technical issues | Ask Honest John

Ask Honest John

Most recently answered technical issues questions

Is my power steering failure down to a low battery?

My power steering has failed.The power steering warning light has not come on but the battery warning light is on now constantly. Is the power steering failure due to low battery power?

What should I do if I leave my car parked up for several months over the winter?

I go away for a couple of months around Christmas time and will be leaving my 2013 Volkswagen Golf on the driveway. Is it good practice to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. What else should...

How can I tell if the clutch in my car is failing?

Do you have to reset the ECU after cleaning the Mass Air Flow sensor?

Can you recommend a classic friendly Jaguar specialist?

I have a 1999 Jaguar S-Type. It has covered 34,000 miles and has a few problems, with faulty central locking and the rear windows stuck open. I don't think it's worth paying Jaguar dealers rates for repair...

Our 2003 BMW 3 Series is consuming a lot of oil - do you know what's going on?

We purchased (privately) a 2003 BMW 3-Series 1.8-litre petrol automatic in late 2016, with 49,000 recorded miles. It has a stamped BMW Service Record, full MoT etc.The BMW had, prior to our purchase, three...

Why is my van cutting out after I had the head gasket changed?

I had the head gasket on my Peugeot Boxer changed, but on the way home (after about five miles) it decided to lose power and cut out. No lights came on the dashboard, it just went dead. After a couple...

Why don't the electrics in my car work?

I bought a 2004 Ford Fiesta, but the air con, radio, 12v socket and heater electrics don't work. Is there something that may be preventing them from working as they're close together in the car?

What is the whining noise I hear when I brake?

I hear a random whine coming from the rear of my 2006 Honda CR-V about once every journey. It lasts about 10 minutes and then goes away. When brakes are applied, it starts and then comes back when released....

Why isn't my heater working?

The heater in my Renault Scenic has stopping working. I've checked the fuse, but it's working fine. Any suggestions?