Car Servicing

My 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 won't start and there is a ticking sound coming from the fusebox. What is likely to be the cause?

I've been told I need an indicator stalk for my Toyota Corolla Ascent 2005 sedan and I’ve been quoted $285 and $222 from two different auto mechanics. The part is only $84.99 so their labour costs for such a simple job are way over the top. Can you help find me a reputable mechanic in my area; Newcastle NSW? I have no headlights nor high beam.

My 2011 Nissan Navara randomly goes into "limp" mode, sometimes pumping the accelerator works and other times it does nothing. It has a new fuel filter, a slight leak in the exhaust near firewall, and there is a lot of oil in the intercooler. What is going on?

We have a 2019 Volkswagen Golf R which has done 2300km and the dealership is recommending a 'Supplemental Service' be undertaken outside the usual five-year fixed price scheduling. This service is not highlighted or recommended in the service booklet or owner's manual and therefore would not appear necessary for the five-year warranty terms if not undertaken. What is your take on this?

What is the timing belt replacement interval of a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. My car has completed 275,000 km and I have been told they should be replaced every 90,000 km.

I own a 2014 Holden Cruze Equipe. I bought it brand new, always serviced from local dealer, and never had any issues with it until I had a crash. Rear left panel is badly damaged in crash and this damage to rear panel has not only caused reversing sensors but it also affected all electronics linked to reversing module which is located under the trim behind damaged panel. This includes the main control panel with radio and CD player, there is no sounds, not even indication sound when indicator is on, no light on screen, no Holden logo, no my link, nothing completely dead. What may have happened?

I've been to the mechanic to replace the clutch and flywheel, timing belt and logbook service of 120,000 km in my 2012 Volkswagen Golf. I have the feeling that he’s trying to rip me off with the price as he charged me $2000 for the clutch. I’ve been searching around and the average price is $1200. Can you help me with the real price and what should I do with the mechanic?

Our 2011 SZ Ford Territory, diesel, AWD, with 104,000 km died last week and now requires a new engine. The bolts on the cam on the R/H side of the engine cracked or came loose and destroyed the timing belt and front timing cover. According to Ford's service guidelines, the timing belt is not due for inspection or change until 165,000 km. The vehicle has been serviced every year, and it was not driven a lot because we're retired. A mechanic has told us that the bolts should definitely not have come loose and that it's probably a manufacturing defect. Ford has refused to compensate us. What is your advice/suggestions?

I purchased a new Hyundai Tucson Active X in May 2016. It was advertised as a 2016 model, but I later found out after the purchase that it was a December 2015 model but anyway … it has always been serviced by Hyundai at the exact km intervals when due. At the start of this year the engine had to be replaced as it started making a clicking noise while I was driving it to a Christmas function one day. The Hyundai dealership I have always taken it to replaced the engine. I have also had a fault with the left blinker not always going on or staying on when switched on, which has been mentioned to them multiple times, but still always plays up every time I pick up my car and I have to mention it to them again. Now yesterday, when I was driving, my reversing camera got stuck on my screen and wouldn’t go off even when changed to park/neutral/drive etc. I tried turning my car off and leaving it for a minute and turning it back on but still no luck. As well as that, yesterday just after the reversing camera started playing up, the brakes started making a clicking noise from near the gears area when pressed when in park, but not at any other time.

What is going on with my car? I purchased a new car hoping that these sorts of things wouldn’t happen. Have I been sold a dud? I loved my car when I first had it, and planned to update in another year or so, giving my car to my husband and I would just get a new Hyundai. But unfortunately after these experiences so far, there is no way I would be buying a new Hyundai or recommending a Hyundai Tucson to anyone. What is going on with my car and why are there so many issues? Should I contact Hyundai head office?