May 2012
I have a water leak from my audi 2L tdi 170 estate. 78000miles
The garage I am using has bypassed the egr valve and then the oil cooler but the coolant keeps dissapearing. It was almost due a timing belt so I thought that we would get it done and check the water pump. I doesn't look like the water pump was leaking but we have replaced it anyway. ... Read more
2005 Laguna 1.9DCi Aircon not working. (Aircon, not climate control) Had gas charge checked to start with, that's okay. Noticed that compressor clutch does not engage, checked for electrical current to connections, there is none. Also noticed that fan at radiator runs on momentarily after stopping engine as if air con is switched on without it being on. (Button) Took it to my local garage who also does aircon, they carried out various checks, ascertained that no current at compressor clutch, found a large fuse under the bonnet had blown, replaced, no luck. Checked earth connection at compressor clutch, no earth but by giving it a false earth he could get it to run. Consequently concluded likely to be safety switch through which the clutch gets its earth. (High pressure?) Part cost approx £80. Switch fitted, aircon ran but stopped after a few minutes. Disconnected/reconnected battery to try if that may re-set the system, aircon ran then stopped as above. He was told also that the orifice in a connector may be blocked by sludge? gassed down, checked connectors, re-gassed, no luck. A small switch in the compressor was the next attempt, part cost approx £12. Switch fitted, no luck. Maybe should have gone to Renault but we are where we are. My trusty old Laguna (174,000 miles) is still needed until later this year and we also have to go to France twice so need cooling. Can anyone suggest anything please? Desperate!!! Read more
. My trusty old Laguna (174,000 miles) is still needed until later this year and we also have to go to France twice so need cooling. Can anyone suggest anything please? Desperate!!!
Do what everyone did before aircon was fitted to cars, wind down the window....
I have a 2006 2.2 Dci X-trail. Filed the tank this morning and noticed constant fuel drip from under the back of the car when I got home. Took to local mechanic who says the lift pump from the tank has failed and needs to be repleced. Nissan apparently quoting £350 for the part and no aftermarket alternative - seems very expensive for what it is. Has anyone seen this before or have any ideas for an alterntive solution that might be cheaper. Mnay thanks for your help. Read more
Thanks for that Peter. Have been told that the pump casing has rusted through and that is the problem - we live in Scotland so I imagine quite prone to salt etc in the winter but does that sound plausible to you?
Did you find an alternative fuel pump? I bought a 2005 X-Trail diesel in July, and the lift pump "went" on me a couple of days ago -- same symptoms, fuel dripping out quite fast from somewhere around the rear axle. The mechanic got the pump out, but he was swearing like a trooper at whoever designed the thing, because it was very hard to access. Anyhow, the casing is steel and had rusted through. My X-Trail was Scottish (ex-police vehicle, as it happens). The mecahnic says the location of the pump is ridiculous, absolutely prone to rusting esp. where salt is used on the roads, in addition to being very hard to get at. So, how did your story end?
I have a 58 plate Mazda 6 2.0L Diesel. I have had the dreaded dpf light come on and took it to the Mazda dealer. They advised changing the oil and filter and regenerating the dpf. I opted to change the oil and filter myself and return it for them to them to do the regeneration. Having changed the oil and filter, the car will now not turn over. All the relevant lights come on on the turn of the key, but the car makes no attempt to turn the engine over. I have tested the battery, which is fine. Is there something I am missing? Read more
Thanks for the update, the most important post...too often missing.
Purely out of interest what did Mazda charge you for the forced regen?
Hi to all,
I am thinking of buying a VW Passat estate. It will be used as a daily communter for work and Long weekend trips with the family. I want a reliable car (Otherwise I would have got a discovery 2!!)... Read more
What is your budget? I ask because the original Superb is the infamous Passat in drag and suffers many of the same water ingress and electrical problems. I don't know if these were rectified with the Mark 2, so be careful.
There's no doubt the Passat is a bit of a dog, countless tales of woe on the forums. A friend of mine has a tdi at work and it is a nightmare car, leaks water, random electrical gremlins etc....
Assume I'm a bit dopey - last time I saw inside an engine and understood it was a 1952 197cc 2 strke Ambassador. So I'm depending on you bright lads. Have bought 2004 van for daughter for camping after much study of web sites. Looks good in respect of usage (95K) condition, service history, ownership (1) . Why didn't I leave it at that. I read the car by car breakdown and now expect the water pump to sieze, ripping up the cambelt (replaced as part of purchase) and destroying the engine. Am I being unduly pessimistic, are there warning signs and what preventative action should we take.
(PS as an aside I hope it's pessimism - after all I drive a 2004 Peugeot 1.6 - I can here you hissing- and it's been as good as gold for 7 years Cheers and thankz in advance for any warming words. Colin S Read more
Would be really interested to hear (as a vivaro/van novice in the same situation right now!) what tips you've got when looking over these vans as I'm also looking for a sub 100k model for about £3k but fearful of the gearbox horror stories I've read so far! Not sure what to expect from an engine that's done close to 100k even if it has been well serviced. James
I bought a car via private sale on Thursday last week. All VIN's on the vehicle had been changed and where engraved on the chassis it was filled and a new number engraved. On close scrutiny of the V5 log book on Saturday I noticed a few odd things and determined it fake. All this was reported to the police and the TAX and MOT appeared fake as well.... Read more
Hi,
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Can anyone give me their opinion on the Fiat Croma. I spent 4 weeks flat on my back with a dodgy disc. During my visits to the Chiropractor he suggested that I changed my car. He recommended the Fiat Croma as the best vehicle for my back due to its higher driving position and ease of getting in & out. I dont know much about them & I am a bit nervous of Fiat as it doesnt seem to score highly in reliability and customer satisfaction surveys?
Can anyone offer some advice/shed some light on the Croma please, especially the diesel auto versions. Thanks in advance. Read more
My father has a Croma and they are excellent with regards entry and exit as the seats are just at the right height to slide into the car without having to lower or raise yourself to the seat height. I would love to find a site that gives this measurement from the ground to the seat so it would be possible to find a car with similar seat heights. With an ageing population I would expect this to be something of greater interest.
The car itself is extremely responsive and economical on a long run (diesel Eleganza). However reliability is an issue having the alternator and battery going within four years of purchase on a low mileage of about 6000 miles a year....
Just bought an 07 Golf TDi. Heater works fine initially ( temp turned fully up, air con light off ), then when I turn it down slightly it goes cold and when I turn the dial back up to the max it remains cold. The fan works ok on all speeds. Has anyone experienced this problem & is it expensive to fix? Thanks in advance.
Read moreI assume you have climate control, and if you set the temperature to be 21 degrees for example the hot/cold servo motor will move as required to maintain the interior temperature at 21 degrees. Now obviously when the engine is cold this temperature may not be reached, and the servo motor will probably be in the hot position until the engine warms up. It will move to a cooler position as the temperature increases, and 21 degrees approaches. Whether the A/C is on or off will not affect this at all. The heater will still be hot if it's demanding hot even if the A/C is on. The inside air will be conditioned and humidity will be reduced. If you set the system to 'HI' then the servo motor will stay in the hot position and the interior will be hot. Similarly if you set it to 'LO' it will stay in the cold position and the interior will be cool.
The most likely reason for your heater being cold is a failed water pump. Many have plastic impellers that break away from the steel shaft allowing them to spin freely. You may notice your engine temperature gauge increasing too. This is another sign. A new water pump and cambelt may be required.....
when brake pedal is pressed and then depressed the lights stay on and also when the clutch is pressed the brakelights come on but do not stay on when clutch is depressed again...help?? Read more
The brake light switch is a push and twist to lock in a plastic bush.The switch has become too sensitive in operation through wear.Pressing the clutch pedal twists the metal pedal box just enough to make the brake light switch move away from its stop position.I have seen this fault a few times on mondeo .Replace switch and the job is done.hth
think ive sorted it i superglued a 10p in between the brake pedal and where it hits the plunger and light stayed off when clutch was pressed :-)
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Re. The egr valve and oil cooler. Both have water going through them and can leak.
Done a bit of research online and apparently early (up to 2007) 140tdi engines had a problem where the head was prone to cracking....