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31 July 2023 Vauxhall Vivaro: heater not working, starting problems, and other faults
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a versatile vehicle designed primarily for commercial use, such as transporting goods or as a mobile workshop. It offers a spacious load area with various configurations to suit different business needs. However, as is the case with all vehicles, it can come with its share of faults and problems. Here we’ll take a look at some of them.
Alarm system
Many Vivaro owners have mentioned on various car forums that their alarm keeps going off. If your alarm keeps triggering, check that the alarm system is set correctly and that all doors, windows, and bonnets are securely closed. Replace the battery in your key fob and inspect the sensors around your vehicle. You should also consult your owner’s manual for troubleshooting tips.
Engine mount
The easiest way to spot a faulty engine mount is to look for typical symptoms such as vibrations in the bodywork, steering wheel, or gear lever, even in neutral. Unusual noises are also a clear sign of a faulty engine mount. Other engine problems include knocking when starting and stopping the engine, and a loud or unstable engine. However, this only applies if the engine itself is technically sound and running smoothly. This is caused by typical signs of wear (cracks or breaks) in the rubber elements of the suspension, due to loss of elasticity or corrosion. Such defects in the Vivaro lower engine mount must be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further consequences.
Faulty heater
A commonly reported issue with the heater not working is that it doesn’t heat up or stays completely cold. A faulty heater in a Vauxhall Vivaro can have a number of causes. Insufficient refrigerant levels, which can result from a leak, can affect the heater's performance. In addition, a rattling noise from the air conditioning compressor could indicate a fault. Another possible problem is a broken air conditioning condenser, often caused by stone chips, as it is typically located behind the radiator. A clogged filter, broken throttle valve, expansion valve, heat exchanger, or thermostat can also contribute to heating problems.
-7%
Article number: MN7511-10
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compared to
RRP
£ 34,30
£ 31,76
£ 3,18 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-24%
Article number: 1496
compared to
RRP
£ 23,65
£ 17,86
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
MOBIL Engine oil
10W-40, 4l, Part Synthetic Oil
Article number: 150865
£ 28,12
£ 7,03 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
SKF Bellow Set, drive shaft
146 mm, with clamps
Article number: VKJP 01001
£ 11,49
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-32%
FEBI BILSTEIN Sensor, exhaust pressure
Article number: 173118
compared to
RRP
£ 61,99
£ 41,84
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Wiper faults
Sudden failure or malfunction of the windscreen wipers and Vauxhall Vivaro wiper blades can have several causes. A common cause is a faulty wiper motor, which can occur if the wipers are operated in icy conditions without first being released. Another possibility is a blown wiper fuse, often caused by a poorly insulated cable or a faulty wiper motor. A sluggish wiper action, where the wipers are slow or sluggish, is usually the result of a build-up of dirt. A rusty wiper linkage can also contribute to this problem. Always make sure your Vauxhall Vivaro wiper blades are in proper working condition, as they are an important safety feature.
Starting problems
The most common cause is a discharged or flat starter battery. In winter and on cold days, an insufficiently charged car battery often causes the Vivaro to refuse to start or to start poorly. A clear sign is a sluggish starter motor that moves slowly and makes a ringing noise. If the battery Vauxhall Vivaro is extremely discharged in the meantime, you may only hear a faint clicking noise, which is caused by the magnetic switch on many starter models.
Fuel pressure problems
These can lead to issues with the engine not firing correctly or even not starting altogether. It may be time to replace your fuel filter which you can find in an online Vauxhall Vivaro accessories and parts catalogue.
Injector faults
The effects of a disrupted fuel supply due to one or more defective injectors can vary depending on the extent of the damage. These symptoms can range from a subtle drop in performance, worsened exhaust emissions, and difficulty starting the engine, to increased fuel consumption, rough idling, flashing, or permanent illumination of the engine control light. In more severe cases it can lead to engine knocking (uncontrolled ignition of the fuel) and persistent misfiring during combustion.
