Advice required

[JonCarre]

Hi guys, I don't know if you can help me but here goes...

I have had a problem with my 2.0D Sport. Under load the glow plug lights have come on and the engine goes into limp mode, not always but occasionally. The engine is running a little stuttery under cruising and im getting more than normal exhaust fumes. Turning the engine off and restarting resets the issue. After some research it sounded like it was my turbo actuator. I booked the car into the garage who told me they believed the issue was my EGR valve. 

After a diagnostic and inspection they ruled out EGR as they said it was in good condition and they said I needed a refurbished actuator. They charged me £420 for the diagnostic and to fit a replacement actuator.

I got the car back on Thursday, to be fair, it is running better but it's still a little stutters and there is still more than normal exhaust fumes.

The actuator problem seemed to have gone though, until this evening. Travelling back from London to Bournemouth I pulled into Rownhams and as I went to pull back onto the motorway my engine went into limp mode and my glow plug light started flashing! I turned off and on again and it reset the issue.

Also, since getting my car back my parking sensors have gone crazy, either giving me a fault tone when I start the engine or telling me there is something behind me intermittently whilst reversing.

I will be phoning the garage tomorrow as they need to rectify the parking sensors problem but it would appear they haven't fixed the problem I gave them the car to fix.

Who foots the bill for any extra work now? I have paid them £420 for something that they said will fix the issue and it hasn't. I can't really afford to pay £420 for work that possibly didn't even need to be carried out in the first place.

Are they responsible for correcting the problem? Or am I going to be left with a further bill for any extra work?

[Old Peter]

Hi Jonathan,

The glow plugs issue  does sound a bit like a problem with the fuel system that could well be a cheap fix - a can of Diesel Magic or any other brand of fuel system cleaner could make a big difference.

The electrical problem could be  down to the battery being on the way out, and it would be worth getting it tested.

Let us know how you get on  ---  I would be inclined to keep your wallet deep in your pocket until the garage does something to cure the problem.

Regards,

Peter.

 

 

[JonCarre]

So the car is back in the garage today. I have been told it is a cracked turbo hose that they didn't notice before, £120 including VAT. I can't help thinking that the actuator might never have needed replacing, but I can't prove that one way or the other.

As for the parking sensors, they point blank refuse to accept responsibility. They were working 100% when they picked the car up, as soon as they'd dropped it back, the first time I turned the car over I got the fault tone. I don't see how it can't be something they've done but they want to charge me £140 +VAT to replace the faulty one.

Can't afford that so I'll try and do it myself. I hate garages!

[Old Peter]

Hi Jonathan,

My son had a cracked turbo hose on his x type.  The mobile mechanic I have used for 15 years spotted it immediately. With a new hose £30] and fitting [awkward job] for £50 the car was as good as new.

Replacing the sensor for £140 +VAT does seem rather pricey as the sensor should only cost about £25

But then, it is a garage and you do live in Dorset  ---    that's South West prices for you!

Regards,

Peter.

[david moore]

me too,   i hate garages as you feel like that your being ripped off, i do most of my work myself but it depends on if i can get accesses to the part ` plus if ive got the tools.  i do hope that you can get this issue sorted.  best of luck ......dave

[JonCarre]

Thanks Dave.

Got the car back this evening and took her out for a little spin. She feels MUCH better. Hopefully this is the end of it.

Now to get the sensors sorted...

[dukesdave]

Hi there if you need some rear sensors I'm breaking an X-Type and will gladly send you them.

I've seen what they are on eBay and I will do a deal cheaper as I need the car gone asap 

Email me if you are interested 

dukesdave@googlemail.com