Howdy, Sintra questions

Greetings, I've just purchased a 1999 Vauxhall Sintra 3.0 CDX and have a
couple of questions.

1) The car did not come with the car pass so I don't know the stereo/alarm
code, can this be got from a Vauxhall dealer for a reasonable price. To be
honest I'm not too worried about the radio as only 3 channels work and I'm
guessing the problems in the radio rather than the speakers but didn't want
to unplug to test as I don't have the code (catch 22!!)

2) How often does the A/C need to be gassed up? is it a matter of wait until
it doesn't get cold or is it done during one of the services (mines now done
49,000 miles).

And finally, does anyone have any problems getting parts for the Sintra? I
know Vauxhall dropped the car for the Zafira in 1999 and they were only made
for a short time. I'm guessing the engine parts are no problems as that's a
Vauxhall unit.

Cheers, Chris

 

Ooops, forgot to ask, there is a small rust patch on the bonnet (common
problem I have read). The log book indicates Vauxhall inspection until 30K
then private garages, I am assuming then that Vauxhall will not cover this
rust under their anti-perferation guarantee. I did read somewhere the bonnet
is actually aluminium but if that's true I have no idea how it's rusting
(well bubling up)

Cheers, Chris.

 

yes

To be

i'd go for the speaker meself.

not had mine done yet.
now on 70K

i have had no problems myself, most are 'other' vauxhall parts. some are
unique but few.

has the cambelt & tensioner & rolers been done?
if not get it done!
i think that goes for the 3ltr version also.

mike
sintra r reg
i like it, though the fuel consumption is not what claimed gettting about
30mpg

mike

 

didn't know it was ally, but got the same here.
it's got no worse in the 1yr i've had it.
might just emery it back & coat again.
not diff
there was a thread many moons ago about it being coverd by the six years
anti corr warranty but i never saw a def answwer.

mike

 

Car passes are around £10 from your local dealer. You might try calling the
supplying dealer though. They can probably give you the info for free.

With regards to the radio, it is probably something simple like the radio
not fully pushed in and not connected properly or a duff speaker. It is
worth checking.

The AC should not regassing although some people get it serviced
occasionally. I would ignore it until it plays up.

Parts are not generally an issue although you might have to wait a bit if
they are 'non-stocked' in the UK.

With regards to rust, I would talk to your local dealer nicely. They will
probably say no but it is worth a try. If the rust is from stone chips it
wouldn't be covered any way.

Finally, I second the comment about the cambelt. If you cannot be positive
it has been done, get it done ASAP and get them to change the rollers too.
Use genuine parts and I would get a main dealer to do it if their price is
reasonable.

--

Alan


New & used Vauxhall cars & vans, servicing, repairs & parts
www.steeles.co.uk

Vauxhall CD players & handbooks
http://www.stores.ebay.co.uk/vauxhallradiosales

 

Cheers Alan and Mike, I know the cambelt hasn't been done as the service
book indicates every 80,000 miles :O Is this a real problem with
Vauxhalls then? I seem to remember something on Watchdog a few years ago
about Vauxhalls from a certain age. Do you have a 'guide' price for a
cambelt change on a 3.0 Sintra, can't be cheap!

Cheers

 

GET IT DONE NOW!
the warning was the atleast halve the recommended change mileage.
makes sure you state you want the tensioners & rollers done also.
might be an idea to them to check or replace the water pump too (on same
belt)
then it is all done.
sadly it might cost a bit though.

my 2.2 cost £225.
at a dealer

though this price was after two stabs at it as the first time they did not
do the water pump.

i am assuming the above to be true as long as the 3.0 is the same
'design/layout' as the 2.2

mike