October 2008
Dipped beam stopped working. Was working when parked up, but they would not come on when started up again after being stood for about an hour.
All other lights and electrical equipment working ok.
Fuses checked in fuse box on r/h side of dashboard, all ok.
Are there any other fuses anywhere else? ... or relays I can check?
Thank you
Trev Read more
Over a year ago I speculated that Ford may use a single turbo variable vane version of the twin turbo 2.2 engine fitted to the 407 etc though with the same power and torque figures as the twin turbo. This because the spec for this engine was quoted in the Ford / PSA tech spec published for the engine family along side the 175 bhp twin turbo and 150bhp single turbo version used in the Freelander.
It seems that this 175 bhp single variable vane turbo 2.2 is the engine used in the new Mondeo, has anyone driven both versions, the twin turbo in the 407 etc and the single turbo in the Mondeo?
With regard to the latter HJ says "Single turbo 2.2 litre 175PS diesel is outstandingly flexible. Will pull cleanly from 1,000rpm in 3rd uphill."
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Why did Ford >>
I think it was partly to do with the adoption of a different approach to particulates, that being said I am not sure what system the 2.2 Mondeo / S-Max etc employs, will look into it.
Further to my previous post in August - see www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=4&t=65...5 - it's happened again. After the August post, it had a new CPS despite no fults showing, and the garage could find nothing wrong as it was running OK when it went to them.
The most recent breakdown earlier this week had slightly different symptoms, in that it started to lose power necessitating changing down to keep her going before finally cutting out. Once again, after recovery, it ran perfectly from cold and when warm. It's a perfectly good car, but if it won't run reliably it will have to go. I'm probably going to try a diagnostic at a Renault dealer, but if that doesn't fix it.....
I'm also wondering whether the increasing frequency of failure is a clue. It doesn't seem to matter whether it's cold, warm or hot.
Any new ideas?
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Just an update in case it helps anyone else. Having discovered that the Megane, which is 1996 N-reg does indeed have a coil, I fitted a new one....eventually.
I bought a new one in GSF. When I went to fit it, I discovered that the fittings were different to those on the old one - the new one had plain brass LT posts, the old one had nuts attaching them to spade connectors on the ignition discharge module - this is the plate/box attached to the bulkhead that holds the coil. Thus it wouldn't fit. GSF didn't list another part number. Renault only sell a complete discharge unit/coil. I eventually bought a discharge unit from ebay from someone who was breaking a Megane - also a 1996 N-reg - which had the appropriate fitting for the new coil. On closer examination, the two discharge units had identical Renault part numbers which is very naughty as they aren't interchangeable - although as Renault themselves only sell the complete discharge unit/coil I guess it's academic - until you need a new coil!!
The insulation in the body of the old coil had started to go clear around the top, by the terminals. Whether this is any indication of failure I don't know, but the new one was solid black. Touch wood, the car has been fine since I fitted it, and idles far more evenly so I'm hopeful that it's sorted.
Well, the time has come to replace my Punto. 2001 (first reg. 2005), 42k and full Fiat service history; I'm looking to get about £1300 part exchange.
Option 1: Put the money from the p/ex plus the same again into a deposit for an i-10 (with monthly payments of about £70 for 3 years). The thing that I like is, of course, the 5 year warranty and £35 tax and low insurance. So, overall spend of around £3500. But then car isn't ever really mine... It's really the only new car option that I can reasonably afford.
Option 2: Stick said £3500 into a used car. Now, I know it's the other end of the spectrum - I've always fancied a '3'. Seen a few 320 and 330ds with relatively high (ca. 75k+) mileages for not much more, from dealers and with a service history. Would I be letting my heart rule my head (and potentially be out of pocket with servicing or potential problems? Higher insurance, true, but then the car is mine. I've read H.J's car-by-car for both.
Suggestions/critiques welcome.
Thanks!
AA Read more
3 services deal and pays
monthly (total paid for 2 and half years will be around £500.)
Am i reading that right...2 and a half years servicing for £500, i've heard Hyundai servcing can be a little pricey but that seems ludicrous.
On holiday in Canada last summer, our Dodge Avenger had a fantastic satellite radio which could pick up over 100 stations - everything from classical music to rock to comedy ? and all without advertising.
Is there any reason why we can't have a similar system in the UK? Are there plans to introduce satellite radio here?
I tried a Dab converter in my car but it was absolute rubbish. I think there is a small subscription for satellite, but I'd be happy to pay a few pounds a month for such a great service.
I suppose some of the content would upset a lot of people here. If you think Russell Brand is rude, try listening to Howard Stern! Read more
I still prefer a couple of seconds of bubbling mud every hour ( which is what I get with a piece of bell wire hanging out the back of my Pure dmx-50, never mind a proper aerial) to the constant background hiss of a less than perfect FM signal. I'm no 'golden ear' audiophile but I can tell the quality difference between Planet Rock at 128K bitrate and Classic FM at 160K; but I'd still rather have the wider choice of stations that current MP2 coded DAB allows.
Of course if we were to start again from scratch things would be different, but they aren't; this ""failure"" has an installed base of over 6 million!
>>No, that's because they don't pay for it. They have spent the equivalent of that in commercial time pushing bubbling mud.
So it's a number someone's made up to suit their agenda then....
To keep vaguely motoring related I reckon it's the lack of cheap in car DAB availability that has held DAB back, and I can't see that changing.
Hi , Hope you can help me out here , going round in circles at the minute and spent roughly £200 pounds so far, and no problem solved yet. i have a few codes here that came up on the computer. The problem is after ten minutes of driving i get a restriction on the amount of revs on the gas.
p0402- Exhaust-gas re-circulation Amount out of range
p1198- Fuel pressure regulation faulty .Has been changed.
p1113- Rail pressure sensor signal improbable Has been changed. Read more
I'd suggest that you take it to someone with far better equipment, technical data and, at least, a rudimentary understanding of how an HDi works.
Codes have nothing to do with replacing parts; they merely add information to the diagnostic process.
You appear to have a fuel pressure problem that's causing both the limp-home mode and the stalling. There can be many reasons for that and "poke-and-hope" parts replacement guesswork isn't going to find them.
The fuel feed to the pump; the state of the fuel filter; [any dodgy fuel been used?] the HP pump itself and the injector leak-off rate all need testing before even the outline of the problem can be established.
The EGR flow issue can be investigated once the major problem has been solved.
I was once told by someone who should know what they are talking about that the 20mph zones that are springing up are unenforcable, as the lowest speed limit in the UK is 30.
The argument was that there is no law on the books to say that doing less than 30 was illegal.
It may be a load of rubbish, but does anyone know the truth, and has anyone been prosecuted for doing less than 30. Read more
what does me are the local authorities who put speed limit signs up at illogical numbers, one was at 23 mph or whatever - because it represented a round number in kilometers p/h. Head of transport must have been a europhile bully!
Hi all.
I'm asking for advice on tyres for my 04 plate Forester. I have been told that all four tyres need to be replaced and that the price is going to be about £80-120 per tyre!! I have a brand new Michelin spare which can be used, meaning that I will have to only buy 3.
Alternatively, there is a brand 'Phate/Phates' that are roughly £40-50 per tyre. I just don't want to buy tyres that are going to squeal and give a poor ride, equally I don't do too many miles but sometimes there is a need for that extra bit of ground clearence and traction.
I'm not a stranger to vehicles and going 'under the bonnet' but my last 2 cars have been V Corsa's. The most recent bought 2/H in 04 (circa 17,000 miles) and traded this July with 32,000 miles.
Due to this lack of mileage you can see why I would like to know if it's totally necessary to pay £300-£350 for tyres, and yes, I did know about maintenance and upkeep before I bought it :o)
Many thanks
Henry. Read more
Thank you!!
Hi all,
Situation is as follows.
Existing policy with 5 years NCB commenced on 1/12/07.
Ive bought a new car which I'm taking delivery on 1/11/08.
I've contacted the old insurance company to cancel the policy as I'm starting a new policy with a different insurance company. In the last 11 months since the start of the policy I haven't had a claim.
I'm still entitled to take my 5 years NCB to the new policy right ? and will the old insurance company send me proof of the NCB i currently have ?
Many thanks
Richard Read more
Exactly Jonathon,
I wasnt going to fork out the extra money when it wast going to make any difference....
Noticed that only half my HFS was working. Spoke to Ford for advice. Took off wipers and windscreen trim at base of screen. Saw the problem. The ribbon like electric connection was broken. Cannot be replaced as one end is bonded to the screen. Can anyone advise with a heath robinson way of connecting the two pieces of ribbon safely and able to make it work again. Otherwise it will have to be a £75 insurance job. Read more
Hey Ben10, did you ever have any luck with this? I have the exact same problem, also an ex-hire car. Though they claim the windscreen is now causing an unspecified electrical fault (this is the third supposed 'cause', I think they're having me on!).
Astret.
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Good call Andy, both bulbs were blown. Didn?t think that was the problem, was thinking connection problem or fuses/relay, with them both going at the same time. They are so hard to reach and take out to check.
Hardest part is changing the things!! After an hour fruitlessly trying to get the bulbs out the normal way, and just before I torched the thing, I googled ?changing KA Bulbs? ? found a ford forum with instructions on how to change them.
Its wheel off, inner wheel arch/protector off (easier than it sounds, 5 self tappers, seated in nylon bushes so they come out easy) this gives access to the rear of the headlight and all the bulbs.
10 minutes a side and job done !
Thanks Andy I owe you a pint !
Trev
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