Hi All,

Just a really quick question. My wife's Focus 1.8 TDdi manual covers petrol Focuses in addition to the diesel. The manual seems to recommend the same oil for both engine types irrespective of them being diesel or petrol and recommends SAE 5w 30.

I always thought that petrol and diesels needed different types of oil? Is this just a Ford thing?

Many thanks


Pootle Read more

I have googled but clearly not very well!

The new Golf comes out in September. Is it going to be followed soon after by a new Polo?

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Been back a couple of weeks now, but thought was worth the thread.

Had a C4 Grand Picasso as hire car for holiday in Spain with wife, 2 daughter and parents, although parents drove down in their Volvo had this as was reasonable cheap (EUR 300) and meant only having to take one car if all went out together.

No idea on engine or spec as had no manual or badges, but engine was very pokey diesel, so must have been the 2 litre (EGS box gave it away too) and colour changing screen, climate, cruise control made me think upper range model.

First off the dislike. Mum and wife thought it wasn't that comfortable, as the ride was quite firm (although was quite quick so guess needed sportier set up).

Biggest gripe for me was the steering. OK, it's an MPV, but was far too light and had zero feedback. Didn't feel at all confident trying the limits (when on own) even though would probably have been ok- but is a big car and roads where we were were very narrow and twisty.

Access to the rear was not that brilliant, despite the middle row having a lot of adjustment. Didn't want baby seat in back so was only my 5 year old in the 'boot' but was easier for her to climb in through the boot.

On drive home electronic fuel guage was infuriating. Was a take away full and return empty deal, and was hard to guage how much fuel was left. Put 2 lots of EUR 5 diesel in, but didnt register on kms left or guage flashing away- but made it back with 45 kms to empty showing.

Final gripe was that was too dark and 'germanic' inside. Have always liked French interiors for lack of black plastic- but this one had too much black in the interior.

Onto the plus points.

Obviously space was a major one, as well as the flexibility of the seating. 7 individual seats, front 2 adjusted all directions, and even the armrests were on a ratchet system so could be adjusted to suit passenger and driver. Middle row adjustable fore and aft and seat back could be reclined.

EGS system was brilliant. Simple to use, with Reverse, Neutral, Auto and Manual on a column shift. Manual seemed pointless as in Auto mode the changes were made according to driving style, lot of throttle and would hold the revs, light throttle and quick to change up, and quickly reacted to changing needs- couldn't seem to catch it out. Coupled to the auto handbrake was a simple system to use, come to a halt press a button to disengage, then press throttle to disengage.

Engine was a corker, lot of power and seemed quite economical. Ideal for motorway cruising. Cruise control was easy to use, showing set speed on dash and +/- buttons to adjust on wheel.

Lots of cubby holes, and drinks bin with air con, although they were bit small, would have preferred less of them, but bigger.

Panoramic windscreen was a major boon with high Euro traffic lights (side ones were hard to see, so could push visor back and look up if at front of queue. Also great for airy feeling inside, and sliding roof could be brought forward when got too sunny.

Overall thought was a fantastic car, and clearly designed by someone who knew their target audiences needs. Is a car I would love to have, but my wife doubts would be good for us as did have a high step to get in, which would not suit her mum with a bad hip, and travels with us quite regularly.

My 5 year old loved it too, especially sitting in the boot. Read more

Hi there,

I've been having a slight issue with my engine. When I accelerate up a hill, vigorously, or when the engine is under load, there is sometimes a slight hesitation and stuttering of the engine, which feels like a misfire. A warning light comes on, which I have had diagnosed as something involving injectors 2 and 3. The injector wiring loom has been changed, but the problem still persists.

I thought it may be because of sediment in the tank going through a knackered filter, or perhaps a problem with the injectors themselves.

Does anyone have any ideas, or experienced a similar thing?

Cheers. Read more

I've got a 2001 Xsara HDi, managment light is on and it says Anti Pollution fault, it's obvioulsy in limp mode, but it's also emmiting thick smoke ( black ) under attempted acceleration, other than being slower than a snail and a bit foggy behind, it managed it's return journey ( 45 miles ) cooling spot on, sounds ok ( bar on limp mode ), I've not had it read yet, just shoved it in the garage for that tomorrow project, but I was wondering what you thought and could it be the PF ? Read more