Car Servicing

I have a 2013 Holden Commodore Evoke with which I am very happy, but the other day the screen went blank. To whom should I take the car to have this rectified?

The automatic transmission in my 2009 Ford Focus was locked in park for six months. I used the manual push button override, but the car can only go into reverse. I left it over weekend and now it doesn’t start, but the lights and radio come on. Any ideas would help.

Over a few hours our fully maintained 2012 Territory TS intermittently showed a number of dashboard errors including “check engine”, it lost power (limped) and became difficult to start. The RACV mechanic suspected the high-pressure pump. A Ford diagnostic test was not conclusive but instead of looking at the fuel pump, the Ford dealership insisted they must start testing with the fuel injectors, and continue testing down the fuel line finishing with the fuel pump – all at great expense. Feeling held to ransom with a car that wouldn’t start we agreed to the fuel injection test which, of course, confirmed they were fine. Metal filings have now been found in the fuel filter showing fuel pump failure and a quote of $10,000 to replace the fuel line. Contaminated fuel is the likely cause we’re told, but they are noncommittal in writing making an insurance claim difficult. With no one from the dealership or Ford Aust. returning phone calls, we have now been without a car for seven weeks, and once again feel held to ransom. What are our options?

I have a 2009 Holden Captiva LX diesel with 155,000 km on it. I recently noticed that the oil level had increased over the full mark. A diesel injection specialist suggested a DPF burn at their workshop as we were having the DPF light come on regularly. Since then and completing an oil change the DPF light hasn't come on anywhere nearly as regularly and after completing another 3000 to 4000 km I have noticed the oil level starting to rise approx. 10 mm over the top full mark. I am thinking it may be the injectors. The car continues to run ok and I haven't seen any smoke coming from the exhaust. Is there any possible way to test the injectors as well as is there any know fault similar to this?

Do you think as I do that paint protection that dealers pressure people to buy is a complete scam?

I own a 2017 Kia Stinger GT. I noticed at around 10,000 km my brakes began pulsating. I reported this to the dealer and they arranged to machine the rotors and thankfully KIA paid the cost. What I don't understand is why this has occurred given that the Stinger GT is their performance car fitted with Brembo brakes. A quick check of my pads will reveal I am not hard on my brakes. This has never occurred to me before and I am a little concerned about the quality of the rotors used. Any thoughts?

My father-in-law has a 2015 Holden Colorado that needs to have the engine oil topped every 1000 km. It’s usually halfway on the dipstick at that time. Holden has put in a thicker oil and that has made no difference, and now they are saying they want to do a test where they make sure it’s all sealed up correctly, even though they tell me that the usage falls within their specifications. But they cannot show me where it says there is that much oil usage. Can I get some advice please?

My 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe hadn't made 50,000 km before the transmission had totally gone. I have read reviews and other complaints and when my car was in being fixed there were four other cars there with the same problem. I have been given a 12-month warranty, but I don't have faith that this too will last. Do you think I should sell and get another vehicle?

I recently purchased a 2011 Nissan Dualis 4D FWD manual with 180,000 km on the clock. It looks good, runs well, everything worked until suddenly, the central locking became unreliable. The spare integrated key fob would not work either. I replaced the battery in the key fob, but it still will not work. I tried over a period of time from many directions and distances, all the while studying the owner’s manual and following the instructions. Now the car cannot be reliably locked. Any advice?