May 2001
How important is it to keep the amount of petrol in the fuel tank at a reasonably high level, to avoid sludge getting into the system? I normally fill up after the warning light has come on. Is it generally ok to let it get that low? Read more
I have a 96 Mondeo 1.8 petrol which sometimes will not start. By this I mean when the ignition switch is turned nothing happens. Turning off and trying again will usually result in it starting. All that can be heard when it does not start is a loud click from under the bonnet. This fault will sometimes occur a few times in a week and then disappear for months, and then reappear. The battery is ok as it starts fine in cold weather. Is this likely to be the solenoid and can this be replaced separately to the starter. Is this a common problem with Mondeos? Read more
Thanks to all for their comments. I'll try cleaning/tightening the connections and see what happens first.
Help:
Does anyone know where I can get hold of seven seater conversions for estate cars (namely Merc E class, w124 model and Volvo 740). I'm lokking for new or second hand.
Thanks
Richard Moss Read more
I believe Andrew means Motorhoods Ltd
their web site is www.motorhoods.co.uk
Can anyone suggest a company offering sensible prices for young drivers? Read more
I rang loads of firms trying (on his behalf) to insure my 20 y old lad's Polo, with his 18 y old sister, me & wife as additional drivers. Best quote by far was Eagle Star Direct. Also give him free Green Flag breakdown cover.
I have noticed a rather unpleasant smell which seems to be coming from my car's vents when the aircon is operating, which has been neccesary more than usual in the last few weeks. although I use the aircon all year and have not noticed it before.
The car is a Peugeot 406 Estate with a HDI engine, it is fitted with an electronic climate control in place of usual controls for the heater ( which I still haven't worked out ) and is only a year old.
Before I go and play hell with the dealer, I would appreciate your experiences of similar problems and any ideas as to what the cause may be and what is required to rectify it.
Many Thanks
Stan Read more
You probably wouldn't see much difference on a modern system, especially as the vectra has a variable displacement compressor. Just like the alternator only uses power from the engine when electrical power is needed, same with the a/c. It might be different in florida, but not here.
For many years I have wondered why the normal practice on motorways has evolved differently from that on A roads. There, if a convoy builds up behind a slow vehicle, the leader of the convoy usually overtakes when an opportunity comes. On motorways it is usually the rearmost who goes first. This can be extremely annoying if there are ten or more cars in the convoy. Who started this convention, and why? Or is it just opportunism? Read more
I think the different practices have come about because:
On a single-carriageway, you have oncoming traffic, so it's safest to overtake from the front of the queue because you're not exposed for very long; no-one in their right mind would attempt to overtake the whole queue from right at the back (drivers of big beemers might try).
On a dual-carriageway/motorway, the traffic on the right is coming from behind you, so the gaps appear first at the back of the queue, which is why drivers at the tail-end pull out first.
Of course, whether this is rude or not is a matter for debate; it's certainly irritating.
Regards,
Nick
I have an S-reg Peugeuot 306 and have had regular problems with the remote keys. Sometimes the batteries last a few months, sometimes a few days. The problem appears to be that after the buttons on the key fob are pressed and then released, the contact with the battery is not properly broken and the battery then drains. I had both keys repalced under warranty, but they did not last long. By the time I got round to complaining again to the dealer, I had exceeded my 36,000 warranty mileage by 1,000 miles, and had no intention of forking out £120 for new keys. it seems to me there is a design fault here. A small irritation perhaps, but very expensive to rectify when the customr is paying. Has anyone else had problems? Read more
The fob/transmitter came from the Peugeot dealers but it wasn't cheap, just over £40 if I remember correctly. I was too flabberghasted to tell them where to put it at the time.There must be other suppliers who do it more reasonably.
The chip serial number is inside the key fob and this is what is needed to replicate it. It came with a blank which we then had to get cut ourselves.
When I wer a lad there used to be open road on the motorways, well, the motorway. And public information cartoons educating the public not to weave in and out of traffic, switching between lanes unneccesarily.
Now, with nose to tail traffic, and some motorways even having the inside lane closed between exit and entrance sliproads to stop you weaving in and out of traffic and switching between lanes: all we hear is "pull over to the left as quickly as possible" (NOT "when it's safe to do so").
Might work if people knew when it was safe to do so. Might work if people knew to leave a safe gap behind them, plus their car length, plus room to safely gain on the next vehicle, plus a safe gap in front (any guesses at the total for say 70mph?).
But as most of the current flock of weaver birds don't seem to recognise that they haven't left enough room behind from the crunching sound from their rear wing, or that they haven't left enough infront from the crunching sound from their front wing I don't hold out much hope. Then again, if if both their wings have been so badly crunched and twisted out of position, you can hardly blame them for being so erratic.
Any comments, anyone? Read more
Not as long as the s..t marks down the car driver's trousers !
While I totally appreciate the need for motorcyclists to be seen, as many of them are incollision with card drivers who have not seen them, why is it that so many of them have to drive around with car strength headlights used on main beam. I am happy to see you but I am not happy to be dazzled head on and from behind! Read more
In daytime, I always ride my motorcycle with lights on high beam (but not at night). I never get flashed by other motorists. I'll do anything to stay alive! There are two reasons for using high beam: firstly it is brighter (er, obviously) but the most important reason is that it minimises the risk of confusion on bumpy roads of the motorist thinking the motorcyclist has flashed him (at junctions etc). If you ride on dipped beams, the pitching of the bike on even slightly bumpy roads can appear to make the lights flash as the headlight bounces up. By riding on high beam, the potential for this is reduced.
Well after a long winter lay up, sort the bike out - already taxed and insured it was just a matter of starting the beast (CBR1000) and getting it MOT'd. Japanese build quality or what. It last turned a wheel last October, Battery was flat - a two hour re-charge, the starter motor churned over to get the oil light off, engage the kill switch and it burst into life. Pre-book its MOT (13.50) stop off a a garage to check tyres and woosh, sailed through its MOT and a blast home. What a laurrrrgh, biggest grin for months......sun on my back all traffic shrinking in my mirrors - Summer is here,,,,,! Funny how the leathers seem to have shrunk in the wardrobe though !! Read more
I avoid B&Q like the plague ! Especially since given a sound verbal lashing in a an earlier thread for riding past the place on main beam.... :)
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Petrol contains an additive that emulsifies small amounts of water, preventing a build up in the tank. it passes harmlessly through the fuel system. (or maybe it's trapped in a filter) You can buy bottles of this stuff at accessory shops. It won't work with large amounts of water, (I've tried) but a couple of drops a tankful shouldn't do any harm and it might help the existing additive.