When ever I have tested an alternator the output has always read about 14-15v and I remember my dads Lada always used to read 16v (the bulbs were always blowing on it) now either my meter must be well out or cars must run on more than 12v. Why is this? I realise the battery is a 12v DC battery so all the electrics are rated at 12v, so howcome the altnerators always tend to read more? I thought the output was supposed to be heavily regulated unlike the old dynamos.

I am right in thinking things like the ECU have further regulation to ensure it has exactly the correct voltage? I know on a PC if the voltage drops or increases only slighlty it can cause all sorts of problems yet on cars it seems to vary widly. Read more

Hi, this may have been asked before but,

I ave a Tdi focus, its a `W` reg one, and the fuel pump has failed, i have been told that used pump cannot be re programed,BUT the ECU can be re-coded to recognise he second hand pump,,,,is this true?

if so at what cost ?

Thanks Toby Read more

Hi and hello to all, 1st post here and was directed to this site from another forum. Basically i need some advice and opinions please regarding my sons minor RTA.

In October last year, my son was stationary at some traffic lights on a main road. It was quite dark, plenty of street lamps on, visability very clear and my son had his lights on etc. The next thing he knew was when somebody drove into the back of his at speed. My 18 year old son who had just passed his driving test 4 months prior (so you can imagine what premium we paid to have him insured fully comp £££££'s).

My son got out of his car, somewhat dazed to see what had happened and what damage had been caused. My son drives a Ford KA and the back end had been pushed in. The other party who had caused the damage was another young lad, not long passed his test and told my son he was sorry and that he had swerved to avoid another car.

My son rang me and i immediately went to the RTA and i got photos of both my sons car and the other lads car for insurance purposes. The lad couldnt remember his insurance company so i asked him if he lived locally which he did. We went to the young lads house as i wanted to double check that he did have insurance and that he lived where he said he did (last person who ran in the back of me gave false name, adress and had no insurance etc so was playing safe this time).

The lads father came out and pleaded with us not to go through the insurance because it would affect his sons premiums when it came up for re-newel. He asked me if i would take the car to his mates garage to be repaired. I was really put under pressure at that time. I told him i would think about it and let him know our decision the day after.

During the night my son woke up with chronic neck pain and i had to take him to the hospital, x-rays revealed swelling to one of his neck bones and was advised to get the police involved. The police came the following day and took a brief statement from my son and did a pnc check on the other car that came back not at the house he took me too ... surprise, surprise.

Obviously and with the police advise we then had to advise my sons insurance of the RTA who arranged to have my sons car taken to be repaired and a curtosy car dropped off. A week later we got a call saying my sons car was ready and we had his access of £350 to pay to the garage before they would release it back to us. I had to borrow the money.

Today we have had a call from my sons car insurance solicitors to tell us that the other party is claiming NO LIABILITY and that she wants to go through MIB which i know wont do anything cause the other party IS insured. What ever happened to going to court to find out or to tell the other party that no matter what, at the end of the day that lad hit my son up the rear end when my son was stationary at traffic lights ? I made my son ring the solicitor back and ask for copies of the police accident report and the letter confirming non liability from them. The solicitor then told me they have not asked for a police accident report ???

At times like this i can understand some people taking a chance and not getting insurance ? Why pay thousands to get cover only to be not covered ?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and so sorry for such a long post.

Thanks ... Read more

Dear All,

Changed the dipped headlight and sidelight lamps on Saturday morning. Headllight was a bit fiddly due to close proximity of windscreen washer filler pipe. Put car through car wash and noticed a few hours later condensation on inside face of clear head light plastic lense. Could not see how moisture entered headlamp. No damage to headlamp lense and both the head lamp shroud and side light lamp all seamed secure. Tried drying out with hair dryer directing hot air into headlamp via side light lamp hole. Unfortunetly have noticed that condensation has returned.

As any one got a solution to this problem?

Regards

beresfc

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I took my 1996 Fiat Punto to be mot'd it needed 250+ work doing so I had this done and paid for it. When I got in my car I noticed a 8" crack in my windowscreen I immediatly told the garage who admitted it was their fault as it had happened in thier care, and would contact their insurance.
I have waited a week and not heard anything so contacted them today and was told that after speaking to their insurance they will not be replacing the windowsceen and 'it may of had a chip in it and the frost has caused this to happen so they are not at fault.'
I have checked my advisory notice and no chip is mentioned on there, I was wondering where I stand on this matter and who is at fault?
Also the odometer reading is out by +30000 miles????
I would appreciate any help at all on this matter as I cant afford to buy a new windowscreen and really need my car for work.
Many Thanks in advance,
Lucy Read more