15th Feb 2015, 05:45

Hi, I've got a 96 Barina, and could someone tell me what is it that makes the petrol gauge not work?

21st Feb 2015, 21:45

It's normal. I have the same car.

28th Feb 2015, 02:18

Hi, can anyone give an idea how to install a replacement computer under the right side driver's kick panel... and get it to work? It has the same numbers as the original... it is used, but all it does when reconnected is it starts and a few seconds later stops, as we are told these 97 Barinas don't have a transponder key. What to do next? Maybe a code? If someone has any ideas, that would be great.

Thanks, Mervyn.

6th Mar 2015, 07:22

Can someone tell me where or how to find out how to change the ignition barrel?

16th Mar 2015, 03:27

My 1999 Holden SB Barina turns over, but does not fire. Fuel pump ordered. But the info on the key is needed. Will the engine turnover but not fire if the key does not detect the key transponder?

18th Mar 2015, 21:42

Key transponder question. Yes, the engine will turn over and even the spark plugs will fire, but the fuel pump will not activate if the key transponder is not working. When the ignition is switched on, does the check engine light flash?

16th Jul 2015, 01:02

Your reverse lights are connected to your air bag dash light wires, They're mixed up by sounds of it.

1st Aug 2015, 07:06

Hey man.

My missus's car is having overheating problems and I have done everything but change the thermostat. I was wondering how you did it, as I don't want it costing us an arm and a leg?

2nd Nov 2015, 18:46

Sorry to here about your misfortune, but great to hear your integrity, and old fashioned Australian attitude.

God bless you, Macca.

4th Jan 2016, 09:21

I'm 80 years old. My 1999 Olympic Swing Barina Hatch will not turn over. It has been doing this for a short time, but eventually starts. Now it won't turn over. My husband has dementia so can't help. Should I just join RAC, or buy a battery as a friend suggested - could this be the problem? It has 91k km and has been a great car with very few problems.

9th Sep 2017, 08:40

My 1997 second hand car did a similar thing as I let the tank get low. The mechanic got under the back and banged the bottom of the tank with his hand, and it started. He said sometimes the fuel pump may stick. Anyhow, he had done it before. Obviously it was OK after that. I had known about fuel injected motors, not to let the tanks run low.

Regards, Mervyn.

9th Sep 2017, 08:52

Regards this temp increase thing, it appears this is not a problem with overheating. It is said this is normal to run that high... to burn fuel more efficiently. My 1997 1400 engine does it in traffic. I got it second hand; it didn't say this in the book. And my mechanic didn't know about this. On a run it hovers around 94-96. Mine got a new radiator and also before my auto electrician looked at it and told me how it should work... I have seen on different sites about these cars, a lot of owners are not aware, it seems runs good, air con is my problem, new setup is still not real cold. Supposed to be a design problem. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Regards, Mervyn.

9th Sep 2017, 08:59

Hi. I removed the lowered front springs etc and rear... when I got my SB Barina... it was too low for me.

If you're interested, I can email you. I am in Brisbane.

sollie3@optusnet.com.au

9th Sep 2017, 22:47

This is normal for some strange reason... it's the only car I have owned with this temperature control. A lot of mechanics must have made some money from owners unnecessarily for new radiator flushes and thermostats. Always ask your auto club people if you are in one... before the mechanic... unless you have an above board guy.

23rd Jul 2018, 08:04

Hi. Had a look at a 96 Holden Barina Swing today for $500, just for a work car, and the S light was flashing on the dash and it seemed really slow. Is this problem cheap to fix, or should I leave the car where it is thanks?

1st Jun 2020, 18:31

I'm having same problem on my Barina; please help.

2nd Oct 2023, 01:06

I think you're right here mate.

I have a 1996 Holden Barina Swing, 150,000 on the clock and has a tiny oil leak. I have read the manual and the 'S' is the Sporty Drive Programme. The snow button is the snowflake... pretty self explanatory :)

I have found that sometimes when I start my car, the S button flashes and also loses acceleration - I found turning the car off and on again temporarily fixes it, but I'm concerned and don't know what to do.

I have never had it come on while driving, only when I'm warming the car up.

Thanks.

2nd Oct 2023, 21:25

Can a mechanic plug the car into a diagnostics machine and find an error code? You can also find some OBD2 diagnostics plug-ins online cheap, as long as your car has the port for it. If it's flashing occasionally, it may be the electronics are detecting an error such as a sensor.