Common Problems

Click the links below for answers to some of our frequently asked questions.

My car is dead
My car won't start
My diesel car starts but only after a struggle
My diesel car is sluggish and down on power
My diesel car produces smoke
My car air conditioning smells
My car air conditioning doesn't seem to be getting cool
A light on my dashboard has come on

My car is dead:

If the engine is not even turning over on the ignition key the probable cause is a flat battery. This could be due to the battery being worn out or faulty, a poor charging situation from the alternator or a power drain such as lights left on or an electrical short. We can come to your car with a new battery, and also check your charging and electrical systems. Alternatively if you can get the engine going with a boost start, call in as soon as possible and we'll check things out while you wait.
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My car won't start:

If the engine turns over on the key but will not fire up there are many possible causes:

• out of fuel? Check the gauge just in case.
• electrical ignition system failure, time to call Carwood.
• diesel fuel system failure, Carwood can help!
• mechanical engine or valve timing problem, often signalled by nasty noises, maybe beyond help.

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My diesel car starts but only after a struggle:

Maybe one or more glow plugs (used to promote combustion in a cold diesel engine) are not working.
If not this then it's almost certainly a fuel system problem, possibly one or more faulty fuel injectors, a faulty fuel pump or timing issue. Either way it needs checking out, it will only get worse and will end up more expensive in the long run. Ring us up and book in for a diagnostic check.
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My diesel car is sluggish and down on power:

Most likely this is due to faulty injector(s), fuel pump delivery or fuel pump timing. It could also be valve timing or even an electronic fault or pressure loss in common rail systems. There may be a sensor fault or gas recirculation valve fault, turbo or waste gate problem. In fact there are so many possibilities the only course of action is to have a full diagnostic check. The problem may be as simple as a poor electrical connection so don't get too worried at this stage, just give us a call and we'll get to the bottom of it with the minimum of fuss.
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My diesel car produces smoke:

Probably the injector(s) or fuel pump delivery, not a disaster but it needs sorting for economic and environmental reasons.
Alternatively it may be burning oil due to a mechanical or valve seal problem, either way the answer is the same: give Carwood a call and we'll diagnose the problem.
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My car air conditioning smells:

This is a common symptom caused by the water that is naturally produced by a working air conditioning system. Sometimes the water does not drain off as it is supposed to through a pipe to the underneath of the car. The water stagnates in the collector tray in the ventilation system and starts to smell. The remedy is to unblock the waterway and give the air system a wash out with antiseptic spray. Carwood can often do this while you wait so just give us a call and get back to that fresh air feeling fast.
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My car air conditioning doesn't seem to be getting cool:

If your air conditioning is working it will provide a definite cooling effect. To test this turn on your ventilation blower to a medium setting, set the air distribution control to the centre face vents, set the temperature control to minimum (COLD) and turn on the air conditioning. After a few seconds the air should become noticeably cold, after a while of holding your hand in the air flow near the vent it should become uncomfortably cold. Please note that the engine must be running and the outside temperature needs to be over 10 degrees centigrade for the air conditioning to function. In any event, if you are not sure just give us a call and we will check it for FREE.
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A light on my dashboard has come on:

This could be serious, check your owners manual immediately and act accordingly. Generally if the light is amber it is a warning - proceed with caution. If the lamp is red the car may be unsafe.
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