Ask the Guide

This sounds very much like a fuelling problem. Since a diesel engine has no ignition system (beyond its own compression) any fall off in performance can often be traced back to the fuel system.

The best bet is to take the vehicle to a diesel specialist that knows this make and model and will have either seen this exact set of symptoms before or will be able to make a logical diagnosis rather than just changing random parts that may or may not be the cause of the problem. Things that are likely causes, however, are the fuel filtering system, fuel pump and injectors. But don’t rule out something simple like a bad batch of fuel that is playing havoc with the entire system.

Modern cars are relying more and more on online updates for things like navigation maps and even the computer that controls the car’s major functions. This usually isn’t too hard to achieve but for people unfamiliar with computers and the online world, it can seem very daunting. That’s especially so with an online update, as there are no physical switches to push or changes to make, it all happens apparently by magic and you have to trust that the changes have been successfully made.

A good service centre would have helped you by walking you through the steps so you know how to do it next time. I understand some workshops and dealerships are very busy, but this would seem like an important role for customers tackling a task for the first time. Failing that, the average 14-year-old relative is probably more than capable of tackling this for you.

Every time you drive the car, the alternator should be keeping the battery fully charged. If you had the dash-cam switched on and recording for 18 months without driving the car, then, yes, it would definitely flatten the battery. However, it shouldn’t really pose any threat to the alternator.

It doesn’t really matter what’s draining the battery, be it a dash-cam or the headlights or the stereo system; if the car gets regular use, the alternator should be able to stay on top of things and keep the battery charged and in good health. This sounds more like your dealership blaming the dash-cam as the cause of a failed alternator, when the problem was possibly a dodgy alternator all along. 

Don’t accept nonsense like this. Take the car to an auto electrician and have the thing diagnosed properly. Then by-pass the dealership and contact LDV’s Australia customer service number. Your vehicle should still be under factory warranty, so make it LDV’s problem. And if the car’s alternator can’t support a dash-cam, then it’s probably not fit for purpose, at which point the ACCC and Australian Consumer Law might be interested.

2022 Yaris Cross should be able to travel to the moon and back with no problems given low mileage such as yours. While it's true that cars don't appreciate sitting around not being used, 1000km in four months still suggests it gets a workout now and then and hasn't sat around for that full period of time. Don't forget that cars often sit around for months at dealerships waiting to be sold. That said, demand for the Yaris Cross recently has ruled out that possibility.

Basically, your car should still be well and truly match-fit provided it has had all its maintenance and checks carried out. Don't forget to check the tyre pressures, top up the windscreen fluid and enjoy the journey. Extended road trips are precisely what cars are for. And modern cars, even smaller ones like the Yaris, are better at this than their forebears ever were, especially in terms of comfort, safety and fuel efficiency.