August 2011
Car's been loosing power for a while but seems to correct itself, went really bad back in march so had someone to change the spak plugs for me, hey presto all was fine. I don't know if this bits relevant but my exhaust had come away from the back box so a family friend welded it back on, however as soon as I drove it the engine management light started flashing and it had no power.
Took to local garage but they couldn't get a computer reading. They said it would most lightly be the coil pack or the head gasket. They suggested changing the plugs, leads and coil pack and a cost of £200!! And they also said they'd carry out a compression test to rule out it being the head gasket. Simply don't have the money to get it done, so I changed the leads but still no joy, is my next step to buy a used coil pack and try that or should I go down a diff avenue (i don't want to waste money i haven't got) My brother who sadly lives in austrailia so isn't here to help, said the spark plugs should be fine as they were only changed in march and to check the oil tank for 'mayo' which indicates it being the head gasket, I've done this and it looks fine.... Read more
Hi all, my CRV now 4 and a half years old didn't want to start???
I put it on charge for a couple of hours, started ok, but the next day same problem so jump started it and went for a run of 100 miles or more. Next day NO Start!!... Read more
I don't rate Japanese car batteries - although that's based on a sample of one and the CRV may well use a UK-sourced battery.
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I really hope that some knowledgeable person can cure my heartache with this one?
On 6th June this year, I purchased an 07 plate Berlingo van from a motor dealer near Sheffield. I was told that it had a 3 months warranty with the vehicle, which was through the RAC.... Read more
further to this - the claimed oil starvation was not due to a lack of oil in the engine. The oil level is always checked by me twice weekly, in fact the level was actually checked on the morning the van failed. The RAC warranty people say that the oil starvation could be due to a blockage inside the pipework between the engine and the turbo unit, hence a lack of lubricant. This being the case - there is no preventitive maintainance I could be acussed of not doing?
Hello, i have an 04 Vectra with EGR issues. In May it had the sensor replaced as it was lean surging. Problem seemed to be cured but recently its been recording a low flow error. Local dealer updated the EGR software and replaced the thermostat & said all fixed but not the case and in fact became worse with the engine mgmt light coming on constantly and the emission control warning light permanently on.
Now escalated to service manager and their senior tech. They have done further update including (they say) an EGR software update not publicly available that they got from the factory in Luton. Today got a call saying they've removed 2 pipes from the inlet manifold. They dont know what the pipes do or why they are attached (!) but state has cured the lean surging. Does anyone know what these pipes may be and what they do.
Many thanks, Medway
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Hmmm, Snake Oil !
Can you still buy it ?...
I have had a Hyundai Getz 1.3 GSI automatic for the last four years. I am the second owner, the car is a 2004 model, and has only done 33,000 miles. It's a nippy little car, but it drinks petrol as if there was no tomorrow. It is regularly serviced, and for much of the time I use it for local runs with the odd long distance trip of 80 to 120 miles. I am lucky to get 25mpg on short runs, and the long distance trips hardly make any difference. I am not heavy-footed -- I had a Toyota Corolla 1.3 automatic (with a three speed gearbox) for ten years and the mpg never fell below 32 and long trips returned 36 to 40. Our local trader has (reputedly) checked the car several times, but the answer is,as always, that they can find nothing wrong. I have tried adding various injector cleaners to the fuel tank, but there has been no perceptible improvement. It's getting a bit of a drag now, with the price of petrol continually rising, so any suggestions of tackling my problem would be much appreciated.... Read more
You're right i dont use the M1, but roadworks and cameras giving you a 50 limit is unavoidable, i said i couldnt hack it if it were avoidable.
What can take another two years though? The Japanese got a collapsed highway rebuilt in a fortnight after an earthquake.
It began as an intermittent knocking sound on column when changing steering wheel direction parking but developed to also making a similar sound on rough roads. smooth roads are fine and silent at any speed.
Local mechanic initially thought it was play where the wishbones connect to steering rack but after removinf the gaiters they were both absolutely fine. He had another look and said there was a cigarette paper's thickness of play where steering column spline meets rack (can't remember exact terms he used). But both he and mot guy who passed it recenly with no advisory's reckoned it wasn't dangerous and would last a long time if I could put up with the noise.... Read more
Reply from another forum
cmia:
You have two issues here, Both are known problems with Avensis.
1) rattling steering rack
2) Knocking Steering coloum.
1) - You need to replace the 3 bushes that are worn out, These bushes are located on each end of the rack and Pinion.
If rack Pinion has play then rack will need to be replaced.
2) - You need to check for play in the join of the steering colum that goes through the bulkhead of the car.
Also if the grease has dryed up, you will need to regrease.
you can do them your self.
It requires you taking the inner rods out and revoving the old bushes and replacing them by pressing them in "
I have asked for clarification/photos of how to go about it.
The cooling fan in front of the radiator in the engine has stopped working altogether and the engine is overheating. I have to keep the interior fan on all the time when I drive anywhere to slow down the overheating. After driving for a little while the engine gets very hot and all the red lights on the dash come on, eg 'stop' 'airbag' etc. Yesterday the interior fan stopped working too. I have checked the fuses and replaced one and now the interior fan is working but the cooling fan still isn't. I cannot find a circuit diagram for the thermostat - the Haynes manual from the library does not seem to cover this year and the colours of the wiring in it are nothing like in my car. Does anyone have any idea what I can do to fix this problem? I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks. Read more
As above check the circulation first, then check the radiator fan works with a direct power feed. If it does then theres a switch in the radiator to control the fan, cheap as chips to replace an rule out or a good mechanic will know to bridge this out to test if thats at fault.
MY GOLF HAS BEEN RUNNING LUMPY FOR A WHILE AND HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN IM SITTING STILL, THE ENGINE ROCKS.
WHEN I TURN THE AIRCON ON, IT STOPS ROCKING BUT STILL FEELS A BIT LUMPY.... Read more
Nice plug!
Exactly how does one restore lost compression....?
hey all
spot of car trouble today. going along the motorway and both the 'engine' light and the 'multifunction' warning light came on. the oil temperature gauge was into the red. i pulled over straight away, which fortunately was next to a service station.... Read more
thanks for your replies gents
have spoken to my garage who concur that the thermostat housing is the likely problem...
whant is the current thinking on 4 year 40K cambelt change as recommended by VW
I have a Golf with 19k miles but coming up to 4 years...do I change, or Not???... Read more
You will have a printed service book which was supplied with the car. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations given in this book.
There is no mention of a 4 year change period - this is a VAG (M-K) generated scam to produce revenue lost by VAG's variable service regimen. They know perectly well that beyond 4 years, such jobs will be done by the independents....
Ask the guy who welded the exhaust and let him check it. Regards Peter