Is That Normal? 10 Strange Holden Behaviours Explained
Posted in Servicing Insights
Is That Normal? 10 Strange Things Your Holden Can Do - Explained
Own a Holden for long enough and it will probably do something that makes you stop and wonder.
The fan might keep running after you park. The brake pedal might move beneath your foot. Your diesel might suddenly idle differently or the gearbox might hold a lower gear going downhill.
Some of these behaviours can look or sound like faults, but are actually the vehicle working as designed.
Not every feature applies to every Holden. It can depend on the model, year, engine and equipment, but here are 10 strange behaviours that may be more normal than they first appear.
Strange noises after you start or stop
1. Why does my Holden's fan keep running after I switch it off?
On some Holdens, the cooling fan can continue running for a few minutes to help manage heat under the bonnet.
This can be especially noticeable after a hot drive or when the air-conditioning has been working hard during a Queensland summer.
Worth checking: If the fan runs for an unusually long time, or you notice steam, coolant loss or a temperature warning.
2. Why do I hear a click and feel the brake pedal move?
Some Holdens perform an automatic check of the anti-lock braking system shortly after starting or driving away.
This can produce a brief click or motor sound, along with slight movement through the brake pedal.
Worth checking: If the noise keeps happening, the brakes feel different or the ABS warning light stays on.
3. Why does my Holden chirp when I try to lock it?
On some models, including the VF Commodore, a horn chirp can mean the boot, tailgate or another opening has not been closed properly.
Before assuming there is an electrical problem, check everything is firmly shut and try locking the vehicle again.
Worth checking: If it continues when every door, the boot and the bonnet are properly closed.
When the engine or gearbox behaves differently
4. Why is my diesel Holden idling higher or smelling hot?
Diesel Holdens such as the Colorado may temporarily idle faster, sound different or produce a hot smell while cleaning the diesel particulate filter.
The vehicle raises the exhaust temperature to burn away trapped soot. You may also notice a temporary change in fuel use or exhaust note.
Worth checking: If a DPF warning remains on, the vehicle loses power or a service message appears.
5. Why does my Holden rev harder going downhill?
Some automatic Colorados use Grade Braking to help control their speed on descents.
The gearbox may select a lower gear and hold higher engine revs, allowing the engine to help slow the vehicle without relying entirely on the brakes.
Worth checking: If there is slipping, banging, a transmission warning or a noticeable loss of performance.
6. Why doesn't stop/start work every time?
Automatic stop/start only operates when the right conditions are met.
It may remain inactive if the engine is cold, the battery needs charging, the demister is running or the air-conditioning is working hard. That last one can be especially common on a hot Brisbane day.
Worth checking: If the engine struggles to restart, cranks slowly or displays a warning.
Wipers and dashboard readings with minds of their own
7. Why does the rear wiper start when I select reverse?
On equipped models, the rear wiper can automatically sweep when the front wipers are operating and the vehicle is placed into reverse.
It is designed to improve rear visibility in wet weather rather than being a random electrical quirk. On some models, the function can also be switched off through the vehicle settings.
8. Why didn't my fuel gauge move after I added fuel?
On the VF Commodore, a small amount of added fuel may take several minutes to appear on the gauge.
The reading can also temporarily change if the vehicle has been sitting on a slope before correcting itself once you begin driving again.
Worth checking: If you have added a substantial amount of fuel and the gauge remains incorrect after driving.
9. Why is my VF Commodore showing nearly 15 volts?
The VF Commodore's charging system can adjust its voltage depending on the condition of the battery.
That means the battery-voltage display may move around and can sometimes approach 15 volts. The changing number alone does not necessarily mean the alternator is failing.
Worth checking: If the charging warning appears, the battery repeatedly goes flat or the engine begins cranking slowly.
When Queensland weather gets into the lights
10. Is mist inside my Holden's headlight normal?
A fine mist can sometimes form inside a headlight or tail-light after rain, washing or a sudden change in temperature.
Temporary condensation should clear once the conditions dry out or the light has been operating for a while.
Worth checking: If you can see droplets or pooled water, the moisture keeps returning or it does not clear.
When should a strange Holden behaviour be checked?
"Can be normal" does not mean every new noise or warning should be ignored.
It is worth arranging an inspection when:
- A warning light or service message stays on.
- The behaviour becomes more frequent or more severe.
- Braking, steering or performance feels different.
- You notice leaking fluid, steam, overheating, grinding or repeated banging.
When something does not feel right, having it checked is safer than guessing.
Service your Holden with Motorama Holden
Has your Holden developed a new noise, warning or behaviour? Or is it simply due for its next scheduled service?
The team at Motorama Holden can help with routine servicing, ongoing maintenance and diagnosing those strange behaviours that do not quite feel normal.
Book your Holden service with Motorama Holden.
