May 2008
hi on my 306 the hand brake does not appear to be affective on a hill i have had front brakes replaced and the hand brake was tightened up but it has come loose being a novice i would appreciate any help and suggestions is this just simply a case of replacing the rear brakes or something more? Read more
Could anybody advise me as to what is the criteria for obtaining trade plates, and the costs involved. I want to start part time trading, buying at probably BCA in Manchester and driving the vehicle over to Northern Ireland.
Any help would be most appreciated....Rick Read more
Many thanks guys for the info. I have bought at BCA in the past, but it was an older car...i guess by the comment about not getting a good deal at BCA is that prices paid are much the same as what the cars are worth in the advertisements in various publications.
If that be the case, any info as where to look for the best deals would once again be appreciated...Rick
More of a question then a problem (yet), does anyone know if these cars have 1 rear fog light or 2? Its booked in for an MOT tomorrow and whilst testing last night the girlfriend claims she "thought" it had 2 then the left hand one went out. However she is not a reliable source.
On inspection there is a bulb present and there is no visual difference between that and the drivers side fitting. Fuse operates both lights and changing the bulb has no effect which has led me to believe maybe it only has one. Anyone know for sure? Thanks Read more
Ah fantastic, must admit I didn't think it had one, last time I use SWMBO as assistant. Cheers.
I've just come across Kew Gardens' new "tree walk" thingy, and that sounds interesting. What's my best bet for getting there from Cambridge?
I'm sure not driving through the middle of London, so I could either go all the way around the M25 and in somewhere (and then where the heck do I park) or take public transport of some sort, with the minimum of changes.
Any suggestions as to the least hassley way of Cambridge to Kew Gardens? Be doing this on a weekend (not a Bank Holiday one though). Read more
If you want a feast for the eyes, get into London by train, pick up the North London Line at Highbury & Islington and trundle all the way around to Kew Gardens:
tinyurl.com/6owy3m
It takes you past the back gardens of the world and his wife. From Cambridge, I wouldn't bother with the car. I used to use it for rugby days at Twickenham and Old Deer Park.
Interested to read HJ's short review of the Grandeur, a rare sight on our roads indeed.
Strikes me that it offers similar space and trim level to something like a VW Phaeton, but at a lower purchase price. Trouble is that it will still take a huge hit on depreciation over probably it's first 5 years or so.
Wonder how similar the forthcoming i90 will be to the Grandeur? Read more
Is the Grandeur the one sold as the Azera in the US? If it is, then it's big alright but it's a bit of a barge to drive, despite Hyundai's marketing campaign there comparing it to the BMW 530i. Reasonable engine but loads of torque steer and wallowing suspension, though the suspension settings in the European version are probably different. Reminded me more of an entry level Toyota Avalon than a VW Phaeton. Very cheap though.
Hi Everyone,
I have had my car for approx 3 weeks, and in the last week the fan has randomly started blowing very hot air into the cabin, even with the air con on and set to 18c on the climate control switches. This does not happen all the time, just at random occasions on my way to work.
Any ideas what could be causing this? The Air con unit also makes a noise a bit like a fridge when it starts up, and is clearly audiable in the car (something i have not experienced on my other cars with air con before).
Many thanks in advance of your replies Read more
I assume the cabin temperature sensor is sensing a cabin temperature of less than 18C and is telling the heater to heat. Try turning the climate control temperature setting down and see whether it still does it.
Folks,
I've just replaced the timing belt on my excellent 2.5 XM estate. 142K 1997. Nothing beats it for load carrying and motorway cruising...
The injector nozzles were replaced, and I've now got an interesting "London Taxi"-style classic diesel knock below 1500rpm.
It runs fine and the noise disappears above 1500-1750rpm. Yes, the timing is correct... :-)
I'm wondering if refurbished injectors (with new springs?) and a new belt (tensioned correctly) have set up an odd resonance. It does not go away when warm
Please don't tell me it could be worse.....
Does anyone have similar diesel experience they could share? It will be taken back to my local diesel specialist (long-established, and highly experienced) for their sages to have a listen today...
rg Read more
The noise turned out not to be pump/injector related, but the stud holding the tensioner roller being loose enough to rattle and set up resonance on the belt which did an uncanny impersonation of diesel knock
Loctite on the nut had fused the roller to the stud, so, remarkably, the tensioner nut would tighten up OK, but the stud remained loose.
The motor is now utterly sweet - i was beginning to dread some pump/lift sesnor.injector hassle. Phew!
The root of the problem was the indie having over-tightened everything when they last did the belt, including stripping the thread on one of the engine mounts. I had to take a deep breath when dealing with the tensioner nuts, as I felt sure that the threads may have been damaged.
More reassurance for me that, despite this campaign of jobs becoming a real epic, I'd rather have the reassurance that working on your own vehicle brings.
Meanwhile, I played a little game with the trip computer this morning, resetting it before a run down a long dual carriageway for thirty miles. I managed to get 44mpg average at a cruise of 75mph indicated....
Hi
My Almera's trim is rather loose inside, the fabric on the door and side trim panels appears to be rippling and peeling off, does anyone have any advice on how to restore this to original condition?
Also, does anyone have any tips for getting rid of ground in scuff and oil marks? Read more
I have bought a number of cars over the years at my local Britisha Car Auctions, always been very pleased -Up til this week.
I was aware of their buyers fees, but now they charge for handling cash - 1%, credit card payments - 2%, ok I suppose, they are a busines after all. But the real killer is that they now charge for processing (sending off) the the V5 docs to the DVLA £23.50. I note in their legal notices that by law the new owner must get the V5 completed and send off to DVLA so when I was paying I asked for the docs so that I could follow the law and send them off, the answer was NO you cant have them we get the new owner to fill their details in and we (BCA) send them off for you as part of the service to the buyer.
So -by law I am supposed to send the docs to DVLA but BCA insist on doing this (all very easy for the buyer in the past) and for doing this without any option from me they charge £23.50. Surley a 'service is something I should have the choice to accept or decline...Can this be legal - a forced charge for something that I should be doing.
Any Legal Eagles out there with thoughts on this
JonR Read more
I disagree. So they should do away with the sellers fees. Just charge a nominal fee for storage.
It shows after 5minutes driving and I cant accelerate anymore and my car just turn off.
The only message I can see is 'Injection failed'
Anyone knows what does it means an how to fix it? Read more
It's just a general message to say that a problem has been detected with the engine management system.
To find out the details of the problem; take it to someone with diagnostic equipment for further investigation.
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If it has rear drum brakes, then the self adjusting mechanism probably needs rebuilding - this is not really a job for a novice, but any competent garage should be able to do it. Don't be fobbed off with 'we've adjusted the handbrake cables' though - that won't work. As you have already found out!