Transit 2008 TDI 2.4 Diesel (Motorhome)
Have travelled all around Australia and never had a serious problem. Have been told I have serious problems though, costing a lot of money.
1. When I first got the van in 2011, the engine management light kept coming on every 300ks or so. replaced EGR, Fuel filters, Told Turbo underboost problem, spent a lot of time and money visiting a lot of dealerships on the east coast. Finally found a dealer who employed a technician who used to service the KEA fleet (Motorhome part). In half an hour he had remapped the engine and I have never had a problem since. Estimated that little episode cost me around $2k. Not happy Jan.
2. It blows a small amount of black smoke when accellerating. Dealerships (2) have not found a cause. Given up as runs quite well. $600
Local mechanic told me the engine was getting old and worn out (at 150,000ks?) was stuffed and would need replacing. Gave that one a miss.
3. Latest one: Took into dealership for big sevice last week. It had had a hard trip, dirt bush roads and you could hardly find the motor for the bulldust. They apparently did a service ,checked & cleaned everything. Report said, no faults perfect condition. $900. OK that makes me happy. Don't want to get stuck with problem when I am outback and nearest town is 200ks away. But, and there is always a but. When I drove it home and it got to about 80kph there is a noise. Took it back, went for a test drive with mechanic and he agreed that indeed there is a wipp wipp noise. What could it be I asked? Might be tyres, might be wheel bearing, might be shocks don't know. Hes Not interested.
Now, I have had the problem of scrubbing tyres for a while. Thought thats where I'll start. Get two front tyres and a wheel alignment. Easy. Peasy. Probably could do with new front tyres anyway. Would you believe, most tyre outlets are not equipped to do an alignment on a transit. Found one 30ks away, but their tyres were double the price. $280 each.
Even if I do replace the tyres, personally I don't think that is the problem. Wheel bearing? dealership checked them when they did the service - no problem. Shocks? they supposedly checked everything underneath. Wheel bearings $1300 to replace one. Havn't priced shocks but no doubt costly.
Even if I get all this done there is no guarantee that what ever is making the noise will be fixed. I'm sure the repair places will happily accept my money. However, I don't want to part with it unless it's necessary. and I certainly won't be happy if it breaks down out in the outback (where you cannot even phone for a towtruck). Doesn't do the nerves any good.
So, was wondering if there is anyone out there who can point me in a direction where I won't get the "Well, we think it is this, we'll just replace... answer which becomes the answer ad infinitum forever over many $1000's.
Thank you for reading my rant. YES I am very happy with my little home would recommend TRANSITS to anyone. Its just service issues I have a problem with.