Recently Bought 2008 Holden Commodore Starting to Show Problems. What Are My Options?

Lakaanup on 30/12/2018 - 12:38
Last edited 30/12/2018 - 13:17 by 1 other user

Hi all.

Recently (13/11/2018)bought a second-hand car from a registered dealer with around 147XXX. Did check with a mechanic and everything seem ok. But after a few days ( 25/11/2018) system error message started popping at the dashboard with system light on.

Contacted the dealer and left the car for repair. The next day dealer rings me tells me that the light on the dashboard is gone itself and everything seems fine. Took the car back from the dealer but last week(24/12/2018) it popped up again with additional check alternator sign in the dashboard ( battery sign light in the dashboard). When I was driving the power was low and the car went into power saving mode disabling most of the features in the car with airbag, ABS and other lights on.

Contacted the dealer and because of festive session mechanic is on holiday and asked to wait for a few days. Took the car yesterday( 29/12/2018) to have a quick look and when checking with OBD reader dealer stated that it was a battery problem and asked to change the battery. After changing a new battery car started ok with no errors in the dashboard and when he checked the alternator seem to be working fine.

When asked about engine light he said "there is an error code which says fuel is too fine (I was using supreme 98) so this could cause the engine light to popup " and asked me to use different fuel something like 91 or 95 (haven't heard that better fuel is sometimes bad for car before). Took the advice and took the car for the drive and went to work.

Same night when coming back from the work same error popped with check alternator on the dashboard and car went into power saving mode. parked the car in street and left the car in the middle of the night took uber and came home. Messaged the dealer and he told me that mechanic will be back at Wednesday after the New Year.

So what should I do now as I have paid to change the battery, and now seems like its the alternator fault? Engine light is back on and looks like the dealer did only clear the codes thru OBD reader.

Wait for the mechanic?

Bought the car about 2 months back with about 147xxx kms on the reader and still under 4000kms after the purchase. Do I have any consumer rights as warranty? All in all, what should I do now?

Edit: its a 2008 Holden Commodore Omega. in Sydney, NSW.

Automotive Holden Commodore

Comments

    • SnoozeAndLose on 01/01/2019 - 21:20

      if you have NRMA road side assistant, they can do it for you for free

      • JTTheMan on 02/01/2019 - 15:14
        +1

        NRMA road-side assistance isn't free

  • theguru1 on 31/12/2018 - 07:23

    Good luck with the car.

    It sounds to me like the alternator charging circuit is faulty causing the battery to go flat. An auto electrician should check it over.

  • Fudnut on 31/12/2018 - 09:00
    +2

    The 2007 and onward 6 cylinder models had a lot of problems with stretched timing chains - I'd get an independent check to confirm that there's no error codes related to the timing chain.

    • nutbeat on 31/12/2018 - 09:22

      this, had same with a 2009 VE Calais, it's not going to be cheap

    • Forskin on 01/01/2019 - 06:38

      2004-2006 vz Commodores also had the garbage alloytec

      • Fudnut on 02/01/2019 - 08:45

        Pretty sure it was only from the 2006 model onward that the timing belt issue arose, as that's when they changed to smaller cross-section links.

  • PlasticSpaceman on 31/12/2018 - 09:56
    +1
    1. The issue could be due to any number of things, possibly just a faulty sensor (eg https://forums.justcommodores.com.au/threads/vz-engine-light…)
    2. Whatever it is, get the dealer to fix it.
    3. Take the car to a good mechanic and have it serviced - replace fluids, filters, check timing belt etc.
  • farknos on 31/12/2018 - 11:13

    to start with if your not getting free warranty repairs dont go back to who ever is bending you over.
    these cars have all sorts of codes thrown when there is a low battery or alternator thats not doing its job.
    electrical is a process of elimination and who ever sold you the battery and cleared the fault codes should have been able to tell you if the alternator was working correctly, it could be an intermittent fault.
    if you dont know a good competent mechanic you need to find one, maybe people on here that live in your state may be able to offer some suggestions.
    as for choice of fuels, again you will need to find out which company provides more stable fuel in your area.
    i know years ago when i got a car modified for performance the tuner said in Perth on avaerge bp98 was the most reliable fuel he could recomend, he worked on a dyno day in and out so had a good data base to draw his opinion from, that being said its an average and it wouldnt take into account a petrol station with shitty underground tanks, just an average for good consistent results on the dyno.

  • mattyman on 31/12/2018 - 13:29

    First, get the mechanic to check the cables going to and from the alternator. I'm guessing the battery cables will be ok if they were cleaned adequately when the battery was replaced.

    If it still plays up after that just get the alternator replaced. It's actually a fairly simple job in the older Commodores.

  • HardlyCharly on 31/12/2018 - 14:53
    -7

    "Bought Holden Commodore"

    That was your first mistake. Sorry I don't really have any advice seeing as you can't go back in time and buy something much better for the same price. Just watch out for your fuel cap, I don't know how it happens but every second commodore seems to be missing them, maybe they just pop off and fly away!

    • smartazz104 on 01/01/2019 - 20:57

      What 10 year old car for $5000 would you suggest?

  • marklm on 31/12/2018 - 16:49
    +8

    I have owned several Commodores including one about the same model as yours. I drove over 450,000kms before experiencing any problems.

    When I started reading your problem I immediately thought Alternator! I experienced the same symptoms and it was a faulty module on the alternator. Don't take too much notice of those that want to take a shot at Commodores …. they go forever. I wouldn't bother with the dealership, I'd go to a trusted mechanic or auto-electrician as previously suggested. Unfortunately most are closed at the moment.

  • eggles01 on 31/12/2018 - 17:38

    if you purchased the vehicle from a licensed dealer ask them to fix it or replace it,if you paid less than $3000 for it you do not have any warranties or guarantees but if they will not repair or replace it ask them about ""THE CONSUMER WARRANTY"" if you paid more than $3000 I believe you receive a 3 months warranty,and you may still be able to use the consumer warranty,it would be best to contact Dept Fair Trading to confirm this information,I purchased a vy commodore advertised as $3000 and when he was doing the paper work he realized a warranty was to be given and reduced the $3000 down to $2950 and 3 months later I had to get a roadworthy to transfer to ACT rego and there was a bit over $1200 of repairs required I had 4 new tyres at home and a couple of other item I replaced left $600 which he refused to replace (engine mounts)and the I sent him an email questioning the consumer warranty and he placed the $600 into my bank accout 2 days later.
    cheers

    • Mitch889 on 01/01/2019 - 08:01

      Has to be less than 10 years old and 160000km. OP said the car is an April 2008 that he bought late in 2018, no stat warranty applies.

  • p1 ama on 01/01/2019 - 02:51
    +2

    Looks like it's a dead alternator, which is not uncommon for a car of that age - it's probably still got the factory alternator. Replace it and you'll be good to go. Any mechanic can do it or you can do it yourself if you're handy with the tools.

  • Mitch889 on 01/01/2019 - 08:02

    Since you have no warranty with the dealer, you need to stop taking it to them and find a decent mechanic. Even one of those mobile mechanics would be worth a try, if nothing else to get second opinions.

  • DiscoJango on 01/01/2019 - 09:11

    looks like someone offloaded their lemon onto the dealer, and you have purchased said lemon. you cant expect much for $5k unfortunately. the dealer just sells cars, they are not a knowledgeable mechanic. they sell many cars each week. to them its just a numbers flipping game.

    go on an actual car forum and explain the problem, pay big bucks for a mechanic to look and fix all the ongoing issues, or just sell the car, "as-is" to someone else.

  • payless69 on 01/01/2019 - 10:16

    contact: Citroën

    better start to love them oily fries…

  • Pantagonist on 01/01/2019 - 10:57
    +2

    Sounds like this "mechanic" doesn't know all that much.

    It takes about 30 seconds to work out what charge your battery is receiving using a multimeter.

    All signs point towards the battery not receiving an adequate charge. New battery "fixed" the issue but then as soon as the voltage dropped to a problematic level the same issues cropped back up.

    Could be the alternator, could be some other electrical issue. Before you drop money on a new alternator, the mechanic needs to diagnose where the issue actually lies. Auto electrician could be a better option, although I've encountered some lazy SOBs in that profession too.

    Not sure what happens as part of your standard pre-purchase inspection, but I doubt that the electrics ever get tested unless there's a reason to suspect that something might be wrong. So many systems in cars nowadays that it'd cost you $500 for an inspection if you wanted them all tested properly.

  • blitz on 01/01/2019 - 11:28

    Please keep us updated with this, OP!

  • Marcsie on 01/01/2019 - 13:49

    It’s a 2008 Holden, what do you expect ? You should buy a Japanese or Korean cars instead :)

  • smpantsonfire on 01/01/2019 - 15:02

    It could be the voltage regulator.

  • KMeister on 01/01/2019 - 15:56

    there is an error code which says fuel is too fine

    There is no such thing!

    As some have suggested, get a second opinion, you cannot diagnose a vehicle over the internet unless it is a very obvious issue.
    The manufacturer will not be liable for your vehicle concerns as the vehicle is outside of ACL parameters, unless this is related to a safety recall on your vehicle.

    • Pantagonist on 01/01/2019 - 16:09

      There is no such thing!

      I think some information has been lost in translation. Probably a fuel/air mix too lean code. If so, that points to another issue with the fuel management / emissions side of things that is probably unrelated to the electrical problems.

      Would be good to have any DTCs read by a mechanic who doesn't have an interest in making money off the servicing or blinding OP with science to make them go away.

      DTC reads can be done at Supercheap Auto for a small fee but the people who run the diagnostics there often have no idea what they're doing and can't do anything beyond reading the main error codes. Generally it's good to be able to read the various modules (e.g. PCM, GEM, Instrument Cluster etc.) individually to locate any pending codes that don't throw an engine light.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/01/2019 - 19:13

    wait for mechanic.
    replace alternator

  • vinni9284 on 01/01/2019 - 21:15
    -1

    Bought the car about 2 months back with about 147xxx kms on the reader and still under 4000kms after the purchase. Do I have any consumer rights as warranty?

    If your purchase price is over $10K (which i would assume due to the make/model/year of car) you should have 3 month Statutory warranty from the dealer.
    if that is the case, then they should have repaired under their cost.

    Cheers

    • Mitch889 on 01/01/2019 - 22:46
      +1

      It’s over 10 years old, so nothing else matters. No stat warranty.

  • AdosHouse on 01/01/2019 - 21:21

    First thing you need to do is take it to a mechanic or auto sparky that has a scan tool and check for codes. Otherwise you and everyone else is just guessing.

  • Shiney69 on 01/01/2019 - 22:50

    Hey mate, if the battery tests fine, it will be an alternator fault, VE commodores are extremely voltage sensitive and the best way is to check with a scan tool. With an intermittent fault it will leave a code regarding the field generator. I would recommend replacing with a geniune unit and NOT an aftermarket unit.

  • LUTSlit on 02/01/2019 - 06:47
    +2

    Burn the car and claim insurance fraud.

  • djmm on 02/01/2019 - 09:07

    OP of all cars why you picked Omega>?

  • SoapyWooder on 02/01/2019 - 10:15
    +3

    This is why you should buy ozbargain approved camry instead

  • myusername on 02/01/2019 - 13:53
    +1

    become a smarter bogan

  • StonedWizard on 02/01/2019 - 15:34

    Hey OP not that there aren’t some good bits of information in this forum.

    You could also try posting on Just Commodore forum. There could be someone with first hand knowledge on the issue or the car itself.

    You may be able to also find someone local who could help you out.

  • myusername on 02/01/2019 - 17:44
    +1

    $5 worth of fuel and a box of matches

  • Sn0wm8n on 03/01/2019 - 02:32
    +1

    Here is the mechanic everyone needs to know about… this man is honest and the cheapest they come he was a saviour for me I have a Holden Calais 2005 model v8 and the engine 0 ring went in it… it was a big job, rather then taking the engine out this guy jacked up the car and pulled the sump off it and replaced my engine O ring which was the cause of no oil pressure on idle and the oil sump gasket too on the bottom of the motor he charged me like $450 normally he would charge $600 but he's such a good guy he did me a favour… The Car Doctor in Wilberforce, The Address: 5 Box Ave, Wilberforce NSW 2756, The phone number (02) 4575 3397, sometimes it's hard to get a hold of him his name is Danny but this guy is worth the effort and the drive, he's in north west Sydney about 10 minutes drive from Windsor, take your Holden there man and don't take it anywhere else this guy is fantastic the best mechanic I have ever known and the cheapest.

  • cashless on 03/01/2019 - 08:55

    Replace the alternator

  • akaanup on 13/02/2019 - 07:30
    Merged from Holden commodore showing up multiple error codes and quoted 3k just to fix! What should I do next?

    My previous post.long story short " had some problems with recently bought(11/13/2018) Holden commodore omega (early 2008) from a dealer( no statutory warranty as older than 10yrs), engine light was on and alternator error sign was on. I forget to mention that I had a warranty from National warranty company given by dealer when buying the car. As I have mentioned in my previous post the dealer asked me to change the battery but it didn't resolved the problem. Then I took my car to another mechanic and he said the warranty company might cover my alternator cost as I was covered till $500. Waited a week ki get confirmation from the warranty company and they said" we are only liable for 2nd hand parts" so they told the mechanic to replace the damaged alternator with 2nd hand alternator which mechanic did not recommended me and gold me they won't do put end part which might not work and redoing would just take extra mechanic labour. Last option was to add 280 from my pocked and plus money for the 2nd hand alternator from the company to fit new alternator(15th jan 2019).

    After changing the alternator the car was running fine with engine light still on. After using for few weeks last week the car went to safety mode with reduced power( performance was low)! Didn't take to the dealer and went to new mechanic, they scanned the codes and found out P10121:TP sensor OR App sensor 1 problem and P0016 CKP-CMP correlation… photo

    Asked the mechanic to contact warranty company to check if I do cover to fix those problems, after checking with the warranty company they told the mechanic to do a full quote on my labour expenses( I have to pay the mechanic to do in-depth quote). Even if I pay the labor cost to get exact quoted and there's something wrong with the timing chain then the warranty won't cover it so extra expenses.
    Didn't had owners manual plus no servicing history, looks like servicing must be done very soon.
    Rego is due 14th feb 2019( passed pink slip)
    All in all my first car turns out to be a lemon 😞
    Need your help to decide what should I do.?
    Car body has few scratches on front and back bumper nevertheless the cars look good.
    [photo] (https://www.flickr.com/photos/164036300@N04/47023159142/in/d…)
    I don't think there's any consumer law to help me fix the problem.

    • try selling the car in cheap without rego,
    • try selling with 6months rego
    • fix the problem and sell with rego
    • pay the mechanic to get full quote and fix the problem
    • any other options?

    And what money should I ask if selling is a better option.

    • Ash-Say on 13/02/2019 - 07:34

      Dealer must sell car in reasonable working condition. If there were errors they must fix them free of charge. If something was covered by warranty, I don't understand why they fix it with used part?

      I think your last bet is to lodge complaint with NSW Fair Trading. If it still doesn't get trigger any outcome then take them to NCAT.

      • Zachary on 25/04/2020 - 10:11

        Dealer must sell car in reasonable working condition. If there were errors they must fix them free of charge.

        That's really on your part to make sure the car you buy is of reasonable working condition by rocking up with a checklist and going through it, thoroughly, and preferably with a 3rd party mechanic or agent to help your pre-purchase inspection - and if they or you find any faults, you can get them to fix it for you for free before buying the car. To the dealer(Or maybe this particular used car dealer), as long as the cars they sell is roadworthy, and not necessarily mechanically well, then it's good for sale or at least that's what the salesman I was with at the time said ….

    • pegaxs on 13/02/2019 - 07:38
      +1

      Burn it and claim the insurance. $3k on a commodore would almost render it as a financial write off.

      Code P0121 is the throttle position sensor. On a commodore, it’s probable stuffed and needs replacing.
      Code P0016 is an error between the crank angle sensor and cam angle sensor. This could be that one of the sensors is either not reading and needs to be replaced, or the cam chain tensioner is flogged out. Most likely a sensor error, but being a VE, quite possibly the cam chain issue.

      try selling the car in cheap without rego, (yep, off load it.)
      try selling with 6months rego (probably the best option. People don’t like buying cars without rego in my experience)
      fix the problem and sell with rego (nope. Throwing good money after bad.)
      pay the mechanic to get full quote and fix the problem (only if you plan on keeping it.)
      any other options? (See my initial comment)

    • brad1-8tsi on 13/02/2019 - 08:02
      +2

      No matter what you do it will cost you (lots of) money.

      Good luck selling an 11 year old car without rego and the money light on for anywhere near what you paid for it. Even with rego and no warning lights it's worth only $2k-$3k at best. Also you bought at retail prices and selling at wholesale.

      What did you pay for it?

      Where do you get the $3k repair cost and timing chain diagnosis from? If it is a timing chain then there are mechs that will do that with a genuine kit for <$1k.

      You haven't bought a lemon, you've just bought an old car and unfortunately you don't appear to have any DIY skills or resources. Obviously the warranty isn't worth the paper it is written on.

    • ThithLord on 13/02/2019 - 08:26

      It's disgusting how we don't have proper lemon laws here in Australia - sorry to hear about the Commo,OP.

      • Bid Sniper on 13/02/2019 - 09:07
        +3

        Car isnt a lemon, its an old neglected car.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 13/02/2019 - 08:31
      +1

      What should I do next?

      Avoid buying >10 year old cars without a service history that don't have a statutory warranty.

    • Seedy seed on 13/02/2019 - 08:38

      Go talk to local tafe teacher, he might feel bad and let you have tafe students under his supervision change parts ect for low cost.

      • Zachary on 25/04/2020 - 10:13

        They'll probably do a shit job….worse than an apprentice…

    • petepjs on 13/02/2019 - 08:40

      Had 3 lights on dash of my Toyota Aurion and was diagnosed by mechanic to replace alternator and maybe the computer. Went to a good auto electrical that fixed it for $60 as it was simply a broken oxygen sensor wire.

    • Bid Sniper on 13/02/2019 - 09:08

      timing belt change is not 3K

  • OneJay on 01/11/2019 - 09:51

    VE Commodore was notorious for electrical problems. A quick Google or Whirlpool search would’ve brought this to attention early on.

    Personally I’d cut my losses and get a Camry.

  • SlavOz on 02/11/2019 - 15:38

    There's a fine art to buying used cars - always try to avoid the dealership. You don't know who owned the car beforehand or how they treated it, whereas if you buy privately you can usually deduce how well the car was taken care of just by meeting the owner. A 10 year old car from a dealership is a big no-no. Dealers will buy anything these days so it's an easy way for people to unload old cars which they know has a lot of problems and that nobody will ever buy privately.

    Let this be a learning lesson.

    • Zachary on 25/04/2020 - 10:17

      Dealers will buy anything these days so it's an easy way for people to unload old cars which they know has a lot of problems and that nobody will ever buy privately.

      …yeah…for $500……not even worth offloading if that's how much you're getting back for your old car and you paid more for it to own it in the first place….unless the car's extremely banged up and requires serious mechanical attention…but at that point, the dealership would be smart enough to know you're trying to sell/trade-in a lemon….

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