My dad's 1997 VS Holden Commodore has developed an intermittent problem; the electrical system shuts down and it loses power and stops while driving along. When the key is removed and reinserted it starts and drives normally. A local mechanic has tested and analyzed it, but couldn't find anything wrong and couldn't get the car to malfunction. Hoping you might have heard of this problem before and might have some ideas.

10 May 2012

A mechanic recently told me that I needed to replace the timing chain on my 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero because it is worn? It has done 207,000 km. I have a major trust issue with mechanics and you have stated in the past that timing chains don't need replacing. I'm very much at a loss and I would really appreciate your advice.

10 May 2012

Like other Toyota Prados the dash in my 2003 model has cracked in a number of places. After being denied by Toyota a number of years ago because the warranty had ended, Toyota has now approved the repair of the dash, but will only cover 70 percent of the repair cost. Do you think this is a sufficient outcome?

10 May 2012

My 2005 Honda Jazz automatic started to shake badly when accelerating from still after its 40,000 km service. My understanding is that others have suffered the same problem. Is it something Honda is aware of?

03 May 2012

In February 2011 we bought a new Toyota Corolla and have had it serviced at the recommended six month intervals. My wife primarily drives it and it has done low kilometers, it had done just over 10,000 km in February this year. The car has not missed a beat, but the service consultant at the 12-month service recommended a further cleaning of the engine parts at 18 months due to the low kilometres "to blow out all the rubbish". Is this required?

03 May 2012

The boot lid on my 2001 Ford Falcon sedan takes in water when it rains, then when one opens the boot the water pours in. How is it only getting into the lid and how does one fix this?

03 May 2012

I have noticed there are oil droplets where I park my VY Series II Holden Calais. On closer inspection the area between the engine and gearbox seems to be bathed in dark oil. There is also a rattle from the right rear wheel when I go over a bumpy road or a speed bump. What do you think might be causing these problems?

03 May 2012

I have a 2012 Mitsubishi Challenger diesel that I use to tow a 2.2- tonne caravan and I have been offered a TDC Power Box performance chip. Apparently, it works by modifying the electronic signals that control fuel pressure produced by the pump in order to optimize engine performance. It's designed to increase fuel pressure at the pump to maintain rail pressure in the mid to upper operating ranges, increasing power and torque. Would this be a worthwhile modification, or is it too much of a risk? Would it have an effect on comprehensive insurance or vehicle warranty?

03 May 2012

Twice last year I told my dealer that the engine in my six-year- old 2.0-litre VW Golf FSI chugs and it seems to miss gears. Both times they tested it and no faults were found. As it got worse I took it to a previous mechanic who told me the auto transmission was gone and a reconditioned one would be about $8000. I have had it done, but my question is should I chase VW about this, or is it just one of those things?

03 May 2012

I recently purchased a 2005 Subaru Outback, manual 2.5L with around 60,000km on the clock and I am surprised to find that it uses oil. Over a normal service period of six months and typically having travelled 6000-8000 km in that time, it drops from the high mark to just below the low mark on the dipstick. If we tow our small camper trailer oil usage increases even more. Is this above normal usage and if so where is it going and why?

03 May 2012