Have had my Hilux ute for a couple of years now & have had a mystery intermittent problem with starting. Typically when I turn ignition to starting position the engine turns over but will not fire, even after extended cranking. But if I release the key & start again it will start? Does any-one else know of a similar situation? My ute has the 4litre V6 engine. Thanks, down in Tassie.

If anyone wants to use my motor for legal purposes, please feel free! 2001 Kia Carnival sitting not striped or touched since oil mixed with water. Kia blames me and twisted all my letters around to suit themselves. Not Happy! Judi

Hi Dale, I'm so glad I've come across this website. We have a 2002 Carnival LS, we bought through private sale in 2007. It had 40,000kms then in it's new engine (apparently Kia had already replaced a faulty engine with previous owner before). We have maintained it privately since then. We are very happy to keep it for the next 10 years until it overheated 2 weeks ago and mechanic said it's a blown gasket and will cost minimum $4000 to repair. We are still driving it 'cause we just can't afford the repair right now nor another car. It's just a very tough times nowadays for us, husband put to casual, me to part time, child care, mortgages, bills… We are just so battered with what happened to our Carnival.

It's low compression the mechanic says that's why the initial start up is difficult, and starting the car you can hear asthma-like sound. We can never trade this in even if we get lucky to get a loan, and I don't think anyone would want to buy it either too. Dale, do you think we have a chance of asking Kia to pay for the repair even if they have already replaced the faulty engine before with the previous owner? And even if we are just religiously maintaining the car privately? Thank you, very much. God Bless You!

I have a Ford Fairmont 1999, need urgent help. Car has just been serviced, battery is not flat but won’t even crank, no electrics show on dash... please help.

My Territory (2006 TS 2WD) has developed an intermittent problem where occasionally on first start it will not accelerate (motor going but very little action in drive or reverse) and the dash lights go berserk. At first I thought this was the transmission because I didn’t notice the dash lights. I parked up the car had it towed to the dealer who couldn’t fault it. They checked the computer and the transmission.

I reluctantly took it back and a week later it happened again. This time I noticed the dash lights flickering and asked another mechanic on the phone who thought it was the battery. I replaced the battery but it has happened again. This is 3 times in 2 months. On all occasions the remedy was turn it off and re-start. It then goes ok.

Any thoughts. I am frustrated with it?

As a trades person I require a large vehicle to pull my trailer and tools. I traded up my old tray back cruiser for a new Turbo V8 diesel tray back. After the first 1,000k service and up to the first 10,000k service this vehicle had used 4litres of engine oil. My first concern was that Toyota Service department didn’t put enough oil into the motor and I dismissed that to human error, and that it may use a little more in the run in period.

From the next 10,000k to 20,000k same thing the vehicle is using oil (4litres) from 20,000k to 28,000k. I was driving drown the Gold Coast M1 when the oil light comes on, same thing low on oil.

I have kept an eye on this problem from day 1. Time to ring Toyota, "what are you going to do about this problem"? yes there is a bit of a problem with these V8's, are they concerned "No". t present I have 50,000k on it, have been taking it to a private mechanic and as far as he is concerned it has more motor noise and rattles than he has ever heard from a new vehicle. Same problem with the oil burn.

Today I went into the old Toyota service department to see what is going to happen about this vehicle. I was told that they know all about this problem and that it is world wide, a simple fix, it needs 2 gaskets. Their answer is that they will would monitor the problem and check the oil every 1000k to see if it is using oil.

Check before you trade up to a new vehicle. If you don’t buy one you won’t have a stress problem. I have spoken to a lot of different tradies who also own these vehicles and most have the same problem, do your home work boys.

I have had Major problems with my 95 Futura ever since I bought it. Purchased in 2005, the first to go was the step up motor. This took 3 weeks just to diagnose and I was sent by the dealership to 2 different mechanics. Then came the gas converter, computer module and numerous other things. Next the water pump, then the drive belt came off and took with it my crank angle sensor and harmonic balance. Power steering has rack and pump have both been replaced in the last few months and now I have just had a new block put in and spent another $2500.

I really should have gotten rid of it a while ago but got to the point where I had spent so much I thought how much I had already lost, how much more can go wrong once the engine has been replaced? I was wrong. I have just 2 days ago gotten it back and it has been back firing and blown off the air intake. They have sealed it for now but still back firing - I have spent 6grand at this mechanic now and am not happy. I am back needing another step up motor. What The?

Where do I stand legally if I think my mechanic is breaking other things on my car everytime it goes in and how do I find out if this has happened? I don't want to make a false accusation but don’t want to be **** off either. Help Please! It is literally driving me nuts and broke!

Hi Pete,

I have had this same issue with my D40. Wipers Fail, Blinkers Fail etc and a ctrl-alt-del of the car fixes it till the next time it happens. They replaced the BCM (or BCU?) but it hasn’t fixed it.

Do you have any idea of what it could be? or have you managed to resolve it?

It’s very frustrating as Nissan are saying there is nothing wrong with it as there are no error codes. I have an error code for them "Its_Broken_D40".

Cheers, Evan

Any updates on your fuel economy problem Steve?

Hi All,

I am having problems with my 07 D40 Navara. Every now and then regardless of conditions, distance traveled or running time the dash indicators and wipers fail to work. The indicators do work on the outside however nothing displays on the dash. The wipers also fail to work at all which is a fantastic situation to be in when it’s raining on the freeway. Also the headlights fail to turn off. It all seems to reset and work again after you turn the car off then on.

The summary of the problem is;

Headlights stay on
Dash indicators fail
Wipers fail - Safety Issue!
Air Con fails

The rest of the controls seem to work ok and restarting the car resets everything etc.

I have had it back to Nissan and originally they were not going to fix anything because there was no error code! After some 'persuasion' they decided to replace the BCM (or BCU) which has not resolved the issues. They are now saying it could be caused by the after market alarm (which the dealer installed and signed off on) however after searching through some forums, I have found three more cases where people have had the same issue so I doubt a problem with the alarm. Regardless I am having it removed to isolate the issue.

Has anyone else had any experience with these issues? Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with Nissan and their reluctance to fix the problem or admit one actually exists?

Cheers

Same thing, but put new radiator in, only to have the cheap plastic mounts break and it then fell onto air con radiator and put holes in that - Nissan want $2000 to fix it . Also front brakes, clutch also gone, it is not worn out has flown to bits, another $4000 they want. This ute has only done 55000km. Get this the dealer then said he would give me $18000 for it. Tell me what’s going on.

We bought this 2002 Kia Carnival in 2007 through private sale. We maintained it well privately. We'll be happy to keep it for at least 10 years, I mean, that's our financial plan. Anyway, that's why we are doing the best we can to take care of our Kia... Last week, it overheated and blown the gasket said the mechanic and will cost us minimum 4000... like I said, we cannot afford another car for the next 7 years. We cannot afford a $4k repair to the engine, my husband was put to casual, I was put to part-time... just can't afford this trouble nowadays. So please Dale, let me have copies of the invoices and all your legal documents, whatever that can help us. Thank you very much! God Bless You. Lanie

Ian you could be just the man we've been looking for! We have been talking to lawyers in SA for some time now, and I believe they are still looking for a suitable candidate vehicle to have an engineers report prepared on in order to launch the long awaited class action against Kia. Unfortunately Kia got to our vehicle before we could stop them, and since it’s been **** is unsuitable to be used as evidence in court.

If you could possibly either get in contact with John Caruso at DBH:

John Caruso
Associate
Duncan Basheer Hannon
T: 8216 3398
F: 8211 8430

or forward me your contact details, and Ill pass them on to him. Sorry to have to welcome you to the club, but we are in the best position we have ever been as far as having begun the process of gaining restitution for all Carnival owners.

Cheers, Joe

VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, has welcomed the appointment of two Australian Automotive Industry Envoys.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr has announced that Mr John Conomos, AO, and The Honourable Mr Steve Bracks, are to act as Ambassadors for the Australian Automotive Industry.

The Envoys will play a key role in assisting the Australian Automotive Industry; make representations to facilitate Australian Automotive Industry access to global supply chains and lead Australian trade missions overseas, particularly to Asia, Europe and the US.

“VACC congratulates Senator Kim Carr for appointing two highly respected envoys in Mr Conomos and Mr Bracks,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“Mr Conomos and Mr Bracks have extensive experience of the domestic and global Automotive Industry. Their knowledge of Australian and international politics will prove invaluable in their new role.

“The Federal Government has again shown it is prepared to take a positive step in supporting and promoting the highly-skilled Australian Automotive Industry. Last year the Rudd Government introduced the $6.2 billion ‘New Car Plan for a Greener Future’ following a Review of the Australian Automotive Industry, conducted by Mr Bracks.

“The announcement of two Automotive Industry Envoys takes that commitment to the next level.

“The Australian Automotive Industry is a significant industry sector and one that deserves to be promoted, nationally and internationally. VACC can think of no better envoys to act as Ambassadors than Mr Conomos and Mr Bracks,” Mr Purchase said.

Hi, we have a 2008 diesel Prado which has similar symptoms. At the last service 40,000km, the dealer advised that this was an acknowledged problem with the vehicle. They reprogrammed the ECU and asked if the vehicle could be run for 1000 kms to see if the problem reappeared. The rattle, on cold start, is still there and has not reduced after 600 km of operation since the service.

We have a number of friends with similar vehicles from 2008 and 2009, none of which have similar symptoms. Not sure what the next step is?

VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, has formed a Special Interest group for Paintless Dent Repairs (PDR).

PDR is a cost-effective way of repairing dents in motor vehicles where paint has not been chipped or cracked. It requires no filling, sanding or expensive paintwork.

The process leaves the vehicle with the original factory finish.

Laury Chibnall was elected unopposed as Chairman of the group which is managed by VACC’s Michael McKenna.

Mr Chibnall ran a panel beating workshop in Ballarat for fifteen years before being introduced to Paintless Dent Repairs in 1996 while traveling in America.

There, he qualified as a Paintless Dent Repair Technician (PDRT) and returning to Victoria, founded Ausdent Franchising Pty Ltd. In March 2005, Laury founded his new business, called ‘Dents R Us’.

Mr Chibnall has recently been awarded the Australian Industry Group Ballarat Export Hub for 2008 New Exporter award for taking his training PDR Academy to New Zealand and Singapore. He is currently working on strategies to take the Academy to India.

“VACC is pleased to announce the formation of this new and important Special Interest Group,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“There has been a gap in the market as not all body repair work merits panel beating. The Paintless Dent Repairs group will provide a forum for those associated with this niche, but expanding, market.

“The group aims to seek recognition for this category of highly skilled tradesmen; to rid the industry of illegal ‘backyard’ workers and to offer members the opportunity to discuss industry issues,” Mr Purchase said.

Imagine this. You have just paid the mortgage, the utility bills, the school fees, the tax return has arrived and now, the garage has rung to say your car is due for a service.

Think of the money you will save by not servicing the car, plus the add-on costs the garage charges when it inevitably uncovers other faults.

Stop what you are thinking, and think again.

Servicing your vehicle on a regular basis will actually save you money. It is a cost efficient way of maintaining your car.

A regularly serviced vehicle will run at maximum efficiency. An efficiently running vehicle will reduce running costs, wear and tear and fuel consumption.

A regularly serviced vehicle will enhance the vehicle’s resale value. It indicates to dealers and potential buyers that the vehicle has been cared for.

Failure to regularly service your vehicle can affect the manufacturer’s warranty, which covers essential parts and services.

A regularly serviced vehicle will identify potential defects which, if left unattended, could cause major and expensive problems in the future.

A regularly serviced vehicle will produce less emissions.

A regularly serviced vehicle is safer. Key components are checked for potentially dangerous faults. You can also ask your participating VACC repairer to conduct a free Five Point Safety Check of tyres, brakes, lights, steering and restraints when your vehicle is next in for a service.

“As the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, VACC considers regular vehicle servicing a priority,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“Not servicing a vehicle is irresponsible and potentially costly. A majority of people recognise the importance of a regularly serviced vehicle. But for those in two minds, we encourage them to pick up the phone and book the car in.

“A regularly serviced vehicle gives you piece of mind. Imagine how you would feel if your vehicle was involved in a road traffic accident and you knew the vehicle was not properly maintained,” Mr Purchase said.

Main thing is this is a lemon from front to back. Speedo out, back doors stick, extreme rattles inside, tyres do not do more than 30000km. Replace front discs and pads, back springs, too soft replaced at 15000km. Also shocks on diff at bottom easily damaged, drive line replaced, front rad fell onto aircon which wrecked aircon. Get this they serviced it just 3000km before, never bothered to fix it, new rear diff seal. Loss of power, turn off and start again. Gearbox jams in 5th gear between 3rd and 4th then starts jamming in 3rd, again turn off and start again.

I am having the same problem with my 2001 RAV4. I just got the news from my mechanic and I just feel sick about it. Did anyone ever find out anything about the class action?

Thanks, Kathy

I would guess you have missed the plug on the outlet side of the new pump. It is hard to see and shoots into the black grommet and blocks the pipe. Look at your bits left over if you still have them. Both transit plugs on the new pump are different, this is a trap especially on genuine Ford pumps.

You are doing very very well with your fuel consumption.
I don’t think many owners out there would be achieving figures as good as yours.
Most average around the 13-14ltr per 100km mark from what I’ve seen of them...

Regards, Jay.

Unfortunately for you, your car shares the same engine as the ill fated MGF convertible. It is a 1.8 litre Rover "K" Series engine. They are woeful & are famous for blowing head gaskets, dropping bore liners & destroying engines.

I worked for an MG/Rover dealer a few years ago & we had these engines apart on a regular basis. I’m not too sure about the cause of all the engine failures in the Land Rovers but in the MGF it was very simple. In the MGF it was caused by radiator caps not holding pressure & causing the engine to overheat. They would blow the head gasket & drop the bore liners.

We replaced an engine in an MGF under warranty, went to fit a brand new radiator cap out of the box & had to go through 7 brand new radiator caps off the shelf before we found one that would hold pressure. We mentioned this to MG for 3 years & they never fixed the radiator caps. Insane!

A few cars had more than one engine replaced under the warranty period because of this simple item. Hence they went broke. The build quality was atrocious.

If you do a little surfing on the net regarding "K" series Rover engine issues, I’m sure you will be amazed at the number of problems with them.

Good luck.
Regards, Jay.

We have an 08 Pathfinder purchased new in March 09, we have had the 10.5 Hwy. But only for one and a half tanks. Normally on Hwy is 11.2 but that jumps to 12.3 as soon as you turn off the Highway. My research shows this is what all Diesel Pathfinders from 07 achieve due to the DPF. I told the dealer at the first service they reset the timing on the self learning fuel pump and checked the tyre pressure which helped for the next tank and a half. But the then went back up again. 10k service due soon won't go back to Nissan. Search for more info on PcOA Forum.

Very disappointed with fuel consumption 10.5 was supposed to be combined average HWY/CITY?

I need to add that when left for service, the service staff failed to diagnose the noise in the steering wheel while reversing. The report read that they could not hear it. However, only a day later two nearby mechanics have heard it and diagnosed it and so did the Heidelberg dealership. Hence, this is the quality of the service itself not just the breached duty of care.

The purpose of the post is to raise awareness about what people can expect of this dealership so that they can make an informed decision where to take their Honda for service. Most people appreciate it. Some don't and I guess they may not need to visit CC. The purpose of the CC is to post issues, experiences or overall complaints so that other people who have or have not had a similar issue/experience may take further action or seek further advice as needed. Those who use their free time productively send productive feedback. The two replies read the same as if plagiarised or posted by the same person. I want to make it clear that this post is not asking for advice or opinions. It is there to raise awareness. If you have a problem with that and do not like reading them or feel compelled to protect the dealership then move on and read something else or choose this dealership to service your car and good luck to you but stop using my personal email to vent your other issues.

Hi Scott,

I hope you can give me some guide. Trouble with Kia Credos no start, crank ok, no ignition, code found immobilizer 86. Once clear it will be back again. I read through web... people says I need to disconnect center locking and immobilizer. Please let me know. If I need to disconnect immobilizer and center locking where should I disconnect? Or something else cause problem. Grateful for help.