I would be very grateful if anyone could help with my problem. I have had my Kai Pride from new (1999) and she has always run immaculately until the last couple of months. I have replaced the battery and then had the timing belt replaced and since then I have had problems. The trouble is that the car will seem to be driving perfectly ok and then suddenly loses power, to such an extent that I have to pull over on the road and stop. I go down the gears but the engine just continues to lose power until I have to pull over. However, it seems that once I switch the ignition off for a very short while and then re-start the car will then run ok again. I have had it into the local garage and they have changed the plugs, checked the distributor etc but, as the fault is so intermitent, they have been unable to solve the problem. I really don't want to lose my little car but, unless we can identity the problem and get it fixed, I simply can't use it for work as I am nervous that it will let me down. Any help would be so gratefully received. Thanks in advance.
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I am fed up with the wing mounted electric telescopic aerial I've got on my 1994 G-wagon. The motor has failed again due to the telescopic bit getting bunged up with crud. This is the 3rd time I have needed a new aerial in 11 years.

So I am looking for a better design, either
[Type 1] a fixed full length bendy fiberglass-type one which I can unscrew for the monthly wash or, even better,
[Type 2] an internal glass mounted one e.g. Blaupunkt Autofun

Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? Do they provide a good signal?

I have been looking through the Blaupunkt catalogue and I have found a [type 1]Autoflex: a "Helical whip with alternating wiring direction for good FM reception". This is labelled as "12V active". The circuit diagram indicates that it simply requires a 12V feed which is fine as the current electric one receives 12V whenever the head unit is switched on. Would this aerial be compatible with my old head unit?

The [type 2] Autofun has an AP 1 DIN plug. Does this need an adaptor to connect to my head unit which has an old fashioned antenna socket?

The radio head unit is the original factory Mercedes Benz 'Special' Becker AM/ FM radio/ cassette which is fairly descent set. The car is a W463. I am in Estonia so cannot just pop down to Halfords unfortunately. Read more

Hi

Vauxhall Corsa GLS 1.7Di

The above vehicle was purchased new by the army in 2001. When it was re-registered last year, it received a 51 plate (i.e. September 2001), yet has got the old pre-March 2001 tax band. In other words I'm likely to pay £185 per year instead of next year's £90!

What can be done? Obviously the DVLA know it's post March 2001, otherwise it would have had a Y plate not 51. So do they need anything to convince them it's worthy of the lower tax band.

I don't know what happens with the history when it leaves the army. It comes with a service print-out but that's it! Read more

My problem is I can't lock the car at all. This is a 5 door model, and is key operated.

When the key is turned on the drivers door, only the motor on the drivers door operates.
When the key is turned on the passenger door, all the motors operate except the motor on the drivers door. Either way the car stays unlocked. I suspect the fault may be on the drivers door? I think the system is locking and then unlocking again due to a fault?

I have had the panel off the drivers door only:
There is a switch assembly round the lock barrel which I have tested. Also there is a switch on the bottom of the motor assembly which I have tested. As the motor assembly is integral with the door catch, I have had to fit it back on the car for now.

Recently, we had a flat battery due to a broken cable on the alternator. I noticed that I was unable to lock the car manually without 12v power. Is this correct? I assumed that I would be able to lock the front doors with the key without power.

Any help would be appreciated.
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Hi, have finally found a Beetle for my wife, a diesel one that has 40k miles and is 4 1/2 years old.

Now this is being bought from a used car dealer. I have done all the usual checks including speaking to previous owner etc so happy all that side is covered.

However, the car has not had its timing belt changed. as some of you may remember this was the subject to a long thread, prompted by HJ himself as VAG had changed the frequency to 60k / 4 years for changes.

I got a quote from an indie for £300 but dealer is not prepared to pay for this or have it done. Fair enough, I can get it done. However, what is the legal side of this? I have told the dealer that the timing belt has not been done like it should have and he is prepared to still sell me this (yes I know I also am prepared to buy it).

I believe there is legal rulings that if a car develops a fault within, is it 6 months, then it is perceived to have been there at time of sale and so onus on seller to fix? Car comes with a 3 month warranty which, I assume would have a caveat that car must have been seviced to manufacturer guidelines.

Two points, has anyone got a direct link to a site that states categorically that the above is now the frequency for changes. Secondly what are the legalities surrounding this situation?

I am trying to use it as a bit of leverage although, being honest, the price its advertised at just now is a price I am willing to pay. Thoughts? Read more