An update on the check engine light: We had the down stream O2 sensor replaced and it seemed to work for a while but... we then started getting a low coolant warning message in the display screen as well. When checked the coolant level was just fine. The garage pressure tested and we put cardboard under the engine over night - no drips at all! Next step was back to the garage where the figured out that the "low coolant" sensor was faulty triggering a message to the check engine light. Replaced the sensor and everything is working perfectly!

 

Thanks for coming back and letting us know what cured the problem.

 

We saw a lot of different timing belt replacement intervals for the z18xer engines. The longest interval we saw was the shorter of 10 years or 100,000 MILES (not KM).

There were not a lot of posts complaining about broken belts but I remember a few.

There are kits (belt, tensioner, idler pulley). Some of the idler pullies spray out the grease so just get the kit not only the timing belt. GM/AC Delco and Continental are good brands IMHO.

The European forums are recommending that the tech use 3 (THREE!) tools to lock in the tension. That also identifies if the timing is off.
- lock the crankshaft
- the 2 piece tool for the camshaft sprockets on passenger's side
- a long flat piece that locks into slots at the driver's side (this requires removing the valve cover which takes 1 minute so replace the valve cover gasket again). Do NOT skip this one as you had timing problems before.

http://udlejning.hhres.dk/HTML/HHR317%20English.pdf
https://gm.saturn.team/Saturn/Astra/.../1/7484/167160

FYI - the "same" z18xer engine is in several cars like the Chevy Cruze, Aveo. So the Chevy dealers have a lot of experience with these engines.

 

Good to hear from you again Astrafasta! Thank you for your advice as always!

 

Oh my Lord, is this forum finally getting some Astra regulars with knowledge of actual Astras?

By all means please stick around. We need your expertise to handle questions from the masses. Well, they're not really masses, but you know what I mean. Some of us old timers can look it up and or sort it out based on lifelong vocation, but hands-on experience is always great to have around here.

 

hehehe.

The Astra can be somewhat high maintenance. But we had most of the ****les and they were nailed down on the old forum.

 

Well it seems very few Astra folk came over here after the crash, unless they are all lurking---which is fine.
But it'd be great to have a hands on Astra regular.

I'm sure people don't post Astra stuff here in part bc the section looks pretty inactive.

So bring your reasonably well mannered knowledgeable friends.
We run pretty wide open here. Call it like it is

 

Your low coolant turns on a low coolant light and has nothing to do with the CEL.

 

thank you grcauto8453 for your feedback. I will be sure to mention it to the mechanic next time I take the car in for servicing - perhaps I misunderstood the explanation or I have not reflected it correctly. Either way, the car is operating perfectly since the repair and we are delighted to finally put the “check engine light” behind us!

 

Hear hear Derf! I have always appreciated the advice from other Astra experts!