Hi Bobby

I recently gave my 2003 Tazz 1300 a major service at Villiersdorp Toyota.

I’ve discovered the following:

1. It smells like petrol underneath the bonnet.

2. The petrol filter’s in- and outlet pipes are loose, because the clamps hang loose.

3. The brake fluid is still below the low mark.

4. No belts have been replaced.

5. The car can’t pull, I suspect the spark plugs weren’t replaced.

6. They didn’t clean the car or engine.

The cost of the service was R1500.

I suspect that I’ve been taken for a ride. What can I do?

You can stop performing and listen carefully. Call Toyota’s customer care and lodge your complaint

regarding that specific dealership. Besides, that service doesn’t cover fan belts. So you should’ve

checked what it covers before you took your car for a service. You have a 12 month guarantee on the

service, so you are more than welcome to go back and lodge a complaint at Toyota. The people don’t

bite. Go the right route with a complaint before you bring it to the newspaper, please people.

Hi Bobby

I have a 1991 Toyota 16 valve GL bubble shape model. Since I’ve done the car’s top, I have problems

with the revs. The one moment the car idles right. The next moment when I drive and I stop, the revs

gets as low as five. The car drives fantastic – it’s just the rev problem. Can you please help?

Hello Mr. Kennedy

I suspect the engine gets air through the intake side of the top. There could also be a few loose pipes on

the intake side. Check all the pipes for holes and look where the air comes from.

Hi Bobby

I have a minor or maybe a big problem. My car’s heat gauge is on the red, although I drive for a short

distance. I then stop the car, switch it off and start it again, but after a day or two I have the same

problem. Hope you can help.

Greetings.

Gavin

Hi Gavin

Sounds like a loose earth wire. Check all the earth wires from the engine to the body. I honestly don’t

think it’s something serious.

Hi Bobby

I drive a 2004 BMW 318i E46 F/L. When I pull away and when I reduce speed, the car makes a clapping

sound at the propshaft. The people with the knowledge says it’s the centre bearing. I’ve skimmed the

top and replaced the gasket, but when it idles, the speedo goes up and down. My friend, what do you

think it can be?

Have a nice day!

Jakes

Hello Jakes

That sound can be the propshaft or the centre bearing. You can buy the centre bearing, but

unfortunately you have to do the universal joints at a prop and brake centre. The low idling is caused by

air coming through the intake. Please check all the pipes around the intake.

Hi Bobby

I’m David. I always follow your advice when I read your column. I drive a 1998 Nissan 2.4 petrol bakkie.

When I drive around, I first have to wait a while before it starts again. I’ve tried a new coil because it got

warm.  It still does that. There is a funny sound when I drive faster. I then have to reduce speed to go to

a next gear. The sound is there again once I increase speed. Can my chain by flat. I’ve checked his timing

with a timing light and it’s ok. The starter is also fixed. Thank you for your advice. I believe everybody

appreciates it.

Hi David

If the new coil is also getting warm, a resistor must be put on the soil. It will help bring down the power

to the coil. That sound you hear is the propshaft of centre bearing. The chain can be flat, but you

should’ve heard that.

Hi Bobby

I have a Golf Chico 1.3. The problem is it doesn’t want to start. I’ve changed the module and there is nou

power from the distributor to the plugs. Can you help me with this problem?

Jashwin

Hi Jashwin

I suspect it’s the distributor, so I suggest you get it tested by an auto electrician before you buy a new

distributor.

Till next week, people!

Please send your letters en pics to danielsawake@gmail.com.

Bobby D

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