LOSING ITS COOL
Q: My Fiat Punto's cooling fan doesn't work, and my garage said it may be an electrical fault, but said it in a way that implied it could be serious. Surely electric fans aren't expensive, and it might just be a loose wire, mightn't it? Posted by: claremdhassociates
A: You're right, but the garage was maybe suggesting that if the fan isn't coming on because the coolant level is too low and the engine is losing coolant, then THAT could be serious. Easy enough to check though!
NO-CHILL NISSAN
Q: I have a Nissan Terrano 2.7 TD on which the air conditioning doesn't work. The light in the A/C switch comes on but no power reaches the compressor clutch. All the fuses check out okay. Posted by: darrellparker
A: Then it's down to wiring or - more likely - a relay. Use the handbook or workshop manual to locate the relevant relay, then with the engine running, switch on/off the A/C: you should hear the relay clicking, and if it doesn't it's probably defective. A continuity check with a test meter should pinpoint or rule out wiring breaks.
DO AS IT SAYS!
Q: The cap on my power steering reservoir says 'Do not overfill'. But what exactly can happen if I DO overfill it? Posted by: c_j_m
A: The reservoir needs some expansion space in it to allow for differing fluid levels depending on what position the steering rack is in. If you overfill you're likely to get spillage from the reservoir.
MOUSE IN THE HOUSE
Q: I have noticed a squeaking/rubbing noise from the left-hand side of my 1995 Ford Fiesta. It comes and goes randomly and lasts for 5-10 seconds. The brakes have also started squeaking but I don't think that's related. Posted by: asupersonicboy
A: This is a serious lack of information so we're going to best-guess it, and our best guess is that there's a dry bush in the suspension on that side. Another possibility, if it occurs when steering, is that the front suspension spring is rotating slightly in its seat (it shouldn't).
MAF IS NAFF
Q: I have a VW Passat TDI 90 with 138,000 miles; I bought it second-hand two years ago. It has always been sluggish but now it's so bad I have to change into fourth on motorways to climb even gentle hills, and torque in all gears is feeble. The air filter is new. Posted by: janeelliebrooks
A: The most likely cause is a faulty mass airflow (MAF) sensor, so get this tested by a VW dealer or independent specialist. These pack up with quite some regularity, causing the symptoms you describe.
DON'T SKIMP ON SERVICING
Q: I have clocked up only 3200 miles in my 2004 MG ZS 180 in 12 months. Because of the low mileage, do I need to have its first service at this point (the book says 15,000 miles or 12 months) or can I afford to leave it a bit longer? Posted by: crazyjstoyssupport
A: You must get it done now, unfortunately, because servicing - particularly oil-changing - is time-sensitive as well as dependent on mileage. Oil degrades with time even if it's not used.
BEARING-MUNCHING CHEVY
Q: Three times in six months I've replaced the front passenger-side wheel bearing of my 2001 Chevy Cavalier, and it's failed again. My mechanic can find nothing wrong, although last July I was in a 10mph collision in which the opposite was hit, putting the steering out. Posted by: christine.bellish
A: For incorrect geometry to cause this would imply an undriveable car and severe tyre wear. So either the bearings are being fitted improperly or they're all from a defective batch. Non-standard wheels with the wrong rim offset could cause this too.
MORE WHINE?
Q: The engine of my 1994 Ford Fiesta 1.8 Diesel makes a whining noise when starting up - particularly when the engine is warm. Any ideas? Posted by: ross.lima
A: There's a number of possibilities here, but do you mean whining as the starter motor is cranking? If so, you're looking at a starter motor/pinion/flywheel problem. Otherwise it's likely down to ancillaries including power steering pump, alternator, timing belt and tensioner.
SAAB'S STICKY STARTING
Q: When I go to start my 1995 Saab 900 SE, there is a three-second delay after turning the key before the engine starts. Once it starts, it runs great. Is this a battery problem? Posted by: k_fischer_c
A: If you mean there's a delay before you hear the starter crank, you've either got a lazy starter relay, a sticky starter solenoid or undue resistance in the starter or solenoid supply circuits. If it's not a delayed starter, it could be that the anti-theft system is interfering with the ignition.
KNOCK KNOCK, WHO'S THERE?
Q: When I accelerate in my 2003 Toyota Tundra 4x4 V8 I hear knocks/detonation from the engine. The truck has only 20,000 miles on it so can't need a decoke, and I only use good fuel. Posted by: morad
A: This will need a diagnostic session with a dealer, because it's probably an ignition system or mapping defect, so the first thing to do is check for recorded fault codes in the system.
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Q: I have clocked up only 3200 miles in my 2004 MG ZS 180 in 12 months. Because of the low mileage, do I need to have its first service at this point (the book says 15,000 miles or 12 months) or can I afford to leave it a bit longer? Posted by: crazyjstoyssupport
A: You must get it done now, unfortunately, because servicing - particularly oil-changing - is time-sensitive as well as dependent on mileage. Oil degrades with time even if it's not used.
BEARING-MUNCHING CHEVY
Q: Three times in six months I've replaced the front passenger-side wheel bearing of my 2001 Chevy Cavalier, and it's failed again. My mechanic can find nothing wrong, although last July I was in a 10mph collision in which the opposite was hit, putting the steering out. Posted by: christine.bellish
A: For incorrect geometry to cause this would imply an undriveable car and severe tyre wear. So either the bearings are being fitted improperly or they're all from a defective batch. Non-standard wheels with the wrong rim offset could cause this too.
MORE WHINE?
Q: The engine of my 1994 Ford Fiesta 1.8 Diesel makes a whining noise when starting up - particularly when the engine is warm. Any ideas? Posted by: ross.lima
A: There's a number of possibilities here, but do you mean whining as the starter motor is cranking? If so, you're looking at a starter motor/pinion/flywheel problem. Otherwise it's likely down to ancillaries including power steering pump, alternator, timing belt and tensioner.
SAAB'S STICKY STARTING
Q: When I go to start my 1995 Saab 900 SE, there is a three-second delay after turning the key before the engine starts. Once it starts, it runs great. Is this a battery problem? Posted by: k_fischer_c
A: If you mean there's a delay before you hear the starter crank, you've either got a lazy starter relay, a sticky starter solenoid or undue resistance in the starter or solenoid supply circuits. If it's not a delayed starter, it could be that the anti-theft system is interfering with the ignition.
KNOCK KNOCK, WHO'S THERE?
Q: When I accelerate in my 2003 Toyota Tundra 4x4 V8 I hear knocks/detonation from the engine. The truck has only 20,000 miles on it so can't need a decoke, and I only use good fuel. Posted by: morad
A: This will need a diagnostic session with a dealer, because it's probably an ignition system or mapping defect, so the first thing to do is check for recorded fault codes in the system.
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Produced with the support of Green Flag
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