June 2005

big_pun

hi everyone

sorry if this is a repeat question, used the search facility but it didnt return anything

question is:

does harsh braking use up petrol? if so why?

thanks to all in advance Read more

GolfR_Caravelle_S-Max

braking can actually save you fuel in the case of the Toyota Prius - www.toyota-hawaii.com/vehicles/Prius/braking.html When you brake, it takes the energy lost to deceleration (potential energy) and stores it so it can be used to kangaroo down the road...

bert-j

The indicator and stop/tail bulbs on my new Accord are both of a large capless design that I've never seen before (similar to 5w parking light bulbs but much larger). Are these bulbs generally available, or do I need to take a trip to a Honda dealer and no doubt part with a considerable sum of money for some spares? I've checked with internet suppliers but none seem to stock them. Read more

henry k

Had no problem getting mine from local factor.

>>
Halfords stock these bulbs.
I had not seen these bulbs until I assembled my Yaris spare bulb kit.
Well worth carrying a spare bulb kit as I have never seen these bulbs in any of the shops attached to the big petrol stations.
Kingpin

I've suffered a 2001 1.2 Punto base model for the past two years and after 30,000 miles I can't stand the ride much longer. Crashes over any pot holes, slight ridges and cats eyes send shudders through the car. Often I have to slow down on the undulating moorland B-roads near me (Halifax area) and let faster cars pass me, it feels that unstable when pressing on. Makes me stressed and tired after the daily commute.
My previous car was MK4 1998 Fiesta Zetec which in comparison felt like a mini Jaguar in it's composure and nimbleness. Is there any quick fix which may improve things before I part ex in desperation for a 306 or Xsara or Mondeo?
The car has 165/70R14 tyres, I thought of obtaining 13 inch wheels and 165/80 or 155/80 tyres to help but not sure if it would make that much difference. I put it down to a general stiffness and rigid suspension, altered by Fiat in 2003 for the latest facelift model. If the shocks and springs are poor design then tyre profiles are probably scratching at the surface.
For anyone else considering a second hand Punto 1999-2003 I would seriously think about alternatives or go on a thorough test drive. Does anyone else have experience of these cars? Read more

RichardP

Not had the TRX wheels long, it had the 14" ghia wheels which are ok but too small for a car its size! I bought them from a mate with new Michelin trx tyres on for £200, a bargain as the tyres alone are about £170 each...I'm hoping to get 6 years + out of them!!
The ghia rims are going back on for winter use.
You are right about the visibility although I suppose to some extent the thinner posts are not as strong as the bigger ones on more modern cars, but the banger lads love them as generally they're tough and substantial, although they are a bit thin on the ground now. I find modern cars rather boring although I'm quite taken with my gf's new Micra SVE dci which to start it you don't need a key!! Bit confusing at first!

dwhl

Hi everyone,

Am looking to change the door speakers on my Nissan Almera. My budget is low, max 30-40 pounds. What should I look for in the speakers? Any particular brands or wattage to look for? Will be just plugging the new ones straight into the existing cables. Should I buy component speakers or just normal ones?

Thanks for the help

David

Read more

Altea Ego

Think this means that - Yes the inside of the door has to come off. There will be a few hidden screws, and lots of plastic "pop stud" type fasteners.

harrys dad

Can anyone suggest why the lights on my 306 (V-reg) no longer flash when operating the (keyfob) remote central locking? They just stopped and my dealer has no idea why. Everything else is normal. Read more

harrys dad

Thanks for those suggestions - but I don't think it has alarm system at all, it is just a remote central locking system, which itself works fine - it's just that the lights no longer give a visible confirmation that you're 'in range' and the locks have in fact operated.

joshL

Hi all,

I've got a 1995 1.8 Golf with 31k on the clock. The problem that I am having is that, sometimes during driving the gearbox 'hunts' through the gears causing the car to jump all around the place, which is quite scary!
I had a diagnostics test done on the Auto ECU and it came back with an intermitent fault with the multifunction switch, which I have changed. Since then the problem is still there, and I have given up on driving the car because it is too dangerous to drive.

Does anyone have any ideas on what this could be or whether this is a common fault on the golf?

thanks

Josh Read more

andyfordescort

Hi all,i've had the water pump changed on my 98 escort and since getting it back last week it idles very rough,the mechanic who done the work rechecked spark plug connections etc and said he would take a further look when he had time.
He was confident he fitted the timing belt correctly but i suspect this may be where the problem is.Any ideas what the cause of this rough idle could be ??and if the timing belt was'ent correctly fitted could it cause this problem??
cheers Andy Read more

Imagos

Two of my friends are at the negotiating stage in a deal to buy off the other a rather leggy 1993 Mondeo.

Trouble is the car is rather tired and I can see problems ahead in terms of reliability, parts costs, MOT repairs, potential breakdowns etc.

My point is isn't it a golden rule of friendship is NEVER sell/buy to/off a car to each other?

Is this a fastrack way of testing friendship to the limit?

What do you think? Read more

Imagos

Well the deal was done for 475 sovs.

A bit excessive i think but still,i never said nowt..

Car in question is a 1.6LX in that metallic green colour so it don't look to bad for the money.

Will monitor situation carefully and hopefully no fists are thrown over coming months!

jacoblp


I have a problem with my Renault 5 from 1993 (Injection model)

Failure:
The engine runs fine when it is cold, but when it has reached its normal temperature the engine has a funny idea about stopping/stalling when the clutch is pressed.
Sometimes it is really jumpy under light to medium load conditions as well (When it is warm). It feels like its loosing power and then it starts to get jumpy. If I press the pedal again the failure disappears but only until I release the pedal again (Back to light load conditions).

I have tried my local garage but they haven't been able to fix the problem. They have tried to change the MAP. It didn't help much.

I have recently changed the distributor cap/rotor, cables and spark plugs.

Do any of you have an idea?

Thanks
Jacoblp
Read more

jacoblp

Thanks for the advice. I have checked all the vacuum tubes/pipes and they look OK.
I have checked some of the sensors (idle switch, inlet temperature sensor, lambda sensor) it seems that they are working (according to the Haynes manual).

The Renault 5 model I have has an exhaust gas recirculation system fitted. It should only open for the recirculation valve in normal running conditions, not in idle (according to the Haynes manual). But if I try to unplug the solenoid (which control the recirculation valve) in idle, I can hear it makes a difference. Does that mean that there is something wrong with the ECU (computer) or ??

Do any of you have any other ideas?

Thanks
Jacoblp

Dwight Van Driver

Daughter had a T reg 1.6 Polo estate. Now and again the indicators give up the ghost and refuse to work. Some time later they come back on again and work perfectly. Just gone and weather dry.

Any ideas where I start looking and poking?

Obliged

DVD Read more

Dwight Van Driver

Finally resolved.

Not the relay but a gremlim/s in the wiring of the hazard light
system.

DVD