Q & A: Ask Smithy
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Mazda MPV spluttering problem
QOur 2004 Mazda MPV has an intermitting spluttering problem, and our Mazda dealer has not got a clue why or what is happening. We have had the PCV checked, the coils tested, the transmission serviced, all the spark plugs replaced, and an auto electrician has checked every lead. From the time you start the motor it will be missing like an irregular heartbeat and when you drive it, it takes a few seconds for the power to kick in, but then it won't do it again for a few weeks. Can you help?
Intermittent problems can be hard to diagnose, they never seem to happen when the mechanic is present to observe it. But when yours is misbehaving it continues to misbehave for some period of time. Next time take it straight to a mechanic and have them run their diagnostic equipment over it. It would be worth having the injectors cleaned, if they're partly blocked the engine can splutter and misfire, and have all of the engine sensors checked.
New questions Smithy has answered
Ken Pelle
Email
The headlining in my 1993 Holden Calais has dropped, how can I repair it?
18 March 2010
See Smithy's answerFrank Varone
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I'm a qualified motor mechanic, engine reconditioner and aircraft maintenance engineer, and I am bemused that my Volkswagen dealer tells me that if I carry out any maintenance on my 2009 VW Tiguan TDI I risk voiding my warranty. Reading the maintenance schedule, apart from changing oil and filter the rest is a series of visual inspections that I believe am more than qualified to perform. I believe that 15,000 km or one year between services as recommended by VW is too long, especially on a diesel engine driven mainly in the city, and I would like to change oil and filter myself at 7500 km. The dealer is more than happy to change the oil and filter at the reduced interval, but I refuse to pay a ridiculous amount of money to carry this out. Why can't I do it myself?
18 March 2010
See Smithy's answerJohn Gilbert
Miami, Qld.
While my 2006 Toyota RAV4 was in for service last week I asked the dealer to check for a leak that was obviously coming from the cooling system due to the color of the coolant. It was found to be the water pump. My car has only done 20,000 km and I was told this should not happen at such a low mileage. Do you think I have reason to take this matter further with Toyota?
18 March 2010
See Smithy's answerBert Eggens
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Could you tell me what my HJ Monaro sedan would be worth? It is a numbers matching car with a 253 cubic inch V8, four-speed gearbox, extractors, new paint and all rust has been repaired; all it needs is a little TLC inside. I am the third owner, and I have the original sales papers and original plates.
18 March 2010
See Smithy's answerKathy Cooney
Email
My 2004 VY Holden Commodore wagon has given me no trouble, but my husband thinks it is getting too old and will soon start to need some work. I think it will keep going forever, just so long as we maintain it well. What do you think?
18 March 2010
See Smithy's answerStephen Harrington
Email
Further to the report on the battery going flat in Robin Hecker's FG Falcon G6E I also had the problem and it was also related to the electric seat memory module and the green light on the driver's seat failing to extinguish. Mine was fixed under warranty about a month ago after many frustrating experiences.
18 March 2010
See Smithy's answerRay Butler
Rosana, Vic
I was told the rear brakes on my Ford Mondeo had worn down to nothing and required new pads and discs, even though it has only done 22,000 km. I made a warranty claim, but was told that it is normal wear and therefore not covered. I don't believe it, have other Mondeo owners had the same trouble?
18 March 2010
See Smithy's answerGeorge McDowall
Email
My 2005 Hyundai Elantra has had two clutches, one at 17,600 km and another at just over 46,000 km. Hyundai agreed to cover the first replacement under warranty as a 'goodwill gesture', but have refused warranty coverage for the second. They said that clutches are 'wear and tear' items and as such not covered. It was suggested that my driving style could be a contributing factor to the premature clutch wear, but I have owned a number of manual transmission cars in my 43 years of driving, and several have done over 75,000 km or more without needing to have a clutch replaced. Have you heard of any similar problems with this model Elantra?
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See Smithy's answerAlan Salmon
Leongatha, Vic.
What can I do to keep cats off my clean car? Is there a polish or something that can be used?
18 March 2010
See Smithy's answerTania Lamb
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I am considering buying a 2006 Holden Astra with only 14,000 km on clock from a dealer. The vehicle inspection has revealed an oil leak in the gearbox - a 'leak at lower cover'. How can I be sure that the problem has been satisfactorily fixed?
18 March 2010
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