micktheshed78

2003, 1.6, 8v auto, 94K miles. I have a chuffing noise from the area of the belts, this has got worse over a few months but can only be heard when the engine is warmed-up. I've run the engine with auxiliary belt removed & noise had disappeared: but this may be because the engine had cooled down, as there was still no noise when refitted. There were no bearing noises from the alternator, tesioner or A/C compressor. Upon running for a few miles the noise returned.......dohhh!!! As far as I can see the timing belt is OK, it's only 3 years & 9K miles old & the tensioner, water pump & thermostat were all renewed. Wish I'd done it myself now. Any ideas? I'm trying to avoid a major strip-down that might prove pointless. Any ideas?

My s-in-law had this exact same problem (but in a 2007 Vectra). Turned out to be blocked drain from between windscreen & engine bulkhead. Easy fix.

If the ABS light is also on then the passenger side sensor is capput. This requires a new hub unit as sensor is not available separately. Just had similar problems (2003 1.6l auto) & a replacement hub magically cured it! Hub £45 off ebay whith 2 year guarantee (don't be tempted by cheaper ones). Test the hub with a multi-meter: should read 1 to 1.5 ohms across terminals stationary, flicking up to higher amount when rotated as sensor passes peaks on internal toothed wheel. Good luck!

I appreciate this is an old post, but: I have a 2023 1.6 auto, 72k miles. Wish I was getting anywhere near that consumption, I've owned it 14 years & have only managed 38mpg on long m/ way runs doing steady 60mph. Normal running about it's 33/ 35mpg. Compared to 1.4l 16v I had before (38/43.mpg) I didn't think it too excessive. I'm a fairly steady driver eg. I used to get 43/ 58 from my 1993 1.6l cavalier! (Wish I'd still got it: utterly reliable & almost faultless). What's your secret LOL?