1995 Vauxhall Corsa Poor Running

VAUXHALL
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MILES
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i have been having sum problems with my car = replaced battery twice new plugs and still doesnt seem to run properly .i am a woman and as u know we know nothing about cars!!!! well i know less!!! my friend says she feels sick when shes in car and heating on .i found a big clump of unusual looking dust on battery??? also i came out one morning and the petrol cap had been removed , is there any thing that could of been put in petrol that could cause problems?????? got sad ex!!! the car always seems to condensated sprayed air freshener and windows steamed up........... : thankyou any advice would help vauxhaull corsa 1995 mileage roughly 49000
Mar 19, 2006 at 9:43 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
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Your post concerns me.

[quote:751820a01c] my friend says she feels sick when shes in car and heating on . the car always seems to condensated sprayed air freshener and windows steamed up........... [/quote:751820a01c]

A leaking heater core can put antifreeze in the cabin it is sweet tasting/smelling and poisonous. The telltale signs are a sticky film on the windshield when the defrosters are on. As it gets worse you will get a puddle usually on the passenger side floor. check the coolant level and watch it closely. You can have the system leak tested.

The corrosion on the battery can be cleaned off with a mixture of baking soda and water. It will neutralize the acidic effects of the battery acid. This might be a sign of your battery starting to fail. I would have it tested along with the alternator. A poor battery will affect the engine performance.


Purchase a locking fuel cap. Also run some fuel injector cleaner thru a couple of tanks of petrol.

Anywhere near Burnham-on-Sea? Know a good garage there. :)

My granfather was a truck driver. He taught my mother about vehicles. She taught my father and me how to drive and a lot about autos. That woman could drive anything. :D

Good luck and let us know. :)
Mar 19, 2006 at 12:21 PM

Suggested Repair

Check the coolant level and have the heater core leak-tested, since a leak can put antifreeze into the cabin and cause sickness, a sticky windshield film, and a passenger-side floor puddle. Clean battery corrosion with baking soda and water, and test the battery and alternator. Fit a locking fuel cap and run fuel injector cleaner through a couple of tanks of petrol.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1995 Vauxhall Corsa with about 49,000 miles reports poor running after two battery replacements and new spark plugs, plus battery corrosion, a removed petrol cap, steamed windows, and a passenger feeling sick with the heater on. The expert advises checking for a leaking heater core, testing the battery and alternator, cleaning battery corrosion, fitting a locking fuel cap, and using fuel injector cleaner.

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