Honestjohn Backroom Posts

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI - Please help -- VW Golf overheating (focussed)

focussed — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 01:31:41 +0000

Most common failure for overheating on these , is the water pump . The impeller comes lose on the shaft and stops working. You’ll need the cambelt done at the same time. That's a terrific accolade for german design and production engineering isn't it? Despite their enormous engineering resources they can't design a water pump where the impeller remains attached to it's drive shaft. I've had a similar experience in the past - BMW 520i E34 water pump impeller disintegrated resulting in instant overheat. Fished the bits out, slapped a BMW recon pump on it and sold it.

Nissan X-Trail 2016 - Water ingress passenger footwear. (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:19:25 +0000

There may well be ECU type electronic modules down there as well, as it seems to be a favoured place by some manufacturers. In wellies? Things are worse than I thought, and I thought they were pretty terrible

Nissan X-Trail 2016 - Water ingress passenger footwear. (bathtub tom)

bathtub tom — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 22:28:48 +0000

Since its only the passenger footwear, drivability wont be compromised. Perhaps not so. There's going to be electrical connections under the seat for sensing occupancy to activate air bags, belt pre-tensionsers and other such gubbins. There may well be ECU type electronic modules down there as well, as it seems to be a favoured place by some manufacturers.

Suzuki - E Vitara (Big John)

Big John — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:48:00 +0000

Suzuki / Toyota relationship clearly ongoing.

Suzuki - E Vitara (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:19:58 +0000

I'm conflicted by the electric Vitara. I'm not at all against EV's, but one of the things I like most about Suzuki's is that they are light (and light is good), usually lighter than the competition, sometimes by quite a bit. So while I accept an electric Vitara is obviously going to be heavier, I was dismayed both by just how much heavier it is than the current version, but that it is also a chunk heavier (over 150kg) than a Peugeot e 2008, which is slightly bigger and has a slightly bigger battery. :-(

Nissan X-Trail 2016 - Water ingress passenger footwear. (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:44:17 +0000

If you really mean footwear (once a typo, but twice?) maybe try wellies. Since its only the passenger footwear, drivability wont be compromised.

Suzuki - E Vitara (paul 1963)

paul 1963 — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:06:49 +0000

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/suzuki/vitara/364902/new-suzuki-e-vitara-revealed-japanese-brands-first-ev A link that works, not to a closed facebook page. Ta! Never thought to check tbh...

Suzuki - E Vitara (Orb>>.)

Orb>>. — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:33:54 +0000

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/suzuki/vitara/364902/new-suzuki-e-vitara-revealed-japanese-brands-first-ev A link that works, not to a closed facebook page.

Suzuki - E Vitara (mcb100)

mcb100 — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:30:49 +0000

Like Swace/Corolla and Across/RAV4, there’ll also be a Toyota badged version along at some point.

All - Jaguar (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:27:15 +0000

It is odd, maybe disgruntled owners are more vocal which they are entitled to be given the price of the things. They have to be, to cover the cost of all that warranty work !!

Hyundai i30 2015 - i30 Door and boot issue (Dover Cliff)

Dover Cliff — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:58:53 +0000

I too have a similar, but intermittent, problem with the offside rear door on my 2018 i30 estate. On my final dealer service before the 5 year warranty ended I explained the problem - surprise, surprise - "no fault found". Of course, I don't go anywhere near a main dealer now the warranty has expired A year or so on - it still happens from time to time. A couple of lock/unlock attempts seems to fix it. I wish I hadn't read this post - I'm worried now !!

Suzuki - E Vitara (paul 1963)

paul 1963 — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:44:01 +0000

E Vitara has just been launched, goes on sale in Europe around next June. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BAckYiWRh/

All - Jaguar (Xileno)

Xileno — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:33:53 +0000

It is odd, maybe disgruntled owners are more vocal which they are entitled to be given the price of the things. Yet there was a time when Jaguar scored very highly in the JD Power surveys when under Ford ownership. I think Jaguar may be split off from JLR at some point, possibly sold to one of the Chinese EV makers who want an upmarket brand.

Any make - Most reliable petrol engines (galileo)

galileo — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:41:45 +0000

Is that true that the Achilles heel of Kia and Hyundai cars are the engines which rarely pass 100 k. There has been much coverage of these engine failures in North America where they are a major player ! Eric, who strips failed engines on Youtube 'Ido cars', says Kia/Hyundai engines in the US made vehicles, mainly the 2.0 litres, usually fail on cylinder No.3. Comments from other mechanics suggest No.3 rod crankpin bearing initiates failure, there is a recall campaign in the US with some engines replaced free.

Any make - Most reliable petrol engines (Engineer Andy)

Engineer Andy — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:06:26 +0000

Andy DPF issues with the Honda diesel? Is it ok for shorter journeys? They may be less susceptible, but likely not completely, probably because of how the concept of DPFs work on cars (unlike on HGVs). If you're going to predominantly do short journeys from cold, especially in an urban setting, I'd avoid diesels generally, especially second-hand ones, because you have no idea how they were previously used - the previous owner may be getting rid of it because they drove it in that pattern and want to offload it as it was starting to give problems. Modern petrol engines are more hardy in this respect, even those with GPFs, as apparently the systems burn hotter and thus a build-up of clogging residues are far less likely / more easily dealt with by the system itself. Sure, DPF-equipped second-hand diesels (especially EU5 and older) are now quite cheap in comparison to petrol engined cars of the same starting price/age because of the reliability / repair expense (complexity compare to petrols and older cars) and ULEZ related issues, but you do take a bit chance by buying one. They may prove fine, they may not. You may initially save yourself a few Grand to buy one, but you might end up with expensive headaches and hassles if something expensive does fail, likely being significantly out-of-pocket. Do you feel lucky?

All - Jaguar (Engineer Andy)

Engineer Andy — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:50:45 +0000

I don't know how JLR is still in business, given the horror stories I've heard regarding their product quality, including their ICE engines and poor customer service . Shame really, as they do look nice.

Nissan X-Trail 2016 - Water ingress passenger footwear. (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:50:19 +0000

As the car has been idle and there has been a lot of rain lately, it's probably got in via the scuttle below the windscreen. Some scuttle drains can block with leaf ru66ish (also a lot of that now). Otherwise perhaps via the passenger door-card (not the edge seals) ?

Ford Transit - No Claim Bonus evidence on my Camper S O L V E D (leaseman)

leaseman — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:48:20 +0000

Thank you for letting us know Paul. Always good to hear of a positive conclusion to any thread on the Forum. Leaseman (Mod)

Nissan X-Trail 2016 - Water ingress passenger footwear. (stuartl)

stuartl — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:45:18 +0000

Hi, a friend has the X-trail as above and after it was parked for about 6 weeks the footwear was a couple of inches deep in water. Any ideas, nothing obviously wrong with seals etc.

Any make - Most reliable petrol engines (RT)

RT — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:35:38 +0000

Is that true that the Achilles heel of Kia and Hyundai cars are the engines which rarely pass 100 k. There has been much coverage of these engine failures in North America where they are a major player ! Any evidence for that here? Hyundai/Kia models sold in Europe are built in Europe or Korea - models sold in North America are built in USA. My old 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 diesel has just passed 156,000 according to it's MoT history - my daughter-in-law's Hyundai i30 1.4 petrol, an ex-Enterprise rental car, has done 105,000 with no issues, just had a new clutch and I replaced the original spark plugs at the last service.

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI - Please help -- VW Golf overheating (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:30:37 +0000

How do I check for lack of "swirl"? [1] Do I remove the filler cap? If so, [2] it's presumably best done when the engine is cold? [1] yes. [2] best done after the thermostat has opened - when the engine has warmed up enough for coolant to reach the radiator.

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:22:39 +0000

<< Just remember, the main part of these servicing costs is labour. Go independent or do it yourself . >> Independents charge from £50 an hour upwards - typically about £70 outside the expensive areas.

Ford Transit - No Claim Bonus evidence on my Camper S O L V E D (pebbleridge)

pebbleridge — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:36:46 +0000

Hi all, Thanks for your suggestions, turns out all I needed to do was find someone at Devitte who knew what they where doing. It took about 5 phone calls but eventually Devitte in direct discussions with Carole Nash managed to agree that I did have no claims bonus and it has now been sorted. Thnks agaon for your offers of help Regards, Paul

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI - Please help -- VW Golf overheating (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:12:52 +0000

With the engine running at idle , you should see coolant returning through the small pipes into the reservoir. You can take the cap off , might make it easier to see. Replacement water pump requires removing the cam belt . Any garage will advise this as a precaution.

Ford Transit - No Claim Bonus evidence rejected on my Camper (pebbleridge)

pebbleridge — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:04:09 +0000

Thanks, I'll give them a try. :)

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (mickyh7)

mickyh7 — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:57:28 +0000

Taking on a 12-year-old car calls for [a] regular (not necessarily frequent) and full servicing and [b] checking the MoT record for suggestions of incipient corrosion. Diesels muck up their oil faster than petrol engines - I get oil and filter changes after 7 or 8K miles, rather sooner than the maker's schedule. If the coolant reservoir lets you see the colour of the contents, change them if it is brown or dirty, not blue or reddish - unless you know it has been done, of course. Brake fluid - quite possibly never changed. If the brakes have never been fully overhauled, that may be worth doing and not expensive. All that being good, keep the car as long as it stays together. Just remember, the main part of these servicing costs are labour. Guaranteed to be in excess of £100 an hour at any dealership.My local Merc dealer wanted £220 an hour +vat labour! An oil change on an Astra, is a little more complex than emptying a sink, then filling it back up again! Go independent or do it yourself.

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (RogerOut)

RogerOut — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:45:26 +0000

A Vauxhall dealer will probably do the bare minimum and go by the schedule. Change the oil , do a few checks. Then a technician will go under the car with a torch and make a short video showing defects. They’ll then get a guy on minimum wage to do a very quick wash and vac. Vauxhall will then kindly give a 3 page print out coloured red and amber to show how much work they want you to do. They like doing their health checks which they say they are doing for free as part of the service you pay them for.

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI - Please help -- VW Golf overheating (Norman49)

Norman49 — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:42:36 +0000

Thanks for the helpful advice, elekie&a/c and edlithgow. How do I check for lack of "swirl"? Do I remove the filler cap? If so, it's presumably best done when the engine is cold? Also (please excuse my ignorance) why do I need to get the cambelt done at the same time? Is it because the engine has to be stripped down and so it just makes sense to change the cambelt? Or is there some other reason? Thanks. p { line-height: 115%; margin-top: 0.1cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; background: transparent }

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:22:37 +0000

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (shauncwalsh)

shauncwalsh — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 09:55:35 +0000

The 1.7 Isuzu engine is usually very reliable BUT you need to know when the cam belt was last changed. If it needs changing get it done, it's not hugely expensive. If it has the 6 speed M32 gearbox, listen out for whining in 5th and 6th gears and excessive gearstick movement on acceleration/overrun. It's a sign of worn bearings which will eventually fail and wreck the box. A remedy for this isn't cheap.

Any make - Most reliable petrol engines (Steveieb)

Steveieb — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 09:24:53 +0000

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (SLO76)

SLO76 — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:23:45 +0000

Forget the money grabbing main dealer with a car of this age and mileage, use a good local independent who knows how to make do and mend. Good news these, they’re well screwed together and the elderly Isuzu motor is noisy but very robust. Well worth spending a few quid on a good service then run it till it drops.

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (FoxyJukebox)

FoxyJukebox — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:12:35 +0000

A free MOT with a service is a “come on in”. Even if the car passes-what about the “advisories” which are a nice way of adding to profits.

Any make - Most reliable petrol engines (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:04:05 +0000

The most reliable / long lived that are also cheap to fix ted to be simpler in design, no turbo and or supercharger, no direct injection, no variable timing, no Dual Mass Flywheel and probably manual gearbox etc. Doesn't mean they are efficient and/or nice to drive though. Not sure the gearbox is really within the scope of the question, but I understood the conventional wisdom was an automatic was protected from driver abuse so likely to be more reliable. Engine-wise I suppose something aircooled like the VW Beetle or 2CV. Eliminates a whole potential can of worms. Daihatsu engine in my Skywing seemed robustly simple too with very good fuel economy (although liquid cooled, and the only rubber-band OHC engine I've had) until I broke it. For choice I'd favour timing chains if OHC (e.g. Lada 1200, Nissan Sunny) and pushrods (Leyland B series, Volvo 240) over them. In fact only engine I've had thats given problems was a Ford DOHC 2L in a Sierra that broke a plastic timing chain guide, which ultimately killed it. Bakelite engine bits seem a BAD THING. Post 2012? Dunno. No experience and not much interest., but it seems to be asking for trouble. Bound to have a catalytic converter for a start. Maybe, if I must, the ECA1 engine in a Mk1 Honda Insight? No, thats too early.

Volkswagen Golf - Intermittent fan speed issues (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 07:28:39 +0000

Aircon icing explanation would seem to only be applicable if the problem only manifested when the aircon was in operation, which I understood was not the case? Alternative (simplistic) theory, without the benefit of any specific knowledge of this system: C***py German Plastics , known to give extensive grief in the accelerated ageing environment that is Taiwan. Its theorised to be associated with their (mandatory?) deliberately engineered degradability. Say a fan turbine, which loosens on its axis as it gets warm with extended operation, and so stops blowing air, though the motor would continue to be audible. Turn it off and it cools and re-grips and so would work for a while, though I suppose it'd eventually destroy itself completely. Maybe superglue it, if you in fact can find it, though it might be so much grief to dismantle that you'd prefer to replace it?

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (Xileno)

Xileno — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 21:39:10 +0000

A main dealer will follow Vauxhall's mandated schedule but for a car of this age a decent independent will be more appropriate. A good mechanic can assess the condition of the coolant and check the brake fluid for moisture content. I would also ask then to inspect the cambelt (assuming this engine has one), it shouldn't be much time to take the cover off for a quick look.

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI - Please help -- VW Golf overheating (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 21:21:15 +0000

Very possibly, and also poor heater operation.

Any make - Most reliable petrol engines (John F)

John F — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 21:20:01 +0000

Car Mechanics had an article on the W12 engine.. So did 'Classics W'..... Volkswagen W12 engine guide - Classics World .....such a brilliant (and reliable) piece of engineering, but now as obsolete as those magnificent multicylinder radial aero engines.... Engine Nr 700 228, DC-7B pic1 Teknikens och Sjöf***ens hus, Science and Maritime House - Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone - Wikipedia

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (John F)

John F — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 20:53:38 +0000

. Shall I get a service or just get the oil changed? I would just change the oil and filter every 10k miles. I might clean the air filter if it hasn't been changed recently. The MoT test checks it for safety and advises if anything important needs doing. I would do a wheels-off corrosion inspection before the next MoT to ensure it doesn't fail on a bit of rust on a brake pipe. Clean and grease them. AFAIK no garage 'service' includes this preventive maintenance. Is it worth changing the anti freeze and brake fluid too? Probably not. Coolant in a modern sealed system should last the life of the car and modern brake systems ensure the fluid hardly ever attracts enough water from the atmosphere to compromise its function.

Volkswagen Golf - Intermittent fan speed issues (Mammoth Man)

Mammoth Man — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 20:37:44 +0000

Hmm, seems no one has resolved this issue? I’m having the same problem. I started by getting an ODB reader so I can ensure it’s not a thermostat issue (temperature fluctuating on the highway) and it’s not. Got a steady 90-95. Then I thought, maybe the heater core is plugged so I changed that. Still problematic. The Guess none of these would explain a drop is air speed. So weird as it blows so well when you first start the car.

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI - Please help -- VW Golf overheating (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 20:27:10 +0000

Most common failure for overheating on these , is the water pump . The impeller comes lose on the shaft and stops working. You’ll need the cambelt done at the same time. Would this be detectable as a lack of "swirl" when looking at the coolant via the radiator fill cap?

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 20:10:02 +0000

The thing is , I know a Vauxhall franchise who give free MOtT’s with their services , and main service and MOT would be between £250-£300 for a main service. The free MOT is a saving. That is just a con to draw people in, it isn't actually the case. Do you think the mechanic who spends 45-60 minutes doing the MOT is a volunteer?. No, of course not, he is paid to do it!. The price of the MOT may not appear on the invoice, but you are paying for it.

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (gordonbennet)

gordonbennet — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:47:28 +0000

Thats still a new car to me, of course its worth servicing, our cars are 16 and 19 and get serviced properly by me, there's years left in both of them. If money's tight buy the parts and oil and DIY it, a simple enough vehicle to work on.

Car insurance renewal - Still No Fidelity to customers (Heidfirst)

Heidfirst — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:39:24 +0000

https://ucl.suzuki.co.uk/cars/used/used/suzuki/swace/18-hybrid-ultra-5dr-cvt/redditch/worcestershire/21255957/

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (bazza)

bazza — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:21:18 +0000

Sounds like a decent car with some miles left. Yes of course it is worth servicing! As bbd says, you can spend a bit on it. Independent is the way forward, definitely. Have an interim service every 6000 miles, oil change etc, and have a full service once a year or about every 12000. Or thereabouts. Your mileage sounds like the DPF will be ok, but if it's not, they can be cleaned by specialists and more importantly diagnosed correctly. What are the tyres like? A decent new set will do wonders for the overall feel and ride quality of the car. Good luck!

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (RogerOut)

RogerOut — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:10:27 +0000

DPF is about £1k to replace isn’t it ? I know you can get it cleaned but a garage will charge a couple of hundred quid to clean I’d guess. The thing is , I know a Vauxhall franchise who give free MOtT’s with their services , and main service and MOT would be between £250-£300 for a main service. The free MOT is a saving. Most independents are a similar price, so where’s best ? Go Vauxhall dealer or a decent independent? Only thing is , main dealers usually let you join a service plan or use bumper finance which is 0% interest. Most independents want their payment straight away and won’t offer any service payment deals.

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:03:57 +0000

You got the car for nothing, so spending £300 or a service doesn't seem a bad deal to me. Re the engine, unlike most Vauxhall diesels (up to the PSA Stellantis takeover anyway), the 1.7 is Isuzu rather than Fiat and much more reliable. The only slight concern would be the DPF which (at that age) I'm assuming it would have, but the mileage suggests the kind of usage which would keep it healthy.

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 D - Worth Spending Money Servicing ? (RogerOut)

RogerOut — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 18:38:34 +0000

Sister in law came into some money and basically gave me her car. It’s an Astra estate , 1.7 Diesel. A 62 plate so over 12 years old. Theres £158k on the clock so high mileage She brought the car privately in 2021, it had been serviced quite a bit by garages, including Vauxhall. She got a friend to do oil changes , basic maintenance but also spent quite a bit of money getting bits done to get it through its MOT. I just took it for an MOT- it passed. But is it worth spending money on a service ? Vauxhall dealership want anything from £250 - £400 for a service depending on what type. Yet the independents are also around £250-£300 for a service also. There’s not much lot in it unless I get a major service. Local independent garage ( with good reviews ) say online it’s £270 for a major service. Sister in law said it needs an oil change and has never changed the anti freeze or brake fluid in three years. The levels look ok to me though. I do a 58 mile trip to work each day to work. Shall I get a service or just get the oil changed? Is it worth changing the anti freeze and brake fluid too?

Car insurance renewal - Still No Fidelity to customers (catsdad)

catsdad — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 18:09:51 +0000

Thanks for the update. Re the Swace, my wife has a 2020 Suzuki Vitara but both the dealer we bought it from and the more local dealer are poor. Luckily we have an excellent indie but I’d now be reluctant to buy a newer Suzuki car from either main dealer. Anyway, best stop this off-topic diversion that I’ve started.

Car insurance renewal - Still No Fidelity to customers (Heidfirst)

Heidfirst — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 17:07:11 +0000

Which engine size have you bought Heidfirst? I fancy a Corolla 2.0 but many reviews say the 1.8 is nearly as good but less money. 2.0. The 2023MY> 5th gen 1.8 hybrid is a big improvement over the earlier & tbh I could live with it but the 2.0 is better again. After a lot of work/considerable time watching cars in the market & speaking to dealers all over the UK I have paid similar money for a 2.0 as many dealers wanted for a 1.8. Compromised a bit on preferred colour & it doesn't have the JBL speaker upgrade but you can only pick from what is available. If you can live with the 1.8 & are happy with no built-in satnav (but Android Auto/CarPlay) there are some very tempting offers on low mileage Suzuki Swaces (for me it would have been Ultra trim if I had gone Swace).