October 2011
When the car stalls the emission icon warning displays, but leaves no live reference number on the ECU memory. The car restarts after about two minutes. This has happened about six times so far Read more
Can you retrofit the optional Grip Control on the Peugeot 3008? It is after all an advanced software traction control system only. Read more
Did anybody watch the dangerous drivers programme last night. I just couldn't believe the chap who felt he didn't need any tuition. The word arrogant #### comes to mind . I just hope i don't encounter him when i'm out on the bike
Every admiration for the two ladies though especially the one with the motorway phobia, my sister had the same problem in that she too felt that m/ways were far more dangerous.... Read more
Big brother, The apprentice are a couple I wouldn't waste my time watching....
Hi. The rear brake caliper piston requires winding back into the cylinder to change the pads. Questions are precisely what tool is required, who sells it, and does the handbrake automatically self adjust? Finally is it safe to put a spot of engine oil to seep down the handbrake pivot in the calliper or are there plastic bushes in there? All help gratefully received. Read more
the heater blower is not working please help Read more
Moved to Technical.
Hi
The ABS light of my daughters Almera has been comming on and going off for a while now. Generally light on all the time but does go out occassionally for a day or so then back on again. Took it to our local garage but they could not test it as they had the wrong connector, 16 pin not 14 pin as fitted.... Read more
May be worth trying the owners club: www.almeraownersclub.com/content/
I have a new Mazda 2 1.3 petrol coming next week. I have looked at the running in for a petrol engine and keeping the standard oil until the first oil change. But was wondering if I could put in a straight mineral oil for say 4000 miles and build the revs with higher revs at times without loading the engine and then change to a full synth 5W-30. I want to maximise the performance and economy for the 3 years I have the car. After that I'm not bothered. They used to make running in oil once upon a time but I have not seen it for years, anyone know if anyone still makes it? This is the first new car for many a year
Cheers. Read more
As Avant says, running in is really giving the engine a reasonable amount of work, but without thrashing it to the dusty side of the revcounter or lugging it at ridiculously low rpm. Hence HJ's suggestion of 'not exceeding 3,500rpm, BUT making sure you go up to 3,500rpm frequently'. The latter part is important, unless the engine does some work the piston rings will not bed into the cylinder bores properly.
The days of running-in oil went out with the crude, outdated machine tools and variable tolerances that were common in engine manufacturing up to the late 70s / early 80s.
Looking for a bit of advice for a first time car buyer, interested in learning about a basic diesel engine.
Any suggestions appreciated.... Read more
i would have thought that vw's 'sdi' engines would be all three of these things.
maybe something like...seat arosa/ vw lupo could be good.
I have been informed by my local BMW dealer, Bavarian, that fitting any tyre not homologated by BMW will invalidate the cars warranty. Any advice? Read more
I think BMW are yanking your chain. If you have say, a suspension failure that can be directly (but unlikely) attributed to the tyre you fiteed, then they will deny warranty. However, a tyre is a wear and tear item and you can choose to fit 'better' tyres if you wish. I don't think any court in this fair land would rule in favour of BMW if they denied a warranty clain on say a wiper motor failure just because you fitted different tyres.
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Hi all
I had an electrical problem with my car that went away in the spring but is now back again. It occurs first thing in the morning or after sunset, more specifically when the temp drops below 5 or 6 degrees. The boot won't release from the keyfob, the dashboard button or the manual hidden switch above the rear reg plate (i have to use the key the old fashioned way) and the doors randomly lock and unlock them selves both before and after ignition and whilst driving.... Read more
Check that the plunger on the bonnet catch is not seized.
Browse
Sounds like the ECU is losing its referance data, common cause is a faulty crank position sensor, this provides data to the managment unit so it knows the cylinder position to allow fuel injection and combustion at the correct time, without it serious damage could occure hence the engine shuts down, however this should flag up a code, about twenty quid to fix it yourself or fifty at a garage, may not be the fault but gives you something to investigate online.