April 2009
My drivers door appears to be double locked shut.
I can undo the passenger door and boot with both my keys but not the drivers door. Remote locking /unlocking does not work at all.
I guess somehow the door card needs to be removed (with the door still shut)to gain access.
Any hints /suggestions before the garage gets to work on it ?
I am obviously not happy from a safety point of view let alone climbing over the centre console.
{Henry, changed '19' to '1998' following a forum search of a previous question to obtain correct year - I presume this is correct?} Read more
Does anyone know when this will actually see the light of day or more importantly when will it appear in UK showrooms? A trawl of the internet does not really help. Also, where will this sit in the Alfa range, is there a model due that will fit between this and the MiTo?
It seems the 147 replacement may not be called the 149 but have a name in the same vein as the MiTo. Read more
The engine line up has been announced...
Petrol
1.4TBi Multiair (135 and 165BHP)
1.8TBi (235BHP)
Diesel
1.6MJ (120BHP)
2.0MJ (170BHP)
2.0MJ Twin turbo (220BHP)
The 2.0MJ twin turbo sounds a very interesting proposition.
Interestingly the article claims production will start late 2009 and it will debut at Geneva early next year.
Looking to source a new set of front pads and discs for our Galaxy. I seem to have a choice of Ford/Motorcraft, Mintex or EBC.
I've heard of EBC but never used them before. Are they a good brand?
Comments please.
Thanks. Read more
You get less brake fade with Green pads & we have had issues with noise on the black stuff, which is why we switched to TMD (Mintex).
SQ
Ive never peeled one off the mot sheet since it went modern and ive very rarely seen one stuck in a windscreen.
Im talking the new type not the old ones you wrote on with a ballpoint pen for it to fade in a month.
Do you remove the sticker from your mot certificate?
3 year old and less car owners need not apply Read more
I have the opposite problem - My MoT sticker fades and peels up at the edges after a few months! By about 8 months it's all but gone.
I do clean the inside of my windscreen every couple of weeks though.
The Fans on my 530 have just started working Intermittently, The A/C is still Icy cold and the heater is still working however sometimes the fans seem to slow right down or stop, even when it shows them on FULL on the A/C unit in the dash. Then all of a sudden they will then spark in to life and work fine.. then stop again??
I have changed the settings IE Auto/Re-Circ etc etc but this makes no diffrence.
Any ideas.... ??
Thanks! Read more
I wonder if most of those with "serious or repeated traffic offences" have licences in the first place! Certainly if the local rag is anything to go by they've had their license revoked and still continue to drive (and reoffend)...
10 years or so back when these were new on the road, I really liked them
Now I am looking for cheap reliable second hand car to teach my 17 year old to drive in.
most kids these days head straight for Corsas/205s/206s/fiestas etc, but me being me (and she is just like me) like to be different to the crowd
also, been looking on EBAY recently and surprised at the higher than expected cost of Polos/Puntos etc.
then found this.....
tinyurl.com/c5qcy3
Question is really, am I mad thinking about putting a teenager in a 1.8 cc car with 115bhp? to be honest, if they is going to mis behave at the wheel she can do as much damage in a 1.1 corsa as far as I am concerned.
Guy Read more
My experience with a Mazda 323f (mine was a 1.5). Bought new and kept for 11 trouble free years, my wife and I loved it, but my son didn't seem to take to it as he was learning on a School of Motoring small diesel and found the 323f a tad too easy to stall and lacking in the modern touches - plus I think the indicators were on the other side - no point in learning professionally with indicator stalk on one side and then going out with dad and them being on the other side.
Unfortunately damaged beyond repair last year, not long after having the underside rustproofing revived with waxoyl - it looked lovely, no rust, no oil consumption and a great starter and runner. "Damage consistant with a low speed impact" as the policeman said. The body deformed and the Passenger door - my son was in the passenger seat - would not open, the airbag(s?) didn't deploy, but no injuries to us, so a good strong car. However, something with a better NCAP star rating might be best for a young person to keep them safe in a higher speed impact - safety has improved so much since these lovely 323s were made......
I keep seeing really nice examples on the road, but wonder if those coming up for sale are the best examples - most of those coming up on ebay these days seem to be for breaking due to a major fault or minor damage that is not worth repairing on what is after all getting to be an old car now.
Haven't seen it mentioned on this site yet to here goes.......
W.e.f. yesterday tow bars will be subject to inspection in the annual MOT.
www.tinyurl.com/d5y7yw
You will be aware that it was proposed that prat plates would be no no'd at a MOT but this was dropped. Possible that this is now back in force (not sure haven't seen the reg)
www.tinyirl.com/c5tarbo
dvd
Please note my post further down regarding the use of the term prat plates. I've changed the headings to reduce offence. smokie, Moderator Read more
Like HB I have a cherished plate. It's three letters/two numbers and while it meant something when it was issued to SWMBO's mother in 1951 it's pretty meaningless now. No problem at all with it (or my other ordinary number) being part of the MoT.
I'm sure the OP's reference to "prat plates" meant the ever more common doctored variety. If I'm hit and runned on the bike I'd much rather witnesses could read the number as it is then try and make sense of TO55 ERS without the spacing!!!
strange happenings (electrical) first my driving lights went, then then the heater blower and the heated rear window, now some of the lights behind the speedo are playing silly bu...rs, all the fuses under the passenger floor and in the engine compartment have been checked and are ok....does anyone know of fuses or relays anywhere else for me to check before I rip the dash apart...I would be so gratefull, thanX. Read more
I am planning on replacing the centre section on my exhaust system and want to know if I have to use exhaust paste. Both the joints are connected using bolts and not the slip on method. Many Thanks Read more
As Lud says, a little paste will help seal a gasket. I also apply some on the "ball and socket" type joints. First though, you have to undo the bolts. I would wire brush any exposed thread you can see, and treat the bolts with duck oil or similar releasing fluid. Soak overnight, and use good fitting sockets, or you may end up spoiling one of the sections you want to re-use.
Browse
thanks for the update glad you got it sorted