Symptom
A grinding noise when changing gear
A grinding or crunching noise as a gear engages, most commonly in a manual transmission. This is mechanical contact between components that…
SeverityHigh
High
Symptoms
Symptom
The seat belt will not retract or lock properly
A seat belt that will not pull out, will not retract, or does not lock when tugged sharply is not functioning as…
SeverityHigh
Symptom
The windscreen fogs up and will not clear
The windscreen mists repeatedly and resists clearing even with the demister running. Persistent fogging means there is more moisture entering the cabin…
SeverityHigh
Symptom
The steering catches or feels notchy when turning
The steering does not turn smoothly — it catches, binds, or feels like it moves through detents rather than continuously. This is…
SeverityHigh
Symptom
The car sits lower on one corner
One corner of the vehicle visibly sits lower than the others on level ground. Ride height is set by the spring, so…
SeverityHigh
Symptom
It wanders at motorway speed
The vehicle requires constant small steering corrections to hold a lane at speed, feeling vague or unsettled rather than pulling consistently in…
SeverityHigh
Symptom
It is stuck in one gear
An automatic transmission that stays in a single gear regardless of speed — often third — is usually in a protective failsafe…
SeverityHigh
Warning Lights
Warning Light
Engine oil level low light: meaning and what to check first
This light means a sensor has measured the engine oil LEVEL as below its minimum. It is a different warning from the…
SeverityHigh
Warning Light
Electronic throttle control warning: meaning and what to check first
This light means the drive-by-wire throttle system — the electronic link between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body — has logged…
SeverityHigh
Warning Light
Water in fuel warning: meaning and what to check first
This light, found mainly on diesel vehicles, means water has accumulated in the fuel filter or water separator and needs draining. It…
SeverityHigh