My issue was a bearing in the gearbox failed and shaft destroyed everything, even made a hole in the gearbox casing the size of a golf ball. They quoted me 13 thousand for it. Had a group next to Roseberry holden look at it.

Forgot the group's name, but Suttons in roseberry know them pretty well. Go to them and have them check it out for you. The owner's name is Surge. He'll look after you. And, bonus is Holden take all their gearbox's to him and he'll look after you for sure. Just tell him you know Jason with the red astra with VXR gearbox and clutch that ****ed up.

Hope it all goes well.

thats bad luck there do you have any pics of the gear box with the hole in it so others can use it for a future preference in case this happens to them?

[cozac]

thats bad luck there do you have any pics of the gear box with the hole in it so others can use it for a future preference in case this happens to them?

Surge called me and informed me of it. I didnt get to see it myself.

Best advice I can give other than seeing him, is when you talk to the head engineer yourself...record him on loudspeaker saying that the group your going to for inspection is still approved by them. As in, if the report says its warrantable, then they wont argue with you and the other party. They will just jump on it straight away.

Just supprised about the 7 grand gearbox...mine was like 13 plus labor...

Took them 3 weeks to do it though with parts.

Also, they didnt put it in propperly, so get it checked by NRMA afterwards (its free). They didnt put 2/3 engine mounts back in and they didnt put the gear selector in propperly either. Just make sure you check these appretices's work. Anywho, they fixed it and running perfectly! (except for tune, running rich as and missing heaps with alot of popping).

[Vectracious]

can we keep it on topic please or the thread will be closed.

thanks

[sadavidsriturbo]

Well the saga continues, just been informed that they still stand by there decision to not repair the vehicle.

So my next step is legal, I will post mine and there arguments from the begining to end as the case goes on as i am not to keen on posting everything up on a public forum until its over or almost :mad:

All in all i will never buy a Holden again due to the poor after sales service that i and many others receive (this is not the first time either)
even with the 35% discount on Commodore or 21% euro and jap that my father receives. Our family has bought 2 cars a year for the past 6 and my dad has provided holdens with 27 years of service and thats the Mother F#$%N thanks we get.

To put it nicely Me#$% Holdens P#$% Rd service department are a bunch of incompetent slack idiots that charge thru the ass and do the bare minimum of whats required if that.

[Manda88]

Ouch that sucks ass. Any word from consumer affairs?

Well at least everyone on here will be with ya 100 percent and try to minimise business with them and there incompetence

[sadavidsriturbo]

Ouch that sucks ass. Any word from consumer affairs?

Well at least everyone on here will be with ya 100 percent and try to minimise business with them and there incompetence

Consumer affairs has sent me out a complaint form but i know its going to turn into a legal matter so i am just gonna get straight to it.

[Manda88]

Be aware you may need to 'bleep' the location so m***o holden p**t st . Just so oa don't get done for slander

[sadavidsriturbo]

Be aware you may need to 'bleep' the location so m***o holden p**t st . Just so oa don't get done for slander


Thanks

[Vectracious]

Bad news David - hope it works out for you when you take this further. :)

[poita]

To be Safe, Holden Dealarship would be a better change ;)


Good luck with it all mate

[sadavidsriturbo]

OK well this is lengthy but this is it a complete play for play af my dealings with Metro Holdens port rd and Holdens Australia


To whom it may concern,

Case number ************
This letter is to express my concern & disappointment regarding the servicing, treatment & advice from Metro Holden’s, Port Road in relation to my 2007 black Astra turbo, registration ****. I am writing this letter with disappointment and disgust which has resulted from the poor treatment of your service team and also from their actions and the way they have conducted their business. I feel they have not demonstrated a professional work ethic and their actions are not fair and just. I also feel like I have been ignored by Metro Holden’s servicing department and their conduct has been both un-professional and incompetent. As a result, I now find myself dealing with Holden’s customer assistance to try and resolve the issue. Below I have a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the incident to demonstrate the level of action that I had taken to resolve the issue and the lack of effort performed by the service team.

·At approximately 15,000km I noticed a very slight knocking upon gear change. The knocking sound was occurring every time I changed gears. I immediately bought this to the attention of Metro Holden’s. I did not book an appointment but stopped past the servicing department for someone to inspect the vehicle & see if there was an issue. A mechanic took my vehicle for a test drive as I waited in the waiting area at metro Holden’s. I had explained to the mechanic before the test drive the issue with the gears but upon return advised he could not fault the vehicle and that it was fine. No suggestion was made by this mechanic that I should book the vehicle in for a service or have it more thoroughly inspected. With the mechanic being a professional, I took his advice that there was no issue with the vehicle. This occurred sometime in April 2008. As I had not booked the car in for a service, there was not documentation nor were there any notes made on the computer. I remember the mechanic who looked at my vehicle but do not recall his name. If I were to see him again I could easily point him out.

·At 29,832 kms, a further 14,800km since I first noticed the knocking; the vehicle was due for a service. I bought the car in on the 31/12/08 and told them about the clunking issue with the gears & that it had not ceased. I thought it may have been an engine mount as I had previously been told that there was nothing they could fault with the gearbox after the test drive. I assumed the engine mount would be repaired or replaced during the service. I left the car with the Metro Holden’s Servicing department and they advised they would have a look at the vehicle to try and locate and repair the clunking in the vehicle. Later that afternoon, I received a call from the servicing department advising the vehicle was ready for me to collect. I asked the gentleman if they had fixed the clunking sound or replaced the engine mounts, the gentlemen replied that the engine mounts were fine and the vehicle is not making the noise or knocking. I returned later that day to pick up my vehicle. Upon leaving I noticed the car was in no better condition than prior to me bringing the car into the servicing department and the car had continued to have issues with knocking and clunking whist changing gears.

I then contacted the service department again and advised that the car is still having issues with the clunking or knocking of the gearbox and I thought that they had fixed it. The response from the servicing department was that the vehicle was not making this noise upon road test. At this point in time I could not understand why they were unable to notice this knocking in the gearbox, as it was evident to other people who had been in my car that there was an issue there. I find it very hard to understand why the issue was not picked up and this is frustrating as I had taken the correct pre-cautions to make the servicing department aware of the issue and to take this into consideration when servicing my vehicle. As it was New Years Eve, I felt the response I received from the servicing department was negative and I felt as if they did not want to deal with it as it was New Years Eve and an inconvenience. Holden’s serving department advised they would have to conduct further testing and if I could return the car. I advised them I would need a loan car as I need the vehicle for work. It was some two weeks wait for a loan vehicle, I advised them that I would call back and book a suitable time and date for further testing. Before I was able to do so, my car was involved in a collision when it was parked in a car park. The vehicle had full comprehensive insurance and was repaired by a reputable and approved repairer. This process took 4 months in which the vehicle was not driven much.

·Upon receiving the vehicle back after the collision, I booked the vehicle in to get repaired on the 15/04/09 with 30,761km on the odometer. I bought the vehicle in on the morning of 15/04/09 and left it with Holden’s servicing department. I was waiting for a phone call but decided to call myself and enquire on the status of the vehicle. I got told that they replaced the rear engine mount and the car was fine so I picked up the vehicle. After leaving the premises, I again noticed the car was still clunking on gear change. I called to explain that yet again the issue had not been fixed and that I have had enough and it was ridiculous. I also wanted to know why I had again been told the issue was fixed when it clearly hadn’t. I decided to personally go into the Holden’s servicing department at Metro Holden, where I was told that they were having trouble pin pointing the problem. They advised that they would keep changing all the engine mounts one by one until the problem stops. To me this seemed like a waste of time but as they were mechanics I took their professional advice and I booked the vehicle in again.

·At 31,682 kms I booked the vehicle in for service on the 20/04/09. A courtesy vehicle was booked. I again bought the vehicle into the same metro Holden’s servicing department. Together with the mechanics we checked the car over in the workshop so I could show them the area where the knocking and clunking was coming from, hoping to give them a better understanding of where to look as, at this point they had no idea still as to what the issue was. After some time looking at the vehicle, the group of mechanics looking & observing were unable to diagnose the issue from a visual point of view, although at his point the mechanics agreed there was indeed a clunking noise and an issue that needed to be located and fixed. They then placed the vehicle on a hoist and on further inspection found the engine mounts to be in good working condition. Anyone would assume the issue would then be somewhere else. I then left them to continue working on the vehicle and returned to the counter to sign paperwork in regards to a courtesy car. Whilst doing this I was told that I would receive a phone call when my vehicle was ready. I advised them I would need notice in advance before I could return the courtesy vehicle so I could make arrangements with work and I was then told that the courtesy car would need to be returned by the end of that business day as they needed it for the next morning. This to me meant that my car was to be dealt with in a rush as they needed the car for another customer the following morning. This frustrated me as I had taken my car to the servicing department three times prior to this occasion and the issue had still not been resolved. The issue was becoming more serious and I felt the service department was not fulfilling their obligation to resolve the matter. It also begun to worry me greatly as I did not believe it was getting the servicing required. I felt that getting the courtesy car back for someone else to use was very rude, as again it made me feel the issue with my car was not significant. I explained to the servicing department that if the car was not fixed by the end of the day I would not be returning the courtesy car. I was told not to worry about it. I left the servicing department and by the end of that day I received a phone call and was asked to come in as my vehicle was ready. I again came in thinking that everything had now been fixed. I asked what the issue was and they advised that they had changed another engine mount and that it would now be fine. Again upon leaving the department, to my disgust the clunking and knocking was still evident. I returned to the service department immediately and exchanged words as I was angry, frustrated and again let down. I told the staff in the servicing department that this type of service was unacceptable and not only have they wasted my time on several occasions but when I questioned their competence I was treated with disrespect and was spoken to rudely. I believe this was because of my suggestions perhaps their mechanics weren’t up to speed with servicing and knowledge of the European models. I believed after taking my vehicle there on the numerous occasions the issue would have been located let alone resolved. I felt I was spoken down to by staff. I had to then wait a further 21 days to re-book my vehicle again as they indeed needed their courtesy car back for following morning. I managed to get another booking on the 11/05/09.

·Again I bought my vehicle into the metro Holden’s servicing department on the morning of 11/05/09. This time I picked up the courtesy vehicle, gave them my keys and left only to get a phone call about two hours later asking me to come in. On return to the service department, I was asked to have a few modifications removed and my car back to standard. I was told this was because they were having trouble pin pointing the issue. I again became agitated as because of the mechanics failure to resolve the issue and lack of expertise, I was going to have to remove modifications on the vehicle that had not previously been an issue when servicing the car prior. I was advised that the parts that were fitted were making it difficult to source the problem. I was annoyed as I had clearly stated earlier that the issue was coming from the gearbox or the engine and the modifications fitted to the vehicle (wheels/springs/exhaust) do not interfere at all with these areas. I advised metro servicing that if they were unable to figure it out, I would then take vehicle to another Holden dealership for servicing. I then called City Holden and booked it in for the next day being the 12/05/09.

·That morning of the 12/05/09 driving to City Holden, I was stationary in traffic and I went to take off and the gearbox gave up in very big way depositing oil and gears onto the road. I called Holden assist and to my surprise Metro Holden had not renewed my Holden assist. This was again another fault as I had a service not more than six months ago and it was common practice to renew the membership every time you have a scheduled service with metro Holden. I rang Metro Holden to see why they did not renew it, and in the mean time they organized a tow into their work shop. I arrived at Metro Holden’s with the tow truck driver. I was advised by Suresh, who had been dealing with me and my vehicle recently, not to stress. I was angry as the issue had far gotten out of hand and had now escalated as a result of Metro Holden’s incompetence to resolve the issue to begin with. Suresh also advised that we would sort something out and that everything would be ok. I then left Metro Holden’s with the advice that I would receive a phone call once that had had a look at my vehicle. I went to avis to collect the courtesy car. I had this car for some time while my car was being assessed. After some time, I was contacted and advised that Holden’s was not going to replace or repair the gearbox under warrantee as it was not a manufacturing fault and that I would have to make a decision to repair or replace the gearbox myself.
I feel that failure to locate the issue in the early servicing days meant that this incident could have been avoided or intercepted. I felt like I have been blamed and my driving habits used as excuse for metro Holden’s serving department incompetence and lack of knowledge when servicing my vehicle. Not only did I make numerous efforts to allow Holden’s the opportunity to service my car and locate the issue, but I dealt with rude and disrespectful servicing staff. It is my understanding that a serving department maintains vehicles and fixes or advises the customer of any issues, my experience with Metro Holden’s is the servicing department constantly advised the issue was fixed when indeed it hadn’t even been located. I believe I took all the correct steps to ensure the issue with my car was rectified but was constantly given excuses and misinformation. I am personally disgusted and appalled at how the matter has been handled and the response I have received. This not how I expected Holden’s or it associates to act as a company.
I feel the reason given as to why the gearbox will not be replaced by Holden’s is outrageous as the issue is not to what may have caused the gearbox to go but more so the actions the service department took in trying or lack of trying to prevent the issue by fixing or diagnosing the problem many services ago. I have tried to discuss this with your business manager. Mechanics have an obligation to do their job and there is a standard that needs to be met, in this case Metro Holden’s have not met those standards at all. I have been treated unfairly, disrespectfully and misinformed by the servicing staff. This has caused a great deal of anguish and undue stress that could have been avoided if the servicing department were competent in their actions. I also believe that the servicing department’s lack of knowledge with European models may have been an issue with the diagnosis of my vehicle. This became evident in my discussions with the mechanics.
Another concern is that if the Holden’s service department was unable to locate the issue due to modifications then why was I not advised at an earlier time to remove the modifications, not at the last instance, this again may have lead to the issue being resolved much sooner. If the parts were making it difficult to locate the issue, why was it not suggested the first time these modifications be removed or why was it not required during servicing to have the modifications removed.
I have spoken with a separate mechanic and was advised that larger wheels, springs and exhaust would in no way have contributed to the malfunction of the gearbox. Upon receipt of this letter, I am providing Holden’s Australia with seven days to come to an agreement with myself as my next step is seeking legal representation.
Yours sincerely
David ******


In reply this is what they said


Dear Mr ******

Ref No: ********

We write in reference to your 2007 Holden Astra SRi Turbo Hatch, Vehicle Identification Number ******************.

We understand you have raised some concerns with your vehicle’s gearbox and as a result of these difficulties you are requesting that Holden cover the cost of the replacement gearbox.

Please be advised that upon inspection by Metro Holden, we confirm that no evidence of manufacturing defect was found. In consideration, we review the nature of the concern, distance travelled and also vehicle history. Our assistance does not extend to items arising from external influences or wear and tear.

In light of these factors, we advise that we are unable to accede your request for assistance. Please be advised that as per the Owner’s Handbook, Chapter 9-6, Holden New vehicle Warranty covers the replacement or adjustment of those parts found to be defective in materials or workmanship from factory.

We thank you for taking the time to contact Holden and allowing us an opportunity to respond. Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at Holden Customer Assistance on 1800 033 349.


Yours sincerely

****** ******
State Business Representative


So excellent customer service isn't it they didnt even acknowledge a single thing except they have no responsibility not even an apology that it has blown out to this nothing!!!!! bunch of mother loving Wankers

So i got OCBA on the case they did try but holdens are standing firm on this and feel that in no way they are responsible, metros port rd or holdens Australia.

So OCBA asked if i could get a separate report as to why the box has failed and if it was picked up earlier if it would have been avoided as it would help in court or getting them to accept some responsibility , no one wants to do it as there are not many gearbox specialist in Adelaide and the ones that are around all do some form of work for holdens and also to say, do not want to bite the hand that feeds them and the ones that will are to small and say there word against holdens will not get me far.

So i found an engineering firm called tonkin engineering who specialize in reports for court and stuff like this as they are a law/engineering firm but they want 1k for a report just to look at my gearbox and either way it does not guarantee me anything.

Obviously this would not be the first time holdens has had someone dispute there liability so they know what they are doing and also i do have some things not in my favor so i doubt i will come out on top with this report or if i pursue this further lawyer ect it could back fire and cost me more than it needs to.

Consumer affairs tried to help but they have no back bone..... they are a little soft.

So it leaves me having to fix it myself :mad:


So people take it from me if you have a problem with your car and it persists with holdens looking at it, take it else where.

I now feel that obviously they knew what it was in the first place by letting it get worse they managed to wipe there hands of it .

[tomtom]

mate thats a terrible outcome i feel for you.

was it $7000 for the replacement? I'd be tempted to get Tonkin to have a look at it as a matter of principle. If it was a defect, take holden up on it. if it wasnt, fair nuf cough up the money for the replacement.

I'd hate to have to go on thinking that i got screwed by a corporate mate.

This may be a bit more involved than you would be bothered with but have you attempted to contact TV stations? Over here in Sydney Today Tonight always covers all these little consumer things where they stalk the crap out of the executives and demand interviews lol

"no comment no comment please back off" [as he hops into his private jet].

etc.

all the best mate

[Jerram]

"no comment no comment please back off" [as he hops into his private jet].

etc.


"Why aren't you answering our questions, Mr. Travowski? Is there something you don't what the Australian public to know?" etc.

Harsh luck. Typical big business always looking out for themselves. I must say though the letter was well written; you couldn't have done any better on your end.

[sadavidsriturbo]

mate thats a terrible outcome i feel for you.

was it $7000 for the replacement? I'd be tempted to get Tonkin to have a look at it as a matter of principle. If it was a defect, take holden up on it. if it wasnt, fair nuf cough up the money for the replacement.

I'd hate to have to go on thinking that i got screwed by a corporate mate.

This may be a bit more involved than you would be bothered with but have you attempted to contact TV stations? Over here in Sydney Today Tonight always covers all these little consumer things where they stalk the crap out of the executives and demand interviews lol

"no comment no comment please back off" [as he hops into his private jet].

etc.

all the best mate


Yeah i want to but its an expensive principal i just want my car back apart from the few weeks in between its been about 6-7 months including the accident (parked might i add) that i have not had the car .

My mates have told me to but i dont want to be on tv for something like this also i have a few things against me mods young ect

but apparently there are some signs you can get

"dont buy this car its a lemon"

put it on the front window and park it out the front of there business.



"Why aren't you answering our questions, Mr. Travowski? Is there something you don't what the Australian public to know?" etc.

lol

Harsh luck. Typical big business always looking out for themselves. I must say though the letter was well written; you couldn't have done any better on your end.

tell me about it.......

I tried to be as professional as i could kinda makes me sick the way they have handled them self's.

Also probably bad timing with this GM debt at least i can say i contributed to helping holdens stay in business :rolleyes:

[tomtom]

Also probably bad timing with this GM debt at least i can say i contributed to helping holdens stay in business :rolleyes:

lol thats the spirit!

[sooty]

That's terrible luck mate. I know how infuriating it can be taking it to mechanics who have no idea what they're doing, and yet you have no choice as they're the only ones who can do the warranty work. Luckily mine's not for anything overly important or vital, but there's been 7 visits to them for one oil leak, and they still haven't fixed it.
How hard can it be for each workshop to have 1 specialised mechanic to deal with the euro's?

[gman]

I would have thought that with a track record of the issue at hand and that it was bought to the attention and attempted to be rectified by Holden that they had in some way already accepted responsiblilty for the issue at hand.

I am surprised consumer affair backed off so easily. I had a run in with Holden with my car when I bought it too. The paint on the front bumper started peeling and was Arden Blue underneath!!!!

They accused me of all sorts of things such as getting a 2nd hand bumper off another car etc...In the end I managed to get them to fix it at their cost, but it was a struggle.

If it was me I would pursue it. FYI, there is an M32 gearbox on UK eBay for GBP 550 or AUD$1100 that might be what your looking for. I'm not sure if yours is the 5 or 6 speed but it would be well cheaper than $7000 to get over and fitted....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ASTRA-MARK-5-VXR-GEARBOX-6-SPEED-FOR-2005-PRESENT_W0QQitemZ120449107325QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK _CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item1c0b53857 d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

try them they might just be able to work out shipping with these guys

www.wedelivertheworld.co.uk (http://www.wedelivertheworld.co.uk)

[mania]

If it was the accident that caused it, as diagnosed by Holden, can you not take it up with your insurance company? Either way, :(

[ASTRAY]

So i found an engineering firm called tonkin engineering who specialize in reports for court and stuff like this as they are a law/engineering firm but they want 1k for a report just to look at my gearbox and either way it does not guarantee me anything.

a very disheartening affair.
if you do decide to take it to the courts, and get this firm to do an inspection, im prepared to throw in $100 to help you out.
hopefully other members are willing to contribute too, perhaps together we can cover your $1000 fee, and get somewhere with this whole fiasco.
good luck mate.

[sadavidsriturbo]

I would have thought that with a track record of the issue at hand and that it was bought to the attention and attempted to be rectified by Holden that they had in some way already accepted responsiblilty for the issue at hand.

I am surprised consumer affair backed off so easily. I had a run in with Holden with my car when I bought it too. The paint on the front bumper started peeling and was Arden Blue underneath!!!!

They accused me of all sorts of things such as getting a 2nd hand bumper off another car etc...In the end I managed to get them to fix it at their cost, but it was a struggle.

If it was me I would pursue it. FYI, there is an M32 gearbox on UK eBay for GBP 550 or AUD$1100 that might be what your looking for. I'm not sure if yours is the 5 or 6 speed but it would be well cheaper than $7000 to get over and fitted....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ASTRA-MARK-5-VXR-GEARBOX-6-SPEED-FOR-2005-PRESENT_W0QQitemZ120449107325QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK _CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item1c0b53857 d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

try them they might just be able to work out shipping with these guys

www.wedelivertheworld.co.uk (http://www.wedelivertheworld.co.uk)

Thanks for the links just gonna go the new route i know what i put my box thru and it was not a lot so for peace of mind im gonna get a new one put in the lsd new clutch and flywheel also new slave cylinder to be sure and hopefully i can forget about it but thanks again everyone on here has been really helpful oh yeah consumer affairs have been a little soft not to sure what there view is also the lady on the case does not seam to know much about much unfortunately. She goes on about breach of warranty then whether its my fault or not i told her i know what they are using against me so the issue i have is them not doing there job properly and the lies but what can you do its a free service and just like warranty people dont put in 100% because where else you gonna go its almost easier to give up

Also i bet them cork soakers are gonna try stiff me with the cost of taking the box out the report and even the cost of the hire car no doubt the way this has gone i dont really expect anything less on there behalf


If it was the accident that caused it, as diagnosed by Holden, can you not take it up with your insurance company? Either way, :(

The knocking was happening way before the accident...... It sucks the car was so close to a write off.


That's terrible luck mate. I know how infuriating it can be taking it to mechanics who have no idea what they're doing, and yet you have no choice as they're the only ones who can do the warranty work. Luckily mine's not for anything overly important or vital, but there's been 7 visits to them for one oil leak, and they still haven't fixed it.
How hard can it be for each workshop to have 1 specialised mechanic to deal with the euro's?

It FN sucks.......... 7 times for an oil leak .......... It makes you wonder what the f*** they are doing in there work shops.


a very disheartening affair.
if you do decide to take it to the courts, and get this firm to do an inspection, im prepared to throw in $100 to help you out.
hopefully other members are willing to contribute too, perhaps together we can cover your $1000 fee, and get somewhere with this whole fiasco.
good luck mate.

It is very disheartening id like to take it to court but they have a few things against me which is fair enough but like i said to OCBA its not the fact of warranty or manufacturing defect or my driving habits its METRO HOLDEN PORT RD SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOT DOING THERE JOB AND LYING TO ME SAYING NOTHING IS WRONG THEN ITS FIXED THEN THEY CANT FIND IT.

Say for example my car was a fords xr5 and i said i dont like my dealers you guys are close buy and convenient can you service my car they say ok i take my car in it starts to develop a knock it take it in several times doing the right thing because they are a work shop they take my money on several occasions screw me around but im stupid and keep coming back to get the problem sorted then when it goes bang its not there problem all of a sudden i feel that is very negligent on there behalf

[sadavidsriturbo]

a very disheartening affair.
if you do decide to take it to the courts, and get this firm to do an inspection, im prepared to throw in $100 to help you out.
hopefully other members are willing to contribute too, perhaps together we can cover your $1000 fee, and get somewhere with this whole fiasco.
good luck mate.

oh yeah about the $100 that's very thoughtful of you but i could not accept it from you or anyone else on here i appreciate all the support but i would not feel right taking peoples money but thanks again as that is a very generous offer ;)

[Greg K]

Hey Dave, that was a very good letter you wrote to Holden. As expected though, their reply was less than pleasing...

Like others have said, you may find that you have a case here. Taking in the car numerous times for a repeated fault is unacceptible. And Holden expecting the loan car back the same day is a bit tight!

Once you get your car sorted, i would get your old gearbox assessed and see if you can pursue it further.

Sorry, but on a side note, you say that aftermarket wheels and springs dont affect the gearbox. Id be inclined to think that they would add extra strain/stress to the gearbox due to extra weight, rolling diameter, rpm differences etc. I dunno, but i may be wrong here, and in no way am i accusing you for being at fault here. To me, they could have been a contributing factor. Still doesnt detract from the fact that Holden should have diagnosed the fault earlier and should have requested the car be returned to factory to eliminate the possibility of it being your mods...

Holden seriously pi$$ me off when it comes to after sales service. And its this very reason that i am very reluctant to purchase another Holden or HSV. The experience i had proves that they are very unprofessional and have no concept about encouraging repeat customers to purchase their product

Hope it gets sorted out soon for ya!

[sadavidsriturbo]

Hey Dave, that was a very good letter you wrote to Holden. As expected though, their reply was less than pleasing...

Like others have said, you may find that you have a case here. Taking in the car numerous times for a repeated fault is unacceptible. And Holden expecting the loan car back the same day is a bit tight!

Once you get your car sorted, i would get your old gearbox assessed and see if you can pursue it further.

Sorry, but on a side note, you say that aftermarket wheels and springs dont affect the gearbox. Id be inclined to think that they would add extra strain/stress to the gearbox due to extra weight, rolling diameter, rpm differences etc. I dunno, but i may be wrong here, and in no way am i accusing you for being at fault here. To me, they could have been a contributing factor. Still doesnt detract from the fact that Holden should have diagnosed the fault earlier and should have requested the car be returned to factory to eliminate the possibility of it being your mods...

Holden seriously pi$$ me off when it comes to after sales service. And its this very reason that i am very reluctant to purchase another Holden or HSV. The experience i had proves that they are very unprofessional and have no concept about encouraging repeat customers to purchase their product

Hope it gets sorted out soon for ya!

Thanks....... its funny how many people are disappointed with there after sales service or lack of it with holdens, i dont think its going to get better.

Im just pissed they let it get so out of hand i seriously didnt know what the problem was i thought it would be a simple g/box or engine mount

Also the vxr has 19" wheels mine are 20" i dont see how that could effect it maybe shockers and bushes but not a g/box

[Greg K]

Also the vxr has 19" wheels mine are 20" i dont see how that could effect it maybe shockers and bushes but not a g/box

i know what you mean, but i see it as just another loophole for Holden to use against you... ie everything all being inter-connected and all. I reckon they saw you coming a mile away... they saw: male, 26, turbo, modifications, bung gearbox and said to themselves "well we have an 75% chance of this not going to court, and 70% of winning if we do". They will pick and choose who to fight and who not to. In this case, i reckon the risk assessment resulted in them bullying you out of a claim...

[sadavidsriturbo]

i know what you mean, but i see it as just another loophole for Holden to use against you... ie everything all being inter-connected and all. I reckon they saw you coming a mile away... they saw: male, 26, turbo, modifications, bung gearbox and said to themselves "well we have an 75% chance of this not going to court, and 70% of winning if we do". They will pick and choose who to fight and who not to. In this case, i reckon the risk assessment resulted in them bullying you out of a claim...


Yep you are 100% on the ball with this one took me a little longer than you to figure it out..... The cork soakers even told me not to stress that they were going to take care of it for me :rolleyes: