17/06/2026
"It's only a heater fault..." they said. 😅
A Toyota Hilux came into the workshop with an intermittent heater problem. The initial symptom seemed simple enough, but as every technician knows, the real fault is not always where you expect it.
🔍 Investigation started with low coolant level
After pressure testing the cooling system, our technician traced the issue to a leaking EGR cooler/valve assembly, allowing coolant loss.
🛠️ Further checking we discovered the vacuum pump at the rear of the engine was leaking oil. Unfortunately, that's not a quick repair on this engine and required further dismantling to access properly.
But it didn't stop there...
While carrying out the repair and with the rocker cover already removed, it made sense to replace the injector washers and seals at the same time – preventative maintenance that can save a lot of future expense.
What started as an intermittent heater concern quickly turned into several days of diagnosis and repairs.
This is why modern vehicle repairs require:
✅ Accurate diagnosis
✅ Experience and technical knowledge
✅ Looking beyond the obvious fault
✅ Fixing issues properly the first time
Sometimes the biggest jobs start with the smallest symptoms.
📍 Midas Northwood
Local mechanics you can trust
📞 03 323 6930
Midas Northwood - great service, great staff, great car repairs!!