I am in desperate need for some help please! I have a 2004 Kia Picanto with around 30 000 miles on the clock. I recently took it into a garage when it suddenly started juddering quite violently in all gears, eased only by lifting my foot off the accelerator. I was told the entire driveshaft needed reconditioning (all joints on both sides were worn apparently) which set me back £450. On the drive home from the garage the problem occurred again but worse, and I just managed to drive it home albeit very slowly!

The garage now reckon that a crankshaft sensor fault is causing an engine misfire. They say a replacement will cost £200+ with labour since the part needs to come from Kia and will take 2+ hours to fit.

My question is whether I am expected to pay for this? As far as I am concerned their work on the driveshaft was not essential (the symptoms clearly pointed to a misfire! There was never any noise when steering or problems with the gears) and a result of a misdiagnosis. Can I expect them to replace and fix the sensor for free? I paid them to fix my car, which they haven't!

I would be very grateful for any advice you can give me, this is an absolute nightmare!

Kirsten