28th September
Question:
I have a Saab 9-3 and the headlight wipers don't work properly - any ideas?
Answer:
This can be a very annoying and dangerous problem. Undo the wiper spindle nut and re-align the arm whilst in the parked position. This should resolve the problem.
Question:
I run a 1997 American Ford Taurus 3.0 which has covered 126,000 miles. I've changed the plugs, plug wires, air and fuel filters and the coil pack and it still misfires on numbers 1, 2 and 4 cylinders. The car originally developed a misfire while driving. After changing all this it still shows the same misfire. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Answer
Sound nasty! Have the cylinder compressions tested as you may have a ring or valve problem, or even the start of a head gasket failure.
Question:
I changed the engine on my Ford Escort 1.6 to an 1.8 SI. Do I need the air flow meter and engine management units off the 1.8 SI for it to run correctly? My car is a 1999 model and the engine is from a 1997 model.
Answer
The answer to this is 'yes'! You will need to change both the air flow meter and the engine ECU as these are mapped differently to the 1600cc version.
Question:
The auto box on my 1999 Honda CR-V is fine when the car is used normally but when the car is used on the motorway for a while it seems to slip between 2nd and 3rd gear. Basically, between the changes the car revs up by 500rpm for a moment before shifting up a gear. Any ideas?
Answer
We suggest you first check that the transmission fluid levels are correct and top up as required, but failing this seek advice from your local Honda agent.
Question:
How much do mechanics get paid?
Answer
It depends who you speak to, but generally not enough!
Question:
What do you do if unleaded petrol is put into a diesel engine?
Answer
It happens more often than you think. Drain and flush the fuel tank lines, change any filters as required, then refill with diesel.
My heater is not putting out any warm air. Could it be stopped up or has the heater broken down in my car?
Answer
Check your water levels and for any air locks. If that's OK check and change the thermostat. If this doesn't solve the problem have the heater matrix checked at your local garage. Otherwise, you might need to buy a coat.
Question:
I drive a H-registration BMW 525i. Every now and again the auto four-speed box gearbox slips as I pull away, then jolts into gear. It happens in 1st and reverse gear only. Sometimes it is fine for a week or two. (The auto is switchable).
Answer
Being an intermittent fault I would suggest this relates to an electrical fault. Refer to your local garage for a diagnostic check as this could be serious.
Question:
The heater on my 1999 Ford Escort doesn%u2019t get hot, nor does the radiator. The system has been drained and flushed four times now. I have had two new thermostats fitted and also a new radiator, but still the heater blows only luke warm air.
Answer
If you don't have an air lock check the heater matrix and water pump as this is all that's left to check / change. I assume the heater controls are working properly?
Question:
I have recently bought a 2003 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCI LX and have found a few forums on the web where other cars of the same model and plate have had immobiliser problems and engine cut-outs. The forums talk about software upgrades in the car's black box. Is this something I can get from my local Ford dealer before similar problems arise with my car?
Answer
Take advice from your local Ford dealership as these problems may relate to a batch of units fitted between certain build dates. Do you have a Ford warranty with the vehicle? If so it may cover the fault due to the age of the vehicle.
Question:
My dear old Renault Clio has developed a very uneven tickover recently at 100,000 miles. I have done a compression check, renewed the plugs and leads and re-checked the valve clearances. Is there any more I can do to resolve the problem?
Answer
Check the fuel lines for condition and any possible air leaks. Renew the parts as required.
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