Evening,

We all know the problems that can be associated with fitting after market products. Problem is a lot of garages and customers don't.

Went to a very tidy 02 plate Micra in mid December with lack of performance. Quick diagnosis showed problem with throttle body (AFM) and garage replaced it with A Fuel Parts unit against my advice. Was Ok until 2 weeks ago then car had problem with intermittent lack of power with EML showing. Diagnosed faulty AFM again and unit went back under warranty. The retailer would not replace unit until proved faulty by Fuel Parts which takes about 2 months. Garage then forked out another £250 or so for another unit and after fitting, vehicle ran lean with high idle. I diagnosed faulty unit and garage then stumped up another £250 for another Fuel Parts unit. On fitting, vehicle had high idle with lack of power and poor emissions. I then diagnosed same problem and by now garage and owner was a bit miffed and refused to pay another £250. Also, garage was beginning to doubt my diagnosis and I too was beginning to doubt my competence. Suggested to garage to get hold of second hand genuine unit and see what happens. Part obtained today from Jap Parts in London and garage rang today to say that vehicle runs perfectly.

I know we all have had this type of problem, but it gives you a nice warm glow inside when you have been proved right

The thing that makes matters worse is that the people at Fuel Parts were not helpful toward the garage and suggested that it was an ECU problem or mis-diagnosis.

Regards

Pete M