March 2010

mikeymike

Hi there, anyone know what roof bars I need to fit '07 Zafira with solid rails front to back. They have the 3 sets of 2 holes on the inside face. Wondered if I can fit different bars which do not locate in the holes to allow more freedom on position ?

Vauxhall tell me I need 93199522 but this seems pricey at 100 quid.... Read more

DelB

Hello there, I have a 1998 ford fiesta mk4 with obviously a 12V battery.

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DelB

Yes I'm using the car for a good 60 miles a day, I'm guessing my battery seems like it's knackered then!

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Chris Adam



Hi all

Okay, so no-one replied after the petrol cap door of my Focus was broken off (http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=82387), but I hope that some of you can help with this simple query. (Moderator please note I had to register a new account as I could not locate my old one.)

I have a black Ford Focus LX 1.6 petrol (2006 06 reg). Recently the car has begun to stall frequently when idle (e.g. at traffic lights) and the rev counter (tachometer) keeps dropping below 1000 rpm. (Also when driving it sometimes feels as if something is exerting a 'braking force' on the engine and the car could stall at any second, but the problem is worse when idle.)

The engine warning light (orange) has come on and generally stays on (while driving), but sometimes disappears for long periods of time.

1. Do you have any recommendations for good garages in or near north London for engine repairs? I live near Wood Green (Haringey) but can travel up to 25 miles or so if you think the garage is worth it. I would prefer an independent garage rather than a main Ford dealer. (Equally, please feel free to suggest any garages to avoid!)


2. I would like the car to have a full service, so if the repair is included in the service, so much the better. The car was serviced at main Ford dealers for the past 2 years by the previous owner but this time I would prefer an independent garage.

3. The car also has a small dent (and damage to the paintwork) on the rear nearside, caused by someone hitting my car when parked and not leaving a note (don't you just hate them?), but I am not sure whether to get this repaired as it would probably just happen again as I have to park on the road outside my home.

So in short, please let me have your recommendations for the best independent garages in or near north London for servicing and engine repairs (possibly including bodywork).

Thank you very much in advance for your suggestions!


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Avant

Nial hasn't posted on here since 2011 so probably won't see this.

But my advice to look at the Good Garage Guide still stands!

Sofa Spud

The deal is old news but the finalisation is new news.

What I'm thinking is that Geely is likely to continue with Volvo as a premium brand, and use Volvo's cast-off, obsolete models as the basis for budget Chinese brands. Read more

Martin Devon

Will ordering a T5 get me some dodgy grub??

decourcey

I have a 206 diesel Peugeot black smoke comming from exhaust pipe especially when I increase speed how can I fix this Read more

Peter.N.

Which engine does it use?

oilrag

Why were its `ankles` hurting a bit and why did it smell of tiger balm?

Anwers 1 to 3 please... Read more

Avant

Well, perhaps we got nearer that one than with the other puzzl;e! Very good for our brains and I hope others will see this and join in if you come up with some more.

Some neighbours have just started keeping chickens, reminding me that "C*ck-a-doodle-doo" was never anything like it. This one's more like "Ark-a-google-erk".

oilrag

You know - to be sure it`s done right and so that you can lay in bed visualizing clear golden oil - nectar of the gods - floating the crankshaft and so on.

A tub of Mobil 1 (bought at discount last Autumn) is handy and circa £10 for a filter spun by Italian craftsmen out of the finest material.... Read more

lotusexige

I just going to fit a new alternator belt tomorrow. It will be the first belt I've fitted for over 20 years.

It snapped yesterday just as it passed 6500 rpm, bang, rattle baterry light on. Luckily only the belt the alternator had not siezed. My local man is closed untill Tuesday so ist will be skinned knucles and swearing time romorrow.

robertp

1987 W124 300D Saloon. 250,000 miles. Auto transmission. Has Aircon (but not functional for many years due to leaking pump)

Problem - the heating controls don't allow the temperature to be set. When engine is at operating temperature, heater puts out maximum heat regardless of settings. Problem evident once last year and disappeared before diagnosed. Now returned and looking permanent.... Read more

elekie&a/c doctor

The heating system on these is controlied by a "duo water valve".It is a twin solenoid operated valve that restricts the flow of water into the heater matrix.(left and right).The rotary wheels on the heater panel adjust the return voltage from the valves thus changing the flow of water and consequently the heat output.At this sort of mileage it is very likely that the internal diaphragms have perished,so a new valve is reqd.It is situated just in front of the brake servo.There are 3 coolant pipes and a 3 -pin electrical connector.Might be an idea to check for voltage to centre pin with ignition on.This should be present at all times.hth

Bobby Valentino

Looking for one to take me on a 5000mile trip round Europe

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WellKnownSid

You shouldn't find a problem getting spares across most of Europe for a Ford, Opel, or the German marques. The Rover would be a wildcard - I don't think I've ever seen a Rover 75 in Spain, but I'm sure they exist. There is a Peugeot dealer on every street corner here.

If you're planning to be in central / southern Europe during the summer months, you'll probably want to take a closer look at your cooling system - esp. coolant condition, hoses, thermostat, radiator, etc - before you leave. Some routine replacement wouldn't go amiss - so you don't get stuck somewhere....

dipsomaniac

i replaced inner and outer cv joints on n/s after a knocking appeared. car was ok for 3 weeks and then knocking came back. it was so bad i had to be recovered. i removed the driveshalf and could not see anything wrong. put car back together and ok for around 3 weeks and knocking has come back. the knocking sounds like a cv joint knocking and is there all the time when road wheels are turning. can anyone help? Read more

jc2

Remember that the 2.8 is basically a VW with a Ford badge.