July 2009
Whenever I turn on my headlights the dashboard lights and clock turn off. This seemed to start when I had trouble turning the key in the ignition (which I have now solved using WD40 and a hammer!) Any ideas if this is just a coincidence and how i can solve the problem - preferably without involving costly electrical diagnostics?
Many thanks Read more
I have several times found both the drivers and front passanger windows(electric) have opened either couple of inches or nearly full open.
This appears to only happen after heavy rain and during the night
I think it may be awhile after the rain stops as the inside of the car doesn't appear to be wet.
Has anyone else experinced this problem?
Cheers
NoiseMan Read more
Almost certainly due to water getting into the comfort module ecu.
VAG in their wisdom placed the ecu that handles stuff like interior lights, alarm/immobiliser in the passenger footwell.
There seems to be two ways to get this wet - either the pollen filter cover cracks and water gets in that way or the drain holes around the scuttle (under the battery seems common) block and water ends up coming into the cabin.
If you lift the carpet you will probably find that the soundproofing is soaking wet and the ecu is also wet. Causes all sorts of problems with alarm/immobiliser/central locking/windows/internal lights/etc.
Very well known issue.
I did a sorn for my car as i was selling it and have now lost my job as my company car is going back so i need to use my peugeot, it still has tax on it as i did not send it back so do i need to inform the dvla to un declare the sorn or can i just drive it. I cannot find any information anywhere.
slt Read more
It is probably worth checking the status using the Vehicle Enquiry on the DVLA website. This will say if it is taxed or SORN'd
8V engine overheated until it boiled, I want to get a list of parts because I get one trip to the spares shop but if the engine's in pieces and I need another bit I'm stuck! Symptoms are:
* engine boiled and lost some water, but only through the over pressure vent in the cap as far as I can tell
* plenty of water remained in the system - above max in fact due to expansion
* high pressure remained in the system
* bottom radaitor pipe and radiator itself seemed too cool by touch, indicating no circulation
* no heat from cabin heater, which I believe means it's not a stuck thermostat as the cabin circuit bypasses the thermostat on engines I know
* radiator in good condition
* fan was running including key off but not for that long
I believe the water pump is driven by the cam belt, so the pulley must be turning as the car still drives! Did the impeller detatch from the pump? It seems an unlikely failure.
Which part failed?
If I am replacing water pump, what else needs to come off to fit a new cambelt?
Thanks. Read more
change the thermostat
ive had 2 of these do this now
last one the engine was braying like a donkey and spitting like a chip pan
i thought i had blown the engine up and its not in my interest to do stuff like that
never known a pump lose the impeller but obviously everyone and his dog will oo aa and say they seen it guv on a punti
I have a small trike 50cc 12v with charging by alternator,am I ok to connect a trickle charger 1/2 amp without disconnecting battery to keep it topped up?.
ndbw Read more
When I had the Datatool alarm connected on my ZZR, it would discharge the battery to the point of iffy starting in about 3 weeks if the bike was not used. I bought an Oxford Oximiser charger (silly deal on the last day of the NEC show a few years ago) which prevented this happening, but like Westpig, I became concerned about leaving it on all the time. Eventually I settled on a compromise where I would plug it in for a couple of days every two weeks or so. The amber light would go green overnight, and be bright green the day after. This seemed to work just fine.
I have since disconnected / disabled the alarm system (a PITA from day one, good riddance to the thing) and now the battery can be left a couple of months and still spin the engine over quickly. I haven't needed the charger since.
Just under a year ago, my Mum was looking to replace her car. She had a good idea of what she wanted (features, rather than any specific make/model) but when she went to Motorpoint and saw 4 month old cars with minimal mileages being sold at huge discounts from the list price she was a bit blinded by the prices and bought something that didn't really meet her original requirements. It was the cheapest "nearly new" car they had.
A year down the line, the inconvenience of not having some of the things that she wanted is annoying her and she would like to try again :-)
So - her requirements are 3 doors (she will not be interested in 5 doors. The only passenger she will ever carry is my stepfather, so as they are both about 80 access to the front seats is much more important than access to the back seats). The things that she misses about her current car are electric windows and central locking. The boot doesn't have to be huge as it's only shopping that will be carried in it. Fuel economy should be good but isn't the absolute priority as she will only do about 3K miles per year at most.
What is the cheapest new 3 door hatchback with electric windows and central locking? So far, I think it may be the Chevrolet Matiz. Any other suggestions?
I realise that (eg.) a Hyundai i10 (if available in 3 doors) may be a much better car than whatever is cheapest, but I suspect that price is going to be a major factor in the decision (again!).
I look forward to the backroomers thoughts....
Read more
Around £7k would by a '57' plate Fiat Bravo. Two doors good access central locking.
electric front window air con. Less privately.
A two door Bravo? Are you sure? They're only 5-door, surely? Do you mean Punto?
Is anyone out there a member of the FFOC, I haven't been able to log in for nearly 3 weeks as it says my username/nickname is incorrect.
If any members could help that would be great.
Thanks Read more
I've just logged in without a problem. Maybe you need to contact the admin.
Ive just put a Fiesta back on the road after three months sitting on a neighbour's driveway.
She started fine, the charging light going out after about 5 seconds.
It has had a new alternator fitted by the previous owner as he said the battery wasn't holding a charge.
Today the battery went completely flat while my daughter was driving it.
The RAC man said the battery was showing 7.1v and, in his opinion the charge light wasn't working at all.
I was wondering if these cars have some sort of regulator like the older Fords I use to play with in my youth. These things would go wrong for a pastime.
As the alternator is recent I don't suspect it (although I don't rule it out).
Any ideas where to start looking? Read more
It makes sense-particularly if doing a lot of short journeys-not to do a straight exchange but to fit an alternator with a higher output.
Hi all.
My engine warning is on...steady light no flashing. Don't understand it, as car is running perfectly, all electrics working just fine. Should I get it checked, or is there a way I can reset it and switch it off?
Has anyone else had a similar fault?
Thanks
Willow Read more
Link below provides info about Lambda Sensor / Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor (EGO) :
tinyurl.com/ltegu9
We've just paid a deposit for a flydrive holiday in western USA next year; it will be our first time and we've decided to take the easy option of going for one of Virgin's packages, with one or 2 minor alterations.
As there's only 3 of us (2 adults + 12 year old) we've just gone for an 'economy' grade car which the brochure says is a Chevrolet Aveo or similar. I appreciate this is going to be fairly basic, but I like the idea of keeping (petrol) costs down.
Having said that, the cost of upgrading to a Pontiac G6 (or similar) is only £66, and that looks quite a bit more substantial (and attractive) and better for touring around in. Don't know what the difference in mpg would be though.
I'm tempted to upgrade, and take a chance on the fuel bills - is that wise?
Cheers
F Read more
If the Chevy Aveo is like the ones I have seen overseas, then it is a small three box saloon with an old, under powered and uneconomical engine, especially mated to a slush box.
The upgrade will get you much more comfort with little effect on economy and may improve it. For £66 its a no brainer.
Browse
Don't you work at my local garage? ;-)