Ask a Shiter

[stripped fred]

Thanks for the replies. The garage are going to try it when it arrives and if it doesn't work send the old one off for reprogramming. Fingers crossed!

[Tickman]

If the car was repaired after the crash shouldn't the ecu clearing be part of the fix?

[stripped fred]

If the car was repaired after the crash shouldn't the ecu clearing be part of the fix?

It should do but it was a bloke in a lock up and perhaps he didn't have the right kit. It has never been a problem until now. My mum's local garage passed it for the last two years. I think the mot rules have changed.

[NorthernMonkey]

Dog peeps - why do sheep dogs i.e. welsh border collies have longer faces these days?? the shape of their faces has completely changed in the last 30 years.

It’s because they’ve been banned from ‘spoons...they’ve all got long faces

[New POD]

If the car was repaired after the crash shouldn't the ecu clearing be part of the fix?

 

Isn't it stupid that the thing that isn't broken (the ECU) causes the car to continue to be broken....Why not have a reset button or sequence of buttons.  

 

It was easy enough to reset an airbag fault light, on the BINI via the OBD2 reader, but why doesn't the car just perform a check on start up and realise that it's no longer faulty, and save everyone the hassle.  

Kind of like "turn it off. turn it back on..has that fixed it....from the IT Crowd" 

[SiC]

Isn't it stupid that the thing that isn't broken (the ECU) causes the car to continue to be broken....Why not have a reset button or sequence of buttons.

I remember reading it's down to the fact that the airbag controller dumps a lot of electrical power into the airbags and the ecu manufacturer can't guarantee that good for a second actuation. Of course it could also be planned obsolescence. The crash signal is often sent to the Engine ECU too (depending on manufacturer), to kill the engine+pump+injectors for preventing fire. This is instead of the traditional mechanical crash switch.

 

It was easy enough to reset an airbag fault light, on the BINI via the OBD2 reader, but why doesn't the car just perform a check on start up and realise that it's no longer faulty, and save everyone the hassle.  

Kind of like "turn it off. turn it back on..has that fixed it....from the IT Crowd"

Many car manufacturers do that. I know Renault in particular will clear the airbag light once the fault has been fixed. BMW don't. Nor do VAG. I guess it helps keeps their dealers in business?

[sierraman]

Fucus woes. Y plate 1600 zetec petrol I purchased about 3 months ago.

Some may remember the manky steering wheel pictures posted earlier in this very thread. I managed to get the wheel clean enough to use and am now driving it daily without having to wash my hands afterwards. Which is nice.

 

The pproblem - Recently the speedo needle drop down to zero has gone from every so often to frequent. This morning's commute it occurred just after a big hesitation from the engine.

 

When the car goes to idle it drops below 750 rpm and the recovers to 750. It does this every time after the car has been driven and is then put into idle. .

 

Quick google points to faulty speed sensor? Any other common known faults

Yes sounds like the VSS. Can be a pig to get out.

 

Check the throttle butterfly as well for carbing up, this sometimes causes uneven throttle. May be a separate issue to the VSS.

[billy_bunter]

Yes sounds like the VSS. Can be a pig to get out.

 

Check the throttle butterfly as well for carbing up, this sometimes causes uneven throttle. May be a separate issue to the VSS.

 

Best way to clean the butterfly? Carb cleaner or something else?

[sierraman]

Yes, nothing abrasive though. Clean cloth or something, carb builds up on the leading edge of the throttle spindle. Occasionally on both the 1.6 and more so the 1.8 you can get vacuum leaks from thr myriad of hoses that can cause idle problems.

 

Chances are though the speedo issue is the VSS, like I say removal can be tricky, leaving you with a stub stuck in the gearbox. There’s a pin to pull out then in theory it should pull out but it sticks in.

[mrbenn]

Fucus woes. Y plate 1600 zetec petrol I purchased about 3 months ago.

Some may remember the manky steering wheel pictures posted earlier in this very thread.  I managed to get the wheel clean enough to use and am now driving it daily without having to wash my hands afterwards. Which is nice.

 

The pproblem - Recently the speedo needle drop down to zero has gone from every so often to frequent. This morning's commute it occurred just after a big hesitation from the engine.

 

When the car goes to idle it drops below 750 rpm and the recovers to 750. It does this every time after the car has been driven and is then put into idle. .

 

Quick google points to faulty speed sensor? Any other common known faults

 

Is it just the speedo dropping out? Then it'll be the speed sensor in the gearbox. As it gets worse the engine can cut out. If you listen carefully you'll probably also notice the radio goes slightly quieter as the fault occurs. The sensor can be a pig to get out, or you might get lucky and it'll just slide out without issue.

 

If all gauges are failing at the same time then it'll be the instrument cluster.

 

Cleaning the throttle body has cured a weak idle for me in the past but it has nothing to do with the speedo dropping to zero.

[mrbenn]

What breakdown service do folks use?

 

I've been with the AA for a few years. They're expensive, but on the two occasions we've had to use them they've been very good. One call out was for an engine fault (valve went), car was recovered home. Second time was when a spring broke on the driveway at home. Was threatening to puncture the tyre so AA moved the car to a garage.

 

Was thinking of trying AutoAid this year, partly because I'm skint and they're cheaper. I'd lose the Home Start but on paper the level of cover is similar.

[SierraMikeHotel]

 

 

What breakdown service do folks use?

Britannia Rescue via the CSMA (motoring club for public sector workers, friends and family can also join so I can recommend you).

 

It's not the cheapest (about £100 if you include the club membership fee) but that's a flat rate for any car, no matter how old, and includes European cover.

 

I like the simplicity, no price hikes or odd terms for older cars. I always look around when the renewal comes up and always end up going back to them - however there are cheaper offerings available for younger cars.

[Tadhg Tiogar]

What breakdown service do folks use?

 

Been with the AA for a decade, I think. Required them once to get the 635CSi restarted in North Watford (electrical fault with the starter motor), once to get the diesel Borat started in Ealing (jammed flap in the throttle), and most recently  to recover the CX after the gearbox FTP. They do what they say on the tin, and they take as long as they take. No complaints here.

[Sir Snipes]

What breakdown service do folks use?

 

I've been with the AA for a few years. They're expensive, but on the two occasions we've had to use them they've been very good. One call out was for an engine fault (valve went), car was recovered home. Second time was when a spring broke on the driveway at home. Was threatening to puncture the tyre so AA moved the car to a garage.

 

Was thinking of trying AutoAid this year, partly because I'm skint and they're cheaper. I'd lose the Home Start but on paper the level of cover is similar.

My partner and I have AA through a TSB account. It's about £15 a month but it includes breakdown, phone insurance and IIRC travel for the both of us so works out quite well.

[Tickman]

What breakdown service do folks use?

 

I've been with the AA for a few years. They're expensive, but on the two occasions we've had to use them they've been very good. One call out was for an engine fault (valve went), car was recovered home. Second time was when a spring broke on the driveway at home. Was threatening to puncture the tyre so AA moved the car to a garage.

 

Was thinking of trying AutoAid this year, partly because I'm skint and they're cheaper. I'd lose the Home Start but on paper the level of cover is similar.

 

I have been with the RAC for years using Tesco clubcard points to pay for it however I recently went with Autoaid and at less than £45 for 12 months for personal cover for me and the Mrs I cannot fault them.

[The Moog]

Chances are though the speedo issue is the VSS, like I say removal can be tricky, leaving you with a stub stuck in the gearbox. There’s a pin to pull out then in theory it should pull out but it sticks in.

 

One garage gave up after spending 4 hours trying to remove the one on the focus I had. Absolute nightmare. They get stuck in the top of the gearbox and can be a pig to get out. 

 

The VSS will cause the engine to stall or over rev. 

[SiC]

What breakdown service do folks use?

 

I've been with the AA for a few years. They're expensive, but on the two occasions we've had to use them they've been very good. One call out was for an engine fault (valve went), car was recovered home. Second time was when a spring broke on the driveway at home. Was threatening to puncture the tyre so AA moved the car to a garage.

 

Was thinking of trying AutoAid this year, partly because I'm skint and they're cheaper. I'd lose the Home Start but on paper the level of cover is similar.

Nationwide bank plus - £13 per month. Do it on a joint account and get both people covered. Includes breakdown cover (home and away), phone insurance and travel insurance for family. I've claimed on a broken screen on my Samsung S8+ - repaired and returned within 3 days. Breakdown cover is/was provided by Britannia rescue. They don't fix at the roadside, just transport you to your destination or somewhere you wish to have it repaired. I believe car hire is in that too if they can't fix it. Used it a couple of times, never had a problem.

 

Before I had RAC. I waited 4 hours for recovery on a weekday when stuck on the M4 in Wales. I'll never go with them again.

[Dick Cheeseburger]

What was the final verdict on removing a private plate from a car - does it have to be MOTd? I know it used to be the case, but have a feeling I read somewhere on here that the rules had changed?

[320touring]

Having reached the 5kpa limit on the GSA's policy in 7 months, I've had to cancel down the policy as they couldn't extend the Annual mileage.

 

I got out of it with no fees, so not too fussed as £90 for 7 months insurance ain't bad.

 

Anyways, I now have to find a new policy for it.

 

Preferably classic, Fully comp and NOT with Performance Direct..

 

Anyone any suggestions?

 

Car is not always garaged, and I'm needing commuting on the policy for me and the Burd.

 

All suggestions welcome!

 

Cheers

[D Spares & Tyres]

K11 Micra. Family heirloom. Rotten back end. It would be quite difficult to weld up properly.

 

What about if I chopped the back off it and made it into a pick up? Not just a lane 'chop back bit of roof it'd job but a proper flat bed? Would I incur the wrath of shiters?

[Eddie Honda]

My classic policy has unlimited mileage - FJ.

[Vantman]

What was the final verdict on removing a private plate from a car - does it have to be MOTd? I know it used to be the case, but have a feeling I read somewhere on here that the rules had changed?

 

This may help---

https://www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/take-private-number-off

[DodgeRover]

K11 Micra. Family heirloom. Rotten back end. It would be quite difficult to weld up properly.

 

What about if I chopped the back off it and made it into a pick up? Not just a lane 'chop back bit of roof it'd job but a proper flat bed? Would I incur the wrath of shiters?

Shiters wouldn't care but the dvla will cancel the registration for cutting a monocoque shell. Only way forwards without going the full BIVA route would be to put it onto a chassis from something like a landrover or similar.

[Eddie Honda]

Having reached the 5kpa limit on the GSA's policy in 7 months, I've had to cancel down the policy as they couldn't extend the Annual mileage.

 

That'll be the underwriters. When renewing the Pug cabby with Flux, I extended it to 5k and did ask at the time if there were any other limits above that. No. 5k is tops. The underwriter on that scheme was Zenith. Advantage of that particular policy though is the cabby only has to be over 15 years-old. I'll be able to shop around next year when it hits 20.

[Andyrew]

Having reached the 5kpa limit on the GSA's policy in 7 months, I've had to cancel down the policy as they couldn't extend the Annual mileage.

 

I got out of it with no fees, so not too fussed as £90 for 7 months insurance ain't bad.

 

Anyways, I now have to find a new policy for it.

 

Preferably classic, Fully comp and NOT with Performance Direct..

 

Anyone any suggestions?

 

Car is not always garaged, and I'm needing commuting on the policy for me and the Burd.

 

All suggestions welcome!

 

Cheers

I used classicline on the dyane. Old style insurance company and I used them on a few cars

[Rocket88]

The story so far.............Bought an 18 plate Fabia [brand new] on PCP from Skoda dealer in Yeovil. Petrol 1.0 auto.

 

In August, going up to London see the the other half, it cut out on me in the outside lane of the M3, cue much swevery and near death, managed to get it to the hard shoulder. Various warning lights, including check oil, park pilot inop, and other random scariness. Checked oil..fine. Restarted it, and trundled along in the slow lane..did it again..and again. Phoned Skoda assist. Told that a patrol would have to come and have a look before they could send a recovery truck.

Being ex A.A, I knew that on a Bank Holiday that could take forever. Restarted car, EML light now on, so limped 20 miles to my destination, telling Skoda assist that I needed a patrol to meet me there to have a look.

He duly turned up, plugged in his code reader........and said that a Skoda technician would have to have a look. He duly turned up on Sunday morning, and said there were myriad faults showing, and advised me not to drive the car. They suppled a hire car, and the Fabia was despatched to Skoda in Yeovil.

They had the car for a MONTH, and could find nothing wrong, the fault refused to re-occur. Skoda UK then said that they couldn't spend any more man hours trying to fix it...and it had to have it back.............I was not happy, but had to no choice in the matter.

Yesterday, had to go up to Oxfordshire from Maidstone [where I now have relocated to from Yeovil area] After about 80 miles.......it does it again, again at about 70 in the outside lane, ..........more swevery and near death. Same symptoms as above, but worse. More re-starting and cutting out. I was close to my destination, and the car was now in limp home mode, so phoned Skoda assist to send patrol to meet me there. He rocks up, clears fault codes.and says 'it should be fine"......yeah right, thinks I............I conclude my business, and head for home...........and you've guessed it.................happens again. This time, grinds to a halt completely. 

Back on the phone to Skoda assist. After two hours, bloke turns up from a local garage, and plugs in a generic code reader........"fuck knows mate, it's bollocksed." No shit, Sherlock.! By this time I'm royally pissed off. Phone Skoda again.......we need a tow truck, and I want the car taken to my home address...and a hire to get me home. 'No problem Sir"............."the hire car company will call you"..................

90 minutes later [after no phone call from hire car bods, A.A relay turn up......I phone again 'where's my hire car"........'you can't have one unless car is recovered to a dealer"......FFS....not what you told me 2 hours ago............

So.....A.A bloke loads car, takes it to nearest dealer [Reading] and drops me round to Eurocar..........they hire me [oh, the irony] an Octavia. Drive back to Maidstone. Get a call this morning from the dealer...."we've found the fault, chafed wiring above the gearbox"..all fixed now........

By this time I'd reached the conclusion that I want nothing more to do with a car that's tried to kill me twice. My other half won't travel in it, let alone drive it..........I want out. Ongoing discussions are taking place between Skoda UK myself, and the dealer, but I'm being leant on to take the car back....I'm not happy about this... other half even less so........................

Any advise from the Autoshite massive....!

[spike60]

What breakdown service do folks use?

 

I've been with the AA for a few years. They're expensive, but on the two occasions we've had to use them they've been very good. One call out was for an engine fault (valve went), car was recovered home. Second time was when a spring broke on the driveway at home. Was threatening to puncture the tyre so AA moved the car to a garage.

 

Was thinking of trying AutoAid this year, partly because I'm skint and they're cheaper. I'd lose the Home Start but on paper the level of cover is similar.

AutoAid were spot on when one morning the BMW 530d estate sheared the drive between the ignition barrel and the steering lock about a mile from where it was registered. At my son's request they came back in the early evening and delivered it to my house 60 miles away.

[mrbenn]

Thanks a lot for the breakdown info folks, some good info and options to think about there.

 

Cheers.

[mrbenn]

The story so far.............Bought an 18 plate Fabia [brand new] on PCP from Skoda dealer in Yeovil. Petrol 1.0 auto.

 

In August, going up to London see the the other half, it cut out on me in the outside lane of the M3, cue much swevery and near death, managed to get it to the hard shoulder. Various warning lights, including check oil, park pilot inop, and other random scariness. Checked oil..fine. Restarted it, and trundled along in the slow lane..did it again..and again. Phoned Skoda assist. Told that a patrol would have to come and have a look before they could send a recovery truck.

Being ex A.A, I knew that on a Bank Holiday that could take forever. Restarted car, EML light now on, so limped 20 miles to my destination, telling Skoda assist that I needed a patrol to meet me there to have a look.

He duly turned up, plugged in his code reader........and said that a Skoda technician would have to have a look. He duly turned up on Sunday morning, and said there were myriad faults showing, and advised me not to drive the car. They suppled a hire car, and the Fabia was despatched to Skoda in Yeovil.

They had the car for a MONTH, and could find nothing wrong, the fault refused to re-occur. Skoda UK then said that they couldn't spend any more man hours trying to fix it...and it had to have it back.............I was not happy, but had to no choice in the matter.

Yesterday, had to go up to Oxfordshire from Maidstone [where I now have relocated to from Yeovil area] After about 80 miles.......it does it again, again at about 70 in the outside lane, ..........more swevery and near death. Same symptoms as above, but worse. More re-starting and cutting out. I was close to my destination, and the car was now in limp home mode, so phoned Skoda assist to send patrol to meet me there. He rocks up, clears fault codes.and says 'it should be fine"......yeah right, thinks I............I conclude my business, and head for home...........and you've guessed it.................happens again. This time, grinds to a halt completely. 

Back on the phone to Skoda assist. After two hours, bloke turns up from a local garage, and plugs in a generic code reader........"fuck knows mate, it's bollocksed." No shit, Sherlock.! By this time I'm royally pissed off. Phone Skoda again.......we need a tow truck, and I want the car taken to my home address...and a hire to get me home. 'No problem Sir"............."the hire car company will call you"..................

90 minutes later [after no phone call from hire car bods, A.A relay turn up......I phone again 'where's my hire car"........'you can't have one unless car is recovered to a dealer"......FFS....not what you told me 2 hours ago............

So.....A.A bloke loads car, takes it to nearest dealer [Reading] and drops me round to Eurocar..........they hire me [oh, the irony] an Octavia. Drive back to Maidstone. Get a call this morning from the dealer...."we've found the fault, chafed wiring above the gearbox"..all fixed now........

By this time I'd reached the conclusion that I want nothing more to do with a car that's tried to kill me twice. My other half won't travel in it, let alone drive it..........I want out. Ongoing discussions are taking place between Skoda UK myself, and the dealer, but I'm being leant on to take the car back....I'm not happy about this... other half even less so........................

Any advise from the Autoshite massive....!

 

What a pain in the arse. Not sure where you stand legally but if it fails again I'd be looking at trying to reject it. Twitter may be your friend re the poor customer service received so far.

[Tamworthbay]

What breakdown service do folks use?

 

I've been with the AA for a few years. They're expensive, but on the two occasions we've had to use them they've been very good. One call out was for an engine fault (valve went), car was recovered home. Second time was when a spring broke on the driveway at home. Was threatening to puncture the tyre so AA moved the car to a garage.

 

Was thinking of trying AutoAid this year, partly because I'm skint and they're cheaper. I'd lose the Home Start but on paper the level of cover is similar.

Whoever you go with, check the max age of vehicles they cover, Greenflag only cover cars up to 10 or 12 years old.