September 2008
Hi all,
I wonder if any backroomers can either describe how a modern vehicles common data busses work, or point me to a resource that can explain things?
Might help if I point out that I'm fairly familiar with modern communications data networks? Is it comparable to packet-based systems, using logical addressing for each node, or more like a SCADA-based industrial control system, multiplexed serial? Or more like SDH, with a master clock?
Just curious really as to how this problem has been solved.
TIA-
tt Read more
Driving around in a Vauxhall Astra today (almost new example) reminded me of a bugbear I have with newer vehicles.
Gearbox linkages. Is it just me or are the majority of newer cars just carp in this regard?
I have had a succession of 90s Nissan cars, so perhaps I'm spoilt I don't know, but I am used to gearshifts that are:
a) short throw
b) the gearstick pretty much 'finds' the next gear automatically
c) there is no slowness to the change
d) it doesn't feel like you're pulling at bits of string to change gear
e) the linkage doesn't feel as if it's made of cheap plastic, or clicks away like it's about to self-destruct
f) actually feels as if there is some dampening process going on behind the scenes, without it feeling rubbery
g) you don't get that strange sensation of the system "catching up with itself" once the gear has actually engaged.
I think it's the cable-operated linkages that are to blame. The Astra's shift is the same as any other GM car I've driven -- plasticky, clicky, clunky and notchy. Horrid, in other words.
The Daewoo I have is even worse, but I'll forgive that as it is (a) a cheap car, and (b) an old one. A new Astra shouldn't be like this.
The Fiesta isn't much better -- you can feel the cables in that one, and the odd sensation of metal-to-metal chafing. Hyundais are similar. I haven't driven a newer PSA car, but the older ones had very little spring in them and the gearshift felt floppy and badly weighted.
Renaults (and newer Nissans) are just plain sloppy -- gearstick just flopping around when you're driving. VWs are the reverse -- slow, and clunky, but at least they feel as if they're built to last. Probably aren't but that's the feeling you get.
What is the point in having a car that handles if this basic refinement feature is so lacking in most cars? Read more
The acme of manual boxes was the MK2 Escort - Mrs P had one in the 80s - Clutchless gear changes were easily achievable.
Hi hope someone can help me before I blow my car up! Have a 98 1.9td 306 which I have recently lost the i/r remote key for and am still looking for.
I have been using the spare but tonight have the central locking has stopped working.
Basically the c/l kicks in locks then unlocks. I have such been unable to lock my car tonight and have had to put in garage.
Is this a problem with the central locking mechanism. I have checked all the doors and none are ajare etc.
Other question is how easy is it to get a replacement remote key. Obviously the new key will need to have the same transponder and match the existing key. Its driving me mad now! Read more
I take it its more likely to be the drivers door then. Only reason i question is the rear nearside door lock button doesnt push down as easily as the other ones. The doors seem like they are assisted by some motor if that makes sense.
Many thanks for your responses all
I had a really small accident while parking and apologised and left my car reg, name and address and 24 hours later gave my insurance details - really aggressive guy has driven past my house, talked to my children - tore me off a strip while I have apologised several times!
I am now very stressed and can't sleep
Just thought I say, if you have an accident, try to be polite if the other guy is trying to be - I just made a stupid mistake Read more
Of course, one explanation of the thug's behaviour is that he wasn't insured and the last thing he wants to do is sort things via insurance.
Hi all
problems with car, wipers and indicators packed up so changed the fuse and all ok.
Next day same problem changed the fuse and again all ok.
Checked fuses they had not blown.
So took down to skoda dealers and after changing electrical control, unit still a problem
all seems to work for a while then stops HELP
Dealer now contacting Skoda technical
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I'm having a problem with my 306's electrics so getting quite into this! Most electric problems are down to poor earths. Its worth cleaning your battery earth, the earth from the engine and any body earths. Failing that it may be the relay, easiest way to check them is to swap for a new one.
After 2 fatal accidents where a teenager was killed crossing the road from a school bus there are a few comments localy that school buses should stop ALL traffic when they are taking on or letting of children as in America .
What do the forum members think?
should there be a total ban on passing a school bus ,
would traffic training for children do more good ,
some other safety measures ,please suggest if you have any thoughts. Read more
Not just pedestrians, but a lot of drivers seem to imagine that it will make a difference whose fault it was, after they are dead along with any innocent passers-by and perhaps their car. Similar thinking to the man who imagines he will end up in heaven with a lot of concubines after blowing himself and a lot of innocent citizens up.
I blame the highway code, which people see as a set of beautifully-crafted, unbreakable rules instead of a crude schematic basic beginners' course in how to drive without causing accidents.
Hi
I've been trying to get a bit of help with this but with no joy. I have a 2003 406 Exec 2.2HDi which comes with the factory fitted JBL amp, Sat Nav, CD Changer and Clarion head unit (with tape deck).
Is there any way I can fit any of the quality system I stripped out my old 406 (high end Panasonic MP3/CD head unit, 2 amps and a sub)
If I could keep the sat nav (with cut in voice audio) in the existing factory fit system and just fit the Panasonic head unit I would be happy. Problem is don't know how this would connect to the factory fit JBL amp. Could the pre outs be connected on the Panasonic? I had a look at the back of the Clarion factory fit unit and couldn't see any pre outs on it. Looks like a complicated wiring job.
I believe my car has CANBUS wiring, so looks a little complex.
Thanks for any help.
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You could do worse and check out the following website www.peugeot406coupe.com and check out the ice section. Even though the forum is dedicated to the Coupe, sound systems will be the same
could someone help me my 530d has a fault code le25 reluctoring system showing +car will not start i clear the fault code but it will not start +le code is back leave car for about 1 hour and it will start will go OK all day when i turn of and leave for a bit come back to start up it will not Read more
I have the same problem with my 2000 330d. I have had the crank shaft sensor replaced, and after a complete diagnostic the only other problem detected was number 2 cylinder injector which has also been replaced. The non-starting problem is still happening (strangely when I leave off work on a Friday?). The RAC picked up the E025 error and also another one beginning with A relating to the engine cooling system - I think these are both spurrious errors - any one know what these are?
Or if fifteen went off in a chain reaction in a crowded lift, ejecting a tangled mass of wailing, suffocating oldsters at the thirty-fifth floor...
I've got a very odd electrical problem on my 306. If I turn the ignition on, all the gauges are normal. When I turn the steering wheel, the fuel, temp, rev and speedo needles all move or jump. It can also cause the engine to misfire and cut out. Has anyone any advice on what could be causing it?
Thanks Read more
It does sound like an occasional short caused by the column, but I can't suggest any more than you're doing. It's certainly a doozy if the engine misfires!
Cheers Vern. I'm really just curious as to how all it works, from a networking perspective.
tt