Finding a solution with your dealer

HELPDESK:Answering all your motoring queries

From J O’S: I bought a Ford Mondeo LX (2007) last November and within a few months the ABS module failed.

The immobiliser remained active and I could not start it and had to get it towed home. I’ve heard that the same has happened with several other Mondeos and Focuses.

The module was replaced free of charge, but I am worried that this problem could happen again.

We contacted Ford and a spokesman confirmed that there were initial problems with the ABS modules on some of the earliest built Mondeos of the current generation. Later in an e-mailed response the firm said: “Ford does not believe there is any concern in relation to ABS modules in either Mondeo or Focus. There have been some issues with the module in the early model of new Mondeo but really the number has been so small as to be insignificant. If a Mondeo, or indeed any Ford owner, discovers a problem with their car, we would advise them to immediately contact their local Ford dealer.” He said there has “never been a recall in relation to this minor problem”. If the module has been replaced then I would suspect it was an initial teething problem that has since been sorted and will not recur.

From M McT: I purchased a Skoda Octavia Elegance 1.9 TDI DSG 105 in May 2006 and have been having problems with the starter. When I turn the key in the ignition, nothing happens so I may have to repeat the process two or three times before the engine will start.

I have had the car examined by Phoenix Motors and the starter motor was replaced, but the problem is still there. Nothing shows up on the diagnostic testing system. There is less than 20,000 miles on it. Any suggestions?

According to Skoda, there is no history of problems with starter motors on Octavias, nor is this a common complaint.

Though the car is now out of warranty, Skoda assures us that, because you reported the problem during the warranty period, the costs in rectifying it will be covered.

You need to get the car to an authorised Skoda dealer that offers aftersales – not every sales outlet does. The problem might be an electrical switch, rather than a mechanical component.

From N Duggan, Portmarnock: A friend parked his car in my driveway for a year while he was working abroad. I disconnected the battery and recently reconnected it and the engine started first time.

Apart from tax and insurance, is there anything that should be done before driving the car?

I’m impressed the car started so easily. When putting a car into storage for that length of time you should really change the oil, fill up the fuel tank and radiator and, as a final tip, clean out the car thoroughly to prevent bad odours building up.

One important check is to examine all the hoses, belts and pipes for any rotting or possible cracking.

I’d also recommend you check all the fluids in the car before starting up. You should also be wary of condensation in the fuel tank if it wasn’t topped up before storage.

Then check the lights, wipers, horn and indicators, as well as your tyres – thread and pressure.

From Laurence McM: A report in Motorsrecently (July 29th: ‘Quarter of points not applicable’) stated that up to one-third of penalty points going unapplied was widely attributed to foreign-registered vehicles. As a motorist driving up to 50,000 miles per year, I can attest that the majority of these foreign-registered cars are UK registered and are being illegally driven by Irish residents. I am puzzled that the ANPR system is not detecting UK registered cars insured with Irish insurance companies.

Also, as the RSA considers the issue of foreign registered cars “the Holy Grail”, perhaps they would consider mandatory penalty points for Irish residents caught illegally driving UK registered cars?

Penalty points for motorists illegally driving UK-registered cars would certainly be an idea that would go down well with the struggling Irish motor industry and might get people to re-register them promptly upon arrival into the State.