January 2002

tim

just after a bit of quick help.

car: '97 ford fiesta

problem: with heater set to cool, the air the that comes from the vents is far warmer than it would normally be (very close to outside air temp), but full heat can still be obtained if needed. when set to the cold position the air is cooler when doing a steady 50, than when working the engine harder whilst "making progress" along a motorway.

result: I'm getting a bit peeved at having the sunroof open to keep the car cool when on the motorway! in case someone suggests using the air-con to lower the temperature, that is kinda pointless as it means the engine working harder, and so sends the temperature situation into a vicious circle, with the net result that the car gets only mildly colder.

i have read the relevent section in my haynes manual, but regrettably it isn't as detailed as would be liked. it has no wiring diagrams for the electronic coolant valve, and does not show any images of the heater unit.....

has anyone encountered a similar problem, or care to give some pointers?

appologies for the short and poorly written effort.

thanks in advance for any help people may offer.

tim. Read more

Dave N

I think the TSB refers to the control panel also.

MM

Ask fir an online motor quote, and some websites ask for your registration number. Upon input, your car details (make and model) appear as if by magic.

Questions:

(1) Does this come from DVLA or an Insurance Database?

(2) If from DVLA, the fact that an input registration number is not recognised, does that imply a dodgy nunber plate?

MM Read more

MM

Sorry, Darcy!

Giles

Hi,

I've seen the Co-op insurance company reccomended on here several times, but I can't find any contact details. Please could someone let me have a web address or/ and phone number?

Thanks,

Giles Read more

ladas are slow

i am currently with the £620 option, as tesco said that TPO was £569, so i thought it was worth paying the extra £51.

Miller

I wonder if anyone can help me, I have a citroen ZX with the 1360cc engine fitted in every citroen/peugeot for the last 30 years. It has recently developed a 'ticking' noise, most notable at around 20/30 mph, but not at idle. I'm wondering if it could be a sign that the cam belt is about to break (I know nothing about engines and how they work.)

Looking in the handbook it states the belt should be changed at 72k, I bought it at 73k and assume it has not been done by the previous owner (is it possible to tell just by looking at it?) Current milage is 90k and apart from the formentioned noise it runs fine. Apreciate any ideas/suggestions, thanks. Read more

Adam Going (Tune-Up Ltd)

Change it NOW ! Also check carefully for any damaged teeth on the associated pulleys/rollers/ water pump etc, or any roughness in these bearings. For a couple of hours work and a £20 belt (pluss any other bits if found necessary) you will be avoiding a potential engine-wrecking eppisode. If the noise is still there then you have more investigation to do, but you MUST do the belt first/anyway.

Regards, Adam

Bruce

My dad has an "M" plate Volvo 440 2 litre auto, which has served him well. He would like to change it for a newer car. The Volvo 70's don't fit in his garage. He needs an auto, would like heated front seats. He will use the car for going to and from his static caravan about 170 miles 12-14 times a year. He does not like my Focus estate. What do the Back Room recommend?

He is 74 this year so would like good access. Read more

Dave N

As it suits him so well, why not keep it? It's worth next-to-nothing as a part-ex, so just carry on running it.

jon

HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCED FLAT SPOTS WHEN ACCELARATING WITH THE VAG 1.9 TDI? MINE HAS GOOD TORQUE BETWEEN 1300 AND 2500 RPM BUT HAS A REAL FLAT SPOT AT 2600RPM AND I FEEL THAT THE PERFORMANCE IS NOT WHAT IT SHOULD BE AT ABOVE 3000 RPM. IT IS A 1998 110 TDI , ENGINE CODE AFN. Read more

Matt

Have the cat. checked. Had to replace two that were blocked recently on 110 TDI VAG engines. Both gave similar symptoms to yours.

Regards

Matt

Tony Hall

Reg 3/96 and only 51,000 miles on clock. Always Rover serviced and in excellent cond. but every time I ask my garage if there is anything to be wary of or needing changing I am told not to worry until about 80,000 miles.

Would like to know what to expect if anyone has any experience of this car. Read more

sorerra

Currently on 105K miles with an SDI.
Fantastic car, no problems, one of the classic bargain 2nd hand cars

David W

Have a look at Ch 4 8-9PM.

New series presented by Lee Hurst called Salvage Squad. Each week they are going to take a different type of vehicle and restore it.

This week it is a 1923 Steam Roller.

Funny they never phoned to help with the Land Rover.

Sorry about the title Growler, different thing completely your way I guess.

David Read more

Dave

You have a speed twin in boxes?

Sweet! Is it largely complete?

P.Mason

I'm trying to keep my aging Pug 305 Estate going for another year, hoping to reach 300k! The speedo cable has broken, and my garage can't obtain a replacement,-they say the spares aren't available any more.
If any Backroomer can tell me where I could obtain a new cable, I'd be very grateful.
Alternatively, if anyone has a speedo cable from a scrap 305 in working order, I'd be pleased to swap a brand new 400w. mains hammer drill for it.
Many thanks,
Peter. Read more

Andrew T

Try Warrington Peugeot Spares if it's anywhere near you -
01925-629996 or mobile 0973 405609

Nick Shirley

Odd though it may seem, i love hese vehicles and was wondering if

a)Are they available in the UK? if not why not?.
b)How much do they cost (rougly)?
c)where can i buy one form if not available in the UK, and i can i import it?

Odd i know, but u gotta love em!

i'll get me coat

Nick Read more

KB

Any ideas LAC/LAS? I recall you saying your mum had one.