Electronic Diagnostics: Vauxhall Astra J 1.6
Vauxhall’s family favourite has been liked for its practicality and user-friendliness. However, what of the diagnostic aspects of recent examples? Kim Henson and Edward Haggar investigate.
Vauxhall’s rear-wheel drive Chevette had served the company well during the 1970s, but as part of General Motors it began developing the first front-wheel drive Vauxhall. In late 1979, the Opel Kadett version arrived and the motoring press were impressed by its dynamic competence. Vauxhall’s own version, the Astra, made its debut in spring 1980.
During the following years, the Astra has moved through seven generations, all popular as new and used buys. Secondgeneration models reigned from 1984 until 1991, with third-series cars (Mk3 or Astra F) until 1998. Fourth-generation models (Mk4/astra G) followed, with some variants being sold until 2006, overlapping the fifth series (Mk5/astra H) that was introduced in 2004.
The car featured here is the Mk6/ Astra J produced from 2009-2015 with the 1.6-litre Ecotec petrol unit, with engine code A16XER, dating from 2014. Edward Haggar is our guide to this model.
Preparation
Always inspect the cam cover on these engines as they can become brittle and porous, resulting in oil leaks (the cover is sealed with a rubber gasket – watch for oil seepage).
In many respects, the engine used in this Astra is more traditional than some contemporary units, and the main design has been proven in Vauxhall models over many years, which is good news for owners. Most routine servicing aspects are straightforward, with genuine parts all being available off the shelf at sensible prices.
However, a definite negative on this model is the exhaust front pipe, which tends to fail at the front flexible joint. In our opinion, a car that’s just four years’ old and covered 42,000 miles shouldn’t need a replacement exhaust, but it’s a problem on numerous Vauxhalls.
Diagnostically speaking, Vauxhalls are pretty good and this Astra is no exception, which is also helpful for longterm ownership. The service light is easily reset by applying the brake pedal, holding the trip button on the dash and turning on the ignition.