September 2004
why?
do they not consider the threat from in front of them - the car coming out of the side road, the car turning right in front of them?
they've got a rear light, turned it on, but often don't even bother turning the front one on even though it's there?
I used to cycle myself and know the feeling of being persecuted by motorists, but if they don't use the front light, then it comes down to natural selection I'm afraid....
rant over..... Read more
Hi,
A friend of mine has a Ford Mondeo 1.8LX petrol. He has been suffering with a speedo problem which works intermittently when hot. After some investigations he's been told that the speedo gear drive inside the gearbox is rotating on the shaft and will need to be replaced. Is this correct and does it mean a gearbox strip. I've been told it's a right pig just to take the box out- let alone strip it down.
Your divine advice and guidance is sought and as always much appreciated.
Robin
--
These are the views of Robin the Technician with 35 years in the trade. I fix, therefore I am... Read more
This is almost beyond comprehension. It just isn't possible to reason with people like this....
Ford can refuse to sell to suer
Fla. sheriff wants Crown Vics
Detroit Free Press 09/29/04
by Associated Press
(c) Copyright 2003&044; Detroit Free Press. All Rights Reserved.
SHALIMAR, Fla. -- Ford Motor Co. can refuse to sell police cars to Florida law enforcement agencies that join a lawsuit against the automaker over fuel tank fires, a judge has ruled.
Okaloosa County Circuit Judge G. Robert Barron denied Sheriff Charlie Morris' request that he order Ford to resume selling cars to the department. Ford has refused to sell any more Crown Victoria Police Interceptors to Morris since July 2003, a year after he sued.
The suit claims the full-size, V8-powered, four-door sedans have exploded in flames when struck from behind at high speed because of poor design.
Barron granted class-action status last month, permitting hundreds of Florida law enforcement agencies to join the lawsuit.
Barron said Monday that case law establishes a company's right to refuse to do business with any customer.
With Barron's ruling in hand, Ford also will refuse to sell the cars to any other agency that participates in the suit, said company lawyer David Cannella.
It's fundamentally illogical for Sheriff Morris to, on one hand, sue us and, on the other hand, seek the court to order (Ford) to sell him more vehicles, Cannella said.
One of Morris' attorneys, Don Barrett, has said the sheriff firmly believes the Police Interceptors are defective but he wants to buy new ones to replace aging cars because seeking other vehicles would be more costly.
Last fall, the Detroit Free Press reported that at least 18 officers have died in fiery rear-end crashes in Crown Victorias. None of Morris' cars were involved.
The fatality count apparently grew Sunday, when a police officer in Prairie View, Texas, was killed after a pickup truck slammed into the rear of his parked Crown Victoria police cruiser, which burst into flames.
Officer Christopher Sobieski, 39, was parked on the shoulder of a highway watching for speeders and drunken drivers.
Investigators are awaiting results of a blood-alcohol test on the truck driver, who escaped injury.
The Crown Victoria is the most popular police car on the road.
Read more
Going slightly OT with this one - but on Wednesday I was following a brand new Mercedes CLK230 (I think!) Police car in Brigthon. Looked very nice!
I assume it was down to accompany Blair either that or Sussex police have just blown next years pen budget on a new car :-p
I know how much we all like bad customisation jobs on BR, how about this one???
www.linzgt6.demon.co.uk/images/GT6-1.JPG
Cheers, Sofa Spud Read more
As a former Capri owner, I think the first example would look quite tasty with a paint job and a vynal roof.
I was travelling on the A39 last week and in one of those idle moments I asked myself a question where does the A39 start and finish. I came onto it at Wadebridge and left it at Bridgwater where it went onto Glastonbury and beyond. The A1 goes from London to Edinburgh, the A4 London to Bristol and the A34 Southampton to Manchester. Who made these decisions and is there a web site that can tell me the terminii of any road.
As I live in Swindon the A361, the A419, the A346 and the A3102 spring to mind.
Just a thought on a dull day. Read more
It's the bit between Blubberhouses and the outskirts of Harrogate that offer some of the quickest moments...:-)
Going up and down those crests is very uplifting and you can normally see any oncoming traffic well in advance because the road is virtually straight for long stretches.
Mind you it's usually around mid-morning and afternoon whenever I'm in that area so there's not as much traffic.
Often have a quick break at the Devonshire Arms Hotel...:-)
Hey, hope someone can help me with this. Ive had this car for 6 months with no problems except having the starter relays changed.
Now when i start it after a couple days of no use it starts fine, but once changed from 1st to 2nd gear the car will judder quite violently and then roll to a stop and stall no matter whether the clutch or accelerator is down or up. This continues for about 10 minutes or so. Once the car has warmed up and gone for a good run, it goes fine, next time it starts up is fine. But once left for a few days again it just resorts back to stalling on me.
Anyone got any ideas as to what the problem could be???
Thanks Read more
Too heavy an oil grade (10w/30 is the correct brew) will cause hydraulic valve lifter jacking, engine starts fine then peters out, carries on this way until the oil has thinned slightly.
Andrew
--
Simplicate and add lightness!!
Hi again
The missus has a Punto, not the current shape, but the one before (Y reg).
The air vents/fan have always been feeble since new, and you have to put the fan on full to get any kind of breeze.
Is this a feature of the car, or is something amiss (loose hose)?
She won't let me poke around under the bonnet until I get proof that somethings not right!
Just curious
Mike Read more
According to www.puravent.co.uk/ if it's got aircon, then it'll have a pollen filter.
Location details here:-
www.puravent.co.uk/scripts/dispmodel.pl?make=FIAT
So, how come it's necessary for an agent to hold the insurance documents and driving license of someone in the public eye?
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/3700026.stm
can't he just keep it at home in a draw like everyone else? Read more
7 days. i once had to produce and couldn't provide my licence as it was away at the dvla for an address change.
i received a caution for failing to produce.
I do not get the chance to post very often but I do read most days if I can. I am thingking about a Ford Fusion Durashift, I have read the CBC Breakdown, but does anyone have any experience of these? Is the gearbox troublesome like earlier Ford autos? Has anyone got a Fusion, I would appreciate your comments. This would be a company car, we have a limited choice and the Fusion appeals.
Many thanks, Servelan Read more
I've got a Fusion 2 Diesel, so can't help with your Durashift. I'm not setting any roads on fire with mine either, but it depends on your priorities - it doesn't figure in mine.
Its plus points are:
100% reliable (from a sample size of one).
Very cheap to run (59 MPG averaged over the last six months, and cheap road tax).
Right price range for my pocket.
Exactly the toys I want and no more.
Tons of leg room for my oldie passengers.
Enough room in the boot (just) for two collapsible wheelchairs.
Tight turning circle.
Nice light smooth gearchange.
Estate car versatility.
No alloy wheels.
Ford dealer within walking distance of home (one visit so far for its £99 first year service).
I also like its high seating position and its chunky, practical shape.
Its failings (remembering it's just a Fiesta in a pumped-up body) are:
Crashing over speed bumps and pot holes (number 1 fault!).
The front seats have little side support.
Too high gearing in second gear (can't cruise round car parks in second).
Its narrow body means three adults in the back have to be very good friends (though two adults can be quite comfortable).
The second fold of the rear seats is very stiff (they are double-hinged to make them lie flat).
The professional reviewers have complained a lot about the trim quality, but it seems fine to me.
The latest 2004 model year has had ABS added as standard, but deleted the centre rear seat head restraint (penny pinching).
I'll just add it's got Ford's wonderful heated front windscreen. This alone was enough to make me choose a Ford again, some 13 years after swearing I would never have another.
Ian
With the pick-up on the way I have been shopping around for a few bits and bobs to complete the package for Mrs ND. First priorty has been to locate a suitable hardtop for the pickup bed. After a bit of research I narrowed it down to the Truckman SX and the Carryboy 560.
Best price I could get on the Truckman was over 1600+VAT. Carryboys were coming in at £1100+VAT or thereabouts. By the wonders of google I managed to locate a firm offering the top I was after at a substantial discount.
The top arrived yesterday and is exactly what we were after.
The firm I got it from have only been trading since the spring, but all the way through the owner has been on the 'phone to check my requirements, advise on delivery and generally offer assistance. He also insisted that I call when we come to fit the top so he can talk me through it.
If anyone is in the market for any 4x4 accessories, from roof racks to lighting to spare wheel locks, drop me an email and I'll send you details of his website.
No Dosh
mailto:alan_moderator@honestjohn.co.uk Read more
I could name dozens of companies who could learn a great deal from your experience.
You seem to have found a jewel in an ocean of online "sell it cheap" and hang the after care service - usually the two are incompatible for obvious reasons.
.jpg)
;o)
ND