Hi,

My cousin owns a 2002 52 Focus 1.6, with about 60K on the clock. During a recent visit, she told me that the oil light had occasionally started coming on, often after the brake was applied (flashing on, then off... not staying on).

A few enquiries revealed no recent service (ie over 12 months) or oil check (I had to show her the hidden release behind the Ford badge!). I know the importance of annual oil changes and fortnightly checks, and that the oil light isn't a low oil warning light etc, so I don't intend this post to generate polite "told you so"-esque responses.

A few dipstick checks (cold engine) revealed no reading on the dipstick (and still no reading after a short journey). Compared with my Daihatsu, the upper and lower levels on the dipstick are very close. I can only assume that the oil level was very low, but there was clearly oil in it!

A quick trip to Halfords later, and I put in 2 litres (sump capacity circa 6). After an hour, there was still no reading on the dipstick... and no the dipstick has not snapped.

Again, my assumption is that there is simply not enough oil in there to register on the dipstick, and that, because of the dipstick markings being so close, the sump needs to be at least half full before it shows on the dipstick.

Is my assumption correct? I was wary about over-filling it, especially if the dipstick was in fact playing silly beggars, having done this to a friend's Ka in the past with rather smelly and smoky consequences.

Of course I explained about the urgent need for a service and oil change... but (as with many people) they only lift the bonnet when things go wrong.

Any advice appreciated. The car is otherwise running fine. Read more

Our CRV has been great for five years, but is starting to have some niggly problems.

Unfortunately our toddler posted about 10 coins into the CD slot and rendered it useless. We had a new radio (non factory) fitted but since then the Alarm has been playing up at regular intervals includng today where we simply cannot lock/alarm the car.

Is there a way to disable the alarm? I have looked at the fuse box diagrams, but there isn't one marked Alarm that I can see.

Help much appreciated.


slight tweak to your subject line - I thought it was a doggy problem
Read more

SWMBO's astra has developed a ticking noise, plainly audible from inside the car at low speed under load, just audible at motorway speed.

Her tame mechanic says its the tappets and all he'd do would be change the oil and filter, so i've done that anyway and there is no difference.

Any other suggestions as to the cause and solution, or is it time to swap it in ? Read more

I wanted a new key for my car so I picked up a fob and a key blank off eBay.

I've managed to program the remote fob using the instructions in the handbook, and this works fine. I've had the key cut at a local place and this unlocks the doors fine, but I'm struggling to program the transponder to the car so I can actually start the car!

I have two working keys and have tried the method that used to work with older Ford's, i.e. put key 1 in and turn to position 2, put key 2 in and turn to position 2, then put the new key in and turn to position 2, but this doesn't seem to be working.

Can anyone confirm whether this should work?
Is there another way of programming the transponder?
Or will I need to go to a dealer? Read more

The engine is the 1.8 Endura diesel. I'm only getting 44 MPG running around local in a rural area and 47MPG on long journeys doing around 60 - 70 MPH. I have only just bought the car and on the assumption I would get about 50MPG, so I'm a bit disappointed. Is this normal for Fiesta diesels or could any adjustments be made by a garage to make it more fuel efficient. Read more