Ask Jack forum: Service and repair

Re: Noise after cambelt change

ABayliss — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:48:15 +1300

There are many possibilities, but tension is probably the most likely. Other possibilities could be incorrect assembly, cover rubbing on belt, water pump problem, incorrect belt (I've seen instances where a square tooth belt has been fitted to round tooth pulleys, causing a similar noise), a noisy tensioner or idler etc, etc.

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Re: Noise after cambelt change

yeolblt — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:37:00 +1300

Thanks ABayliss. May I know the other likely possibilities?

Cheers.

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Re: Noise after cambelt change

ABayliss — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:51:13 +1300

Yes, this absolutely needs rectifying. You could well be correct in presuming it may be too tight, but there are other possiblities too.

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Noise after cambelt change

yeolblt — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:47:26 +1300

Dear advisor,

After my change of cambelt, tensioner and and water pump, the engine produces a highish pitched whistling sound like a supercharger. Should I take it back to be looked at? An online forum said the tensioner could be set too tight, with bad consequences if not rectified. Could this be the case here?

Thanks.

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Re: Euro's vs Asian

ABayliss — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 10:05:41 +1300

As a wide sweeping generalisation, European cars tend to cost more to maintain and parts are more expensive in New Zealand - some more than others.
Regarding the Audi, there are some potential concerns, depending on the exact model you are considering - no different to some Japanese brands. Audis with the Multitronic (CVT) transmission were known to give trouble and could be expensive to repair in the event of a failure.
Regardless of where a car was made, good service history and proper maintenance is preferable and is likely to reduce the risk.
Having previously run a WRX, I'd imagine your maintenance expectations are not unrealistic though, as this is a model which can also be expensive to service and maintain.
But to clarify, yes, European cars tend to cost more to maintain, especially as they get older.

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Re: Toyota Rav4 Cylinder 3 missing.

Donavan — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 09:22:51 +1300

It sounds like you have eliminated nearly everything. But you could have a problem with the signal wire to either the injector or coil. I suggest that you take the vehicle to a good mechanic or auto-electrician - an oscilloscope test on the signal and feed wires, with the vehicle running, should normally pin-point the fault – if it’s related to these items.

If you haven't checked fuel pressure then I suggest you eliminate this as well before proceeding any further.

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Euro's vs Asian

hutster — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 08:47:08 +1300

Thinking of buying a used car.. An Audi A4 2002.
Previously owned a WRX 98.
Have been told Euro's are expensive to service/repair in comparison..
Is there some truth to this , obviously parts maybe and mechanics specialised training but if a vehicle is well maintained and looked after..
In the long run?? is there really a lot of difference if you look after it well with regular services etc..

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Toyota Rav4 Cylinder 3 missing.

toepco — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 09:50:34 +1300

Hi, I've got a 2001 RAV4 with a 2.0L 1AZ-Fe engine.
Cyl 3 not firing at all speeds P0303 Error. Removing coil connector makes no difference in rpm all other cylinder drop rpm equally..
Have tried:
Swapping coils, spark plugs, remove plug attached coil and checked spark.
Swapping fuel injectors, check voltage to injector, matches others.
Checked for intake leaks.
Compression test, all cylinders around 150psi.
Removed top cover, check timing belt marks.
Replaced all 4 02 sensors. scanner says all the other sensor are working correctly Mass flow....etc....

Help !! I don't know what else to try.....

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Re: Airbag SRS Unit Fault

Donavan — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:11:10 +1300

You can look at the option of permanently disabling or removing the airbag system because the vehicle is older than 14 years old but it will need to be LVVTA certified. You should consider the costs involved and decide if it is a viable option for the vehicle.

You should contact the LVVTA to see what will be involved to have this certified.

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Re: Airbag SRS Unit Fault

hossein79 — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 14:44:14 +1300

Thanks for prompt reply. I've just seen in this blog that one suggested (for another case not to me) that there is an option to completely safely disable the airbag system and then can get WOF. But he didn't mention how to do that. Is it another option?

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Re: Airbag SRS Unit Fault

Donavan — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 14:36:56 +1300

If you have tried sourcing a good used part from every possible source then the only other option you have is to try source the part through the Honda agents but that might be costly - at this stage you don't have another option.

The vehicle is likely only worth around $1,500 (estimate) in running order, so it will be a lot less now, and therefore it won't be worth spending too much money on it. You should contact a car wrecker to see what they would be willing to pay for the car or consider selling the car as used spares.

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Airbag SRS Unit Fault

hossein79 — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 12:57:18 +1300

Hi
My honda accord us-wagon 1998 has airbag fault (SRS light is not going off), after diagnosis I found the SRS computer unit is faulty and should replace (the rest of airbag system is ok). I have checked all major parts suppliers and online shops and I couldn't find that. There are some similar units (for sedan or coupe) but not for US-Wagon 1998 which is rare in NZ. I can't use my car and I can't repair that. If I sell it no one can use it too. What are my options to do?

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Re: transmission oil

Donavan — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 10:08:22 +1300

The 1.8L Toyota Wish fitted with a conventional four-speed automatic transmission should have the transmission oil replaced every 80,000km but the level and condition should be inspected at every 15,000km service interval too.

If you remove the dipstick the oil grade will normally be stated on the dipstick (it could either T-IV, etc.).

If you don't know how to change the oil then leave it to the professionals who have been trained in their job. You could do more harm than good and it won't cost much to have the transmission oil change done by a mechanic. If you get it wrong and the transmission fails you will be left with a bill in the thousands of dollars.

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Re: Kia Sorento

Donavan — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 09:10:08 +1300

The car manufacturers have specifications for engine oil usage per 1000km and this can be as much as 1 litre per 1000km. Your engine is only using 200ml of oil per 1000km so it should fall well within manufacturer’s specifications and for this reason it will be deemed normal oil usage.

It is not abnormal for modern engines to use engine oil and some modern vehicles have oil level sensors fitted that measures the oil level in the engine when the ignition is initially turned on to indicate to the driver if the oil level needs to be attended to. You should check your engine oil level on a regular basis to ensure that it doesn't fall below the minimum oil level.

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transmission oil

nk1416 — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 20:17:12 +1300

Hi... i own 2004 toyota wish (1.8L). I wish to know whether the transmission oil should is changes when servicing the car. If yes, than:
What type of transmission oil
Frequency/interval
How to change...

Thanks...

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Kia Sorento

mosal — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 11:39:21 +1300

My 2011 Sorento uses about 1 litre of engine oil when travelling approx 5000 km.
I asked the dealership about this at the 30,000km service, and they advised me that they had put this matter to Kia NZ previously, and were told that this was normal for a modern common rail diesel engine.
I have owned new diesel vehicles previously with common rail engines, and have never had to add engine oil at any stage, in fact a Toyota dealer told me I should only have to open the bonnet to add windscreen washer fluid.
It does not ring true that a new motor should use engine oil, and I am suspicious of that advice.
What is your opinion

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Re: Timing belt/Cambelt and water pump replacement costs

Donavan — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 12:44:02 +1300

This seems excessive but that would depend on what other parts will be replaced along with the cambelt - it might be more than the cambelt alone.

You can e-mail a copy of the quote to aatech@aa.co.nz and we will advise you further.

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Timing belt/Cambelt and water pump replacement costs

KirianaM — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 17:03:24 +1300

I have been quoted approx $1,700 all inclusive of labour/GST etc to have my cambelt and water pump replaced on my Renault Scenic 2000. Does this cost seem reasonable?

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Re: What Octane rating should I use?

Donavan — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 09:32:40 +1300

The information I have indicates this vehicle can run on regular 91 octane fuel.
Looking at the compression ratio alone doesn't always indicate the fuel octane rating to use. This was the case on older vehicles but in recent times we have seen advanced engine management systems that can deal with 91 octane fuel in very high compression engines. This is clearly evident with Mazda's SKYACTIV engines that manage to run on 91 octane fuel even though it has a high compression ratio of 13:1.

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What Octane rating should I use?

mail.cyu — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 21:07:34 +1300

I have a 2010 Suzuki Swift (Japanese import), Engine is K12B with a compression ratio of 11:1 (I think).

The dealer recommended 95, is this correct? Would 91 be OK?

Many thanks
Yuhan

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Re: oil leakage under the car

Allister — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 11:37:07 +1300

Firstly you need to get your mechanic to confirm the source of the leak.
This could be anything from a rocker cover leak to a drain plug leak.
A thorough clean and examination of the area needs to be carried out.

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oil leakage under the car

vikasdoshi85 — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 21:37:34 +1300

i recently bought honda accord 1998 model.. it has done 197000kms.. i noticed there is an oil leakage under the car front passenger side.. what could cause such leakage?? i checked the engine and its clean

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Re: mazda rx8 engine oil

Donavan — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:32:29 +1300

Mazda recommend the non-synthetic engine oil so it is best to stick with what is recommended by the manufacturer.

Even though I would've thought the semi-synthetic oil would be ok (or better) the recommended oil is the safest option - unless otherwise stipulated.

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Re: Diesel - Frequency of Use

Donavan — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 11:54:44 +1300

Opinions will differ but the reality is that corrosion will occur inside the engine if it isn't in use for a long period, so try use the vehicle when you can to get the oil up to temperature and lubricating the internals. A good run will be good for more than just the engine.

Every six weeks or less, take the vehicle out for a drive (maybe 50km) to get the coolant temperature and oil temperatures up to operating temperature and allow time for the alternator to charge the battery.

You might experience problems with your battery discharging so you should speak to an auto-electrician about fitting a maintenance charger to the battery.

It will be a good time for an engine oil change too.

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Diesel - Frequency of Use

Gemini-Twin — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 17:30:48 +1300

We have a diesel engined car (BMW 325D) and due to a change of circumstance will be using the vehicle rarely, is there a maximum period we should observe between "outings" to ensure the health of the engine please ? Also, given the infrequent use, when taking the car for a "run" is there a suggested minimum length of time that it should be driven for please ?

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mazda rx8 engine oil

sojanz — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 15:26:11 +1300

mine is mazda rx8(rotary engine) 2005 model..today i got it serviced by one of the well known mechanics in our area.. and from the receipt i found that they used a 10w40 semi synthetic oil and i got charged 55 dollars extra for the same.. i had a belief that rotary engines should be treated with mineral based oil alone.. every other places i get my car serviced have been using the normal 10W30 mineral oil… i am just worried wether its gonna make any harm to the seals or bearing …etc..????? when contacted i was not given a clear reply by the team who serviced it…just wondering wether i should go back to them and bring this to their attention...

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Re: tyre size

osprey — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 09:02:27 +1300

Many Thanks AB, I'm onto it now.
Merry Xmas.

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Re: tyre size

ABayliss — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 16:20:29 +1300

Hello Mark,
Dunlop SP175M is a make and type of tyre - not the size.
Your tyres will also have some other writing on them, saying something like 265/75/R16 (or similar sort of configured number sequence).
For the size I've quoted, this would be a tyre which is 265mm wide, with the tyre wall height being 75% of the width, and the rim size 16 inch. Obviously, yours may be different, but you can work out your tyre size by applying the same principals.

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Re: Appropriate Tyre Pressure

siva3663 — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 16:09:25 +1300

Thanks for the prompt response ! Will have it adjusted in the morning ... .

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tyre size

osprey — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 16:05:52 +1300

Hi, The Tyre size on my Nissan DX reads Dunlop SP 175 M, how can I find out the Aspect ratio and diameter figures associated with this tyre?

Many Thanks Mark

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Re: Appropriate Tyre Pressure

ABayliss — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 16:03:04 +1300

If the manufacturer says 32psi, I wouldn't run pressures at 40psi, which is 25% greater than the manufacturer's recommendation. Certainly, if you are carrying heavy loads, I'd have no issue going around 10% more (say, around 35psi), but 40psi seems too high if the manufacturer says 32psi.
Our advice is no different to that which you have been given overseas, and run with the manufacturer's recommendation.
On another note, for most mainstream passenger vehicles, if you are unsure what the manufacturer's spec is, as a rough rule of thumb, you won't go far wrong at 32psi.

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Appropriate Tyre Pressure

siva3663 — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 15:47:15 +1300

I have just changed all my tyres - 225/55R18 and my SUV spec says 32 psi (220). The tyre centre had it at 40 psi (270), thus +8 psi. I called to clarify and they said the spec is only meant for when the vehicle is new and for my SUV (now 4.5 years) I should have it at 38-40 psi. Aware of the consequences of over or under inflation. This is not the first time . Same was done for my wagon and also whenever I do my alignment/balancing with them. Seems to be a trend in NZ (having read some other posts) ? Lived in another country and drove for 14 years and always advised to follow the vehicle specifications. Any advise appreciated.

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Re: Auto air conditioning

ABayliss — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 10:41:55 +1300

A mouldy smell from the a/c can be difficult to get rid of, but it's really best dealt with by an air-conditioning expert rather than just a local mechanic.
There are a few on the North Shore, but Cool Car is probably the closest to you.

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Auto air conditioning

Oldgeoff — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 10:24:12 +1300

The A/C on our 97 Toyota Camry Gracia has developed a mouldy smell since we moved to Auckland a year ago. Can I easily clean the system myself? Can AA Service Centre help? We live in Milford.

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Re: Just before a new car warranty ends

Ianthesaint — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 16:57:04 +1300

Ok , thank you very much, I only asked because a few years ago my friends vehicle ( a different make to mine ) had its last service under warranty and about 2 weeks later failed its C.O.F. due to faulty rear suspension.

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Re: high pitched sqeauling noise on idle,

ABayliss — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 08:48:18 +1300

It's very difficult to say what this noise might be without hearing it. However, as it gets worse with increased temperature and only evident at idle, it doesn't sound belt-related (but anything's possible and it could be).
A couple of things that spring to mind as possibilities are perhaps an air leak on the intake somewhere or perhaps if it's a manual, maybe a clutch release bearing???
However, I can't really rule out anything (belt, mount, bearing, water pump etc, etc), so really, you need to have a mechanic listen to it and give you an opinion.

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high pitched sqeauling noise on idle,

travelist — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 19:48:24 +1300

I have a Nissan pulsar ls hatch which has done 208000 km. it has a noise that gets worse as the engine heats up .This goes away as the engine revs,Could it be a belt?

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Re: Just before a new car warranty ends

ABayliss — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 15:23:01 +1300

It is up to you, however most franchise dealers will be happy to look over the car for you. If there are any specific items needing attention, the dealer is able to claim them from the manufacturer, so you don't need to be concerned that the dealer will "hide" any defects from you, as the dealer will get paid for any work carried out.
So perhaps in the first instance, approach the dealer.

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Just before a new car warranty ends

Ianthesaint — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:51:32 +1300

Would it be a good idea to get an AA pre-purchase inspection done a couple of weeks before the makers 3 year warranty runs out please?

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Re: Semi synthetic ok for my car ?

274mk91 — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 09:04:32 +1300

Thank you !

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Re: Semi synthetic ok for my car ?

Donavan — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:49:32 +1300

The 10W-40 semi-synthetic engine oil is suitable for this engine.

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Semi synthetic ok for my car ?

274mk91 — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:08:16 +1300

Hi there,
My car will soon be up for its service.
SuperCheapAuto had a club member sale yesterday and I bought (upon recommendation from one of the staff) a Shell 10W-40 semi synthetic oil.

My car is a 2004 Toyota Allex done 68,000 KM.
The engine is 1NZ-FE (1500CC).

Is this a suitable oil or is it too thick or thin?

Thanks in advance.

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Re: HYUNDAI CLUTCH PLATE

ABayliss — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:33:11 +1300

There are so many variables when considering how long a clutch might last or how much mileage you might get out of a clutch. Driving style, load carried and location of use are all factors.
A vehicle operated by an inner city courier driver, stopping and starting numerous times per hour will wear out a clutch much faster than a high mileage vehicle travelling from Auckland to Wellington on a regular basis, doing a minimal number stops and starts.
So sorry, but it's really impossible to say how long a clutch might last.

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HYUNDAI CLUTCH PLATE

djburns — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:09:24 +1300

How long should a clutch plate last in a Hyundai H100 Truck.
Doing city driving and around 100 to 150 km pre day.

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Re: Burning oil?

Chloeinalbany — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 08:40:37 +1300

Thanks Donavan. I'll get the garage where I get the car serviced (AA-approved garage in Albany) to look into this. Hopefully there is nothing too sinister! Cheers.

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Re: Burning oil?

katherin1 — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 00:41:46 +1300

You can fix this problem through AA repair workshop.
On the other hand you can check Auto Repair Tempe manual to solve this problem.

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Re: Burning oil?

Donavan — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 12:24:54 +1300

The vehicle has done a fair amount of mileage and the internal parts of the motor do wear over time. The piston rings will have wear on them and it isn't unusual for an engine to use oil. But, depending on how much oil it is using will determine if it is in need of an urgent repair or not - there is an acceptable amount of oil usage too.

You could consider trying a heavier grade oil (for instance: if you are using a 10W30 you could try a 15W40 engine oil) to see whether it helps reduce the oil usage but semi-synthetic or fully synthetic shouldn't make a difference.

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Re: Peugeot 207 (Make 2008)

Donavan — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 11:11:23 +1300

The vehicle will need to be connected to a diagnostic computer to read the fault codes and then the technician will need to diagnose further. It’s impossible for any technician to quote you on the repair or even how long it will take to diagnose the cause without having a look at the vehicle.

You will need to take the vehicle to a workshop and pay for diagnosis and repair.

If it is a petrol model it could be a fault with one of the exhaust oxygen sensors, or even another injection related fault, and if the vehicle is a diesel model the exhaust particulate filter might need to be force regenerated (you will need to change the engine oil and filter too).

Firstly, book the vehicle into a repair workshop for a diagnosis.

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Peugeot 207 (Make 2008)

wgak50 — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 09:29:59 +1300

My car recently has a "depollution system fault" message and losses power on slight uphill run. It did kangaroo jump from start at traffic light.
What could be the problem?
How long will it take to find out the problem by a computer scan at AA service centre and cost ?
Thank you

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Burning oil?

Chloeinalbany — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:24:02 +1300

Hi there. I have a 12 year old BMW with over 150K mileage, and for a few months now I have had to top up the engine oil from time to time. There is no oil leaks, none that I detected anyway, no spots on the garage floor etc. What could the reason/s be? I was wondering if this is caused by us changing to fully synthetic engine oil, as I think before, say, mid this year the car was using semi synthetic. Any ideas? Thanks.

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