Auto Care 5 Sept 10

  Fuel pump fault (lead) I HAVE been using my 2003 Proton Waja 1.6 auto for the past seven years. The vehicle was struck by lightning on one of my trips to the east coast two years ago and since that day, my fuel pump had failed and had to be replaced four times last year and for this year, another four times. I changed the fuel pump again a month ago with a guarantee of 30 days. The mechanic had also checked the spark plugs and electronics and found that certain parts were badly burnt. Those parts were immediately replaced. Click here to read more.

Auto Care 29 Aug 10

Kembara blues  I AM the second owner of a 2003 Kembara 1.3-litre auto for the past two years. For the past two months, the Kembara have been encountering abnormal problems. 1. Normal temperature cannot be achieved as indicated on the gauge meter after travelling a distance of about 5km if the air-cond is switched on. The rpm will shoot up to 1,500 when stationary with gear shift at neutral. After travelling for some distance of about 10km, it is OK again. Click here to read more.

Autocare 22 Aug 10

ATF change    I DRIVE a Toyota Corolla SEG (A) 1997. When do I need to change the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and filter? I was advised by mechanics that the ATF and filter need to be changed every 20,000km and 40,000km respectively.  Also, is it all right to start moving the car in second gear when stopping at traffic lights or road humps? - Mohd Azlan    Reply: I think somebody is trying to make money out of you!  Click here to read more.

Autocare 15 Aug 10

Alignment quandaryI AM using a 1997 Volvo 850 SE.For many years now, all attempts by alignment "specialists" - whether manually or computer assisted - to align the wheels have failed.The car veers to the left. Consequently, the front tyres have worn out unevenly due to excessive wear on the outside.- 012-9324125Reply:Honestly, vehicle alignment is not a “black art” and anyone who has some basic knowledge of geometry should be able to find out why the vehicle is not tracking properly. Click here to read more.

Autocare 25th July 2010

Jerking quandary MY 2001 Toyota RAV4 (D4 engine, Japan spec ) jerks when I stop at traffic lights.The idling will drop below 500 rpm and sometimes the engine will completely stop.This problem has been on-going for the pass four weeks.I have changed the throttle body, checked some wiring and the mechanic has done whatever in his capacity but to no avail.I notice that the spark plugs turn dirty (black), perhaps a symptom of incomplete burning of petrol.- KS Click here to read more.

Autocare 18 July 10

'Running-in' engine   I AM purchasing a new Proton Persona Elegance 1.6 and I have a few queries. 1. Is it true that a brand new car should not be driven above a certain speed? If it's true, what would that speed be and until how many kilometres of mileage chalked up before it could be driven above that speed? Click here to read more.

Autocare 4 July 2010

Contact point faultRECENTLY, I bought a Proton Persona Elegance.A week later, when I trod on the acceleration pedal, there was no response at all.A Proton service centre said there was something wrong with the contact point of the electron plate and fixed it up.However, the problem still persists.- DennisReply:Yours is not the first time that we are hearing of this problem and it appears that the manufacturers are also aware of it.I would suggest that you go back to the franchise holders and get it fixed under warranty. Click here to read more.

Autocare 20 June 2010

ATF overflow (lead)I PURCHASED a Volkswagen Golf Mk3 year 1997 (registered in 2000) last March.The present mileage is 135,000km.I encountered an "overflow" of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) while driving on the highway recently and had to drive from Seremban/Labu to the Senawang toll plaza in first gear.Upon inspection, I found traces of ATF on the upper part of the gearbox but there was no leak.After 30 minutes of cooling, I was able to continue my journey at 80km/h maximum to Tampin and then back to Rawang without any problem. Click here to read more.

Autotalk 13 Jun 2010

Persona replacement on track Click here to read more.

Autocare 13 Jun 2010

Air-conditioner odour (lead) I OWN a six-month-old BMW 323i E90.When it was just three months old, the air-conditioner developed a foul damp odour which came on each time the car was started but eased after five minutes.I sent the car to the dealer who said it was not covered under warranty and charged me RM120.One month later, the problem resurfaced.I am surprised that a premium RM275,000 car has problems that my Proton Wira never had after six years.What should I do?- Disappointed Click here to read more.