January 2009
After a recent flat battery incident (by me being a dolt and leaving an interior light on), the auto part of the electric windows has stopped working. The windows themselves still work fine, but the second stage of the switch that would normally take the window right down or up no longer does anything.
Is this an ECU reset by a dealer or something I can quickly sort myself ? Read more
Hi I would just like to add some info on the guy who has the same problem as I do, NOVEMBERS FORUM, my total milage from new is 36000, car runs as new, EXCEPT if I am stopped at the lights or a traffic jam, the engine gives symptoms as if its running out of petrol after about 20 seconds, the engine warning light comes on, and stays on, and the engine then runs on about 2 cylinders! IF I SWITH OFF AT ONCE AND RESTART, the engine is back to its normal self, PERFECT, until the next set of lights, then the same thing starts again.
I took the car to my local M/Benz main agents, who said its a common fault on this type of Mercedes multi valve engines, in the past we have changed the head, valves and springs, "as the engine valves gum up! total cost about £2500!! but Mercedes Benz now do whats called an "engine burn" where the engines computer is programmed to heat the valves "red hot" and burn off the gum, so I booked it in for this engine burn today, cost me £103, the engine now runs like a road rocket, masses of power, but after a short road test, THE PROBLEM IS BACK AGAIN! I telephoned the garage, who said "thats the cheapest thing we can do, rebook the car in and we will now look for another fault" They have inspected the plugs, injector jets, fuel pump, filters etc, any ideas please? Thanks
slt Read more
Also had this problem with my Mercedes c class 200 k 2001.when I drove it .it had lack of power and a misfire when u pulled up at traffic lights. After time the light came up on dash . Got friend round with his computer and he said it was tell him that there was a misfire on two cylinders. Then tried looking for air leaks in any pipes and could not find any.I then changed air mass sensor and did not make a difference also check sensor throttle pedal that was ok. Then I checked throttle body to find that was working but not the way I should . I purchased a new and fitted it yesterday and I have got all power back and the misfire seem to be gone. Have driven the car for 50 miles and still been fine. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that's what the probl was. On the tests it said that there was a weak fuel mix on two cylinders so I don't know if that could damage engine if you keep driving it? Hope this is a help or may mine a different problem to yours
Hi, can anyone help with a personal recommendation. I'm looking at the W124 estates and need an economical runner (not bothered about performance) - what's the best engine choice? It would appear that the diesel estates seem limited to the 300 (I think some 250 diesels were built but these seem to be extremely rare) which seems a bit chunky for what I'm after. How good (reliable) are the petrol versions - I've seen a few 200TE's and 230TE's available at reasonable prices? Will these engines rack up a high mileage with few problems? Thanks for any advice. Read more
A friend bought a classic Mercedes W124 several years ago. The car had a 2.3 litre four cylinder petrol engine which looked quite basic. It had a mechanical distributor and a single downdraught carburettor (single barrel I seem to remember) Anyhow I was sweet-talked into fitting a tow-bar and the plan was to tow a small two-berth caravan to Dorset Steam Fair.
Now in the past I'd run a Vauxhall Victor 2300 and I expected the Mercedes to run equally well if not better than the General Motors product. Sadly this was not the case and after just one trip the Merc was retired from towing. Possibly the engine needed five-star fuel as I suspect that it was pinking (Pinging in the US) Of course there were no knock sensors or electronic gizmos to retard the timing. Possibly the engine needed a decoke. Anyway a little 1.6 litre diesel van (non turbo) turned out to be far superior at towing than the Mercedes was and much more economical. This was extremely puzzling because years ago I had a two litre Triumph GT6 that would pull like a train. With the benefit of hindsight I now suspect that the Mercedes had defective carbon string high tension leads. I ran a Rover 820i that developed this fault and at light loads there was enough voltage to jump the internal breaks in the HT leads AND fire the plugs. At large throttle openings the plugs wouldn't fire. It was an absolute disaster that involved limping home in the low gears. Once new HT leads were obtained the car went like a bat out of hell and I was never brave enough to find out its top speed....
I have an intemittent starting problem with my Galaxy. The key turns, the lights come on the guage, but nothing else happens. No click or noise from the starter, completely dead! Wiggle key and turn several times, remove key and replace and eventually it starts. I had the ignition barrel replaced 7 months ago and had no further problems until now. I have had several starting problems this week. Have put it into an auto electrician who cleaned up the conection to the starter motor, but his had no effect. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Any thoughts is it worth putting it into the main dealer? Not convinced that any one will be able to deal with an intermittent problem unless it is giving the problem when they look at the vehicle. Read more
Hi,
I have just inherited a 2002 2.3 galaxy ghia auto from my grandad, it only has 55k on clock and is cutting out randomly and rac also told me an electrical fault, did anyone find a fix for this?
Thanks,
John
Going to a concert on the 12th Feb and wondered what parking was like there?
The dome's website offers reserved ticketless parking by credit card for £17 odd plus a booking fee although their website seems to crash each time I've tried booking.
I just wondered what alternative parking there is nearby.
thanks Read more
If this is a plug, strictly we shouldn't allow it, but as it's generally useful information let it stand.
Can anyone help me with the headlight height adjustment on my Vectra.
I feel the dipped beam is a too low, even when set to "0" on the dashboard adjust.
I notice there are two, yellow hex adjusters on each of the light housings.
Not sure what adjuster does what and in what direction to turn. Read more
I finally got around to adjusting mine today. I found that the inner screws were the up/down adjusters on my headlights (2006 Vectra), not the outer.
GF's youngest daughter has a '97 KA with blingy wheels...tyre size 195 x 45 x R15 (78V). There is no manual which would give me the correct pressures for these tyres. Can anyone provide this info please...thankyou. Read more
26 psi all way round, you won't go far wrong with that.
We are looking for a suitable car for our 17 year old to learn in. He's 18 in April and we thought it would be a good idea to get him a basic CHEAP but safe motor for about 2 grand. Group 1 insurance, low tax all the rest of it. All our family had Fiats when we were growing up as my dad sold them and I have a soft spot for them, as far as we can make out he is not bothered as long as it's warm and dry. Probably not to bothered about the French ones but the kids do seem to like them and I feel that if he doesn't have somthing similar there will be less "competition"; in fact what is the least cool car we could get him, a Micra?
Thanks guys its been a long time since I was on the forum but I know you will come up with the goods
Daedalus Read more
another old thread revived by a newbie backroomer.
I currently have a Citroen C5 HDI 2.0 8v 2003 model. Im thinking of replacing it at some point with a new Skoda Superb.
Im particularly attracted to the 1.9 PD Diesel engine but its a bit of an unknown for me.
Im sure there are plenty around and would welcome some advice as I intend to keep it a long time (possbly 10 years)........
Are they reliable?
Are there any known weak points?
What mpg can I expect?
How many miles can I expect to get out of one if I change the oil regularly?
Are they a decent drive or as rough as some of the magazines suggest?
Would I be better off spending the extra money and opting for the 140 BHP engine?
Or must I spend even more money and go for the common rail engine?
Cheers
Read more
My Superb II Pd 105 is equipped with 205/55/R16 94XL (extra load) tyres which are less compliant than the 91 sidewalls fitted to my similiarly engined Octy II.
I agree, the Superb II ride quality is comparable with a Octy II, Laguna, Passat etc. The C5 I test drove was comy, but uninvolving. In comparision the current Mondeo ride quality is breathtaking; absorbing broken edges with seeming ease.
If you opted for a Superb II with 16 inch wheels and 91 sidewall tyres the ride should be better than an Octavia. As it stands, my Superb II drives exactly like my Octy II, the extra weight being well disguised.
I have a Volvo XC90 D5 SE Geartronic which I bought new in June 2004 and which has covered 35,000 miles. I read the recent auction report on this site that stated that an XC90 price reflected the common problems and expense with injector failure. A look at the car by car whats bad section revealed that the cam belt and tensioner are also prone to failure and should be replaced at 60,000 miles or 4 years. Can anyone shed any more light on this subject? As this engine is widely used in the Volvo range, does this problem occur in V70s, S80s etc. Also what is the cost to get it done, and does the official serving schedule call it up at any point. Finally, is failure catastrophic to the engine, and what would a replacement cost? Any thoughts gratefully recieved. Read more
I have an S80SE on a 53 plate it has now done 214,347 miles it is the best car I have ever owned it's about to get a bottom body re-spray this week, it is as good as new and still has loads of original parts two many to mention! I have never missed a service and its never let me down the only worn part is the steering wheel which is now smooth! I use it as a work horse doing executive hire and hope it will keep going for many more years. I have had it from new so know all the history
Browse
i have an 05 1.6 petrol mazda 3 5door and the drivers door one shot dosnt work but the front pass side works ok i have tried what has been sugested and drivers side still dosnt want to work on the auto open or close.
tonynw