Question:
I have a problem with my Renault Clio. It has problems starting in the mornings or when I finish work. Also the car leaks water from sunroof. It has been serviced by a tune-in specialist and serviced but to no avail, can you help me please?
Answer:
Check the earth leads from the battery and engine to the bodywork and ensure they are not frayed and that they are secured to clean sound bodywork.
As for the sunroof, remove the glass and clean it especially around the edges. Use a damp cloth to clean the rubber seal. If the leak is through the frame you will need to seek professional advice.
Question:
I have a 94 Toyota Celica and when I engage the clutch there is a slight rattling sound. When I press or disengage the clutch the engine is smooth and no such sound is present. What is wrong?
Answer:
This sounds like the clutch thrust release bearing is worn and needs to be replaced. If you're having this done consider having the whole clutch replaced at the same time - you could save money.
Question:
I have a kit car - a Ford 1600 X-Flow. The engine has a persistent misfire at around half throttle. Below half it is fine and when you apply full throttle it hesitates then clears. The engine appears standard but has a twin choke Weber carb and four-branch manifold. Any ideas?
Answer:
Check the valves and jets within the carbs body and ensure they are clean and show no signs of wear and clean/replace as required. If there is dirt in the fuel you should also fit an in-line fuel filter.
Question:
I own a 95 N registration Corsa. My radiator water lever keeps dropping. I have to put about a litre a week in and I've noticed my oil has some white sludge in it.
The cost to replace the head gasket would be around £250 - £300, however this may increase upon stripping if further work is required ie: the head may need to be skimmed.
Question:
When fitting the cam belt on a 1993 Vauxhall 1.7D the pump mark lines up with the fly wheel mark but the cam shaft does not appear to be marked. What is needed to be sure and accurate?
Answer:
The camshaft marker is a punched dot located on the outer rim of the camshaft sprocket.
Question:
I drive an 83 Chevy van. I replaced both front callipers and put new brake pads on. The passenger side calliper isn't releasing the brake and it's getting hot. What causes it not to release? Is it the proportioning valve?
Answer:
It could be the valve but if the problem was not present before you changed the callipers it is more than likely that the calliper piston is seized. Ensure the pistons move freely within the calliper body, remove and clean as required.
Question:
My ignition switch in my car keeps locking up. Is there any way I can prevent it? Also can you give an idea of how much it will cost? My car is a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
Answer:
The lock tumblers can become dry over time so try spraying a light oil into the lock. If this doesn't resolve the problem you may need to replace the lock barrel.
Question:
I need a replacement side door for a 1967 Volkswagen camper van. Any advice on where to find one?
Answer:
You best bet is to do a search on the internet. There are suppliers of reproduction parts but they are usually small firms dotted around the country. Run a search for VW owners clubs and go through them for a website link.
Question:
We have just bought a Renault Megane CC - the one with a folding glass hardtop. Twice now we have returned to the car to find it running after we left it parked, switched off and locked! Renault uses a - key card system with no proper key. What's happening?
Answer:
This sounds like a serious security problem which needs resolving quickly. The car is a new model and must be under warranty - take it in to the dealer as soon as possible.
Question:
We have just bought an old Ford Escort cabriolet. We bought it in wet weather and didn't fold the hoot down. Now the sun's out, the mechanism seems to have locked up and we can't get the top down! Why?
Answer:
This might sound obvious but are you sure the car hasn't got an electric hood? Ford did fit electric hoods. Take it to a dealer - he's bound to know. Or ring the old owner.
Question:
I had a bump in my car and hit a Corsa. My bumper has damaged the Corsa's boot at the bottom. I know it is hard to quote how much it is going to cost, but how much are Corsa plastic bumpers?
Answer:
A rear bumper with a support beam will cost in the region of £200, plus paint work. If it is not a painted bumper then it would be around £150. In addition to these costs any repairs found upon stripping will be added, which may include a new rear panel.
Question:
I have an Escort diesel van. The first start in the morning is a nightmare, yet for the rest of the day it starts as sweet as a nut, why?
Answer:
This fault more than likely relates to your glow plugs, as they warm the air from the cold during the first start of the day. Check and change as required.
Question:
The heater for my Seat Ibiza 1996 has stopped working, any ideas why this might happen?
Answer:
Check that your thermostat is not stuck open, your heater fan is working at all speeds, and the vents are open. Then check the heater matrix is not blocked or has an air lock.
Question:
My customer has an Audi A4 1.8 SE M-reg. I think that the gearbox oil level is low. Could you please tell me where the oil filler plug is and if it has a gearbox oil level plug?
Answer:
The gearbox level plug is normally found on the passenger side of the gearbox above the drive shaft.
Question:
I've noticed that the intensity of my car's headlights diminishes when it is left in minimal and regains its intensity when I accelerate. Is there a problem in the alternator?
Answer:
No, this is normal for an alternator as it produces its charge under load. You will just notice a slight dimming of the lights under normal conditions.
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The lock tumblers can become dry over time so try spraying a light oil into the lock. If this doesn't resolve the problem you may need to replace the lock barrel.
Question:
I need a replacement side door for a 1967 Volkswagen camper van. Any advice on where to find one?
Answer:
You best bet is to do a search on the internet. There are suppliers of reproduction parts but they are usually small firms dotted around the country. Run a search for VW owners clubs and go through them for a website link.
Question:
We have just bought a Renault Megane CC - the one with a folding glass hardtop. Twice now we have returned to the car to find it running after we left it parked, switched off and locked! Renault uses a - key card system with no proper key. What's happening?
Answer:
This sounds like a serious security problem which needs resolving quickly. The car is a new model and must be under warranty - take it in to the dealer as soon as possible.
Question:
We have just bought an old Ford Escort cabriolet. We bought it in wet weather and didn't fold the hoot down. Now the sun's out, the mechanism seems to have locked up and we can't get the top down! Why?
Answer:
This might sound obvious but are you sure the car hasn't got an electric hood? Ford did fit electric hoods. Take it to a dealer - he's bound to know. Or ring the old owner.
Question:
I had a bump in my car and hit a Corsa. My bumper has damaged the Corsa's boot at the bottom. I know it is hard to quote how much it is going to cost, but how much are Corsa plastic bumpers?
Answer:
A rear bumper with a support beam will cost in the region of £200, plus paint work. If it is not a painted bumper then it would be around £150. In addition to these costs any repairs found upon stripping will be added, which may include a new rear panel.
Question:
I have an Escort diesel van. The first start in the morning is a nightmare, yet for the rest of the day it starts as sweet as a nut, why?
Answer:
This fault more than likely relates to your glow plugs, as they warm the air from the cold during the first start of the day. Check and change as required.
Question:
The heater for my Seat Ibiza 1996 has stopped working, any ideas why this might happen?
Answer:
Check that your thermostat is not stuck open, your heater fan is working at all speeds, and the vents are open. Then check the heater matrix is not blocked or has an air lock.
Question:
My customer has an Audi A4 1.8 SE M-reg. I think that the gearbox oil level is low. Could you please tell me where the oil filler plug is and if it has a gearbox oil level plug?
Answer:
The gearbox level plug is normally found on the passenger side of the gearbox above the drive shaft.
Question:
I've noticed that the intensity of my car's headlights diminishes when it is left in minimal and regains its intensity when I accelerate. Is there a problem in the alternator?
Answer:
No, this is normal for an alternator as it produces its charge under load. You will just notice a slight dimming of the lights under normal conditions.
next page
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