The new news 24 thread

[xtriple]

All moderns are shit.....

 

Had a full on FTP today. Went to the trusty Honda and it was as dead as a Dodo! Hmmm, when was the last time I used it? Last week? Week before? Fuck nose!

 

Called out Honda Assist (the AA) and the nice man jump started the car and tested the battery and it's dead. Makes me laugh:perfectly fine 140Volts under the boot floor which will not operate 'cos the poxy (tiny) 12 volt battery under the bonnet is flat and won't power up the relays etc.

 

Bloody car hasn't even got an alternator or starter motor!

 

Called the dealer and surprise, surprise, they had the correct battery in stock so straight over, panicking every time the thing auto-stopped on the way and fitted in minutes, re-booted the electrics on the computer and all working fine again.

 

They were going to try and get me a new battery under warranty but I couldn't be arsed and said just chuck a new one on without hours of faffing around (no warranty claim without a full test routine!). It was £95 fully fitted inclusive but I did my usual and hassled them down to £75. They HATE me in there.... not least 'cos the bloody dog howled the whole time (no one was paying him any attention!) but also 'cos I refuse to pay what they quote!

 

They had the last laugh though... the car has done 800 miles in the last year!

[NorfolkNWeigh]

All moderns are shit.....

 

Had a full on FTP today. Went to the trusty Honda and it was as dead as a Dodo! Hmmm, when was the last time I used it? Last week? Week before? Fuck nose!

 

Called out Honda Assist (the AA) and the nice man jump started the car and tested the battery and it's dead. Makes me laugh:perfectly fine 140Volts under the boot floor which will not operate 'cos the poxy (tiny) 12 volt battery under the bonnet is flat and won't power up the relays etc.

 

Bloody car hasn't even got an alternator or starter motor!

 

Called the dealer and surprise, surprise, they had the correct battery in stock so straight over, panicking every time the thing auto-stopped on the way and fitted in minutes, re-booted the electrics on the computer and all working fine again.

 

They were going to try and get me a new battery under warranty but I couldn't be arsed and said just chuck a new one on without hours of faffing around (no warranty claim without a full test routine!). It was £95 fully fitted inclusive but I did my usual and hassled them down to £75. They HATE me in there.... not least 'cos the bloody dog howled the whole time (no one was paying him any attention!) but also 'cos I refuse to pay what they quote!

 

They had the last laugh though... the car has done 800 miles in the last year!

Apart from your reports I only know one other person with a Prius shape Insight and he's had 2 batteries under warranty, his car is only 7 months old.

He's not happy with it anyway as it only does about 37 mpg according to the OBC, whenever I pick him up to take him to the airport he asks to see my mpg readout,it's usually about 45 sometimes 50mpg if I've been dawdling. He then starts ranting that if a big 6 year old 3.0 estate car that can do 150 mph with enough torque to push you back in your seat can manage that why the fuck can't his modern techno marvel.

[cort16]

I can haz Avantime

 

 

spill the beanz

[darkfour]

Drove the Plymouth for the first time yesterday. I needed to get it home from it's temporary storage location across town so that I could get it off the grass and into the garage for some proper spannering. I've been having brake issues with excessive pedal travel and so I'd bled and bled and bled the brakes beforehand and figured that they were as good as they were ever going to get. There's no handbrake on the car at present so I decided that at 7am on Sunday morning it would be mostly traffic free.

 

Anyway the drive was uneventful, although it's VERY noisy and shakes and rattles down the road but I managed the 6 mile drive home.

 

Here it is on the driveway.

 

 

Got home, stuck it in Park, switched off the ignition, went to get out and the car started rolling down the drive. Luckily one of the kids was up at 7:30am and came to my rescue with some wooden chocks. Checked the transmission linkage and the cable sheath as fallen apart which is why Park didn't engage.

 

 

Changed the oil and filter and what best can be described as a black, gloopy mess came out. Flushed the coolant system to get rid of the rusty water. Put it in the garage and got it up on axle stands and saw this rear tyre. Think it's time for new ones

 

 

I've got a short video too of the drive home but can't work out how to make it accessible. Any ideas?

[dollywobbler]

I can haz Avantime

 

Is it the V6 Auto Keith Adams spotted?

[panhard65]

Apart from your reports I only know one other person with a Prius shape Insight and he's had 2 batteries under warranty, his car is only 7 months old.

He's not happy with it anyway as it only does about 37 mpg according to the OBC, whenever I pick him up to take him to the airport he asks to see my mpg readout,it's usually about 45 sometimes 50mpg if I've been dawdling. He then starts ranting that if a big 6 year old 3.0 estate car that can do 150 mph with enough torque to push you back in your seat can manage that why the fuck can't his modern techno marvel.

My dad has got an '09 Insight and done about 20k miles in just over a year. No problems at all and getting 50ish mpg. If I drive it then it is nearer to 40 as they are no rocketship. He has had no problems at all other than the dopey dealer never set up the service interval reminder from new. I suppose they just expect the old giffers to take them back once a year after doing a few hundred miles. I was surprised how many miles my old man had put on it as he is in his 70's now.

[Ghosty]

I wish cars didn't have service interval reminders. They're just annyoing and a PITA to turn off.

 

In other news, the brake warning light is still on in the Bini.

Service light was always on in her old Polo too, was seemingly impossible to turn off seeing as we never took it to VAG.

[xtriple]

Apart from your reports I only know one other person with a Prius shape Insight and he's had 2 batteries under warranty, his car is only 7 months old.

He's not happy with it anyway as it only does about 37 mpg according to the OBC, whenever I pick him up to take him to the airport he asks to see my mpg readout,it's usually about 45 sometimes 50mpg if I've been dawdling. He then starts ranting that if a big 6 year old 3.0 estate car that can do 150 mph with enough torque to push you back in your seat can manage that why the fuck can't his modern techno marvel.

Mine is doing reliably, 50 - 62mpg! And that is round town and really short journeys! Last time I put fuel in it was Jan 7th and it's still over half full. I know I don't use it much but it really is bloody good on fuel.

 

If he has the 'Eco' button pressed it will be shit. Certainly counter intuitive, but in 'eco' mode it is the most dire fooking thing in the world to drive! It reduces power to sweet FA and is gutless and uses petrol like I use Chesterfield greens.

 

Mine is in 'Eco'off and sport mode most of the time and it drives like a 'proper' car and is great on fuel (as I said). I also drive everywhere with the air con on and usually with the windows open as well! Dog gives me no choice about that!

[nacho man]

 

Spotted this out in the wild.

 

I reckon the owner wears a string vest. And had a daughter called Flower/Krystal etc etc I also assume he has a really nasty dog called Bruno/Tyson etc etc

 

Other stereotypes are available.

[brickwall]

I wish cars didn't have service interval reminders. They're just annyoing and a PITA to turn off.

 

In other news, the brake warning light is still on in the Bini.

Service light was always on in her old Polo too, was seemingly impossible to turn off seeing as we never took it to VAG.

 

 

Ignition and reset button? Which model year is it?

[Bucketeer]

I've got a short video too of the drive home but can't work out how to make it accessible. Any ideas?

 

Post the video on Youtube and then just link it from there?

I'm sure other options are available.

[Anglevan]

Might be time to move my 86 Mitsubishi Lancer on - need to find an auto for ma Anglevan.

this could be fun !! time to look for another motor and expect to see the Lancer on here at some point.

[Ghosty]

Ignition and reset button? Which model year is it?

2010/60 plate facelift R56. Tried it once and it just did the trip reset, think the problem's a pad sensor as I've previosuly mentioned. I've read the only way to put it off is sensor replacement, meanwhile the Old Man's pulled the idea out of his arse that disconnecting the sensor will work (rubbish IMO, that's as good as it being broken... and it is).

The Bini dealer actually phoned to see the car's okay between this and the last post so I might get the mother to phone back and get it done under warranty. The car's already been back once for a replacement boot release button.

[JohnK]

Been using the Rover today and I absolutely love this little car. I really do wish I had tried one of these R8 Rovers a long time before.

 

Got in touch with an old mate as well,who I haven't seen for a few years. He's blew the top end of his Civic Type R, couple evenings work to sort and he's borrowing the Volvo 760 to get to work etc whilst it is being sorted so that suits me. The Civic is knocking like mad and the VTEC YO doesn't exist. Fun times!

[wuvvum]

Another rather crap weekend from a fettling perspective.

 

I finished spraying in the arches on the Perodua.  The paint match is poor, but I was expecting that.  What I wasn't expecting is how filler which can look lovely and smooth when bare, and even when in primer, suddenly looks thunderously shit when painted over in a pale metallic.

 

I failed to diagnose the electrical drain on the Mondeo.  Part of the problem is that it's an intermittent fault.  I switched everything off, connected the multimeter and it was showing a drain of 0.1A.  I left it for a while, went back and it was pulling out just over 4A.  GR9, thinks I, diagnosis time.  I systematically pulled out every fuse from the fuse box under the bonnet, but it made no difference at all to the multimeter reading.  The interior fusebox is behind the glove compartment - by the time I'd finished faffing around removing this the current draw had dropped to 0.1 again, and refused to budge, apart from a brief foray up to 0.73A when I opened a door.

 

I jacked the 200 Vi up to try and find out which wheel bearing(s) were causing the row.  Appears to be the nearside rear, which sounded horrible - to the extent that I don't really want to drive it any more until it's sorted.  Except that it has locking wheel nuts and no key, so I'm going to have to take it somewhere to get them removed, as there's four of them and I don't have four smaller sockets.  It also needs four new tyres - two are on the markers and two are fecked.

 

I welded up the centre stand mount on the Spacy again as it had come apart.  Still won't bloody stand up though as one of the legs is proper bent.  In the process I managed to catch the starter button and break it, so now I've got to nick the switch from the spares bike before it'll run again.  Sadly the spares bike doesn't have a stand.

 

Still, at least I managed to mow the lawn without fucking that up.

[PhilA]

Topped up the power steering fluid gain today- it would seem that it's been leaking out at.. er, every available joint, but mostly at the front end by the pump.

 

I might get it up on the ramp at some point and try tweaking the unions a bit, but right now it's not too bad.

 

Considering it's the only thing that really leaks to any great extent, I'll buy that.

 

Next up I really need to fit the new air horn because "beep" don't cut it, and put a relay in for the heater fan because the switch smokes when left on MAX for more than a few minutes.

 

Fun times ahead, yay French things.

 

--Phil

[stillOrange]

I'm bloody distraught. Everything was going so well. Had a agreement with the owner, managed to organise a place for it to be stored for a week or two, got even a place on a lorry that was coming to Birmingham where I could pick it up. Now the whole plan is shattered and I won't be able to buy. Life isn't fair...

 

Such a beauty! Older version with metal bumpers and round speedo, little rust, brilliant colour scheme and too cheap to be truth

 

http://otomoto.pl/oferta/fiat-126-zarejestrowany-stan-bardzo-dobry-ID4patQZ.html

[messerschmitt owner]

I'm bloody distraught. Everything was going so well. Had a agreement with the owner, managed to organise a place for it to be stored for a week or two, got even a place on a lorry that was coming to Birmingham where I could pick it up. Now the whole plan is shattered and I won't be able to buy. Life isn't fair...

 

Such a beauty! Older version with metal bumpers and round speedo, little rust, brilliant colour scheme and too cheap to be truth

 

http://otomoto.pl/oferta/fiat-126-zarejestrowany-stan-bardzo-dobry-ID4patQZ.html

buy it, store it in rural Gloucestershire at mine (for free), it's some 65 miles from Brum - I'd even come and drive it home from Brum on my insurance! It could play with my 126 for a wee while.

[stillOrange]

The problem is with the owner, adding some more fees and negating on previous agreement.

Basically in a day it all changed from £800 delivered with cash on collection to over £1000 with most money sent before.

 

Fishy

[Largactil]

2010/60 plate facelift R56. Tried it once and it just did the trip reset, think the problem's a pad sensor as I've previosuly mentioned. I've read the only way to put it off is sensor replacement, meanwhile the Old Man's pulled the idea out of his arse that disconnecting the sensor will work (rubbish IMO, that's as good as it being broken... and it is).

The Bini dealer actually phoned to see the car's okay between this and the last post so I might get the mother to phone back and get it done under warranty. The car's already been back once for a replacement boot release button.

 

Cut n' paste:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Insert Key

Do not press clutch / brake

Press Start button

Wait until the Car / revelant Service symbol disappears on the Rev counter display

Immediately after the symbol goes out - Press and hold Both buttons on the Rev Counter

Continue to hold - the system Will run a dash light check

Continue to hold

Display will then show VIN / Menu, - continue to hold through this until the time Reappears on the display.

Now release Only the Right hand Button (trip reset) for about a second, and then press and hold again (whilst still holding the LH button)

After another second or 2 the display will show the Front Brake Symbol You Are Now in the Service Menu

Use the BC Button (on indicator stalk) to scroll through to the relevant symbol - eg Rear Brakes

 

To Reset the warning indicator light - Press & Hold the BC Button at the revelant symbol until RESETappears - then press and hold again until the process is complete.

 

Turn Off and On the Ignition again - Warning should now have gone.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I used this to reset the MOT reminder as well as the brake service warning reminder after I changed the discs & pads on my old car.

 

I didn't replace the wear sensors, but my pads weren't that badly worn (they were disintegrating due to the car sitting around a lot / not moving). I think once the wear sensor sees some 'action' , the service computer won't reset till you replace with a new one (They're about £8 each from GSF / ECP).

[Negative Creep]

Booked the AS loanee Lancia in for an MOT tomorrow. What's the worst that can happen?

[philibusmo]

Booked the AS loanee Lancia in for an MOT tomorrow. What's the worst that can happen?

The front screen wash will randomly decide to not work (that happens occasionally) will start working again of its own accord but if desperate try wiggling the connection to the pumps under the spare wheel. Also the passenger seat belt, it works but requires it to be pulled slowly down almost perfectly vertically first and then it will work perfectly. If that doesn't work then take out the passenger seat (3 or 4 bolts on the front swing joint under the velcro'd bit of carpet, and then slide it out into the back footwell) if needed just show the MOT tester the knack to using the belt or demonstrate it working for him.

 

Otherwise all should be good. Those two things are 'character' and do work, it just depends on if they work for the MOT tester.

 

EDIT: that makes it sound like a hopeless cause, I'm actually 95% sure it will pass, but those two things are the only bits that I can think of that will cause a hiccup.

[Shep Shepherd]

Just had a full set of Falken ZIEX ZE914 EcoRun tyres fitted to The Saab, as I'm driving to Birmingham this weekend and the extant tyres were pretty much dickered; I think the Goodyears on the back could very well have been the ones it left Trollhättan with in mid-2000.

 

I've only driven the car half a mile since, but it already inspires more confidence than it did previously

[Six-cylinder]

I have taken my Citroen DS for Service and MOT to a West London Citroen Specialist and have there service loan car, a Citroen Xantia Exclusive 2 Ltr 16v manual.

 

I now can't get the 10 green bottle rhyme out of my head but with variation:

 

2 green Xantias sitting on the drive,

2 green Xantias sitting on the drive,

And if 1 green Xantia should accidentally leave,

There'll be 1 green Xantia sitting on the drive.

 

[fordperv]

Just had a full set of

Falken ZIEX ZE914 EcoRun tyres fitted to The Saab, as I'm driving to Birmingham this weekend and the extant tyres were pretty much dickered; I think the Goodyears on the back could very well have been the ones it left Trollhättan with in mid-2000.

I've only driven the car half a mile since, but it already inspires more confidence than it did previously

I've not tried the ze914 but I run the ze912 on my saph (195/60/14) they are great

[Shep Shepherd]

^

I went for the tyres becuase they had consisently good reviews, had decent mpg/wet grip/road noise ratings and were available at a price I liked

[darkfour]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdog5o2T2o8

 

Got the video posted to YouTube....Shake, Rattle and Roll

[Negative Creep]

The front screen wash will randomly decide to not work (that happens occasionally) will start working again of its own accord but if desperate try wiggling the connection to the pumps under the spare wheel. Also the passenger seat belt, it works but requires it to be pulled slowly down almost perfectly vertically first and then it will work perfectly. If that doesn't work then take out the passenger seat (3 or 4 bolts on the front swing joint under the velcro'd bit of carpet, and then slide it out into the back footwell) if needed just show the MOT tester the knack to using the belt or demonstrate it working for him.

 

Otherwise all should be good. Those two things are 'character' and do work, it just depends on if they work for the MOT tester.

 

EDIT: that makes it sound like a hopeless cause, I'm actually 95% sure it will pass, but those two things are the only bits that I can think of that will cause a hiccup.

Both have always been fine for me, so doubtless they'll both stop tomorrow. Not sure if the bonnet being a pain to open will be a fail?

 

Will also make a post in the main thread politely asking that everyone who intends to take this on makes a contribution to the cost otherwise I'm basically paying for everyone else to use it

[cms206]

I seem to remember chat on here before about baby names... SWMBO and I are pretty much against motoring names for children. It's more me than her to be honest.

 

That said, I don't hold the above statements against other parents, so I was delighted to find that I appear to have Mo's lovechild on my schoolbus as I have a new addition actually called Sterling.

[Angrydicky]

Finally got the Somerset back from the garage after six weeks! It's now got two new rear leaf springs, which are beefier A40 commercial ones so better for tat hauling. It also now has the correct front shock absorbers fitted, as the old ones were off another car and the arms were an inch too short, resulting in irritating negative camber! Looks much better now, and they've fitted new pins and bushes throughout so it rides really well now

 

 

 

 

I've also broken out the MIG torch for the Victor, after the discovery of some fairly extensive rot in the drivers side front A post and inner wing. All sorted now, just got to paint and underseal the inner wing and I can get the outer back on and resprayed.