jkspoff

A bloke I see at work occasionally was looking at an Alhambra and asked what I thought. I suggested that he makes sure he gets a good warrantee and ensure that it that covers Aux Heater and Air Con and to have a look on this forum. He later told me that they would not give him a warrantee. Haven't had chance to go into detail (like did he mean NO warrantee at all which seems a bit strange) but he decided not to buy it anyway. Bought a new Zafira instead for not a lot more than he was going to spend on the Alhambra! By the way in my post above I meant to say about HALF a dozen regasses not a dozen!!! Cheers. Oggy. Yes, I was wondering about the dozen regasses ! Even for a Sharan/Galaxy it seemed a bit excessive ! the warranty has certainly been worth every penny these last few years. As its had: 1. New A/C climate control unit 2. New A/C compressor 3. New drive shafts 4. New Condensor 5. New drop links and now its in for possibly new radiator......... ;) So I'd hate to think how much that little lot would have cost me with labour as well.

Got a warranty but it only covers 90% of part price, plus

Almost, but not quite had enough now of the unreliability of the Gal, its on its final warning ! ;)

The condenser is right in front of the radiator!! As I heard someone say once "The Circumstantial Evidence is Overwhelming"!! Best of luck. Oggy. My thoughts exactly, it seems a strange coincidence that the condensor was replaced and now the radiator is leaking ! Its gone back to the same garage, but how can I prove that it was them that damaged the radiator, as it lasted 3 weeks with no faults. If the radiator needed replacing or repairing do you think it would effect the A/C. I don't want to have to pay out for yet another re-gas !

No over heating at all prior to coolant dump, which happened over night, not even whilst driving. AA have been out and it looks like its coming out from around the radiator area. We filled it with water and took it to local garage who are taking a look at it over the next few days. Why do these things always happen at weekends ! The coolant was almost empty again when we reached the garage, but temperature was showing perfect all the way, as just enough coolant in it to get there. Fingers crossed its just a pipe thats come loose, and hopefully it won't need a new radiator. Another warranty job though fortunately, I have only just claimed last month to have a new condensor fitted. I wonder if this has had anything to do with it ?

I have just gone out to the Gal this morning and the computer said 'STOP' coolant level, checked under the bonnet, and its dumped what looks like the entire contents of the coolant onto the engine tray. Coolant bottle bone dry and water all over bottom of engine, anyone any ideas before the AA arrives, as I have little confidence in them ! Maybe a few pointers wouldn't go a miss to them if they are struggling to diagnose. There is noise coming from what I believe to be the water pump after the engines switched off. ;) Help would be greatly appreciated. :angry2:

Am I right in thinking then, that a new condensor comes with a new dryer cartridge installed ?

My condensor was replaced also last month due to leaking. It too is an early 2001 mk2 model. As regards the flashing panel is hasn't needed resetting with VAG com as once the faults were rectified it cleared itself.

I would be tempted from experience to get it checked out straight away, as the flashing panel has always followed with expensive component failures, I believe this could sometimes be avoided if the fault is diagnosed early enough, i.e. low pressure leading to compressor failure, or leaking from condensor etc. Its worth the

I HATE dealers in every way, shape, and form, they are all totally incompetent at anything.........right, now thats off my chest ! Heres why once again: I took my wifes Renault Scenic II to the garage for yet another recall and yet another heap of problems (Galaxy owners have it easy !) I had to wait 3 weeks for an appointment, once the car was with them they had it for 1 night and 1 full day.I went to collect the car the following evening only to be told that the only repair they had done was the recall and that there was nothing wrong with the constant stalling and broken windscreen seal.........not only that but they had put a large scratch down the nearside passenger door, with paint flakes still attached, so obviously fresh, what I would like to know, is why are all garages so incompetent and who should we complain to ? :huh: I really am a firm believer that when it comes to customer service the UK wins for being the worst.

Ford, VW and SEAT mechanic service books states 40k change for 115 tdi which was revised in 2001.

Well, the story so far, I've been over today and there was a problem getting the computer to link to the ECU through the usual port under the dash, so the ECU had to come out and be plugged in direct. To get the ECU out though, the battery has to be removed and there is a bracket holding it in place, so using a torq screwdriver to undo the screw at the bottom it needs to be taken off, then a couple of clips hold it place. Once off and powered up it connects no problem to the computer for remapping. This contains all the information required for remapping, the software ID and hardware ID are all located on the ECU sticker externally, however the rest of the info is read into the laptop. It was not possible to do the remap there and then as he didn't have any of the remaps for this vehicle, and a colleague of his does them, so it'll be another trip over or him come to me for the remap now he has all the info required, you go through what you want in the way of torque, bhp, driving characteristics, mpg etc then does a custom remap to your own requirements. Hopefully by tomorrow or end of the week I will have had it done. Hes done loads before, mainly Golfs, Leons etc. VW PD mainly specialises in. He can do this price for anyone prepared to travel to him.

Well, here goes, booked it in for remapping on Tuesday, I know quite a few people now who've had theirs done, and they can't find anything bad to say about it, getting it done for

Good old ebay came up trumps once again, I got a dog guard and its excellent, brackets fit behind the grab handles and there are 2 hooks that screw onto the chair fixings, very secure, custom made for the Galaxy/Sharan etc so fits perfectly. Official Ford part selling at

Well done mumof4, far too many people would never check work carried out, and would also never complain. I have started to check the car for work completed now BEFORE I pay anything, they always look at me strange when I ask to check the car over, but when I explain the incompetence of other garages they are always ok about it, but a bit apprehensive ! Once I've checked the car I will then pay. You are in total control until you've handed over the hand earned cash, or chip 'n' pin these days ! <_<

Tell them you will be reporting the matter to trading standards, and you will accept nothing else other than a free courtesy car, and all faults caused rectified at their expense. Far too many garages (main agents inclusive) are still getting away with dreadful low standard of service, and most are totally incapable of even the basics. Whats the mileage of your Gal mumof4?

Have you bought it already? No, not yet, I am waiting for a reply from the seller from a question I asked. I am still reluctant to pay out even

For me to Scarborough is about an hour, I will be getting it done ASAP at that price, for me to Birmingham is about 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

Found the listing on ebay now, its very tempting. A bargain at

It was only a tongue in cheek suggestion !!

If you've tried everything to get your A/C working on yours, then maybe this will be worth a try and forget about all those

Thanks, looks good, I may buy it, is the Alhambra slightly different for the grab handles that it attaches to ? and does anyone know how much they are from the dealer ?

Sorry for the ignorance on this, but what are 'jawwed mole grips', I do a bit of DIY now and again but I don't think my limited tool kit goes as far as these ?