The cooling fan on my wife's 1.6 Focus (1.6 Zetec, 2001 Auto) starts up within about 5 seconds of switching the engine on - I have noticed this even on the coldest days. The aircon is not switched on nor does the car have a heated windscreen (as per a recent post on this subject). Is this a thermostat problem or the temp sensor ... or something else?

Many thanks, Y. Read more

I have a Philips widescreen TV that's slightly over three years old. In the past few months it's developed a strange fault. When first switched on, it works perfectly, but after it's been on for an hour or two it stops responding to the controls. When this happens, I can continue watching as long as I don't need to change channels, switch between set-top box, VCR or DVD player, or operate the volume control.

Powering off and back on doesn't solve the problem although it did the first time I noticed the fault. Now, I have to allow a period of rest before I can use the controls again. I haven't experimented enough to determine how long this takes but I suspect it's long enough to allow the set to cool down. It makes no difference whether I'm trying to use the remote control or the controls on the set, although I can still power it on and off using the switch on the front.

It occurred to me that it may be something connected to the set that's causing the problem, so I've tried disconnecting everything and operating the set with just an aerial plugged in.

I'm currently working round the problem by using a newly-acquired Freeview box which has its own volume and channel controls.

I suppose the only sensible answer is to call in a repairer, but can anyone think why the set should be behaving in this way? Read more

'The world's first purpose-built hydrogen-powered bike could be fitted with an artificial "vroom" because of worries its silence might be dangerous.
A prototype of the motorbike, which could cost more than $8,300 (£4,500), was unveiled in London on Tuesday.

The problem with the "fuel cell" bike, which produces no polluting emissions, is that it is too quiet.

But anti-noise campaigners said they welcomed the prospect of a motorbike without the usual excruciating roar.

For their part, manufacturers said the fake engine noise device, which could be switched off, would help alert road users. '

I'd go for a reproduction of my old Triumph T90 quite an exciting noise on it's siamesd exhaust.


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I wasna fu but just had plenty. Read more

Hi, any Fiat Punto owners out there?

I've just tried fitting a stereo (cassette) from a Punto to my Punto. I got the security code with it but the unit doesn't prompt me for it as the instructions say it should.

I tried refitting the original unit (cd player) but now get exactly the same with that.

I also have a cd changer, hence the switch to cassette unit. The cassette unit is compatible with the changer.

Anyone come across this problem before? Any ideas?

Nick Read more

Hi,

I am a new poster on this forum and I thought that you could help me with a small question

I have a Volvo S80 and my main dealer is quoting £65 per hour + vat to work on it, does that seem normal to you guys or a little high?

Also do you know any good independants in either Leicester or B'ham that could work on my car, if so a rough hourly rate?

Cheers

John Read more