Broken Air Filter Cover And Loose Connector

[Buncers]

Just got my car back from Nationwide Autocenter in Cambridge after a "service" and MOT. They have managed to break my air filter cover, vacuum hose and have left a small electrical connector dangling.

 

They are refusing to admit fault - claims it was already broken - since they are the only ones to service it in the last 3 years - it must be them.

 

Anyway, while waiting for them to pay up, I need to re-attach the vacuum hose and electrical connector - any one know where they go ?

[Guest nimrod]

electrical connector? possibly near the throttle body looks like its been broken off? if so its meant to be hanging loose! if its the one I'm thinking of and you look at it closely, it appears to be blanked off? it only connect on certain models, but no one seems to know which models and what it connects to?

as for the vacuum hose? we would need more details of its position and its size in order the have an idea of its purpose and possible fitting

[seatkid]

If its the connector that splices to the MAF loom, this connector is not connected to anything but should clip to a flimsy clip located way behind the air filter box on the lh bulkhead. (Impossible to see normally). They pulled it off while "breaking" open the filter box! There is a small vacuum hose thats a push fit into the filter box at the back.....

[Guest dale]

They (Nationwide) did exactly the same thing to mine last year. Broke an AF clip and dislodged the vacuum hose. How tight is that hose meant to be?

[Buncers]

Seatkid - thanks - it is that connector

 

Dale - did you get Nationwide to fix or pay for the repair ?

 

BTW - I temporarily fixed the vacuum hose by redrilling a hole in the filter box cover just big enough to take the broken off (plastic) connector and pushed it though (it seems to hold quite tightly) then re-attaching the hose.

[Guest wolfman62]

My connector was broken off, I drilled out the hole and glued in a windscreen washer connector then just re-connect the vac hose, cost pence from auto supply store and works a treat. Was given this advice by an AA man.

[Buncers]

Any idea what effect this hose has?

 

I was told by Ford that it being not connected would cause my car to be running weak. If it affects my mixture, would it also affect my emission and cause an MOT failure (due to poor emissions) ?

[seatkid]

Weak mixture? TDi? Where do these jokers get their training?

No such thing as a weak mixture with diesel.

 

Will have a look tomorrow..

[Buncers]

I got a letter back from Nationwide Autocentre (head office), their operations manager, denying all responsibility for breaking the air filter box, claiming again it was due to heat and vibration.

 

I contacted Ford head office about this claim of Nationwide's, who as expected, totally refute the claim and further say it can only be caused by "Interference from External Factors".

 

I think I am going to sue Nationwide - will keep you posted

[seatkid]

When I passed the local Nationwide centre (near the local Halfords - both houses of "ill repute" IMO) I noticed a giant board advertising cheap servicing with large statement underneath "Satisfaction guaranteed" - That must mean something to a local trading standards officer...

[Buncers]

I noticed a giant board advertising cheap servicing with large statement underneath "Satisfaction guaranteed" - That must mean something to a local trading standards officer...

 

I must send all the correspondence to the Local Trading Standards and see their response.