JDHogg

You could check out this old post by NikpV - its for a MK 1 but you might glean something useful from it - I found out how to remove the exterior handle, but it does go into replacing the barrel. http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.ph...=latch+actuator Not sure if its exactly what you want but sometimes a prod in the right direction is all that's needed. Good luck, JD

Just spent the last few hours fiddling with the door etc - I think I have the same problem as you - pull handle from outside and door does not open. Anyway, I got the door card off and found that a part had broken off the handle- there is an actuator arm that is operated by the handle. When you pull the handle out, it pulls the actuator forward. Anyway, the part on the handle was broken, and therefore did not pull the actuator. Took me ages to find out how to remove the handle on the outside but it was actually very simple - on the side of the door, undo the torx screw closest to the outdoor handle. Then, simply slide the handle forward and it slips out nice n'easy! cool! Found the answer buried in this old post by NikpV (many thanks NikpV) for a Mk1, but it is v similiar for mk2- http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.ph...=latch+actuator Anyhow, after removing the handle it was easy to see the broken part. Now I just need a replacement! Hope the above helps. Rgds, JD

I had non-reinforced tyres on my galaxy when I bought it but was ignorant of the fact until my alloys got buckled ! went through 2 alloys before it sunk in - I've bought reinforced (RF) / extra-load (XL) tyres since then and not had any problems (unfortunately then out of warranty so I had no come-back against dealer). Remember, this is a heavy car and tyre-walls need to support the whole of that weight! Would definitely recommend fitting of rf/xl tyres. Good luck, JD

Have a look at item #17 in the technical FAQ section - think you should find answer there (http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.php?showtopic=7886) Good luck, JD

I'm sure someone out there will be able to answer this one... On a cold morning (we've had a few recently!), when I try to start my Gal, the engine does usually start ok, however it sounds really rough for the first few seconds until it gets going. After that, it runs fine, with no hint of a problem. Could this be something to do with the glowplugs ? They do seem to operate, however I guess its possible that one could have failed ? Is it possible to check this easily or will VAGCOM tell me? (I have it somewhere but had a failed installation - could try it again though) Any thoughts that may assist ? Mucho grassy bum.. JD

BTW, in relation to the flywheel, there was a recall on those which could affect your model year - mine is an '03 TDI and qualified for it. It was 3 yrs ago now when I had it done but there should be no limit on it as its safety related. .You can check on the government run VOSA (vehicle & operator services agency) website to see if your model may be affected and if so, a call to Ford should tell you if it has been applied to your car. http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/default.asp?tx= Its nice when you get something new for free - doesn't happen very often !! ;-) Good luck, JD

You should check the aerial connection to the rear - same happened to me and I thought the worst, however, turned out that the aerial connection had come adrift on bumpy roads. You will probably need to chop up a coat hanger to remove it, else buy a set of those removal tools from ebay for a few spondoolies - think I paid about

I have used Nokians in the past - found that they do give good grip etc in the winter, however, the fronts I had fitted didn't last too long - can't remember exactly but definitely wear much faster than regular summer tyres. They lasted about a year and as I only do about 12k per year I didn't think they were good value all things considered. I've stayed away from winter tyres since these ones, esp' as we get snow relatively infrequently - I just try to have a decent pair of summer tyres fitted with plenty of tread, esp to the fronts. They have been just fine this year, even with all the snow - just need to make sure you don't go around like Speedy Gonzalez ! (Unless you live in Scotland where the snow is much worse, I believe...?) IMHO some of this stuff in the news about needing winter tyres, I think could just be vested Tyre interests trying to drum up more business.

Shiite Muslims... Do you know, does that 40K apply to all PD Gals ?? I've got a '03 130 engine that's coming up on the 120K and I had the last cam belt changed at 80K (changed as precaution as I didn't have the service history when I bought it). Was not planning on changing it for another 20k at least ! What a bummer. but.. Thanks for the info, Tim.

Maybe it'd help if you fitted these to your diesel Gal...I'm sure it'd go faster then... http://cgi.ebay.ie/FORD-GALAXY-MK1-2-8-NGK...=item4cdbac4d62 :lol: :lol:

Just as a follow up to the last post, I see STK now have an exchange program which should reduce the price somewhat - wasn't available when mine was done.

I got one for my 130 '03 Galaxy from a place in Germany - cost was

Cool. As I suspected. Many thanks. Will go get one asap (after I've had the drive shaft fixed!). Thanks again. JD

You know the more I look at this website, the better it gets !! Had this exact same problem today - pulled away from junction and then bang! Got it towed to my local garage - unfortunately closed now for weekend but hopefully, should be seen to early next week. I'm slightly relieved to hear costs - even though no-one likes to fork out for these things, I had been thinking more zeros. Car had 110K on the clock, so its not exactly new - I'm just putting it down to wear and tear. Also, my car is missing its undertray, so could this have contributed in any way to the wear and tear? Anyone an opinion on the worthiness of getting a new undertray ? how much are they anyway ? I had a look on e-bay and no sign of one there - too big, I guess. I'll try a few breakers and see what comes up. Seems like they're easy to fit, so I'll do it myself. Thanks again to all that have posted on this topic. At least I can give the mechanics a heads-up on Monday.

Agree with Saif - you can't just put a message like that out there and then not tell us where you got it !! :ph34r: As regards quality, is it from a known, reputable brand (I'm guessing not) ? Can you look them up online and see what kind of company they are? i.e. are they well established? do they offer a quality-guarantee? how big are they? I would suggest that if you can see them online and they appear reputable, then they're definitely worth a go - these big brands tend to charge huge mark-up, so if you can get a lesser known but sound replacement, then go for it. You could also post the brand name up here in case someone's heard of or used it. (Don't worry we're not snobby here !)