June 2005
I used to love changing cars but I am beginning to think that my hard earned is better spent on other things. How long do you folks keep yours and what makes you change it? Read more
I'm asking as I have managed to get Castrol Valvemaster Plus all over my hands, the petrol forecourt and the petrol cap! I don't know who designed the bottle but they obviously never tried to use it when there are people queueing for the pumps glaring. First I couldn't get it to squirt into the reservoir; then once I had poured it into the filler neck it went everywhere again. I used up all the paper towel from my pump and then started on the pump next door! All the while been glared at by various people waiting and cursing under my own breath. I ended up stinking of it last week when I filled up the last time and I was more successful then. It's a shame as the car does run a lot more smoothly on the stuff. I'm in two minds about whether to quit using additive and go for an unleaded conversion (how much for a triumph vitesse 2 litre one wonders?) or give millers vsp a go as it has a bottle with a long and narrow neck.... and millers can be used in double concentrate without worrying so you can dump the whole lot in 20 litres.
teabelly Read more
I once accidentally dispensed 4 litres of GTD Magnatec onto the ground after forgetting to replace the sump plug after draining out the old oil.
Help! My dad used to service my car, but he recently died, so I am trying to remember what he taught me. I changed the spark plugs on my Daihatsu YRV, which had 3 prongy-things, but the ones that I was assured by the motoring shop were the correct ones, only had 2 prongy-things. After having driven about 30 miles, the malfunction indicator light came on (orange, engine logo).
I rang Daihatsu who were surprised that 2 prong-thing sparks would have caused this to happen, and suggested putting the old ones back in, which I have done. I started the engine after putting the old sparks back in, but the MIL was still on, which is really confusing me.
Is it possible that changing the spark plugs did this? I replaced the air filter at the same time.
Does it take a while for the light to go off, after all, it took a while for it to come on?
Have I knackered the engine?
Is there some other reason for the light coming on?
I'd be grateful for any help, especially since my oracle is no longer at the end of the phone to help me.
Cheers
FF Read more
I have finally fitted the new spark plugs and success - the engine warning light has not lit up! Thank you all for helping,
F-F
Our X reg Renault Scenic 1.6 auto has an intermittent fault. It won't start. The engine turns but won't 'fire up'. The car has been reasonably reliable, only suffering the need to replace all the coils and some minor items. I have tried both the original and spare keys but it makes no difference. Sometimes it starts for say 10 times then won't...leave it a day or two and it starts again. Might start say 3 times then lets us down again. All dash lights come on and off as they should so I don't believe it can be the imobilizer. Renault can't find anything wrong. Help!!
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High
Had a similar problem with a Laguna. It turned out to be a common problem with the coolant temperature sender used by the ecu. No warning lights but changing this sender cured the problems.
Just an idea I had this afternoon, is this a good idea? Then when we are on the road we can spot other Back Roomers!
Any Thoughts?
Thanks in advance
Rich Read more
Yeah, I've missed watching you and her squabbling as well, it always gives me a laugh when I see it! :-)
Come back NW!
Blue
...than to talk about seats. Car seats in particular.
Since I got the car, I must have cleaned them about 5 times. The problem is, they're a light creamy colour so unless you completely "soak" them evenly, the cleaning product dries in patches. Rain water also stains them. As soon as you open a door and a few rain speckles hit the seat - you're left with a permanent speckling effect.
I've tried everything from a special Auto-Glym Upholstery Cleaner to some foamy stuff. The foam is pretty much useless as it doesn't go on evenly. The closest was the Auto-Glym but even that wasn't perfect.
Does anyone have any other suggestions please? I realise this is probably going to open up a discussion on seating and that there are a whole host of other, more interesting topics but having made a cock up of cleaning them today, they look like someone's had a field day with Turps.
Cheers,
--
Adam Read more
Scotchguard?
Mercedes 230E W124 1992. An odd problem with the front passenger electric window. If I open any other window this one opens fully and stays there, the switch then does nothing. If I then turn off the ignition and switch it back on, the window will close on the switch most times. If will always close on the drivers door lock held anticlockwise, which normally closes all windows and the sunroof. The sunroof also has started playing up and often doesn't work when this window is playing up.
One can sometimes hear a clicking noise from inside the door with a 4-5 second gap between clicks. The window itself operates smoothly and normally.
I wondered if disconnecting the battery for 12 hours would clear any elctrical gremlins (as in rebooting a computer??)
Any ideas? Read more
I have had a look at this black box that is very dry and looks brand new with all connectors nice and tight and correctly located. Any idea why only one window is affected, as all the rest are working perfectly? Why will it shut on the door key?
Hello, does anyone know about Vectra brakes. I've got a problem with my P reg SRi failing the MOT due to excessive travel of the brake pedal. I've had a second-hand master cylinder fitted but the problem still remains. The mechanic has suggested that the replaced master cylinder is faulty but I have since spent some time on this site and others and it seems more likely that my problem lies with the ABS unit. I have the chance to buy a ABS unit from a Vectra 2.0i di turbo diesel and just wondered if anyone knows if this would fit my 2lt 16v SRi, also do I need to buy ABS sensors as well (like I know what that means!)? Please help before this car finally sends me over the edge.
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I recently came across a Vectra with a sinking brake pedal. As the car was under warranty it was returned to the main dealer. Initially they decided that the ABS unit was faulty, this meant a 3 day wait for a new unit. Although no reasons were given, they then decided to replace the master cylinder, another 2 day wait.
Many years ago I made a set of master cylinder blanking plugs, just unscrew the pipes, replace with plugs, bleed the cylinder and check for the pedal sinking. With a good cylinder the pedal is rock hard with very little free play.
Recently had the oil and filter changed on my car at National, where the used the above oil. It was only £20, plus I had them fill a litre container with some top up oil! Noticed that this oil is 0w40 grade, so £20 is very good value. They also do a 0w30 grade for zetec etc engines. Read more
Hi. I have a Rover 414i N reg (new shape).
Last night, came home and parked up by the curb. Turned engine off. Moved a few cars around on the driveway so I could get my car on. (We have people staying). Went back to my car, went to start it.....Nothing!!
I've not had any problems with the car since i've own it. Dont thinks its the battery. Thats newish, plus all lights (inside and out) still came on and never looked like draining. And we dont think its the starter motor.
Anyone got any ideas please?
Regards,
Dave Read more
Check the engine block earthing strap too.
All checked. Everything now ok. Not had anymore problems starting it. Hopefully it was just a bad conection somewhere along the line.
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re my previous entry re my Sierra I would add that it has now 131000 on the clock. I bought a Peugeot 205 auto for my daughter for £400 2 years ago. When purchased it had 130000 on the clockand all it has needed is a new radiator. it has now done another 20000 miles and she is delighted with it.Completely rust free. They dont make cars like they used to!! good to see that other contributors are beginning to see the light.Hasnt let her down once-touch wood!!