insider

Actually, the advice from carbibles is a bit more complex than that. Diagonal swapping is for 4WD vehicles only. For FWD with symmetric and asymmetric tyres the front tyres move to the rear on the same side, the rear tyres move to the front opposite sides. For directional tyres, it's just a front to back swap. (For info, RWD cars with symmetric and asymmetric tyres the front tyres move to the rear opposite sides and the rear tyres move to the front on the same side). http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible_pg2.html (see "Rotating your tyres" half way down the page).

Maybe. As you said previously, a picture would be useful. It would also be interesting to see if the engine number matches the VIN number.

Could be that the auto transmission fluid needs to be changed. This wouldn't affect gear changes but could cause loss of traction in the torque converter.

If a 16v head has been fitted in place of the 8v surely other components would have to be changed too, e.g. intake manifold, exhaust manifold, etc.? Also, the ECU would have to be remapped otherwise I doubt if it's running smoothly. Alternatively, has the complete engine been changed for a reconditioned unit? Is there a history of this modification? Have you informed your insurance company?

On cars built before August 2002 there is an automatic cable adjuster. From August 2002 the adjustment of the cable is done manually on the control equalizer (where the single cable from the handbrake lever meets the cables going to each of the rear wheels).

Is this the original factory-fit engine? If so, it should only have 8 valves. The 2.3 16v engine wasn't introduced until 1997. There were 16v versions of the 2.0 engine but I don't think they were ever fitted to the Galaxy.

Not unusual amongst many dealers in the country!

I thought I'd read that they aren't even allowed to accept transfusions of their own blood, so surely a machine to recycle your own blood be classed as this? In my opinion, they should stand by their beliefs and accept the consequences of their actions, not try to blame someone else when it all goes wrong.

What was the build date of your Mondeo? The 11th and 12th digits of the VIN number will tell you. If it is between "1K" and "2J" the first of the TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) below might apply. Hopefully it isn't because this will be expensive. ;) Otherwise the other two are also possible candidates, but of course it might be none of these! At least it's something for the "garage" to go on. ;) Incidentally, which garage are you using? It would be unusual for no fault codes to appear on a diagnostics test as the light usually illuminates when a fault is detected. A Ford main dealer will have the correct equipment to ensure the fault codes can be read. The equipment used by independent garages might not show any or all the codes. No.42/2003 Mondeo 2001 (10/2000

Basically the cable won't work. Different pins are used for the different protocols and different interfaces are required too (the circuitry is usually included in the cable). With the appropriate cable it is possible to read some of the different protocols with VAG COM according to Ross Tech. Check their website for further details.

It's very sad that some people's beliefs are based on the literal meaning of text that has been translated from the original and could have had a very different meaning. Whatever divine being you believe in I'm sure none of them would intend an innocent person to die unnecessarily, but then they do say God moves in mysterious ways.

Unfortunately, I think you'll find it very difficult to prove entrapment. It is debatable whether or not they should have been doing that speed but you cannot defend yourself by saying that you did it because they did. There have been cases where police officers have been convicted of speeding, having been caught on speed cameras while not on an emergency call. However, again this cannot excuse your actions in the law. My advice would be to get a good solicitor. If you can come up with good enough reasons not to be without your car they may not ban you but the fine will increase. Or, perhaps in your defence they could use the fact that a fixed penalty notice was originally issued and this should be honoured?

That's right, without video / camera evidence there is no proof that you were speeding, other than witness statements. Even with photographic evidence people have avoided prosecution by asking the police to provide an up-to-date calibration certificate for the speed measurement equipment being used. When they haven't been able to produce this, the case has been thrown out.

You might find this useful - http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.ph...st&p=118499.

Accident damage? Chassis bent? Have you ruled out a problem with that specific wheel?

Obvious questions: 1) Are the original factory-fitted wheels still fitted or have they been changed? Are the correct profile tyres fitted? 2) If you swap the 2 front wheels does it still happen? If not, then the problem is with that specific wheel, possibly damaged in some way? If it does still happen then there could be something wrong with the wheel arch on that side. 3) Has the car ever been involved in an accident? Could the wheel arch on that side be deformed? How does it compare with the other side? 4) From the centred / straight ahead position, how many turns of the steering wheel does it take to reach full lock on the left? Then, how many turns does it take from centre to full right lock? If there is a difference, then the steering rack is not centred properly and the wheel is turning further than it should on one side.

I don't think that's true. I've seen deflectors for LHD cars being sold on ebay. I think it's just something that was overlooked by our own law makers.

The heated windscreen is a Ford patented technology but has been fitted to other brands both belonging to Ford (Jaguar, Land Rover, etc.) and with whom they have had joint ventures (VW). So, many Sharans and Alhambras will have them. It depends more on how highly specced the cars are - Galaxy LXs didn't have them as standard but Zetecs and Ghias did. I assume they were not fitted as standard to the lower spec Sharans and Alhambras.

The cable adjuster is below the handbrake boot / cover. Make sure the brakes are cool before adjusting. Make sure the car is on a level surface and unable to move when the handbrake is released (put it in gear). Release the handbrake and remove the cover. Remove retaining clip and loosen the adjuster locking nut. Press and release the brake pedal a few times to ensure the brakes are correctly adjusted. Apply handbrake to 4 notches. Tension the cable with the adjuster then tighten the locking nut and refit the retaining clip and handbrake cover.

It would certainly add weight to the case but the police and CPS will make a decision on whether or not to prosecute based on many factors, including his previous record, the chances of winning the case, etc. I can understand your fury as your kids' safety was at stake but perhaps just a warning from the police would be enough to prevent it happening again?

Of course you can report him and they'll probably send someone around to warn him. However, without hard evidence that it occurred it probably won't get much further than that. But, if they do warn him then that should be on record and the consequences of any similar future actions should be more severe.

If you missed it, it's on again on Wednesday at 7pm.

I thought that the diesels would start then die if it was the immobiliser? Have you checked the engine stop solenoid? Although if fuel is getting through then it probably won't be this (if the "mechanic" can be trusted!)

Welcome back. Good to hear you had a great time.

Could be the actuator that controls the variable vane angle. This could cause lag at low revs. Was the recon turbo a variable vane type as originally fitted to the car?