Ask The Guide

In a current-generation Corolla you need trim removal tools (which are easy to purchase at any local parts store, or via the Internet). Start by levering the top right corner of the radio fascia piece outwards from the dash. It is retained by plastic clips that simply pop out so don't be afraid to give it some oomph. Once you have it loose you can unplug the wires attached to the back of it. There are then four 10mm bolts holding the radio unit to the dashboard, positioned around the top and sides, towards the rear of the unit. Use a long 10mm socket on an extension, fitted to a ratchet handle, to remove these. You can then slide the radio unit forward and unplug it.

You shouldn’t be using Park as a brake, that’s not what it is intended for, and could damage the transmission. If you want to stop the vehicle change down through the ratios manually and apply the brakes. The problem is unlikely to be the wiring harness, it sounds like it’s deeper within the transmission. Have your dealer check it, or take it to an automatic transmission specialist.

Rear-drive PX II-series Rangers are rated to tow up to 750kg of unbraked trailer, or 2500kg if the trailer has brakes. Four-wheel-drive Rangers, however, are rated to tow up to 3500kg (if the trailer has brakes). I have personally used a 3.2-litre diesel 4x4 Ranger XLT to tow almost 3500kg from Melbourne to Brisbane, and it was a breeze. That particular vehicle was used primarily to tow a large boat, as well as a race car in an enclosed trailer, and it did it very well though the owner had it serviced more often than recommended, and he had the suspension regularly checked for wear.

It would appear that you have a good case for a refund or a new car, but it’s a matter of negotiation with Great Wall in the first instance. If you don’t have any success go to the Victorian Government’s Consumer Affairs Department and enlist their help in negotiating a satisfactory outcome.

Headlights in many modern vehicles have an amount of adjustment built-in, but this doesn't mean they're easy to point in the right place. You need to ensure the vehicle is perfectly level, positioned a specific distance from a wall you know is flat and true (perfectly vertical), then you have to measure where the headlights intersect, how high off the ground that intersection point is, and several other factors. The easiest way to adjust your headlights is to get your local dealership or mechanic to do it (mention it as part of your next service if you're curious). If you improperly align your headlights you could blind on-coming vehicles, or not have enough light to properly see the road in front of you, so get the pros to handle it.

Using a trim removal tool lever the trim around the screen out of the dash. Pop it forward, then unclip the hazard button and wiring for the airbag light. Undo four 10mm bolts at the edge of the unit. Slide the unit out, disconnect the wiring and it is out.

Bleeding clutch hydraulic systems is not a job most car owners should ever need to do. The process involves the same theory as bleeding brakes, where you replace old hydraulic fluid with fresh fluid, helping maintain the performance of the clutch (or braking) system. Mechanics have pressurised bleeding systems so I would recommend having your mechanic or dealership handle this job when they advise it needs to be done.

If properly serviced a Jeep Patriot should last for at least 10 years. How many kilometres or years depends entirely on how each vehicle is owned, what sort of driving they do, how they are driven, and the like.

All models of the Santa Fe are rated to tow 750kg of trailer that has no brakes, or up to 2000kg of trailer if it has brakes. Remember when measuring tow ratings to include the weight of luggage in the vehicle as well as what you're towing. For instance, when towing a boat include the weight of fuel, life jackets, tools, and more.

Push in the button on the side of your Smart Key, and pull the tab holding in your emergency (manual) key. This allows you to unlock the car if your Smart Key's battery is flat. Once you remove the manual key you can split the Smart Key case in half using the emergency key, exposing the battery. Pull down on the tab holding the battery in and the battery will pop out. Replace it with a new CR1632 battery (some use a CR2032 battery) and snap the Smart Key back together!