ddhh33

Galaxy 1.9 TDi 2005/55. I had front brake pads changed recently no problem. I then had rear pads changed last week but the brake warning light is still on. Mechanic (none Ford) was told by Ford technical that it "might reset itlsef" so we left it for a week but light is still on as soon as I start the engine. I trust my mechanic to know what he's doing and not to have done anything to have "caused" this light to not go out - any ideas how can I test what is causing the problem before I call him back again ? Thanks

Its a process of inspection and elimination, if you employ a garage it depends on how long it takes them to locate the leak (labour charges). If you're lucky you hear it hissing at the leak (with the engine running) Start by checking the the main vacuum feed to the servo - this is a rigid plastic pipe going to the servo (big black circular thing located in the engine bay, directly behind the brake pedal area. i.e. about 18" under the brake fluid reservoir. This pipe is known to split. The other item to check is the servo unit itself, and leaking servos are quite common. With the engine running stick your head in the drivers footwell and see if you hear hissing from the area above the brake pedal (IIRC there is a small rubber flap/valve there that leaks) OK all - sorry for long delay in updating on this ....first we were on holiday ...then mechanic...you know how it goes ! Anyway, I knew it wasn't a problem caused by new brake pads being fitted as the problem had already shpwn itself prior to these being done....and anyway I know my mechanic's no monkey! After lots of discussion with Ford Technical and others he knew who dealt with Ford Diesels it was narrowed down to TWO - either a specific pipe that is direct link to servo (think thats what you talk about above) OR the brake servo pump itself. Mechanic had been warned that both were a bugger to get to and work on and if he went for the "cheap" option (pipe around

So the question is.........is FINDING a vacuum leak likely to be a costly deal and/or an easy one to remedy? I'm still driving VERY carefully....and becoming very aware of when the problem more likely to occur but each time it still freaks me out and I reach for the handbrake in panic (probably a "girly" thing).

sounds like a vacum leak or siezed callipers but if the pads were changed they should of noticed this and told you, so i agree with the others and go for the leak... let us know when you find the fault Can confirm - definitely worse at low speed/revs - especially when stop start situation.....been keepin well back at junctions in case cars in front change mind about pulling out as I cant stop behind them quick enough! Did the pumping brake when idle bit and on 3rd depression the brake went "solid" so all definitely going towards leak. Have spoken to mechanic and told him all this (bet he loved me telling him how to do his job !) and he's going to take a look on Saturday hopefully. Meanwhile I'm driving very carefully and will report back once sorted. Thanks!

The point is the passenger side airbag does affect the driver as it is (at least in mine) installed in the side of the seat back adjacent to the door pillar. When the seat is rotated the air bag is now in the side of the seat back against the driver. Well many thanks to all the comments - I was lucky enough that the chap on ebay really DID have swivel seats to match my 2005 ghia. We did a deal - I paid him a lesser price than he wanted but he came along and took out my non-swivel ones as a swap and fitted the swivel ones instead. My husband thinks I'm mad (he reckons I'll never use them.....but he might like the posting about me not facing front....means I can't see the speedo!) However, I have no intention of having them swivelled whilst driving - just great for picnics, more room for changing after a day at Thorpe Park and far easier to feed the baby on day trips out so I am now well pleased.....now I only have to get my brake problem sorted out.....that's a new posting !

Hi all, I have changed my previous Galaxy to a MK 2 1.9 TDI 2005 model. I have had this just 4 weeks. Noticed after 2 weeks the alloys were really black - like soot and then also noticed on a few occasions some loss of brake power - strange feeling, like try to put my foot down and nothing happens, have to really push hard before car stops (couple of scary moments!) Got a mechanic to check over and brakes were very worn/cheap so had them replaced a few days ago. Hwoever, today I had the same "loss of power" feeling again when trying to park and nearly reversed into car parked behind when car wouldn't stop when I wanted it to. Have spoken to mechanic again who suggests could be linked to servo but as it's diesel needs to speak to someone as he's not sure it's something he can deal with. I saw anotehr site (honest John) where someone sadi to test out servo you pump brake 6 times with engine off then start up with foot on brake and this seemed all ok - as I turned engine on teh brake pedal depressed furterh as it said it should if all ok. I'm Mum travelling mostly with 4 kids in this car and really can't cope without it but now concerned how safe it is......will hope mechanic can get back asap and give me some idea but in meantime if anyone else has any suggestions that might save me money in trying to find fault in meantime I would be very grateful.

swivel seats will have these handles .. unless they have changed the position/style since 2001 ps sorry I had to create a post from your pm to upload picture - you may need to make a couple more posts to see the picture though Ok, can see the photo now..............that's what I actually thought it might be......sadly I def don't have them and think the chap on ebay must be mistaken too as cant see them on his.....don't suppose anyone knows if there's anythign that can be done to "change" non swivel seat base to make it swivel without having to change whole seat?

swivel seats will have these handles .. unless they have changed the position/style since 2001 ps sorry I had to create a post from your pm to upload picture - you may need to make a couple more posts to see the picture though Many thanks - still trying to work my way round this site and not even sure how or if I can make postings yet (hence message route to you) so will work on that and look forward to being able to open the file to look at photos as soon as I can !

swivel seats will have these handles .. unless they have changed the position/style since 2001 ps sorry I had to create a post from your pm to upload picture - you may need to make a couple more posts to see the picture though Many thanks for this - I will need to make a few more quotes as cant access yet - can't wait to see the photo !!!!