November 2009
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Last night during violent hailstorm alarm sounded briefly; thought it was something down the street. Went to car this morning anf ALL windows fully down and car interior soaked. No error message on display. No sign of forced entry. Car going in on Monday. Any ideas about problem. Had alarm problem 6 months ago. Dealer removed error message. Read more
Ford dealer said no fault codes, couldn't find any faults. Claimed we had probably activated the auto open when turning off alarm. This was not possible as remote was downstairs and we were in bed. Alarm turned off on without any action my us.
Where do we go from here? There is obviously evidence off this happenning (see HJs car by car report) but Ford are denying that it is happenning. (or at least being reported.)
Our 1.4tdci wouldn't start after having been left overnight. I checked that there were no lights or electrics left on and it seems that nothing was. We jumped it and got it back home but the headlights appeared dim and the battery light was still on after five minutes of running the engine above tickover.
I checked the voltage across the battery with the engine running but it was only 9.5V making me thing that there is a problem with the charging system. I'd went to check the hand book but then remembered that I'd found it in the spare wheel well soaked with water and basically a solid block of paper . So I checked my Haynes only to find out after reading half the book that it was for our old R reg fiesta not this one.
Any ideas what I should check next? Battery terminals appear to be fixed ok. Is it easy to check continuity between the battery and the alternator? Remember I don't have access to diagrams to see where items like the terminals on the alternators are.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks
CJ Read more
you shouldnt jump start any modern car especially with a totally flat battery
you should take battery off recharge or replace
put back on car and do a load charge test of the alternator by either turning everything on or using a special tool
im not sure if your car has smart charge fitted but if it has then you may be in for a big bill to sort your error
good luck...........
HI
The engine management light came on the other evening and I got DTC 9318 from the odometer on the dash.
Can this code cause the engine management light to come on or could there be something else causing it? Don't really want to go to a dealership and pay them 65 just to tell me I need a new battery.
Thanks Read more
DTC 9318 is low battery voltage recorded. Ypou may of just had a low battery at some point. Find an indy who can plug in & check the diagnostics for you.
have you had battery issues? or alternator problems?
Next car to come onto our radar is a 2007 Fabia (newer shape) 1.4TDi 5dr. I wonder if anyone has experience of these? All I've really found on a site search is someone who found the ride was so hard they traded it back in... that might be an issue for us if true. Read more
Interesting, as coincidentally I drove a mark 2 Fabia for the first time today - a loan car, a 1.2 petrol, while the Octavia was in for its first service (those of you who know Skodas won't be surprised to know that there were no extra problems at all).
I'm not one of those who makes a fuss about what size of loan car I'm given - I'm happy to take what's there. But I did wonder if the 3-cylinder 1.2 engine would be a litle sluggish in the Fabia, which is bigger than most other superminis.
Far from it - very lively stepping off from rest and there was even something still in reserve at 70 mph. Comfortable - seats and steering wheel could be adjusted to suita anyone - and the compromose between ride and handling (a little biased towards a comfortable ride) was fine for the sort of car it is and the use it'll be put to.
Worth putting on anyone's shortlist unless, like Mrs MM, you just don't like the look of it (which is of course fair enough - thank the Lord we live in a free country).
Well done Jewsons of Oxford - a very pleasant experience today, not least as the vRS is on free servicing for 3 years / 30,000 miles!
When I take the key out of the ignition the engine warning light and oil light come on and do not go away. They are not on when the engine is on. I have checked oil and think it may have something to do with the ECU?
Cheers Read more
Hi so i just reset the battery and turned the ignition on and off and they have gone :D
Cheers for the advice.
Hi there
My Mondeo Mk2 (2000) is giving me a bit a grief so hopefully somebody on here can help.
On Sunday night, I had travelled about 4 miles, I was quite close to home when the engine (1.8L) cut-out and refused to start again. I have had no problems before that. The engine turns over but won?t fire
This is what I have done so far:
Checked the fuel pump, it is priming
Checked there is fuel getting into the cylinders (wet plugs and vapour when plugs are out)
There is no spark (plugs out and earthed, cranked engine)
I checked the coil and it had no continuity between 1 and 4, 2 and 3 are ok, so I?ve replace the coil. Still nothing
I have checked all the fuses, they?re fine
The alarm/immobiliser seems to be behaving itself. Red light flashes as it states in the handbook when arming / disarming
I?ve checked the crank sensor, resistance as per manual, and it increases when cranking. I?ve also checking continuity back to the ECU connector
I?ve checked the feed to the coil (3 wire connector). With ignition on, its 12v on the centre cable and 0v on the outer ones. When cranking the centre cable drops to 9.5v but still nothing on the outer 2. So it looks like it isn?t getting a signal from the ECU. I have checked the continuity back to the ECU connector and that?s ok for both the outer cables
I have now drawn a blank. What do I check / do next? Read more
i have the same problem on my mondeo 1.8 16v blacktop zetec, i checked evary thing and still no spark
Doe's anyone know if this is a development of the old 1.7 diesel engine, or is it a completely new engine ? I've been trying work out if the engine is a cambelt or chain.
Mike Read more
Are we talking about the Astra H or the Astra J (the new new one)?
The EcoFlex is the latest version of the 1.7 CDTi, this is the same 1.7 engine just with some fancy bits added on! Its still a timing belt, and the oil pumps will still leak after 60k!
How much should it cost for a replacement of a timing belt including approximate labour charge Read more
At the last count I think a Honda main dealer charges a reasonable £190.
Hi, After V heavy rain over the last 2 days the Driver side footwell is swamped and seems to be coming from the bulk head.
Any advicea and solving tips would be greatlt welcome?
I don't have a great deal of Mechanical knowledge but do have a haynes so please keep it simple for me.
cheers Read more
Having same problem with my '08 plate Ford Ka - its in the garage and they think its one of the rubber grommets beneath the scuttle panel. Like others said, could be related to the pollen filter. I don't know much about VWs but on Fords, the pollen filter housing can leak. Another likely thing is a blocked drainage hole.


Ifithelps, ssingle storey will be pitched roof. The upstairs was going to be bigger bedrooms but we do not need them. The downstairs use has not changed from being an extra family room.
Your point re architect is of interest and one I am looking for more facts to back it up.
Re neighbours, this is a major concern for me as, for some unbelievable reason, the one who set fire to my house (by accident), resulting in us being out for a year, is not talking to us and I could see them protesting, although that doesn't necessarily mean they would be successful!