Opel/Vauxhall problem

Source : http://news.sky.com/story/1573967/car-owners-warned-about-vauxhalls-catching-fire

Seems they have no clue what is causing it.

Sky News understands Vauxhall is considering recalling some of its Zafira models after a problem with the dashboard caused dozens to burst into flames.

Drivers of more than 130 of the cars, made between 2005 and 2014, have reported the issue that originates behind the glovebox causing the area to heat up.

Sky News understands Vauxhall has been investigating this problem for several months but has only seen a few dozen cars.

A spokesperson for the firm told Sky News: "If you have any concerns about the operation of the heating ventilation system, any funny noises in the car then pick up the phone call your local dealer or our customer services.

"Book the vehicle in for a check and the vehicle will be inspected professionally and we'll look at the component we think may be faulty." "When we find the root cause we will take the next step."

"That could be a recall, whatever, we've just got to get to that root cause, that's a key thing for us."

The carmaker has written to their dealerships advising them to do checks for any concerned customers free of charge.

It also issued this statement for drivers: "Our investigations have found that a number of incidents have occurred due to previous repairs being performed improperly or using certain non-genuine parts."

The company will soon announce a customer helpline number and website dedicated to those worried their cars are affected.

The problems have not affected other Zafira models so far.
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Rouxenator said:
The problem only concerns Vauxhalls, they are built in Ellesmere Port UK. This is not the first time they burst into flames for no reason either : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...e-Corsa-200-000-Vauxhalls-recalled-fault.html

My advise is to rather buy an Opel than a Vauxhall. Seems the Brits don't know how to build cars.
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From Wikipedia:

Also called Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
Production 2011–present
Assembly Bochum, Germany[nb 2]
Rüsselsheim, Germany[nb 3]

So actually an Opel!!!
 
Good point, seems Ellesmere Port is only building the Astra at the moment. All other models are imported from plants in Germany, Spain and Poland - thus the same factories that build the ones we buy locally. Some reports claim that the fires result from the usage of non-approved parts which could explain why the problem is only occurring in the UK.

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/zafiracustomeradvice.html

Vauxhall has carried out an investigation following reports of fire in the area of the heating and ventilation system in a number of Vauxhall Zafiras (Zafira B model launched in 2005, not current Zafira Tourer). While the number of incidents is very low in proportion to the number of vehicles on the road, we take this issue very seriously and will take further action.

The safety of our customers is the number one priority. Our investigations have found that a number of incidents have occurred due to previous repairs being performed improperly or using certain non-genuine parts.
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Rouxenator said:
Good point, seems Ellesmere Port is only building the Astra at the moment. All other models are imported from plants in Germany, Spain and Poland - thus the same factories that build the ones we buy locally. Some reports claim that the fires result from the usage of non-approved parts which could explain why the problem is only occurring in the UK.

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/zafiracustomeradvice.html
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Or perhaps it is only Right Hand Drive vehicles?
 
Rouxenator said:
Seems they have no clue what is causing it.
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2000px-Fire_triangle.svg.png


Sorry, tried to resize the damn thing, but it wouldn't listen to me.
 
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Vauxhall, the British arm of GM and sister brand of Opel, is in a tight spot. Eons ago, Zafira B forums started ranting about a flaw with the heating system of the mid-sized MPV. Last winter, the DVSA confirmed the problem, prompting Vauxhall to announce a recall. Now, though, owners are invited to bring their vehicles in for repairs for the second time.

No less than 234,938 vehicles from the second generation are affected. Bear in mind that the Zafira A, Zafira C, and Zafira Tourer are not part of this recall. Zafira B vehicles with electronic climate control (ECC) aren’t affected either. The question is, why is Vauxhall recalling the Zafira B yet again? Apparently, the repair procedure undertaken in the first recall can lead to overheating of the HVAC system, resulting in a potential vehicle fire.

The second recall is described as being a “preventive action” that involves the improvement of “the overall robustness of the [heating] system.” Last time, Vauxhall replaced the blower motor resistor and the thermal fuse, electrical components designed to protect the heating and ventilation system.

Vauxhall will be “initiating a second recall to replace the current soldered fuse resistor with a wax fuse resistor so reducing the opportunity for manipulation. When the recalls are complete, all vehicles will have a new wax fuse resistor, a new blower motor and a new moulding at the base of the windscreen to address water ingress.”

The fix will be conducted free of charge to the owner. Affected owners are to be contacted via post mail in August. Replacement components for the Zafira B’s heating and ventilation system are to become available in November 2016. In the meantime, owners are advised by Vauxhall to call 0800 026 0034 or get in touch with the automaker via the form found at the bottom of the Zafira Customer Advice webpage.

Read more: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/v...r-resistor-and-fuse-107641.html#ixzz496nBpSCy
 
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