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What's wrong with my Ford Focus?
I have a 2006 Ford Focus estate. I'm having a problem that no one seems to be able to figure out. The battery light comes on and the car dies a while after. I then use my booster pack to start it and it goes for a day or two until it happens again.
Since this has started the battery and alternator have been replaced but I still have the same problem. The modules have been done, the thermostat too. My mechanic cannot figure out what it is.
When the battery light comes on, the car is sluggish, chugging and goes to cut out.
I'm at my wits end.
Dana Forde (Dublin 15)
Mar 2025 Filed under: fault
I got the wrong part for my Ford Focus...
I’m having difficulty obtaining a throttle body for a 2012 Ford Focus TDCi. I bought a Ford replacement but on closer inspection the existing one has the Peugeot emblem on it and the Ford one doesn't fit.
Aidan OConnor (Waterford Ireland)
Feb 2025 Filed under: fault
Do I have any comeback on this car I bought?
I purchased a car from a seller posing as a private seller but is actually a registered dealer with multiple listings. Same day, driving home and the engine management light comes on. I took it to a mechanic who is quoting me circa €700 to diagnose a potential EGR problem.
Just wondering since the seller is a “disguised dealer” do I have any comeback? With regards to the fault the car drives okay just the light comes on and cruise control does not work. Initially thought fault was a faulty MAP sensor but mechanic insisted it was fine and wants to inspect the EGR.
Rob Peterson (Castleknock)
Dec 2024 Filed under: fault
My car's engine failed. What do I do?
Hi,
I bought a 2012 Peugeot 3008 automatic nine days ago from a mechanic who told me he was selling the car for his friend who I have never met. I paid the mechanic in cash and two days ago the engine broke and cannot be repaired. I need a whole new engine. The mechanic is saying it’s nothing to do with him. I am devastated.
Alisa Kavanagh (Enniscorthy Wexford)
Nov 2024 Filed under: fault
What rights do I have with my mechanic?
My car needed a new engine due to back pressure issues and a mechanic put in a 2011 2.0-litre Volkswagen Passat engine that he sourced for me, but the engine isn’t running right at all.
He told me it’s fine and to give it a good drive, but since then it’s sluggish while changing gears, there’s smoke and it wouldn’t start for me the other night. I have rang said mechanic and he has told me that it’s up to me to ring the person he sourced the engine off.
Where do I stand here? Is it up to me to pay labour all over again? Should it be me ringing the person he sourced the engine off?
The only problem with my old engine was oil around its injectors. I got them replaced but same thing happened so I opted for a new engine which I was told my multiple people I should do. Am I at a loss here? Is it worth chasing my mechanic over the problems?
Thanks!
Megan Murray (Kilcormac)
Nov 2024 Filed under: fault
How could it cost this much to fix my Skoda?
Hi,
My 2011 Skoda Octavia had a crankshaft sensor issue, and I was initially quoted 200 Euros for the replacement. However, after removing the gearbox, they only replaced the engine oil cooler and cleaned the old sensor, saying the car was fine. I was charged 530 Euros, but the issue returned, with the crankshaft sensor warning reappearing. After another diagnostic the same day, I was told the repair could now cost 1,500 Euros. Could you clarify the actual cost to replace the crankshaft sensor on my Skoda Octavia 2011?
I’m quite confused. Thank you.
Benjamin Oben (Ballinasloe)
Sep 2024 Filed under: fault
How to change my Citroen's reverse light switch?
I have a 2017 Citroen C3 Aircross 1.6 BlueHDi. My reverse light, camera and rear park assist are not working. Looking online it seems the reverse light switch on the gearbox the most likely to be faulty. I'm wondering how and where do I access the reverse switch as the engine looks tucked back in the engine bay. I haven't looked yet to see if I can see the switch from the engine bay. I'm wondering what is the procedure to removing the switch.
Adam Ricken (Cork)
Aug 2024 Filed under: fault
Looking for a replacement engine for my Toyota Verso...
Hi,
Would you be able to confirm if I can use the same engine from a Toyota Avensis, Auris and RAV4? It's 1,598cc and 112hp, I think. I have researched it and I understand it's a modified BMW engine, also used in the MINI Cooper D. Can I use the above models in my search to find a replacement, as my engine is toast?
Thanks in advance
Niall
Niall Craig (Mullingar)
Mar 2024 Filed under: fault
Does my Fiat 500 have a battery issue?
Hi,
I have a 2010 Fiat 500. The stop-start system has not been turning the engine off when I’m at a standstill. At the moment the boot will not open unless the engine is running. Would this have anything to do with faulty battery?
Thank you
Catherine Hanlon (Essex)
Apr 2023 Filed under: fault
Issues with stop-start!
What's happening with stop-start? On my current and previous brand-new cars - Ford Focus and now a VW Golf - the start-stop system stopped working after about three weeks. On the Focus it worked for about another two weeks with a battery charge.
Eventually we paid for a new battery at the garage's suggestion. It wasn't covered by warranty according to Ford head office whom we had it out with. That also worked only for a few weeks. I drove it without for nearly all of the two years I had it.
Same is happening now with the Golf after three weeks. It should work. It's part of the car specs and it's good with my DSG gearbox. Have I the right to insist this be fixed or am I nitpicking? The car is four weeks old.
I'm also getting conflicting information on whether to put the car in neutral or drive on short stops at lights etc. when start-stop isn't working.
This is doing my head in and I'd really appreciate your help.
Thanks.
Teresa O'Donnell (Ennis)
Apr 2022 Filed under: fault
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