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• Should I go for the cheapest... 10 Dec 2003 (Forum)
  If something needs replacing I shop around for the best prices and then usually go with the cheapest. However, it doesn't always prove to be cheapest in the long run. (The last time for a new radiator, it cost me fortune for a new head gasket & replacement of cooling system components =£500!!) I need to replace my front dampers and Kwik-fit want c.£100 for supply & fitting inc vat (they are gas dampers btw) whereas my local garage who I trust to do a good job want c.£200.
• Pug..206 hesitating..help? 30 Nov 2003 (Forum)
  Wondering if you have any suggestions over this 'perhaps' trivial matter.. I run a pug 206 (2001) 1.9 Diesel with 23,000 on the clock. A nice little runner so far but when I am in third/fourth gear crusing a 2000 RPM the car jolts back/hesitates for a split second until I accelarate..any ideas..?
• throw away Golf 10 Nov 2003 (Forum)
  Misfire from cold after a mile or so ,especially around 3000rpm,seems to clear when taken through revs ,but never really sorts.Idle is rough and happens on the over run . Misfire feels like the car wants to clear it`s throat,like rev limiter kicking in when throttle is held at 3000rpm. Any ideas as it`s had every test done,Main dealer to dyno boys. Any other V.W owners had similar.
• Failed MOT on smoke emissions - diesel 23 Oct 2003 (Forum)
  It was only a five minute journey to the MOT centre so it has been suggested that I put "some kind" of additive in the diesel and take it for a good run before having the smoke test re-done. Will this work ??? If so, can anyone recommend a good additive. I'm thinking "worst case scenerio" of what the problem could be. Any suggestions appreciated.
• Blaupunkt Verona poor MW/LW reception 13 Oct 2003 (Forum)
  Hi Gang - Mrs V's Skoda Felicia has a Blaupunkt Verona radio cassette which has been working fine until today. The MW & LW reception has suddenly become very poor. With the engine running there is too much electrical (?) interference to hear anything. With the engine switched off, stations which used to be clear sound poor with quite a lot of background noise. FM reception is as was - very good!
• "Anti Pollution Unit" Pug 206 1 Oct 2003 (Forum)
  Every once in a while I get a warning in the central display which says "Anti Pollution Unit" and it goes out when I start the engine, which seems to run UK; it is a diesel by the way. Neither the handbook nor Haynes has anything to say on the subject and I have grave doubts that my local dealer will, if his past efforts are anything to go by. Does any Backroomer have an idea what this means - catalyst on the way out maybe?
• xantia speedometer 20 Sep 2003 (Forum)
  Hi, my fathers got a problem with the speedo on his M reg 1.9TD citroen xantia whereby when the car starts running it registers no speed but then after a few seconds the needle moves up to and stays at around 50mph until the engine is switched off when it falls down again. I've checked thru old posts for speedo problems but didn't find anything similar to this.
• Learning by expensive mistakes 7 Sep 2003 (Forum)
  He assumed it was down to the shock absorbers, so without further checking he changed them expecting the problem to be cured. When he took it out for a test run, the ride had not improved. He duly sat down and went through a proper diagnosis and found the tyres to be over inflated. The pressure was 60 psi! Changed shock absorbers back and corrected pressure - car was fine.
• The trouble with new cars is!!!! 15 Aug 2003 (Forum)
  When the Manufacturers find they have the faults, they bang out the new facelift and redesigned models and allow all of the faulty cars to run their course with the disgruntled owners. These owners are usually the unfortunates that have the pleasure of owning ex-fleet cars that have had NO TLC at all. Take one fleet driver, add inherent manufacturer faults plus quite a few thousand miles and hey presto!!!
• Exhaust Life (Diesels) 15 Aug 2003 (Forum)
  BX systems usually seem go at the joins as well. As a supplementary is there any potential harm, apart from being nicked for excess noise, in running the car without a silencer, not thinking of long distances but probably had to do 25 kilometres to finish journey and get to garage for repair.
• Air Con Question for Dave N 12 Aug 2003 (Forum)
  My SL500 is currently at the dealer having the air con tested. It was running cold but not as good as it has been in the past. The dealer called to say it needs re-charging and, incidentally, that they will charge me £152 for the priviledge. Is it normal for systems to need re-charging as a normal course of events or does it suggest there may be a leak somewhere which may require replacement of some horrendously expensive part.
• can vauxhall be trusted? 17 Jul 2003 (Forum)
  Having experienced GM's unacceptable 1.6 petrol engine as at 1996 but having had no trouble with their current (if hardly leading edge) 2.0 DTi unit I am wondering if Vauxhall's current engines (petrol and diesel) and their engine management systems can now be relied upon to stay the course and keep out of the shop, and if the petrol engines, like those of other makes, can run satisfactorily on any BS standard fuel. Frankly, if I can't resolve this situation, my hard earned money will go to another maker next time - I can't afford to indulge pretentious cars that don't cut it even if I do have GM points.
• espace autobox oil 9 Jun 2003 (Forum)
  Unless they have some Robot to do this it cannot be rocket-science. From what I have been able to gleen...it goes something like ...engine running/in neutral....let the oil dribble-out of an inspection hole at a certain rate. Anyone have the real info on this. Also any pointer to a real workshop manual for the greabox. thanks
• Cracking Alloy Wheels 4 Jun 2003 (Forum)
  Most garages do them up with air guns set to around 200 - 300!! This is a very likely cause of cracking I would imagine. I had an Escort XR3i that would run fine at the correct torque but if overtightened - as they were every time any garage put them back on - would sound like the wheel bearings were on the way out! Anyone else have any views - I would be interested to hear your feedback.
• Passat TDi 115 - mystery noise 30 May 2003 (Forum)
  My Passat TDi 115 , 68000mls, 3 year old, has a sound like a blowing exhaust manifold but the noise only occurs after a longish (50 mile plus) run. When it occurs it has a regular beat and in the car has a very low base sound. The garage has heard it but when it went in for the last service (a week ago) there was no noise (but they only took it 10 miles) and they do not appear to have any idea.
• Mercedes C220 Diesel Pump 21 Apr 2003 (Forum)
  The engine starts first time, never stalls or lost power although the rpm is limited to 3500 with the throttle fully depressed. Another thing is the engine runs on for 3-4 seconds after turning the ignition off. Took the car to local garage that specialises in MB and he put his test box on, the message : " FUEL INJECTION SHUT OFF VALVE" came up. The question is should I get the Fuel Injection Valve replaced or should I get a new diesel pump?
• Blue smoke on deceleration 18 Apr 2003 (Forum)
  Hello all, I have been troubled with my Diesel 309 (no turbo), which starts fine, but runs lumpy and a bit smokey when cold (white smoke). It seems to smoke on deceleration (blueish smoke) but these problems disappear when warm. It doesnt seem to have used much oil in the last 500 miles (the time i have had the car).
• Cycle carriers 3 Apr 2003 (Forum)
  You see plenty of them about but has anyone experienced them causing damage to tailgates, hinges etc? Also, I think I know the anser to this, but what if someone runs into you from the rear - does it then possibly lead to a bike being pushed through your window? Any thoughts would be appreciated...
• First sighting? New Roller 3 Mar 2003 (Forum)
  Just taking it for a test drive and will keep you posted about how it handles and its economy (when run in and loosened up of course)
• kangoo mph/1000rpm 2 Feb 2003 (Forum)
  Has anyone got any ideas about mph per 1000/rpm for a renault kangoo.I have just bought the vehicle and I would like to run it in as per honestjohns advice page.It is a 1.9 normally aspirated diesel.I have tried contacting renault through websites and their help line(hopeless call centre)i have put a technical request in at the supplying dealer but I feel it will have 5000 miles on the clock by the time they get back to me.The handbook says it does 90mph at 4500 rpm ie top speed,do you think I could assume that it does 20mph/per 1000rpm in top.Any help would be appreciated.