October 2008
Hi
I have a 1998 Renault Megane 1.4 with an unusual overheating problem. It boiled over recently during 1st and 2nd gear work on the Hardknott Pass in the Lake District. It's just been to the garage as the electric fan wasn't kicking in, and had a new radiator thermocouple switch, thermostat and refilled with antifreeze and the system bled. The problem now is that from cold or when the engine has been allowed to cool down for 40 minutes or more on running it the temperature goes well into the danger zone and coolant boils over from the expansion tank. Immedately that happens the temp drops to usual running temp and runs as normal with no overheating, but if I let the engine cool down and top up again the problem occurs again. The elctric fan is working and keeps cutting in to allow it to run at normal temperature. Sometimes just before it boils over through the expansion tank I hear a whining type noise. It's not the fan operating but could it be a faulty water pump? Initially I thought the head gasket might be blown but the car runs as normal (not misfiring) and there is no water in the oil or on the underside of the filler cap. Like I say, the problem seems to be from a cold engine and once it's boiled over the temperature stabilises and the heater is normally warm although I wouldn't say it's hot.
It's been back to the garage a couple of times and they are unable to
determine what's happening.
Any suggestions please?
Phil
Read more
Had a collision while negotiating a roundabout. A truck in the lane to my left cut across into my lane. Absolutely no doubt who is to blame, though he would not admit it. My insurer says all collisions on roundabouts are disputes. Why so? I am sure nearly every collision is a dispute, nobody does the right thing any more. But what a weak kneed attitude. Luckily I have legal assistance and they will take the case to recover uninsured losses. As for the insurers they couldn't seem to care less what happens or who is at fault. Read more
>I will set their own legal assistance team onto them.<
That doesn't look like the most logical way to the best result? Some conflict of interest?
When my mechanic was reversing out the garage I noticed the reverse light was not working, I didn't say anything to him as I thought it was just the bulb. I have since tested the bulb and checked the voltage on the light cluster PCB and there is no voltage.
I am assuming it is the reverse lamp switch in the gearbox, I have looked at what I think it is, but there is a wire coming out of it and is bolted straight onto the earth so I can't see it that.
Where is the switch located on a MK4 Fiesta? Is there a quick way of testing it? Read more
Hi,
What number in the fusebox for the reverse light and brake lights? mk4 1.8D 1996 Fiesta. Cheers.
hi, is there a set amount of time the police have to prosecute you for a speeding offence? my step dad was caught speeding, has subsequently returned the nip yet nearly 6 months later nothing else has been heard. i fully expected a court appearance and 6 points for the offence (76 in a 50 in a variable speed limit) but he hasn't heard anything since returning the paperwork.
cheers
chris Read more
What 100 rule. ?? In Scotland they have to prosecute you 'in court' within the 6 months rule unlike England and Wales where they just have to lay papers/information within 6 months. Regards Peter
Intermittently my door open light stays on. This corresponds to the same time when the rear passenger indicator does not work and when locking the car the central locking lights dont flash.
Any ideas where the fault is? Read more
Reading a post in Tech, reminded me of how hard it was to get this stuff last winter, I ended up with some truly dreadful environmentally friendly stuff from a Supermarket (last bottle on the shelf there) - may be a good idea to stock up this year ! Read more
Who're you lookin' at ? Eh ? Wassamatter.....
Hic.....
;-)
Writing as a `virtual friend` (am I?, I thought I was..) I`m surprised that given I`m running one of the most exclusive motors in the UK, that no one has given me a wave, a flash of the light, honk or even virtual Mars Bar.
Yep, in 3 years only seen 5 others like my noble and exclusive chariot.
Anyway, in the language of youth. Have you ever `clocked` a `virtual friend` from the Forum in what may be our common reality? (formal previous meetings excluded)
You would think there would be little coffee sessions at motorway service areas, perhaps with a smear of grease, Toyota badge, or snigger, or snort, or Mars Bar, concealed in a secret handshake as a way of revealing membership.
Humph was almost in my backyard a few weeks ago..
Regards ;)
Read more
i dont think many people could miss me but rather then waves and flashing it will a beating from people still on the mitsuibushi waiting list i'd be getting :-)
Ever since I upped my screen fluid to about 25% strength, the front and rear washers have both been very reluctant to start flowing. It is as if they have frozen except that they haven't, at this time of year in the Midlands! I once had a problem with screen wash fluid going 'off' and making a vile smell. Can it also thicken, for any reason, to the point where it will not flow? In fact, if I keep the washers selected the flow does start and then it is perfectly normal, until the next day!
kl Read more
Whenever I was suffering from acute financial embarrassment I used to supplement my screenwash with a mixture of meths, water and just two drops of washing up liquid. This was quite effective but eventually produced an obscene looking and tranluscent t*rd in the container that would have blocked a toilet. It was wierd! I do not any longer advocate mixing anything in the washer bottle.
Has anybody suffered the failure of the tailgate struts and if so have they been replaced under warranty?
My car is now just over 4 years old (75000 miles) and it would seem that the bill to replace the two tailgate struts is approximately £450.
The classic symptom for this failure is that when you open the tailgate electrically it will not hold in place and closes again. If you open the boot by hand although some times it will stay up, on occasions it will drop down and close. This only occurs in cold weather at present????
Another thing showing sign of wear is the steering ? there seem to be some sort of take up in the steering column that can be felt on the steering wheel as the revs pick up from idle when pulling away.
Read more
Hi Ibiza,
I have exactly the same problem with some take up in the steering column on my 05 2.2 diesel. I asked the garage to look at it during the 75k service, and although the service manager could feel what I meant, they didn't find anything wrong.
Theory is that it's engine mounts - it's far more noticeable when the engine bay is warm, perhaps them softening up?
Hi having some issues with central locking on a 1998 Mondeo h/back...this is the problem...
remote central operates drivers door only
key in lock operate drivers door and rear drivers door
manual operating of handle inside car opens/locks all doors
any ideas?
also does this car have an alarm?
Read more
Hi, I'm new to this site, but own a 99 Mondeo and have had a similar problem myself. The best way of resolving issues with Mondeo Central Locking is firstly to determine wether it's the remote or the Central Locking unit. Basically check the battery in the remote and replace if necessary. If the remote battery is good and the system partly works then the cure that I use is to simply disconnect the battery and leave it for 30 seconds or so and then reconnect it. If you have a KEYCODE radio, then this will lose it's code, so ensure you have the correct code. If you dont have the code then the best way is to disconnect the Central Locking control unit which is located behind the drivers side lower dash liner. It has 2 multi-way plugs which can be a little difficult to remove until you locate the release catch moulded into the plug. Disconnect it and leave it for 30 seconds (which allows the circuit power to discharge) reconnect and all will be restored to factory settings. The factory settings are as follows; Press lock button once to single lock the doors, press again to double lock and turn on the alarm/immobiliser. Press unlock once to unlock the drivers door only & turn off the immobiliser, press again to unlock the remaining doors. There is a way to make the unit unlock all the doors with a single press, but I have never been able to make this work.
Hope this helps all who suffer from this problem.
Browse
The thermostat is late in opening - either faulty, in the wrong way round, or it's sitting in an gas pocket from a leaking head gasket.