Bigjeeze

I, as a result of the recent bad weather had to replace the boot lid. All went well , everything seemed to work ok - then I noticed that the warning light said that the boot wasn't shut- when it was. I fiddled with the connectors and all was well except that i couldn't undo the boot except with the key ( it would unlock but needed the key to actually open.) I decided to have another attempt and now everything works but the warning light is on and the only way I can stop it is to swap the plugs around but I then get the other problem. I know there are some micro switches on the boot lid but can anyone please tell me which one controls the warning light. it isn't wiring in the boot lid I have checked it 3 tines removing it the last time to ensure I hadn't missed anything. I am now totally flummoxed. Any ideas? BJ

Hi Seatkid Sorry to hear your sad news. It's almost like a bereavement. I sold my MK1 2 years ago - it had 180K on the clock and was running fine on the original clutch and engine. Good luck with whatever you buy.

I have 2 galaxies so I use a lot of oil! Besides when its this cheap I change it more often

For those who are interested - Costco do a 20 litre drum of Chevron Oil at £42.00 - and it clearly states on the label VW 505.01 That is a hell of a deal. In addition GSF have had a series of 40% off weekend deals so I bought a few oil filters Air filters etc at 40% off the usual price. The schemes include ALL parts. If you need it have a look!

Not likely to be spark plugs. Sounds more like a gearbox issue. If it has a heavy oil leak - where is it leaking from? Is it engine oil or auto transmission fluid?

I would firstly go on line & check out GSF and Euro Car parts - the best quality kit including water pump would be around £120.00. You definitely don't need to use "genuine" ford parts - particularly as they would buy them from VW the manufacturer. Labour rates will vary widely but check out your local garages. It is a time consuming job but not difficult, if you are reasonably OK with working on engines .

Yes.

As I recall the bevelled edge goes into the gearbox. The grooves are I believe to facilitate the passage of oil.

Hopefully the measures Brian has outlined will solve your problem - However, there is a distinct possibility you have a head gasket needing replacing. I had exactly those symptoms in August this year when mine went.

Yes it can. There are readily available cleaners that could work. The best option is to use a cleaner then give it a regular Italian tune up.

My MK1 failed the MOT on this seal supposedly not being effective. As the idiot tester appears to have lost the bloody cap I can't even assess what size it is to replace it. Anyone got any ideas? It's a diesel 1997. If anyone knows and can me the size of the seal I would be most grateful as it's going for a re test tomorrow!! Cheers BJ

I have 2 Galaxies both from new. A MK1 1997 - very old now - has 150K on the clock. I have had to replace one wheel bearing, The Cat , 2 roll restrictors, the gear change cables, a couple of lower wishbone bushes and the alternator. Apart from service items, discs , pads etc. it is entirely original . It has never had any electric problems and has the original MAF sensor. It is in daily use and apart from looking it's age will probably keep going for a while longer yet. My 2001 MK2 has 219K on the clock , has had a new clutch at 138k an alternator, two replacement drive shaft extensions and a pair of drive shafts. I have also had a water pump, a rear calliper, an new exhaust and various small items. I have not had any electrical problems at all, I still have the original MAF and the car is going well. So I would consider buying a 10 year old MK2 but would perhaps look for a good example. Honest John may be honest but he doesn't speak for all of us.

Sorry Gravesy I meant that the wiring is accessible from above ( well it disappears up there to one side of the fuel tank at the front. )

I Have a 1997 GLX and it has an auxiliary heater. It does not have a aux coolant pump. I have had the car from new and it never has had one. It's common for the wires to the dosing pump to disintegrate so just sold new wires after cutting back. You could of course remove the seats and the floor covering to access it from above.

I've noticed over the last few days that my MK2 diesel seems to hesitate when pulling away for a second or two but then picks up and runs OK. It only does it when cold. Any suggestions?

Check that the fan is working on the rear section - also perhaps the flap motors are broken/jammed.

What sort of mileage do you have? It could be worn thrust washers allowing the crankshaft to move - that might explain the pulsing you describe. Of course it may also be due to sticky splines on the input shaft.

I am interested in this one as I don't think there is a difference between the two engines with the same gearbox. Let us know how you get on.

Hi vpavlov Yes these are original locking bolts. They are a Volkswagen part. There is a number associated with the key ( No 52) - I have tired and failed to get one for my car after the original sheered off. I have managed to get two of them off but have not tired the rears as yet. The only place I could find these was on E bay and a US user had them but they were too expensive. Good luck with your search and if you are successful let me know!!

Might sound daft but I would check the alternator and or it's pulley. Though the gear change sounds like clutch it could still be the pulley.

As the car is a 2001 it should be easy to pick up a pair of LHD headlamps locally from a scrappy.

I don't see how it could be the intermediate drive shaft. As has been said check the bushings and anti roll bar bushes. As a last resort check that the track control arm isn't or hasn't been damaged. Also maybe the bottom swivel joint is naff.

I dunno what the bids are up to as yet but it'd be worth £350 just for the parts!

Well Hello Mum I hope you are well! I'm still around - not all that often but around. I still have both gals - one on 155k and one on 208k. I'm still going reasonably well - had a few modifications but working OK. Also now a Granddad!!

Hi Sparky Yes I emailed the german site