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• vuaxhall zafira - JPH Autos 24 Jan 2013 (Forum)
  They were aukward and we got the feeling they didn’t want to be bothered, but after a heated discussion they sent someone over to look at the car. He repeatedly tried to start the car with a battery booster pack, which we now know was the wrong thing to do as the timing chain had slipped. So in fact every time the engine was turned over it was causing more damage. It was recovered the next day to a garage of their choice in Sheldon (Smiths garage), this was the start of a very painful and frustrating 4 weeks for us.
• Citroen Xsara (1997 - 2004) - 99 1.4 - 'Check engine' light at higher speeds 5 Oct 2008 (Forum)
  Here are my questions: * does anyone have any thoughts on specifically what the cause is, based on my description? (I have tried disconnecting/reconnecting the battery to reset the computer) * am I correct in thinking that once the check engine light turns on, the computer will continue to operate in 'back-up mode' (i.e. less fuel economy), even after the light has gone out?
• Mini Sony Nav-U70T satnav review 13 Mar 2006 (Forum)
  Well designed menus mean you never have to press more than four or five buttons at max to achieve anything. Finally, the cradle it comes with is rock solid. We had a four hour journey on Saturday and the battery was still going strong - we didn't use the in car charger at all, although it comes with it as well as a mains charger - it automatically dims at night, the screen is a good but unobtrusive size and it feels like a top quality unit.
• Low mileage Xantia - am I sane to reject 6 Nov 2004 (Forum)
  No external rust, all external bightwork was OK and all lights were uncracked, bright and unfaded. No cracks to screen, all electrics worked and it started first time ( a recent new Halfords battery helped). Both plip keys were in perfect order and worked 100%. The engine bay had not been cleaned but it was dusty with no oil stains, new filters and showed signs of good maintenance ? backed by the stamps in the book.
• Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid - Porsche Hybrid 9 Feb 2021 (Forum)
  Most of my journeys are about 8 miles, making the average return trip well within the electric capability of this car. When I can charge the batteries free from an array of solar panels, it did indeed seem like a win / win situation.   BUT: After ten months and only 2600 miles (you can’t go far in a lockdown), the car told me that “e-power was not available”.
• Skoda Octavia - Auris vs Octavia 27 Oct 2020 (Forum)
  It is in reasonable nick (some cosmetic damage aside), just with a bit of recurrent suspension noise and I think the traction battery isn't lasting quite as long as it used to. Most of the time we've coped pretty well with just the one car, but yes, there are occasions when we wished we'd had another (though not when it comes to maintenance & servicing!).
• Toyota Avensis - Used car warning signs - anything to worry about? 30 Mar 2017 (Forum)
  Car B - dealer more helpful, made a fuss of cleaning the windscreen but then oh dear, the car wouldn't start. Battery issues, they got it jump started but do they not check these things first? (I'd phoned in advance). After that there was a warning light on the dashboard which refused to go out (sorry not sure which one now, long day), so the dealer took us out for a short spin to prove that it's safe, then encouraged us to do a longer test drive.
• Volvo V70 D5 Estate - The Agonies of Volvo V70 D5 Ownership 12 Mar 2017 (Forum)
  My V70 D5 (2008 model, 88,000 on the clock) cuts out in a traffic jam and won't restart. The RAC man suggests its a lot worse than a low battery and suggests it is a problem with the auxilliary belt that has damaged the timing belt and tows the car to a garage. They in turn repeat what he has said: the auxilliary belt failed, wrapped itself around the timing belt which caused it to snap, resulting in serious engine damage.
• Buying a car, would like a few things cleared up 24 Feb 2017 (Forum)
    I'm saving for a house but have decided to take a large chunk out of those savings to get a car that hopefully won't need a new exhaust/battery/alternator/engine/tyres etc etc a few weeks after i buy it. But being as thick as i am when it comes to cars i feel a bit overwhelmed by the shere quantity everywhere. I've been browsing this site, other advice web pages & of course motors.com/autotrader (I darn't by a car from ebay) but would anyone be able to shed some light on a few things.
• Oil changing - myths and urban legends 8 May 2005 (Forum)
  Now it gets complicated, the engine start procedure ...... remove the spark plugs, coil packs and battery - remove the seats and rear boot/tailgate - ensure Octane Booster is removed from tank as it might spontaneously start the car when you are not ready - take the drive belts off - turn engine over, s....l....o....w....l....y - engine should be turned over at least 67 times to ensure adequate Oil film coverage. 11.
• Please help me choose a diesel estate car 25 Feb 2013 (Forum)
    I didn't know what she was talking about until I experienced it myself.  Just a few days after that, the battery light on the dash illuminated.  So we made a rushed decision to get it into the local dealer.  We also complained about the harsh shifting of the auto transmission. 1,000 Euro later, we have a new alternator, wiper motor, wiper control, and an "oil change" for the tranny.
• Citroen C4 VTRI + Coupe - CITROEN C4 BSI UNIT BURNT OUT !!!!! 5 Mar 2012 (Forum)
  A man across the road ran over and got my children out of the car and lifted my bonnet to disconnect the battery. He was a mechanic and informed me that if it had been a few moments later the car would have gone on fire and even worse could have exploded on my drive with me, my 2 young children and my sister in the car or by the car!
• Any - Stop / Start Systems 10 Dec 2017 (Forum)
  Of course, do bear in mind that this is about stop/start in internal combustion (IC) engined cars. BEVs (battery electric vehicles) will have a 'natural' stop/start sytem in built by the fact that you stop a motor by cutting the power supply !! Also, this is my view as an Enginner in the Automotive Industry.
• BMW 1 Series - Where do I legally stand - Car Repairs 30 Mar 2016 (Forum)
  I came into the garage and sat down waiting there for a few hours with no word on my car, I noticed everything was put together inside the bonnet and the owner of the garage mentioned to me, the car was starting 30 mins before you came but now its not starting so we'll check if its a problem with the battery. I had my suspicions that something was up and they were aware of it as I was sitting there for a long time but they did not want to tell me. Just before closing time on the same day, they tried to start the vehicle to no avail.
• Ford Mondeo - Purchase nightmare! 28 May 2015 (Forum)
  The air-con does not work either and the remote key has to be used manually to unlock the car even with a new battery. Following my inspection of the vehicle I called ‘we sell car finance’ myself to discuss the matter. I was amicable with the woman who answered and insisted that I speak with the manager as the situation was unacceptable.
• Audi TT (51 Plate Reg 2002) - Second Hand Car Purc 7 Apr 2013 (Forum)
  (presumably disconnected to get at clutch assy) Immediately contacted dealer who was less that helpful, didnt offer to re-repair or compensate me for my loss. - After a daring drive home (same weekend) battery warning light on Display starts flashing, possibly a failed alternator or VREG. Car will now not start. Last straw, contact dealer requesting refund.   Reasonable time has been given (owned car for 2 months has the use of it for 9 days) Sent letter requesting refund as advised by trading standards.
• Audi TT (51 Plate Reg 2002) - Second Hand Car Purchase From Trader 6 Apr 2013 (Forum)
  (presumably disconnected to get at clutch assy) Immediately contacted dealer who was less that helpful, didnt offer to re-repair or compensate me for my loss. - After a daring drive home (same weekend) battery warning light on Display starts flashing, possibly a failed alternator or VREG. Car will now not start. Last straw, contact dealer requesting refund.   Reasonable time has been given (owned car for 2 months has the use of it for 9 days) Sent letter requesting refund as advised by trading standards.
• Toyota MR2 - Used Car Taking Dealer To Court Help! 9 Jul 2016 (Forum)
  Here is what was stated in the original car advert: "Here we are delighted to offer you our 2002 toyota mr2 AUTO SMT Roadster which has only covered a relatively low 75,533 genuine/warranted miles, fully hpi clear ***convertible toy ** desirable sought after colour; black, service history which constists of 7 service stamps ** currently + previously lady owned (logbook) ** comes with all your usual MR2 roadster refinements, comes with 12 months AA breakdowncover, must be seen to be appreciated, viewing is highly essential, to acquire this MR2 please call our friendly staff today on *** for further info " Here is the outcome of the MOT: (please note I was only advised of the power steering leak NONE of these other dangerous things) Battery failed requires replacement. Clutch slipping requires replacement. Near side front suspension arm corroded requires replacement. Off side front suspension arm requires replacement. All four brake disks corroded and pitted require replacement.
• Peugeot 205 (1983 - 1997) - 1990 1.9 GTi starting problems 25 Nov 2010 (Forum)
  It would turn over the engine (unlike the normal failure mode listed above) but would just not fire. I then managed to flatten the battery by various attempts to get it going. I checked I had fuel in the tank, checked fuel was getting to the fuel rail, checked the spark from the plugs, seemed a little weak so i installed new leads and dizzy cap, but still she would fire but not start!!!
• Peugeot 206 hatchback (1998 - 2006) - High mile. What to do, keep or replace? 22 Jan 2009 (Forum)
  It got put off the road just after I had the front subframe replaced and had it MOT?s (thanks to a friend who is an ace welder). I reckon to put it back on the road it needs a new battery, new back box and then put through an MOT. I love this little thing, I?ve had it 8 years and put 130k miles on it without it missing a beat. So my choices are: One. Keep the 206, pay for what needs done and drive it until it dies.