Technical Questions Answered
Honest John and other experts answer the technical questions about your car
What is the average cost for changing the cambelt on an A3 2018 Sportback 1.6 petrol engine?
I jhd a new alternator fitted 18 months ago (20K miles) on my Mercedes 220 CDI and the bearings are now shot so it has to be replaced. How long is a fair...
I have a 2016 Peugeot Boxer 2.0 HDi and get black smoke under acceleration plus the engine light comes on?
My 2019 SEAT Arona (18000 miles) water pump is leaking. When I get it replaced should I do the the timing belt at the same time? I have been quoted £899...
I recently bought a 2014 Vauxhall Astra GTC and one of the keys only partially works. It will unlock the doors and start the engine, but does not remotely...
My Volkswagen 1.6 TDI engine was running perfectly but one morning when I started the engine, it chugged and now holds the revs. It revs up and down with...
My daughter's Audi Q4 e-tron lost power suddenly on the M1 where there was no hard shoulder and an HGV immediately behind her. Thankfully she and her baby...
My 2011 Vauxhall Zafira keeps blowing a fuse. The engine cuts out when the fuse blows and the starter motor won't turn over to restart the engine until...
Can you tell me how to update the Gracenote music system in my 2015 Mazda 6 Tourer?
My wife has the Toyota C-HR Hybrid and we have just returned from a long holiday (11 weeks) and the battery is flat. Would a solar charger be sufficient...
I own a 2018 Jaguar F type 3.0 (380) with 14,000 miles on the clock. Recently, I've started to experience battery issues. The car only does 2,000 miles...
I have been quoted a high fee for an infotainment software subscription on my Dacia Sandero. Will the system and reversing camera still work if I refuse...
In June 2021 we bought a Citroen Berlingo, which had been adapted for wheelchair access, from a specialist dealer. The vehicle is used only for short runs...
The engine warning light on my 2002 Toyota Rav4 came on a while back. I had this diagnosed and it's due to the catalytic converter. The garage is saying...
I recently purchased a new Toyota Yaris Cross but the owner's manual only refers to a different model. The main dealer agrees but says it is the only manual...
I've recently bought a 2018 Honda CR-V. I thought that it had a proper hands-free phone kit but I've discovered that once it's imported my phonebook/contacts...
I bought a second-hand Dodge (2008 model) around four months ago. The car was sold with a new MoT which had an advisory foe the rear subframe (corroded...
Just been told by my local garage that the rear diff on my car has failed and needs replacing. The car was last serviced one month ago but not by a Hyundai...
I have a 2019 SEAT Leon. It has 18,000 miles on the clock and the warning light for low water showed up recently. My local garage says the pump has failed....
I own a 2010 Hyundai i10 and have been spending a lot on it recently for essential repairs. The latest thing to go wrong is the air conditioning compressor,...
I drive a 2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0 diesel Every now and again the ESP light comes on the dash, with a message stating "engine malfunction". When this happens...
Is 106 degrees celsius too hot for the engine of my 2007 MINI? The warning light has not come on but the bonnet gets very hot.
How much would it cost to replace a heater matrix for a Ford Focus 2011 model?
I have a 2008 Audi TT and have an intermittent problem where both of the windows roll down when the vehicle is parked. I have had it in with my garage...
I have a BMW 320d diesel coupe. It is a 2010 model, can you tell me if it has a chain or belt?
Technical Questions: Engines
I am planning on buying a 2018 Dacia Duster. 90% of my trips will be daily, two or three times under three miles. If I buy the 1.3 turbo petrol will...
How many miles does it take to run in an Audi 2.0-litre petrol engine?
My engine stopped working on my Ford Focus EcoBoost and the oil light came on. The recovery man said had seized up and its a fault with the model between...
Technical Questions: Gearboxes
I have a 2018 MB E-Class, it’s done 33,000 miles. The dealer tells me it needs an automatic gearbox service this year - £375 + VAT. Is it strictly necessary,...
I am thinking of buying a used Citroen C1 auto but have read the ETG gearbox is best avoided.
Do you agree? Do you know why?
I bought a 12 month old Ford Kuga PHEV recently and am very impressed with the automatic transmission which I believe is a CVT box? It's very smooth and...
Technical Questions: DPFs
I own a 2017 BMW 640d Coupe. It easily reaches 70 mph at 1500rpm in auto mode. I think you advise drivers to maintain 2000rpm for 15 miles or so on a dual...
Has anyone ever heard of DPF surcharge. I discovered my DPF had the filters removed and I needed a new one. I was then told when the part was returned...
Technical Questions: DMFs
I know most diesel cars have a dual-mass flywheel but cannot find confirmation on a car I am Intending to buy, which is a 2008 Volvo XC70. Do you know...
I bought a 2009 MINI Cooper S in February. Since then I have put 1100 miles on it. About a month ago, I noticed it was making a strange screeching noise...
I recently bought a 2017 diesel Ford Focus, which clunks in the lower gears when I release the clutch. I have been told by Ford that it is the dual mass...
Technical Questions: Suspension
Is there anything I can do to make the ride on my 2021 Dacia Duster more comfortable? Can I uprate the suspension and fit different tyres?
My '09 plate Toyota Hilux seems to pull slightly to the left. I've had the tracking checked twice at our local tyre shop and they tell me its fine - which...
I prefer a stiffer suspension to improve handling but in my part of the world there are many pot holes and speed bumps which over the years has led to...
Technical Questions: Bodywork
I see that an old Citroen HY Van body has been made from fibreglass. I am not talking about the latest body skin panels put onto a new model. Do you know...
My 1968 MG 1100 has cracked underneath and come away from the body. Can it be repaired? It is made of what looks like a hard cardboard. Could I buy a replacement?...
I bought a six month old Porsche 911 (991) model Carrera from a Porsche main dealer in September 2015. Mechanically the car is perfect, but there is an...
