Matt The 'not So' Newbie

[mk1matt]

Had my (wife's) Galaxy for a year now, yet really haven't been very active on the site. Thought I'd re-introduce myself and the car.

 

The car is an '01 Galaxy Mk2 TDI 115, in rare 6 seat guise. In the past year we've racked up about 12,000 miles, and experienced quite a few problems!

 

So far the problems have been:

* Failed wiper mechanism (fixed)

* Dodgy fuel gauge (intermittent and not too much of a problem)

* Air con pressure sensor failure (still a problem) - indicated by vagcom

* Coolant temp sensor failure (still a problem) - indicated by vagcom

* Broken wiring loom into o/s rear door (fixed)

* Sticking rear caliper handbrake actuation lever (soon to be fixed)

* Broken handbrake release button (fixed)

* Suspect worn front bushes (not had time to check)

* Suspect failed aux heater (no fault shown but I've never heard it running or seen the smoke)

* Corroded exhaust centre and rear sections (fixed)

* Down on power at the moment (I think it's linked to the coolant temp sensor, or maybe the MAF)

 

It's done 127,000 miles now so I wouldn't expect it to be perfect, but that's a big list for only a year of ownership. Cambelt is due soon as well, as is a service, though we've already decided to hang on to it for a long time, so I'm going to DIY service it and not worry about its effect on resale values.

 

I haven't just repaired it over the past year though - I've also tweaked it very slightly:

 

The best thing I did was fit a Harmon/Kardon Drive + Play iPod connector. For those who don't know, it's a standalone iPod connection kit with a separate screen and controller. I've got the "brain" hidden in the centre top dash storage box, the controller is fitted to a switch blank, and the screen has replaced the oval clock on the top of the dash. It took a lot of cutting and fibreglassing, and whilst it's not perfect, it looks pretty good up there. I'll try and take some pics.

 

The next best thing I did was get it remapped. I got it done at ChippedUK in Bromsgrove, and it cost