October 2002
Anyone with a recent VW should be very interested in tonight's Watchdog which highlights a major security problem affecting several models. Apparently VW and their dealers are aware of the problem but have been reluctant to take decisive action - where have we heard this before ?
The website is:
www.bbc.co.uk/watchdo g Read more
Being out in the'sticks' can any one inform me whether or not Comma anti-freeze is still available. One of HJ's recommendations from a couple of years ago or so.
DVD Read more
Thanks
DVD
Can anyone tell me if changing the clutch plate on peugeot 405 is a diy job or best left to a garage.
Duggie Read more
cheers Will, haynes manual at the ready, always helpful to talk to someone who has carried out the job, thanks again.
Duggie
I have a Renault Clio 1.6 RXE 1998 Model. I have had the car since new with no problems until quite recently. The first failure was of the central locking not wanting to lock the doors or activate the alarm; the second failure was of the driver electric window getting stuck in the down position (isn't this always the case - never stuck up!). I managed to trouble-shoot the problems to relays in the multi-timer unit (around pasenger foot level) where I found that there was dampness on the relays suggsting water was getting in somewhere. I have been pulling my hair out trying to find out where the water can be getting in as there is no real evidence of a leak. The car does have air-con but that has not been used for ages, I have also checked for a leaking heater matrix etc but with no joy. The car does have a tilt and slide sunroof, but I can't see how water can migrate from the roof to lower down without leaving more evidence. Can anybody give me a steer as to how water could be getting in behind the engine bulkhead and in to the passenger cell? I am talking a small leak too, as the sound proofing and carpet is also dry, but after the recent rain the relays are again wet, almost as if the water is being dropped dirctlty on the multi-timer unit, and then falling down to the relays which plug in to the unit upsidedown. Can anybody please help me, or at least give me some handy hints where to look next.
Many thanks
Will_375 Read more
Try the following.
Leaves/dirt in the bulkhead where the wiper motor lives: blocking the drain holes (usually at each end)
From underneath the car, check the seam sealnt above the area in case it is missing.
The water is clearly coming DONW the car as the carpets so far are dry (are you sure?) .. which suggests ingress from above.
Is the relay at the side beside the door sill? If so you may be getting leaks from a split drain hose from the sunshine roof (if there is such a hose). Or in from the door seals ?
Test by hosing down the car when someone is inside it looking for a leak.?
Is it water or antifreeze? A clean white cloth could help you decide. If it dries to the colour of the coolant you have a heater hose leak.. Probaly a loose union (yes I had it in a BMW once)
I know what taking a bath means but where did it come from? are there any other simmilar sayings (and their meanings) from the motor trade?
Chris
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Does it mean the same as 'being taken to the cleaners'which was a phrase I recall from my youth which meant that someone had been financially stitched up usually, but always, in a car deal.
Rita
Hi,
Wonder if anyone can help me? I have a beautiful 528i P-reg. It has done 85k miles no problem (except new tyres - not cheap!!) however recently there is a rather annoying buzzing sound coming from the dash where the aircon controls are located.
This isn't a major issue, but I would like it sorted as it appears to be getting louder. So if anyone could help me, or they've had the same problem, all help much appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick Read more
There is some kind of fan inside the climate control module (sucks in air to measure the temp) this is a known problem to become noisy. I can't remember the details, there is a forum called www.bimmer.org, which has an area dedicated to e39 owners, use the search function to find what you're interested in, between all the american auto owner "clutter" (strange lot!) there is some good info. i think the fan assembly is separately changeable. Ian
Can anyone tell me the resistance values for the heater and sensor on a tree wire Golf MKIII 1.8 ABS engine. I think the can is overfueling so am exploring the probe as a starter.
Thanks Peter Read more
Thanks Andrew for the information. I was concerned when the resistance was greater than 2 M ohms but the manufacturer confirmed the high impedance is correct infact a lower impedance may have indicated a fouled sensor. Regards Peter
I am about to test drive a 1991 BMW 325i Sport - anyone got any advice on what to look out for, or what to be wary of?
Cheers Read more
Tom,
yes it is an E30 - 90k miles and full BMW service history from new - 1 owner. Has had a new cambelt and clutch. Absolutely mint and I think I'll be putting an offer in on it. Thanks for all your help guys.
Back in March HJ wrote
Apparently (and, of course legal + plod-u-like comment is invited) if you get NIPped by a digital camera, all you ahve to do is write back and ask if the image of your car on which the conviction is based is enhanced. It inevitably will be, but (apparently) this constituted "tampering with evidence" which renders the evidence inadmissible in court and the case against you will be dropped.
HJ
Now SWMBO has been very naughty and got a NIP for contravening a red traffic light. I do not want to get into the sort of debate that I caused about bus lane fines etc (which I paid because I couldn't be bothered to argue) but this is different because of the points. Also not sure whether a digi-cam or not.
As I am a relative NIP virgin, what can be done? (Note the word can, not should as I know she should pay up etc) Read more
There was a thread on 3/1/02 called "Speed cameras and a right to silence", might be worth looking at that (I printed it off at the time, never know when it might come in handy......!).
Which tyres are the quietest in general use ?
Thanks Read more
The wider they get, the noisier they get.
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The window-opening via the key is not the major problem - the window opening/closing feature is actioned when the central locking has been actuated (normally via key or remote) and held for a couple of seconds... i.e. if the windows open, then the car is already unlocked.
The additional problem with earlier cars was that the alarm was easily bypassed also - as reported by HJ long time ago.