Alwyn, - coffee yes, jammy dodgers, ugh!!

I don't know whether you have read any of my previous posts re the 'cutting out' problem. I had numerous suggestions for which I was most grateful.

The car was taken to a garage for diagnostics several weeks ago. Husband drove Volvo, I followed him with 2nd car. Volvo cut out 7/8 times
- junctions, roundabouts, idling etc. -. in 10/12 min. drive. Garage said that they thought it was a carb. fault; also that it was running 'very rich'. whatever that means. Odd thing is is that the Volvo didn't cut out on the way back home.

The following day we discovered that a brake caliper had seized. Part had to be ordered, delivered, collected and then we had to wait until following week for mechanic to come and fix it. So far so good. HWWBO was not chuffed at cost. In the meantime I had to drive the crap Mercedes; what a comedown!

The Volvo was taken into carb. place for test. Read as follows and I hope you understand it -

a. Some small amount of sediment was found in the carb.

b. An additional inline filter to fuel supply was installed.

c. A rubber hose from manifold to air filter was blocked off as not deemed necessary.

d. Set-up on computer for mixture and tick-over was adjusted so mixture less rich.

The above is as clear as mud to me.

However, I have driven the car on several shortish trips (15/20 minutes) just to test the waters so to speak. So far it seems to be O.K. But I am still a bit wee bit ambivalent as to whether this is a permanent cure or not.

At this juncture, I am very hesitant to mention, even in a whisper, to him indoors that I think that there is now too much play on the brake pedal. Could this be mere coincidence, I ask myself, or just plain old-fashioned paranoia?

Have you been sufering from a similar car problem or just interested in my outcome?

'bye now

Rita

Sorry Andy, I didn't make it clear that I was referring to OBD III.

The Norwich Union 'black box' *has* to be a seperate unit because it would be impossible for them to incorporate it into the ECU of existing vehicles without major expense.

The OBD III I mentioned is a plan by the State of California (and being closely monitored by the EPA), to force auto makers to build extra functionality into *every* new auto's ECU. That includes *any* auto maker who wants to sell vehicles in California.

I haven't been following the debates about OBD III recently so I contacted a friend back in Texas who explained some of the details.

The extra functions in the ECU will keep a history of the vehicle's operating parameters, similar to an aircraft black-box. Roadside or mobile sensors will then be used to read and record the data and VIN number from every vehicle that passes the sensor.

The rationale is that it will allow the authorities who operate the sensors to detect if an ECU has warned the driver that there is a problem and he has ignored it. They will then be able to send the owner mail telling him that he should take the vehicle to a testing station immediately, or his inspection sticker will be revoked/he will be fined/whatever.

This sounds like a damn good idea but civil liberties groups in the US are worried that the data will be used for other purposes.

It will be entirely possible, for example, for the roadside sensors to check the speed of every vehicle that passes and automatically issue speeding tickets.

Since the VIN is part of the data that is read by the sensor, it will also be possible to track a vehicle's (and driver's) movements as it passes each sensor.

Will the data be made available to insurance companies or other commercial organisations that may have an interest or see an opportunity ?

Will the data be used as evidence in court cases, perhaps in the event of an accident ?

There is even talk of the system being able to disable a vehicle remotely.

My friend informs me that some objectors are quite vociferous (acute paranoia perhaps) and there are some serious legal issues that would have to be resolved, but California's target date of 2005 (I think) is entirely possible. He's an advisor to the DA so I believe him.

I can see benefits from this type of system but I think that in the end it boils down to a question of whether you trust the authorities who operate the system, or not.

Kevin...

I know all about black cars - my current Focus is black!

I have to agree it's a pain to keep clean - wash it and next day it's looking filthy again - but I'm a sucker for the colour!

Depending on the model the paint code will probably be written on or around the suspension tops under the bonnet in rather faint looking whiteish lettering about 2cm in height. I have just checked my colour reference book which is about 1 year old now and cannot find any listing of pagoda red for a peugeot, but some colours are known by more than one name and often have a french equivalent. Failing this have you got the service/handbooks/sales receipt because sometimes they are listed by the code on/in these.

Hello David M. Thanks for your reply.

The Panda clutch cable was a problem due to poor design. This was cured by the improved 7658501 version, on which my faithful F reg has done over 127,000 miles without problem. I have had a new 7658501 on the shelf for the last four years but have not needed it.

As to the Selecta, the main problem with these is, guess what ? "The clutch"

Always happy to talk Panda at any time. Best regards, petel@clara.co.uk