Car Servicing
A VSC error is showing on the dashboard in my 2006 Toyota Camry Hybrid and the buzzer is sounding continuously. My mechanic has cleared the fault with diagnostic tools, but the error came back again before I'd even driven 200 km. What should I do?
My mechanic has advised me it will cost around $400 to replace the oil line on my 2010 Toyota Aurion. It hasn't failed, but I have been advised the part is suspect and Toyota replaced it in later models. Apparently it can fail without warning, causing a massive oil spill and possibly serious damage to the engine. Do you think it is satisfactory that Toyota has wiped its hands of this problem and won't do a recall?
Recently the boot on my 2010 WS Ford Fiesta CL has been popping open. My dealer had the car for an entire day, but couldn't diagnose the problem. I was told they had no idea how to fix the car and I should try an auto electrician. I have an extended warranty with Swann insurance and they covered labor and parts for the dealer's work, but they will not, understandably, continue to pay if I take the car elsewhere. In other words, Ford are asking me to take the car elsewhere and write a blank cheque to an auto elect rician who may or may not be able to find the problem. I find it unacceptable that a Ford dealership is incapable of fixing a Ford motorcar taken there under warranty. I have contacted head office and they contacted the dealer. Their solution was for me to give them the car for an undisclosed amount of time whereby the car will be taken off site to a third party and I will have to pay all parts and labor. This is crazy. Is my only option to again take Ford to Fair Trading?
Can anyone give a local explanation for the reason behind the great variability in service intervals between brands?
It seems to me it’s nothing more than a money-making exercise on the part of some manufacturers. It is very annoying for someone like my wife, for example, who owns a 2013 Mazda3 that only travels 5000km a year but services must be at intervals of six months or 10,000km to preserve her warranty. For the 2014 model, it is 12 months or 10,000km. Cars today are more reliable than ever, with fewer serviceable components than in the past, while engine oils are remarkably more efficient. It is time to make manufacturers accountable. In new-car reviews, shorter service intervals should result in lower scores.
Thank you for contacting Great Wall headquarters regarding warranty issues with my Great Wall V200. My dealership found some missing and loose nuts on the exhaust manifold locating bolts and have rectified these. Adjustments to the drive belt and lubrication of some of the pulleys was also attended to. The motor is noticeably quieter and they have also ordered a replacement gear indicator buzzer, even though I had been told it could not be replaced. I appreciate your assistance.
In recent times my 2005 Toyota Camry Grande V6 has developed an annoying jerking motion at low speeds. The car has always been serviced and it idles beautifully. My mechanic ran the scanner over it and couldn't find anything serious. He said there is something there, but to just keep driving it till it gets worse. He might then be able to diagnose the fault. Up until recently I have used 95-premium fuel in the car, but because of the cost I am now using regular unleaded. Would this make a difference? We would appreciate any thoughts you may have on this matter.
Like Bernie reported in a recent Carsguide I too have a 2000 W208 Mercedes-Benz CLK 230 Cab. About four months ago I had a very similar gear slippage problem when changing from third to fourth gear. I steered clear of the 'Benz dealers and took it to a local auto guy who stated that it could be either a $10 return spring (apparently a common fault) or third gear is kaput. Unfortunately it was the latter, but it was fixed for reasonable $1700 and car is going great. I would suggest Bernie steers clear of the Mercedes dealer an d go to a reputable auto place, and save $$$$.
My local service centre says they'll no longer change the camshaft belt on a 2006 Toyota Camry. I was expecting to have it changed and was surprised by their advice. Can you please clarify for me?
My 2005 BF Falcon Futura has suddenly begun to consume too much fuel. One mechanic told me it looks like a software issue and to go to a Ford dealer. What can I do?
The fan on my TJ Mitsubishi Magna is not working and although everyone tells me the car is not overheating and the gauge sits where it should the motor gets so hot you can't touch the engine mounts. I have never seen a motor get so hot when everything says it isn't hot. I know they are supposed to get hot, but you can smell this one burning. What do you think?