Ask Honest John

Most recently answered maintenance and servicing questions
I fitted a new starter motor in my 2004 Ford Mondeo TDCi and when I turn the ignition on the rev counter and speedo go all the way over and back. It then fails to start. I removed the starter motor and...
I bought a 1983 Saab 99 two months ago with a 12 month MOT. It had no advisories. I recently had an exhaust system fitted. It was mentioned by the mechanic that the brakes are binding. Is this an MOT failure...
My petrol Mazda E2000 panel van smokes on start up but this disappears after 20 minutes and nothing while driving. Had stem seals replaced but no better. Van starts and drives lovely and has done 160,000...
I have a Volkswagen Golf Mk6 TSI and I was wondering what the guidelines for a cam belt/chain replacement are? I have done 57,000 miles with no change, do you think it would need replacing? I haven't noticed...
I own a Rover 75 2.5-litre v6 automatic. Its lost reverse gear and I can't find a garage local to me to repair it. Seems a waste to get rid of it but what would you do?
After 140,000 miles of reliable use, my wife's 2003 Vauxhall Zafira 2.0 DTi is misbehaving. At temperatures below 8c it starts instantly and fast idle is fine but as it warms up and the idle speed drops...
My 2016 Volvo V70 with 7000 miles, three months post first annual service, put up a message saying it was due an oil change and at next start up showed an amber engine block icon with 'check' below. I...
I have a Skoda Rapid and have water ingress into my driver's side door. What's the cause and how much should it cost to put right?
Do I have to bleed the ABS pump on a 1.4 MINI One after refitting?
I bought a 2012 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi about 5 months ago, after 3 1/2 months (out of warranty) it started to develop a misfire when warm. Driving along at 30mph in third or fourth is difficult, but at 50mph...