March 2013

wodger

Hi everyone,

I have recently had my car diagnosed with this P0251 fault. I have read quite a few of your posts on this,but would like to give more info and ask some questions. I've had starting difficulties for a long time, the engine cranks over and seems to fire on 2 or 3 cylinders with the orange management on, runs a few seconds and picks up to all firingon all 4 and the light goes out. once started it runs smoothly. yesterday I started it and although it stared as normal the light didn't go out. i started to drive (about 100 yards) and the engine cut out I restarted it and the same thing happened. after the fault was diagnosed I decided to check the fuel filter and on removing the pipe from filter to high pressure pump there was no fuel flowing even when the engine is being cranked over. I know ther is a electric plift pump somewhere, could this have failed or would the management system stop it working. Could the hp pump be gravity fed from a separate tank to test? any help woud be appreciated. I know there could be hp pump issues or injector problems, everything looks clean, no fuel or oil leaks.... Read more

elekie&a/c doctor

This fault code relates to a problem with the fuel pressure regulation valve.However faults with injectors or fuel supply can create a similar effect.There is no in=tank pump on these,so yu will not get fuel delivery from the filter under ignition or crank.It is possible to gravity feed the main hp pump.hth

Brianthebubble

This is a strange request for advice as the two cars are I know very different. However, I have an interest in two cars both for around £8,500. A 2009 Toyota Avenis (older model) saloon 1.8 petrol TR4 with 34,000 miles and the second a 2011 Suzuki 1.6 SZ4 with 6,800 miles. Which would you choose based purely on the cars,themselves, as cars. Read more

Brianthebubble

Yes, I think it is down to refinement - and I think you are right about questioning the level of refinement in the current SX4. Looking at the next generation, the car looks in a different class.

Most of my journeys are suburban with the occasional longer journey -although that will change with my daughter starting uni, most likely up north. Then I will appreciate the low engine noise at the higher speeds. One of the other contributors suggested the running costs of the two cars would be similar and I was questioning the justification of a larger car like the Avensis - but as I have already mentioned, it is only slightly bigger than the Megane I have now....

argybargy

Hi,

In the last year or so I've done front discs and pads on a Mk 1 Focus, Mk2 Focus and a 10 plate Ford Ka, and now my son has asked me to replace the front discs and pads on his Ford Fiesta 1.4, Titanium, 59 plate. I found the other jobs fairly straightforward but don't have a manual for the Fiesta, and was just wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of any potential issues with this particular job.... Read more

Collos25

steve.c

Have had this car for 6 months and always had issues with oil loss, but until recently it has not smoked a lot and no signs of external leaks. Have just removed cylinder head and replaced burnt out / damaged exhaust valve. Now compression is back to around 13 to 14 bar on all cylinders. Replaced valve stem seals, lapped in other valves. Also done pressure test on cooling system which held up fine.but since refitting head,exhaust is very smoky, plugs are oily and oil on top of pistons, of course. Apart from oil issue, starts and runs well. I suspect a problem with crankcase compression , a blocked breather or hose but from what I can find all looks ok. Anybody got any suggestions or had similar problem ? Plan to test further for c c comp tomorrow , thanks steve Read more

steve.c

yes i did replace all valve stem oil seals, thanks for your reply

cens2112

H Read more

Collos25

Because there is a place on an MOT certificate to record any anomolies in test ie. the reasons why the mileage does not follow on,I have an old Mot in front of me which says new speedo fitted at 123420 miles now reads 63341miles.Nice and legal

I kept this MOT for the very reason that a problem of legality might arise....

Cyd

I have a friend with a 2003 Focus 1.8. The battery isn't charging (it's new) and we believe the alternator is okay. I seem to remember that the charging is controlled by an ecu and that it's a common problem for these to die.

Anyone know if this is the case and what can be done to repair without having to mortgage the kids Read more

elekie&a/c doctor

The engine ecu is partly in the engine bay and partly in the cabin.It is mounted in the bulkhead/firewall.All the basic tests are done at the alternator with a test light and meter..One of the small pins in the 3 pin plug should br battery voltage.For more conclusive tests will need a scope.hth

x-ray_sam

Can anyone indicate for me where to make the connections in the car for the relay inputs for trailer lights ? Read more

x-ray_sam

Thanks for the feedback. I just want to tow a light trailer.

blackboab

hi there i have a 2002 clio 1,2 16 valve which keeps cutting out on me at the worst possible times like pulling away at lights and roundabouts! its very scary!!..the engine runs as if the idle control valve isnt working or the lamda sensor has gone as it starts to hunt irratcatically before the glow light ecu light comes on?. i am very handy at mechanical work but this is something i cant work out so i am looking for a little bit of knowledge to resolve this problem.i have changed the wiring loom attatched to the ecu which is connected to the injectors, crankshaft ,throttle body annd coil pack. after having it been on a scanner which gave all these codes.i have even replaced the throttle body but yet the car still cuts out???.bearing in mind these parts are second hand but i have taped the connectoins at the ecu where they break even though mine had no signs of wear.also i have taken the throttle body off and cleaned it thouroughly asv ive been told this is a common problem but yet i still seem to be having the same problems with the car.any help on this matter would be greatly appreiciated thanks boab.. Read more

blackboab

ok thanks ill give that a bash and see how i get on

chickengirl1976

I recieved a PCN for (1) Excise Number:OBSCURED - the tax disc was placed into the vehicle when we bought it 6 years ago and there has never been an issue - it has an airbag sticker (see through) on the window but you can fully see the disc (photo taken on the day for evidence which will match the parking attendants ones!) Also Parking in a restricted street during prescribed hours - I was not parked on the road - I was parked on 'open' land in front of a building on the other side of a pavement - this is parked on all the time - no obstruction of the pavement as the open land is as wide as my car - it is not pavement as it is cobbled in patches. I was therefore not parked in the 'street' . Is this a legal ticket? I will be appealing as I have photogrpahic evidence I was not parked in the street and that my tax disc is not obscured. Read more

FP

I can confirm (from bitter experience) that often land behind the footway next to a road with parking restrictions is subject to those same parking restrictions, if owned by the local authority.

The advice to check the legal status of the land you were parked on is good.

nikki22

I bought a car 6 weeks ago - it was a cat C car and was immaculate with only 15000 miles on the clock .

I literally drove it for two weeks not even doing 100 miles - when it overheated. The message said stop the car and so my husband stopped the car waited for it to cool down - (and the message to go off) he added some water and finished his journey - the message came on again at the end of the journey. ... Read more

barney100

A leak should have been spotted before they sold you the car. Tell the seller that you intend to take them to the small claims court on the basis of the vehicle was not fit for purpose.