seatkid

Are you sure? I read in several journals (its also on the TIS), that the 5 speed box on the Tdi is the same Ford VXT 75, (different 4th and 5th ratio only), my Tdi's certainly have a very sierra type gearchange.

No..erm.. 90 degrees, but thinking about it its more likely that a single filament bulb has been fitted instead of a double filament (with single blob instead of double blob on base) :blink: Of course you can also get a single filament double blob bulb which looks similar but ... ;)

Check you fitted the rear rh brake bulb correctly (and with the right type, a combined brake/side lamp) - sounds as if the brake/side light contacts are shorted together which can happen if the bulb is twisted 90 degrees.

Agreed. However I thought the BUS info might shed some light on (other) weird faults - BTW there is definitely some (proprietry) BUS on pre-2000 models (the lights can switch off automatically etc. maybe it can control the power to Wiper?)

Further digging into TIS confirms for vehicles without climate control that Also picked this up for early Sharalaxies, evidently the Windscreen Wiper Motor was a common problem.

Just checked TIS, late 2000 onwards have a Module Communications Network, Data Link Connector (DLC), this sounds like CAN BUS Yes...up to three data buses (CAN, ISO9141 and SCP) see this extract from TIS Communications Network Module communication is effected via two different data bus systems, in which the data link connector (DLC) forms the interface between the modules and the diagnostic tester. For vehicles with 2.0l DOHC and 2.3l DOHC engines, an additional third data bus system is used. The Controller-Area-Network (CAN) data bus consists of two twisted wires. Communication takes place both between the modules themselves and between the modules and the diagnostic tester, via these lines. If there is a break in one of the lines or a short to ground or short to battery positive is present, then communication between the modules and the diagnostic tester is no longer possible. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9141 data bus consists of a single line. If there is a break in the line or a short to ground or short to battery positive is present, then communication between the modules and the diagnostic tester is no longer possible. The Standard Corporate Protocol (SCP) data bus is not installed in all vehicle versions. It is only used in vehicles with 2,0l DOHC and 2.3l DOHC engines. It is only responsible for communication between the PCM and the diagnostic tester. It consists of two twisted wires. If there is a break in one of the lines or a short to ground or short to battery positive is present, then communication between the PCM and the diagnostic tester is no longer possible. The data link connector (DLC) is a standard 16-pin connector, which connects the communication lines (CAN, SCP and ISO 9141), the EEPROM programming line and the diagnostic tester power supply. The steering position sensor transmits the turning angle of the steering wheel to the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) module and communicates with the ESP module and the DLC via the CAN data bus. The vehicle is fitted with either the ESP module or the ABS module (with or without TCS). The ESP module controls the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the traction control system (TCS) and the stabilising system. It is connected to the PCM, the steering position sensor and the DLC via the CAN data bus. There is also a connection to the DLC via the ISO data bus. The ABS module with TCS controls the anti-lock braking system and the traction control system and is connected to the PCM and the DLC via the CAN data bus. There is also a connection to the DLC via the ISO data bus. The PCM controls all functions related to engine management and emission control. This module communicates with the ESP module, the ABS module with TCS, the instrument cluster and the DLC via the CAN data bus. The instrument cluster is connected to the DLC and the PCM via the CAN data bus. If the vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, a fuel-fired booster heater is fitted. This supplements the interior heating at low ambient temperatures. The airbag module controls the driver's and passenger's airbags, the side airbags and the pyrotechnic seat belt pretensioner. The module is connected to the DLC via the ISO data bus. The Generic Electronic Module (GEM) is connected to the DLC via the ISO data bus and controls all time-dependent functions. The PCM transmits the engine speed signal for the tachometer, the engine temperature signal for the coolant temperature display and the signal for the speedometer to the instrument cluster, via the CAN data bus.

In that case,from my experience, the baulking is unlikely to go away with age (though it may lessen a little), I think its probably due to an undersized synchromesh on 2nd - you just have to use more pressure and have more patience when its cold

I'm inclined to agree, would have thought the speed control was electronic. In which case the switch might be the culprit but..... :blink: ...don't all the electrics work via an electronic (CAN) bus? (The loads are switched by electronic relays controlled by a serial data bus) That would explain how the vehicle can switch off loads when battery voltage is low etc. Also explains the weird faults you can get (between seemingly unrelated items).

A baulking 2nd gear when cold is a common characteristic on many VW gearboxes. Is the 6 speed a VW box? (the 5 speed was a Ford box). Don't think Ive ever seen a rear washer that works well (or rear wiper for that matter). What is is about washer jets that the more you adjust them, the worse everything seems to get?

I think trim colours and patterns (cloth in particular) is unique to each company.

I decided to check mine as it has a slow leak (2hrs) on brake servo, plus the engine has always been a bit asthmatic. There is a right angle plastic piece on top of the vacuum pump before going into plastic pipe (see pic below) - is this the non-return valve? Anyway this bit is a loose fit on the pump in that I can easily move it (finger pressure) left/right and it wobbles. Should it screw on or is it a push fit? (I have been unable to remove the plastic vaccum pipe for fear of breaking this plastic bit.)

Tyre noise research news - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3389389.stm

:o There is no need for WD40 at all. WD40 around the alternator will cause more problems than it will fix! If you get WD40 on the belts and pulleys you may be in big trouble (not only slippage but the belts may deteriorate rapidly and snap) As SA said, check connections and wiring for integrity, i.e. are they properly home and secure.

With engine running should have about 14.5v at battery terminals. Less than 13v (even when revving) indicates faulty battery or alternator. Check alternator belt tension, it slips easily when slack and wet.

The water pipe has seperated in the passenger footwell (very common fault). It is located in the footwell trim under the door and is easy to fix yourself. See http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/Forum/index.php?showtopic=1304 for SA Intruders pictorial explanation of how to. He suggests you use some adhesive to prevent it reoccurring.

extract SEAT ALHAMBRA MANUAL p14 Note To prevent unauthorized access, it is not possible to open the tailgate while the ignition is switched on (for example at traffic lights). This function is retained for about 30 seconds after the ignition is switched off, so long as no doors are opened. Rear comfort opening For increased comfort, when the ignition is switched on it is possible to open the tailgate for about 30 seconds after the last door is locked. (seems even the manuals are better with the alhambras! :rolleyes: )

http://www.delphiauto.co.uk/locator.asp

Yes! its worth phoning around as someone said in another thread. So I thought this thread could be useful to post prices for all us DIY bods on those commonly changed parts.....all prices include VAT '98 Tdi anti roll link rods - vw part no 7M3411317 ford part no 1009591 local Seat Dealer

Jim, You first need to make sure its well above 5 deg C ambient (i.e. outside the car) before you check - the systems have a sensor that prevent operation below 5 deg to stop the evaporator core from icing up. Open bonnet, start engine, switch a/c off, get someone to listen under bonnet. Switch a/c on. They should hear a loud clack from the compressor as its electromagnetic clutch engages. The engine revs will probably dip momentarily. this means a/c is basically working... You need to have quite a high ambient temperature to assess if a/c is working to spec. (probably 15 deg + ). Place a themometer or temperature probe in a dashboard vent. Turn system temperature to coldest setting max fan speed. With a/c working correctly, you will get vent air temperatures of between 5 to 8 deg C for outside temperatures of 15 to 25 deg C. If the a/c does not demist your windows quickly (ambient temp > 5deg), it might indicate weak or no operation or blocked drainage. BTW -Ivor/The Doctor-, there are up to 12 different gases used by refrigeration companies (mostly incompatible with each others systems). The old R12 gas is now banned - Galaxies use R134A (clearly marked under bonnet) - Latest gas in fridges is R600 (butane!!) but I don't think this is used in cars. One thing to note, I had to stop one refrigeration company who offered to fill my car, when they took out some pipe cutters ;) ;) ;) They wanted to fit a "standard connector" as their equipment would not fit the Ford/Seat propriety connector(s). Watch out! :huh: Mussey, 20000 miles/every year is latest Ford recommendation. Personally I think this is way too often, but this has arisen because of poor quality evaporators ( the radiator that gives the "cold") that corroded supposedly due to external pollution. Therefore Ford are covering their backs...

I too think its highly likely to have manufactured like that - wiring looms are assembled on jigs and would be identical in length. The problem would also have shown up early in the cars life. Is your car second hand and has it suffered accident damage? Ford/VW/Seats are built on the same lines (by the same people) as far as I know.

;) Wot? They didn't specify the user removable engine block? Clearly they don't want your business - I bet the only EU regs they're referring to are the ones they've just thought up. :huh: Shop around ... try dutch companies. I don't know why anyone has so much faith in alarms, my experience is everyone ignores them, or even makes sure they get away from any potential threat asap.

;) ;) :huh: ..wot r u trying to say Ivor.. ;) ;) ;)

Another happy customer!! ;) Well done...I think the tensioner and idler are one and the same thing in your case.....shoot me down anyone if I'm wrong... :huh:

It was meant to be a bit tongue in cheek hence the ;) ;) ;) Locally, LPG is available at 29p/litre! :huh: But the arguements about it being safer than diesel just doesn't wash. Think its an accepted fact that diesel vehicles are lowest fire risk by far.

Fredt, I considered LPG but decided I was unhappy with driving around with a bomb in the back! B)