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• Volkswagen Bora (1999 - 2006) - Bump Starting a Diesel 6 Sep 2009 (Forum)
  The first sign of trouble started when I came to press the remote and the car would not unlock. Tried my wifes remote and that was the same and then the penny dropped, the battery was very flat. My freind had some jump leads in their car so it was not a problem, but the thought crossed my mind that if I had tried to bump start it, would I have succeded. The car is a VW Bora with a PD 130 TDI engine.
• Should she get rid of the Nissan? If so, what for. 10 Jul 2009 (Forum)
  My daughter has a V reg Almera. Laff if you like but she's had it 6 years and only needed tyres, battery and a couple of shocks replaced. Until now that is. Last MOT is needed welding on the rear ends of the sills - common problem I hear, and now needs work on the brakes and other bits and pieces.
• Rover 25 (1999 - 2005) - Won't start but I got an idea 17 Mar 2009 (Forum)
  However if jump started it goes fine. Trying to turn the engine over, all the lights come on, and the battery is relatively new. There is a noise from the back of the car which I think is the CD changer! That lasts about 2 seconds but, er, I don't think it's relevant. My theory, based on an experience I had with a sierra about 20 years ago, is that it might be the starter motor and if you smack it with a hammer it might work again for a bit.
• Mazda MX5 (1998-2005) - 99 1.8 Won't start 24 Feb 2009 (Forum)
  Hope someone can point me in the right direction (I am pretty clueless about things under the bonnet, so treat me gently!). There seems to be plenty of battery power and the ignition system comes on OK (dashboard lights all OK), but when the key is turned to fire the engine there is a horrible high pitched "grating" sound from somewhere under the bonnet (seems to be in front of the driver but it is difficult to tell) - my best description of the noise!
• Hyundai Getz (2002 - 2008) - key problems 21 Feb 2009 (Forum)
  Often we do not realise the button has been accidentally pressed until we return to the car to find it unlocked! We do not want to take the battery out of the key but is there something else we could do to eliminate this problem? We have spoken to our local dealer, to Halfords and to a local key agent without success. Regards John
• Renault Scenic (1996 - 1998) - 1998 1.6 auto- engine won't start. 26 Jan 2009 (Forum)
  is defective and needs to be replaced at a price of around £400. Is there any other solution? Could it be a defective connection or a drop in battery voltage? Is there any independent specialist who can check out the fault and perhaps do the repair for less? We are located in Ashford, Kent. I wonder if the car is worth repairing but he has just spent £350 on it (tyres, exhaust and mirror) in preparation for the MOT.
• Mazda Mazda 6 (2002 - 2007) - 2005 2.0D Gear selection fault 25 Jan 2009 (Forum)
  About 9 months ago he had a gear change cable failure where the outer casing plastic bracket broke. This was replaced by the place he bought it from and he's had no problems. The AA man took the battery & tray out to see the cables and they 'seem' to be moving. However I wonder if anyone out there has any advice or guidance. The lever is very stiff and no matter how you try it will not go into any gear by pushing the gear lever forward.
• Vauxhall - Vivaro - 03 1.9 ECU location and removal 20 Jan 2009 (Forum)
  Got a problem with the company van, it went into the garage to get a new gearbox and they have managed to flaten the battery and now cant get it started. (dont have a clue how they have managed that one as it was only in for a week!!!) a Vauxhall dealer has told us it was the ECU so im going to take it out and send it away myself to get sorted as its much cheaper than they have quoted.
• Skoda Fabia (2000 - 2007) - 2003 1.2 Electrical faults - minor but annoying 17 Jan 2009 (Forum)
  With headlights on during these dull days, this absence spells trouble and will eventually mean a flat battery. This buzzer doesn't seem to be on a fuse and I remember this cost a lot to fix on my 2000 Octavia a while back. Any advice on either item? Thanks.
• Volkswagen Golf IV (1998 - 2004) - 2003 1.9 PD 130 Glow Plug Warning Light 8 Jan 2009 (Forum)
  I've had a quick check of the fuses at the drivers end of the dash (in the dark - will check properly tomorrow), and the fuses on top of the battery. All looks ok. Anything else worth checking before my wallet becomes lighter at the local VW dealer? Is the car ok to drive with a flashing spring on the dash? Thanks for any advice, Dave V.
• Audi A4 B6 (2001 - 2005) - 04 1.9TDi Engine doesn't always start first time. 29 Dec 2008 (Forum)
  OK - it's not really a problem yet, but the starting from cold is not as good as it has been these past 4 years and 60,000 miles. The battery is fine and turns over as well as ever, but on the first start of the day the engine doesn't "fire" after the usual half-second or so of turning over. I have always waited for the glow plug light to go out, so I'm not trying to start it sooner than I have been in the past.
• Peugeot 306 (1993 - 2001) - 01 2.0 HDi starting problem 24 Nov 2008 (Forum)
  Are there any obvious faults on these cars with glow plug relays or ignition problems? Just for additional info the car had a new lift pump and has a good full charged battery cheers
• FIAT Punto (1994 - 1999) - 96 1.2 Starting Problems( 3 Oct 2008 (Forum)
  This problem grew and grew until it will not start at all. I have changed the plugs, checked for any loose or damaged HT leads, dampness etc. My battery is good and I even cleaned the face of the crank sensor. A lot of people keep telling me it is the crank sensor, is this right ? Can anyone out there help me ? Thank You shouting amended
• Vauxhall Corsa C (2000 - 2006) - 03 1.3CDTi alternator failure! 16 Apr 2008 (Forum)
  my sister drives a 53 plate corsa 1.3 cdti and has had many problems, it only has 23,000 miles and a FSH. recently the Battery warning light came on so she took it to the garage (a vauxhall main dealer) told her that the alternator was faulty and needed replacing for a whopping £485.00 she has had the work done but is somewhat concerned for the future reliability of the orrible little tin can (thats what i call it) does anyone know if this price quoted was another garage rip off?
• Honda Civic Hybrid UK (2006 - ) - rear washer and other oddities 3 Mar 2008 (Forum)
  In fact, apart from the engine cutting out when stationary in traffic, as a passenger, I wasn't aware of being in anything other than an ordinary automatic. Was this just a sign of the battery charge being low or is the change of power source not especially obvious?
• Peugeot 306 (1993 - 2001) - 2000 (v reg) HDi - Ignition Problems 23 Feb 2008 (Forum)
  Im no mechanic but in the past on some old XR Sierra's when the relay went running a wire from the battery to the pump allowed it to start is this safe to do just as a test?
• Peugeot 106 (1991 - 2002) - 1995 diesel - Need a spare Immobiliser deactivator 13 Feb 2008 (Forum)
  Hi, I've recently purchased a Peugeot 106 Diesel (year of 1995). It has a Peugeot immobiliser fitted that is deactivated via a small button (similar to a watch battery) being pushed against a pad beside the ignition switch. Unfortunately I only have one of these buttons and would like to get another just in case the one I have is lost or damaged. I spoke to someone today about removing the device, but they thought it would be too difficult.
• Renault Clio II (1998 - 2001) - starting problems 3 Feb 2008 (Forum)
  when I try to start my Clio it starts then cuts out straight away and if I try again it just turns over. if I leave it for a bit it will start and then cut out again, then it will just turn over and not start, so I keep leaving it and trying again later until maybe it will start or flatten the battery, once it does start it seems ok and seems to start ok if the engine is still warm each time you try to start it, if it starts it seems to last a fraction longer before it cuts out CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP AS MY WIFE HAS ONLY JUST GOT THIS CAR 2 WEEKS AGO AND THE FAULT HAS JUST OCCURED THANK YOU Thread locked in here, you've already posted in Tech, no need to double post - this will be deleted shortly.
• Peugeot 306 (1993 - 2001) - 98 XUD TD will not start 15 Jan 2008 (Forum)
  Connected up solenoid and put ignition on, it does not move. Replaced solenoid (came with second hand pump) but still will not start. Battery had gone flat before put new pump on, so recharged, will this cause any problems? Have heard so many contrasting stories saying that you cannot use a second hand solenoid as once plugged into a car it will only work on that car and no other, is this true?
• BMW 5-Series E39 (1996 - 2003) - 523i Automatic - Gear stick stuck in Park. 9 Dec 2007 (Forum)
  Is there a fuse I may blow when taking the dash clocks out that is to do with the gear lever lock? Or is there something else I can do?? I tried to disconnect the battery for a while but it remained the same... Thanks... Shouting amended in subject line