Hyundai Problems

IF POSSIBLE, find the original master key so you can program your new one. If you can't,, if you lose the key you'll have to buy a full set of new keys and locks, including the boot and ignition locks, and replace the immobiliser. This costs about $1000 plus fitting. Hyundai has dropped this system because of such problems.

THEY will be cheaper, but won't last as long. Platinum-tipped spark plugs are used for their longer life and are fitted mainly because America has laws about service intervals and the platinum-tipped plugs help meet the laws.

Paint on the early Hyundais wasn't great and it's not unusual to see bumpers and rear-view mirrors minus paint. That sort of thing can happen when you buy a cheap and cheerful car.

MY Hyundai contact tells me he has not experienced the clutch problem you have and says you would have to be riding the clutch hard to get that sort of wear. The clutch is generally regarded as a consumable item by most carmakers, but that presumes it wears out in a normal fashion. In your case, he reckons you should be pressing for it to be covered under warranty, and I agree. Unfortunately, there's not much choice but to replace it, so I would suggest you make it clear to the dealer and to Hyundai that you believe it is a warranty issue before it gets pulled apart, then be prepared to argue your case.

THE recommended service interval for the belt is 100,000km, but remember that it is set at a conservative figure to cover the whole population. A belt might run without a problem for the sort of distance yours has, but chances are it won't and the consequences of it breaking are too dire to think about. Even if your belt has stretched just a little, that can lead to it jumping teeth, which can also be a disaster.

IT SHOULD certainly be repaired under warranty, unless it has been damaged in the course of driving. Ask your Hyundai dealer to inspect the joint and replace it as needed. If he doesn't agree, go direct to Hyundai. You may face a battle if you have had your car serviced elsewhere. Hyundai may claim it hasn't been properly serviced, but if you believe it has, stand your ground.

THE 90,000km service is important, and part of that is changing the camshaft timing belt. Though it is done as a precaution, the consequences of not changing it far exceed the cost of replacing it at the recommended time. Should the belt fail, you will probably badly damage your engine, the repair of which would cost thousands of dollars.

Find another mechanic. The X3 Excel is a tough car that is generally reliable. I have seen models that have done more than 200,000km without any trouble. The gearboxes are reliable and parts are readily available to rebuild them. And second-hand units are easy to find if it needs replacing. But before you replace the gearbox check the clutch. I reckon a worn-out clutch is probably causing your problem.

THERE is no doubt Hyundai and other Korean carmakers are fast catching up to the rest of the world in build quality. Hyundai still carries, perhaps unfairly, baggage from the Excel recall over front-end problems, but they're a much better car than they were in those days.