May 2008
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
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.
Twice today engine has cut out when clutch has been dipped. Once, coming to a halt, then a second time when coming to a halt after reversing. On second occasion, glowplug light was flashing until I re-started the engine. Had an exchange fuel pump 6 months ago - What do you reckon: pump or injectors?
Would appreciate any comments. Read more
Drivewell,
This could also be the dreaded EGR valave failure, Glow plug light flashing and lack of power (limp home mode) is one of the symptoms. You need to get the vehicle fault codes read to understand what area the fault lies.
Carse
tinyurl.com/5mkcr2
I'll just put a spot of wax on the car...I might be some time... Read more
I reckon there's only one way this thread can go... so it's going for now.
Folks :-
Hopefully you can reassure me here.
I have acquired from ebay official Vauxhall roof bars for my Mrs's Zafira which has roof rails. I gather these roof bars fit some models of Astra and Vectra as well as the Zafira.
With an allen key I can adjust the spacing of the 'calipers' so they more or less match the spacing of the roof bars. Then the bars are fixed on firmly to the rails with 'nuts' that you can do up with your fingers and then I use a pair of pliers to tighten them up a bit more.
The bars seem to be on firmly enough, but I haven't dared sticking a roofbox full of stuff on it and then driving any distance I've seen a suggestion that you need a special tool to make sure the roof bars stay on - is that correct?
Thanks alot
Kevin Read more
I was idly wondering today about buying an old 'proper' pick up truck (Not a fashion statement) so something like an old Hilux, P100 etc.
Is the insurance and VED on these comparable to a car or different as they are commerical vehicles? Read more
I noticed that you were looking to insure and old pick up truck. If you are not using it for commercial use then the insurance is likely to be cheaper. If you keep it off the road at night and keep your mileage down then again it will also likely bring the price down as will insuring it third party only. I would go to a specialist broker that does truck insurance - try getting a quote from someone like Warrings, their truck insurance website is www.truck.warrings.co.uk. Anyway good luck, I think more and more of us will be buying older vehicles now this recession is upon us!
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.