July 2010
Hi, I have had a this problem for a while now and being a pennyless student have not had the cash to get it fixed, so I'm trying to find out exactly what the problem is before I take it to a mechanic and end up paying to replace multple parts and just hoping the problem will get fixed.
It started a few thousand miles ago. At first the car would idle erraticaly (600-1000 rpm) and the 'Alternator Workshop' message would show up occasionaly. This has since started to hapen more frequently, and the car idles far more erraticaly to the point where sometimes the revs just drop and it cuts out. Then it started the stalling. this doesnt happen every journey, but when it does it seems to happen multple times - sometimes within a few miles. I'll be stopping for a junction and as I slow I can feel the steering stiffening up and then the engine stops. It starts again straight away, but then may cut out again at the next junction (sometimes I need to rev it to keep it running). Just recently I started the car with the window open and noticed a petrol smell from the exhaust.... Read more
My neighbour has got roughly £2k to spend on a diesel estate. He's content for hefty mileage and anything up to 10 years old. What car should he be looking for? Read more
It gets driven with respect for its age!
The P11 models can return excellent figures-we have two. One gives approx 40 mpg on short journies ,eg school run ,rising towards 50 on a run-have checked this driven fully laden on the continent. The other has the less efficient older 1600 engine and has dropped as low as 44mpg in winter. Is currently returning 48mpg....
For a gouple of Months I have had an occasional rattle or metallic "clunk" noise under the gear leaver usually when changing down gears.
A few other times I have not got the car into gear on the first attempt, and so have been routinely carful to fully depress the clutch.... Read more
So I managed to get at the gearbox end of the cables, and everything seems OK. I got someone from a local garage to come and have a look. On starting up and attempting to put it into gear he confirmed it was the gearbox. Since the car is tatty, I've got to decide whether to pay the £1K he quoted for fitting a "low milage" sh gearbox, new clutch, and timing belt kit. It seems to be snesible and good value to do all three at once as it saves on a lot of labour! ... No one out there got any advice on being skint!
Thankyou for your help. Also thanks for all the excellent posts about water in the footwells which I also need to sort out.... assuming I don't sc*** it.
Hi all,
I have a Vectra c 1.9 cdti 120 bhp, the other day i took off the engine cover to find black exhaust emissions on the underside of the cover, right above the EGR valve.... Read more
Bought a new EGR Valve off Ebay, fitted it, cold start has improved vastly.
thanks
Decided that I'd treat myself to a new car, I drive a lot so quite like something that is a bit different with toys. So decided on one of these ASX 3 1.8 diesel.
I am now trying to get the best price possible - I have a hefty deposit so would take some finance but can't find anyone who will give me any discount at all. No a penny ! This is including main dealers plus every broker that pops up on a search for "new car discount"... Read more
Hi, I want to get an ASX but can not decide between 1.8 or 1.6. More power sounds better but enough power is enough. How have you got on with the petrol?
A good friend of mine at work is wanting to get rid of her Mercedes SLK. She still wants a convertible (could be a soft top though), she wants a diesel this time around for better fuel economy, the car needs to be about the same size (an A5 would be too big), it needs to be automatic and finally (and this is where I'm stuck), it needs to be a quattro / 4 wheel drive.
One other thing...she doesn't want a classic 4X4 shape / style if possible.... Read more
Thanks for all the advice - it looks like its FWD or something bigger
Cheers...
Recently had a service at a local chain of garages.
Upon questioning the details on the invoice which showed the wrong type of oil, I was told that they had actually used Castrol Edge 5W40 oil. After a bit of internet research I have found out that this oil does not meet the required Ford specification and is classified as ACEA B4 which also does not meet the requirements as detailed in the owners manual.... Read more
This copied from Castrol's own site.
Q. I notice EDGE 5W-30 – can I use this for Ford engines?
A. No – Most Ford engines specify a 5W-30 Fuel efficient oil meeting WSS-M2C-913B/C and we recommend the use of Magnatec 5W-30 only. The exceptions are the Galaxy with the VW PD engine, and the latest Ford KA which should have Edge Turbo Diesel 5W-40 (VW 505.01 / FRD 917A specification.) and the latest Focus RS (refer to dealer)
Infortunately they don't give exact reasons why.
In theory the edge being fully synthetic is a better oil, it has the cold protection of 5W as does the specified oil.
There's no DPF to worry about on your car is there?
I'd like to see some expert answers to this one.
I recently brought a ford focus 2001, i was told the wheel bearing on near side rear wheel was shot, ive tried to remove the hub but seems to be welded to the bearings? does anyone have any ideas what i can try? Read more
thanks for your help managed to get the~~~~~off. Now its goin down the garage.Thanks again
Hi,
Have just been told that my old Honda is being written of as a Cat D, following my being hit in the rear. Have been offered £500 which I feel is fair considering the age and condition of the car pre accident. I am probably going to buy the car back as I really need a car for work and it passed an MOT whilst waiting to go for repair so am not concerned about it's safety.... Read more
You're scaring me now!!
I had no control over which car was given to me so am prepared for a fight if the Third Party don't pay up....
After driving for about 15 miles or 15 minuets my gearbox will change up and down without any imput from myself or any change in road conditions,this will sometimes right itself after about 5 minuets .Its a low milage 1997 car to good to sc*** for something silly. Read more
Most ballroom dancers would be quite tired after 15 minuets, no wonder the poor gearbox suffers. :-)
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My golf is doing exactly the same. Did you get it sorted out and what was the problem. I have taken it to garages and they have not found a fault on the diagnostic machine.
I have read it could be the alternator harness that needs replacing???...