Ford Galaxy Help!

[Guest Alejandro]

Hi to everyone!!!

 

Congratulations on the website!

 

I have recently bought a Ford Galaxy (1999 T reg Zetec auto petrol) at auction(risky, I know, but how else would I afford such a great machine??), the car is in very good condition and I am very pleased but it does have two problems which are driving me mad!!!

 

1. When the car is in traffic it will, ocassionally, begin to loose power the rev counter will go up and down and sometimes even stall!!!! :lol:

I noticed that this happened more if I had lots of electrical things on like lights, heating, radio, portable dvd player running off the cigarrete lighter. I also noticed the lights dimmed when this happened.....

 

 

2. After a while driving (about 30 minutes or more) a knocking noise will start, this is very annoying especially as the noise gets louder and louder the longer you drive. This noise occurs when slowing down speeding up or going over bumps.

 

 

 

To try and resolve these very annoying problems I have:

 

A. Bought and installed a new battery which seemed to make it worse!! Until I drove on the motorway and now it seems better (not stalling) although still the revs go....up and...down :lol:

 

 

B. Booked it to be seen by a Ford maindealer.... :D I'm taking it tomorrow hopefully they will be able to tell me more.

 

 

Any ideas guys????

 

 

Any help would be really appreciated!!!!

[Guest vr6galaxy]

1. Could be a duff alternator, bad connection, aux drive belt slipping? have you checked the output of the alternator?

 

2. Most common cause of noises from the front end is the anti roll bar drop links, mine were intermitant in making a noise, they mainly did it just after a bump or pot hole in the road! on smooth roads they were ok, does the noise alter is you turn corners? if so it could be a wheel bearing on the way out?

[Ivor_E_Tower]

(2) sounds like the drop links, (1) could be cold idle solenoid/valve if there is one fitted (parents have had this problem on another make of car) - garage should be able to diagnose it quickly (if they have any competent technicians...)

[johnb80]

Idle speed control or idle air control valve (same item different name) is most likeley the cause of the variation in idle speed, clean the throttle body at the same time as cleaning / replacing the valve. New ones are around

[Guest Alejandro]

Hi!!!!Thanks everyone for all your suggestions and help, got back from the Ford dealers (they seemed very professional, efficient and honest)

 

Here is the report I got back from them:

 

 

 

**********************

 

Carry out electrical repair:-

 

ENGINE MISFIRES IN TRAFFIC AND CUTS OUT.

Carried out wds found dtcs - removed under shield & checked hego found loose vonnection to multiplug rework & test - found hego working but very slow & intermittantly - requires hego sensor & dpfe valve

 

 

**********************

 

 

They charged me

[Ivor_E_Tower]

If you use a Ford garage and get change from

[rushy]

Sorry to bring up an old thread.

 

Just read about the anti-roll bar drop links causing the knocking noises.

 

Mine also knocks when going over bumps, what do I need to do to anti-roll bar links?? Replace??

 

Thanks

[gazza007]

Try track-rod-end too, as that was my problem. ;)

[Ivor_E_Tower]

... what do I need to do to anti-roll bar links?? Replace??

 

Thanks

Yes - do a search on the forum for instructions if you want to have a go yourself. A garage should charge under 1 hour's labour to change both sides, and IIRC the parts are around

[Masked Marauder]

They simpy unbolt, all you need is a spanner.