August 2005
Hi
1989 Ford Escort Mk4 1.3
After Waxoyling and swapping the rear and front tyres round the other day, I've noticed that the car doesn't steer straight when the steering wheel is straight any more!
Now, is this just due to one tyre being more worn than the other (puncture forced replacement) or have I perhaps broken something? Previously had no problems with (now on rear) front tyres, but these were identical.
It's driving me potty at the moment as I'm instinctively going to correct the wheel straight when in a straight line, only to find I'm drifting left!
Thanks
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Mike Farrow Read more
Dashboard lights are fine when main exterior lights are off. When I swicth the exterior lights on the dashboard lights go out. Can anyone please help? Read more
I have now! It was the dimming switch and don't I feel dim. Thanks for all your replies - very much appreciated.
Is it just me or is the practice of not bothering to indicate left when you are returning to your original lane on motorways or dual carriageways increasing? I regularly travel from Tadley Hampshire (Hi Pologirl) to Suffolk (M4 M25 A1M A11 A14) down to North Devon (M3 A303 M5 A361) and also Yorks (A34 M40 A43 M1 M18)and find it really annoying not to know when the vehicle in front is about to pull back in. It seems logical to me that when travelling on busy roads at high speeds any information you can give other drivers about your intentions is helpful. Do other Backroomers indicate and is it just down to laziness if you dont? Rant over. ManicMaz Read more
oops sorry being away I did not notice that discussion.
I am all for the use of indicators.
Hi folks
If I buy a VW Polo 1.4 TD(52 Reg)which has had a new Main Dealer replacement same size engine put in (car NOT in accident) :
1. Does that replacement engine have a lower or higher resale price to a buyer (6,000 miles on new engine out of 34,000 on clock).
2. If I buy, do I have to tell my insurance company of the new engine.
Thanks.
Read more
DavidHM
Thanks for your input, interesting points you made for my attention especially V5.
Cheers.
You know, what we used to call a log book. My Fiat Panda 4x4 is registered as a 156 cc Ford Escort Ghia TD. There are numerous other mistakes relating to engine no. etc. Have others had this happen and if so is it DVLA or the dealer who has made the mistake? Read more
In my last job I analysed DVLA data for vehicle population stats. I can confirm the data was full of mistakes.
My recently acquired 406 HDi,has now decided that it doesn't want the passenger side rear door to open,both from the inside and outside.
Anybody an idea why? Read more
Just had this problem with my 406. Plastic locking mechanism needs replacing - you will need to remove door panel and break plastic box in order to open door. Suggest you get replacement part first! There are different ones apparently!
Just seen the new C6 in this month's 'Diesel Car' mag. Nice looking car, it's good to see Citroen have returned to the innovation arena again. But...
.... a starting price of £29500, rising to £38000!
For a Citroen!? Now before you start jumping up and down, I like Citroens but I think the bean counters have misjudged this one. Rampant depreciation seems likely.
But a 2.7 V6 HDi seems a good buy. At 18 months though 8-) Read more
The C5 doesn't use LHM - its uses LDS which is a synthetic formula similar to power steering fluid but is significantly more expensive.
LDS was manufacturered by Total for Citroen and I'd be surprised if the C6 used something different.
Took the Jag in for a service yesterday and was given a fairly new Polo (54 reg IIRC), as a courtesy car. I have to say it was very disappointing.
Acres and acres of cheap plastic (cheaper than the stuff used in my Z28 which I'd assumed would be impossible), switchgear that looked like it had been swiped from a '70's Datsun Loganberry and a horrible little 1.2L engine that sounded like a swarm of killer-bees under the bonnet (less than 20mph/1000rpm in 5th).
The brakes grabbed badly at low speed and the A-pillar and door mirror hid any view of the kerb when negotiating the inside lane on roundabouts.
If the Polo is supposed to be one of the better cars in it's class I hate to think what the mediocre ones are like.
The biggest disappointment however was the new XJ which I took the opportunity to give the once-over. The switches for the windows are the same as those in the Polo and old Datsuns.
You know them? The ones that are hinged at the rear edge of the switch. Push the front edge down to open, pull it back to close. The ones that are the cause of many disastrous nights-out and numerous divorces because of broken fingernails?
They were obviously designed by a male who is unaquainted with the fairer sex.
Kevin... Read more
>>The switches were brought in because of accidents with children..
Sorry, I'm not buying that one. Theoretically safer perhaps, but if that is a real problem there are better solutions like current-sensing window motors.
Unfortunately the current change when a child's throat is compressed is so tiny that your windows would end up switching off when the guide channel got a bit wet.
Current sensors are extra parts in the motor, different shaped switches cost no extra to install or tool.
>>Also, the window switches should be disabled with the ignition key removed or a programmable option for those who desire otherwise.
Windows disables with the ignition off are a pain when an adult is waiting in a parked car. Programmable is possible, but again expensive for no gain.
People who leave young kids unattended in a vehicle need their heads examined, especially kids small enough to stand on an armrest with their heads out of the window!
I agree. But the child's death is perhaps a harsh punishment?
They are still a lousy design in my not-so-humble opinion.
As a part which costs no extra to manufacture, has no reduced reliability but does everything a current sensor and programmable option does, I think it's quite a clever design. In my humble experience of the automotive design industry
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wonder if you might help me with a small problem.
I run a V/hall Astra 1.8 petrol on a T plate, 69000 miles. 18000 since I got it in Sept.
I drive mainly on motorways and therefore at speed. I have often had the electrics light on but it goes out after a minute or so. the hand book says if it "illuminates briefly then extinguishes it is of no consequence". I have therefor not been too bothered. Today however the light came on in town and remained on all the way home. It has now gone out when I went to check this evening. before I put it down to a loose wire, any ideas?
Incidenatally it uses a lot of oil but in line with the book.
I don't want to goto a garage before I have a bit of an idea.
VMT
Paul Read more
Dave,
I know but i figured it is worthwhile getting it done totally by the garage. The problem is that I am visiting in edinburgh at the moment and have to drive back to work near london on friday, so I want it fixed properly before i go. When i get back down south I will be happier to do it myself as then time isn't such a constraint.
Thanks for your help though.
VMT
Paul
Evening to all. I have been offered both a Belmont SRI 1.8 (1989) and a Orion 1.6i (1988). Both are in VGC, similar mileage, lots of history - the belmont is £ 700, and the Orion is £575. Which should I go for, and why? Read more
>>What Rover needed all along was a stronger partner willing to invest in the new models they needed.
Or at least corrected the HG failure problem/ecu non memory to record faults, giving the public and garage hard time in finding faults,I think if another engine was fitted rover story may have had a different outcome??
--
Steve
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Can't believe that that was three years ago. I need a life.