Motoring queries from readers are answered every week by Michael McAleer.
From Eddie McAteer in Dublin:
I bought an Audi A4 at the beginning of the year and recently noticed that when the front door windows open on their own while the car is parked.
This happened to me on the night of November 21st when I locked the car and left it parked outside.
When I returned the windows had opened and the inside of the car was soaking wet from rain. I brought it to the garage who, after keeping the car for nearly a fortnight, returned it saying the problem was rectified. However the next night the same thing happened.
I'm afraid to bring the car into town for fear not only that it will be stolen, but I have heard terrible stories about people defecating in the open windows of cars parked in town.
I believe this car is not of merchandisable quality as described in the sale of goods act and have asked Audi to replace the car as I have no confidence in this one.
Audi Ireland says it is investigating the problem and the garage in question is awaiting a factory response as to how the problem can be rectified. To date this is the second Audi A4 to suffer such a problem.
However, Bob O'Callaghan from Motor Distributors Ltd, distributors of Audi, says that the factory has a long history of quick response to repair requests and Audi hopes to have the windows fixed this week.
In the meantime the problem can be overcome by simply removing one of the settings in the window system. Mr O'Callaghan said this could be used as a temporary measure to secure the car and allow it to be used to go to town.
From Thomas O'Neill, Dublin:
I bought an Alfa Romeo 146 1.4TS in March 1999. In October 2001 the accelerator cable broke and I had it replaced by the dealer. The cable came under warranty and I paid for the work. In September 2002 the cable broke again. The dealer said this was unusual but I had to pay for both the cable and workmanship. Is it usual for an accelerator cable to break within 2½ years and then again 11 months later? I believe the cable breaks at the end of the foot pedal?
It is not that normal for a accelerator cable to fail so quickly. After all, when the manufacturers offer warranties on these parts, it does so on the presumption that they will not have to pay out. Without disparaging your driving habits, may we politely suggest that it may be contributing to the short lifespan of the cable. May we politely suggest you take a drive with a mechanic who may advise you on the best way to preserve the parts.
From Bob Frewen:
I need to buy a spare remote control unit/key fob for a car alarm. The manufacturer has told me that spares are not available because the frequency it operates on (224MHz) has been abandoned and a new pan-European frequency adopted. Is it possible to buy a "programmable" remote operating on the frequency I need and where could I buy one?
Most systems have an anti-scan function that blocks out any attempts to pick up its frequency. Depending on the system in question you may try some of the alarm companies who may have old parts and control units. Try A1 Auto Electronics, who might just have the unit you are looking for.
NCT: Your stories
In light of the numerous stories and complaints we have received from readers about strange and unusual testing practices at the National Car Test, we are asking readers to send us their own particular stories about putting their cars through the NCT.
If you have queries, complements, complaints or tales of woe about the test then contact us at motorshelp@irish-times.ie or by post to NCT Tales, Motors, The Irish Times, D'Olier St, Dublin.