QUESTION:
I have bought a Smart Roadster and have a small warning light on the dashboard which is a spanner shape and a dash with a number from 1 -5 what is this please. I do not have a manual to check?
ANSWER:
This is your service indicator. The car needs servicing over regular periods of time or mileage. If you don't cover the miles, the spanner and number shows you how many days you have left before the car needs taking to a garage. We also suggest you buy a manual, available from Smart dealers.
QUESTION:
Three months ago, the brake fluid was changed on my Fiesta. Just recently the brakes have started squeaking. Not all the time, but some times and very loud. Please can you suggest the possible cause?
ANSWER:
We are presuming this is a car with disc brakes, in which case it's more likely that your brake pads need replacing. Brake fluid levels can be checked in the reservoir inside the engine bay. It's worth getting the pads checked for wear asap for obvious reasons!
QUESTION:
I am getting loads of white smoke from my exhaust. Is this a problem? If so what is the cause?
ANSWER:
It sounds serious. You're engine is obviously burning oil and needs urgent attention. There are many possible causes but get it to a garage as soon as possible.
QUESTION:
I purchased a new Jaguar S-Type diesel last November and amongst the many extras ordered were fog lamp protectors and headlamp protectors. The latter were supplied but sadly to date neither Jaguar or the dealer have been unable to obtain the protection to the fog lamps. Jaguar customer services seemed uninterested in resolving the problem to my satisfaction but would not promise to replace any damaged fog lamps the car may suffer! My friend with a XJ has had two fog lamps broken and I find it hard to believe that the current X-Type needs protection to a similar styled unit to the new S-Type. Please confirm that these lamp covers are produced or not as the case may be so that I may demand a refund. I am delighted with the car but as a new Jaguar owner feel let down with their lack of customer support.
ANSWER:
Have you tried speaking directly to the customer services department at Jaguar - not the dealer? You might also want to write a letter to a specialist Jaguar magazine highlighting the problem because you probably are not the only one. Car manufacturers hate bad publicity and you can 'shame' them into action!
QUESTION:
I have an old Nissan Micra. When I turn the key it just clicks, I was told it was the inhibitor relay and I changed it but it is still doing it. Any ideas would be helpful - the battery is good and everything else works but it just will not turn over at all.
ANSWER:
You say the battery is good but are you sure? This sounds like the classic flat battery, especially as you have tried all other options.
QUESTION:
My Toyota Carina has suddenly developed a series of seemingly unrelated lighting failures. The offside side light and nearside fog lamp have both stopped working. And both of the side brake lights don't work now (the centre one still works). I have checked all the fuses (in both boxes), which are OK, and I've examined all the bulbs which are fine. I have even replaced both the headlight bulbs, to no avail though. Any ideas?
ANSWER:
Electrical problems like this are a nightmare - the simplest fault can take many hours to track down. Before you go rushing to a garage, it might be worth ensuring your earth connections are good. Follow a wiring diagram and methodically work through the system. Good luck!
QUESTION:
I have a problem with my Vauxhall Frontera. Every time I turn the ignition the alarm goes off -can you help me?
ANSWER:
Your alarm system will be wired in to the ignition to stop thieves. Is it a dealer fit alarm or a later accessory? The latter will be much easier to replace and probably cheaper too.
QUESTION:
I live in Northern Ireland and there is now a backlog of people waiting to have their car MOT'd. The system is different over here - everybody has to put their car through a government centre, not a garage. My MOT runs out before my test date, what should I do?
ANSWER:
If you tell the MOT agency they will send you an exemption form. It's worth telling your insurers too.
QUESTION:
I drive an old Vauxhall Cavalier. Every time I turn right there is this grinding noise coming from the front left side and the noise gets worse when I turn at speed. What can be the problem?
ANSWER:
This sounds like one of the wheel bearings has gone. There's not much you can do but get it replaced.
QUESTION:
I have a Ford Fiesta and have noticed that the clutch biting point is very high. When you are reversing, especially on a hill, there is a terrible burning smell too. Does that mean that the clutch needs replacing?
ANSWER:
It would appear so. And it's better to get the car to a garage now while it's still driveable than wait for the clutch to go completely and have to pay for a tow.
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Produced with the support of Green Flag
I have an old Nissan Micra. When I turn the key it just clicks, I was told it was the inhibitor relay and I changed it but it is still doing it. Any ideas would be helpful - the battery is good and everything else works but it just will not turn over at all.
ANSWER:
You say the battery is good but are you sure? This sounds like the classic flat battery, especially as you have tried all other options.
QUESTION:
My Toyota Carina has suddenly developed a series of seemingly unrelated lighting failures. The offside side light and nearside fog lamp have both stopped working. And both of the side brake lights don't work now (the centre one still works). I have checked all the fuses (in both boxes), which are OK, and I've examined all the bulbs which are fine. I have even replaced both the headlight bulbs, to no avail though. Any ideas?
ANSWER:
Electrical problems like this are a nightmare - the simplest fault can take many hours to track down. Before you go rushing to a garage, it might be worth ensuring your earth connections are good. Follow a wiring diagram and methodically work through the system. Good luck!
QUESTION:
I have a problem with my Vauxhall Frontera. Every time I turn the ignition the alarm goes off -can you help me?
ANSWER:
Your alarm system will be wired in to the ignition to stop thieves. Is it a dealer fit alarm or a later accessory? The latter will be much easier to replace and probably cheaper too.
QUESTION:
I live in Northern Ireland and there is now a backlog of people waiting to have their car MOT'd. The system is different over here - everybody has to put their car through a government centre, not a garage. My MOT runs out before my test date, what should I do?
ANSWER:
If you tell the MOT agency they will send you an exemption form. It's worth telling your insurers too.
QUESTION:
I drive an old Vauxhall Cavalier. Every time I turn right there is this grinding noise coming from the front left side and the noise gets worse when I turn at speed. What can be the problem?
ANSWER:
This sounds like one of the wheel bearings has gone. There's not much you can do but get it replaced.
QUESTION:
I have a Ford Fiesta and have noticed that the clutch biting point is very high. When you are reversing, especially on a hill, there is a terrible burning smell too. Does that mean that the clutch needs replacing?
ANSWER:
It would appear so. And it's better to get the car to a garage now while it's still driveable than wait for the clutch to go completely and have to pay for a tow.
next page
Produced with the support of Green Flag
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