Hi guys, would really appreciate some advice with a situation I’m in. I bought a ford focus tdci 1.8 diesel 2001 hatchback two months ago from a dealer. It had done a verified 84k and had full service history including recent cambelt change. I am no expert but all fluid levels etc on the car seemed fine when buying, and until a few days ago it drove perfectly. I was doing 60mph on the M5 a few days ago when suddenly the engine started losing power (revs starting deceasing gradually for about 5 seconds) then it cut out. I had the air-conditioning switched on at the time (not sure if this makes any difference though as I have had air-con on many times before). The electrics were ok (cd player still on etc) but power steering and engine was gone. I steered the car onto the hard-shoulder, and called the RAC. The patrolman told me that the battery and engine fluids/oil were all fine, but that the engine had seized. He said he suspected it maybe the oil pressure but could not be certain other than that the engine would not turn over. No warning lights, or anything abnormal (such as engine overheating) had shown prior to this happening, and even when trying to start the car afterwards, still no warning lights displayed. When trying to start the car the engine would not turn over. The RAC towed the car to the dealer I bought it from as it was still under warrenty. Having had the car for a couple of days, the dealer he has told me there is over 8 litres of oil in the car, and that there is no way it could have driven any further than 50-60 miles without having had a problem. I explained that I had not added to or changed the oil in the two months I have owned the car, but that I had checked it regularly and it seemed ok (plenty of oil on dipstick around “maximum” level, but nothing that seemed excessive. Furthermore, the car had driven faultlessly for two months and over 2000 miles until this incident. The dealer told me this was impossible, and I reiterated that I was the only person with access to the car, and that I had not added to, or changed the oil. I would be really grateful if anyone with any knowledge about this could hint at what the problem could be, if it is related to the oil in any way, or if it could be something else? Many thanks.

Long shot, with only 600 sold, but after 3.5 years and 30k miles no probs, the car now goes into limp home. Garage is stumped (never seen one before- the garage that sold the car has closed). it is a KEI car, 600 triple with turbo.

17 mph on motorway a little exciting!... Read more

My 2001 1.8 ford focus has just failed MOT due to the handbrake only having 16% reserve. it was tightened in june but i still wouldnt trust it on a hill! So would this mean the cable(s) need replacing? If so which ones or all? I dont really trust them as they wouldnt give a quote without taking payment and they also wanted £120 for rear tyre (i just had this replased today at £46), so just wanted a few opinions so i have alittle knowledge when speaking to other garages as I know nothing about cars and don't want to get ripped off. Read more

I have a weird problem with my Accord Tourer. I parked my car this morning and it was fine, however when I drove it home I noted the boot open light was on. I stopped, opened and closed the boot but the light was still on. I opened it again and used the powered closing mechanism (which is working fine) and this still didn't make the light go off.

I checked the bootlid for signs of tampering in case someone tried to break in but there is no sign of attempted entry on either the boot or any of the doors.... Read more

Hi,

Just thinking ahead but do you need any special tools when replacing the rear brake pads? I know on some vehicles you need to wind the piston in as it doubles for the handbrake - is this the same? I'm unable to get a manual for this 08 model otherwise I'd have gone and bought one.... Read more