Alarmingly good

Our 2002 Auto-Trail Cheyenne developed a problem that I believed was with the Toad Ai606 alarm and immobiliser, as the ’van would not start.

I thought the immobiliser part of the alarm had failed and I went on Google to find out who to contact. This directed me to Scorpion Automotive in Chorley, Lancashire, which was very helpful and, while it couldn’t help, it gave me the names of companies near me that should be able to help.

One of these was South Coast Vehicle Security. After I’d described the problem I was told an engineer would call me.

Later that evening, the engineer called and his view was that it was not the problem I thought it was. He then went further and put my problem on a web group to see if anyone in Hampshire could help.

As a result, I received a call from Mobile Automotive Systems who was very helpful and, after talking through the problem, was certain the problem was the starter motor.

It explained the procedure to check this and, having followed the advice, I came to the same conclusion. Then, knowing I was an engineer, it suggested I remove the starter motor and take it to Burfield Starter and Alternator Centre.

The problem was diagnosed as corrosion in the solenoid. It replaced the part and bearings for just £84, a far cry from the £700 I thought I may have to pay to replace the alarm system and that would have still not have solved the problem.

The service from these companies was outstanding, especially considering that, apart from Burfield Starter and Alternator Centre, they didn’t earn any money helping me.

Eric Evans