April 2012
I see articles around suggesting that VAG have bought Ducati.
While I'm sure that the inevitable improvement to Ducati's legendary electrics cannot be a bad thing, I can't help think that having them made by the same people renowned for their vast range of "Steve Davis"[1] cars is rather sad.... Read more
I took my 2007 Focus 1.6 diesel in to a local garage for a 75000 mile service this week. After picking it up, its noticeable that it takes significantly longer to start - used to catch as soon as you turned the key, now it takes maybe 1-2 seconds of turning over before it catches. Not enough to be a problem, but I'm worried in case it degrades over time / suffers more in winter.
I spoke to the garage who did the service and they said that they didn't change the fuel filter because its a long life filter on these cars, and that maybe that is what is causing the problem. Doesn't make sense to me because they haven't changed the filter, and the problem wasn't there before the service. Any ideas what could have happened? Its not really bad enough to consider taking the car back for them to look at again, but equally its a slight worry ...... Read more
Oil filter, oil, brake fluid etc were all itemised on the bill so the fact that a dpf wasn't - I assume no they didn't change it. Battery wasn't disconnected I think - the radio still worked when I got it back, and I hadn't given them the code to reset it so I assume that means it never lost power.
Had a letter from VOSA requesting me to book my 2005 (55) 140k Passat TDI into my local VW dealer to have the injectors replaced FOC.
Called them last week, took the car in yesterday 16th April, was told I would get a call when work has been done, later that day got a call to say they was having trouble matching the injectors to the control unit and they will need to fit another set, so car wont be ready until today.... Read more
Help!
my focus has been in garage for 5 months with starting issues! It's done 99k miles and i've had it for the last 70k with no probs. It starts on 3 cylinders with noise and plenty of smoke - then it stalls - eventually after a few cycles it stays started! once warm it starts ok - it drives as normal with good mpg - it's had injectors checked/cleaned then re programed, heater plugs checked, new starter, new sensors, tappets set, fuel tank cleaned (seems to start slightly better with more fuel in tank), dmf seems quiet.... Read more
I'll ask garage about poss air leaks - thanks ps. sometimes it will start ok - then next day
will start like a pig! ...
Earlier today my wipers suddenly stopped - I was near an Audi Dealership so took it there for a fix.
After a 2 hour wait and an invoice for £66 (half an hours labout apparently) I was told that they think it is the wiper motor, but the disclaimer was that they would need to remove it to be sure. They suggested leaving the car there overnight, ordering the part there and then and I would need to pay an extra £411.
Now I know zilch about car mechanics, but even I could hear the wiper motor turning - that was the first thing I checked.
Suspicions aroused I called the AA. It took this young lad less than 5 seconds to agree the motor was working 100% fine - he did waht I did and put his ear to the wiper. It took him a further 4 mins to diagnose the fault which was a lose nut on wiper arm; and a further 20 mins to repair.
All in all less time than Audi spent misdiagnosing it.
Am I naieve, or is this common place at main dealerships? I have always looked to them as being the most honest and competent; but it seems that is completely back-to-front.
I am unsure if I paid £66 for a bad diagnosis - or if they want to argue that this was just a 'suspicion' then what the hell did they spend £66 worth of time doing with my car?
I myself visited my local Audi dealership with dia consequenses.I took my 2007 A3 in because of a juddery startup. I explained that Vosa had informed me that there is a fault on some of the injectors fitted to my year of production, & that Audi were performing free diagnosis as a goodwill gesture (later was made compulsory by vosa as a recall).I told them of my fault & booked my car in.3 hrs later I got a call saying my car is ready for collection. I arrived at the dealership & was presented with a bill for £107.50. I was very annoyed when they told me, no pay, no car! They laughed & said, nothing's free ere mate! So I gave them a copy of the email I had from Vosa telling them what's what. you know what the manager said?! We don't answer to Vosa ere! So I paid cos I needed my car & thought I'd get it refunded. They then gave me a printout of the diagnosis & it read, no faults found, no communication with EGR valve.Conclusion, new EGR valve needed. Huh! I had another Audi mechanic look at the diagnosis (he was on hols when my car went in) he laughed his head off. He asked who had done the diagnostic, I asked why? He said, of course there's no comms with the EGR valve. it's vacuum operated & not electronic. He said they could diagnose your grandmother & still get not fault on the EGR valve. There's nothing wrong with it at all he said! Still it cost me £107.50 to get a free diagnose wrongly diagnosed!!!!. I still have no refund as Vosa retracted their comments in the email to me. A spineless load of good for nothings! Thats both Audi & Vosa!
Anybody actually know what these guys earn, and for how many hours etc ?
... Read more
Tanker drivers supply what we need and they see an opportunity to make their lot better by threatening fuel availability. Just like air traffic controllers at holiday times they take their chance. I can't get to work without a car so I guess they have me by the proverbials along with millions of others. Let hope its all resolved before long.
On each rear wheel hub, one of the wheel bolts has started spinning freely when trying to tighten them up, obviously the thread has been stripped from the socket but I dont know what parts specifically to replace. Any advice would be great.
Thanks Read more
Car alarm sounding although no evident reason.
Turned off when remote key used to open the vehicle.... Read more
I would welcome some comments and thoughts.
I have a 8 year old BMW320 M Sport and the turbo has blown. It looks like it will take about £2.5k for a garage to repair the car (new turbo and a range of other parts). I estimate that the car is worth about £4k and I'm wondering if it's worth the money given that I'm going to replace the can in August. ... Read more
Try the Turbotechnics- they overhaul turbos. or they used to.
Try the BMW owners webiste- lots of help on there.
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Maybe it's the latest hybrid based on the Victor and Vectra.....