Got My Gal - Fixing Needed

[faded-fish]

I finally picked up my new (to me) Galaxy 2.0 GLX on Friday. I'm getting used to the size and it's beginning to feel like a car to drive (if a little underpowered).

 

There are a few issues though and I've had a look through the forum for the answers and not found exactly what I'm looking for so here goes:

 

1. ABS - My Gal has the optional ABS and passenger airbag fitted. When I tested it last week, the ABS light and handbrake warning lights were both on all the time. The garage agreed to fix this as it needed an MOT. They have provided the MOT, but the handbrake warning light is still on and the ABS light does not come on at all. Can anybody advise what they are likely to have done (i've checked for fuses and can't find any missing). The garage I bought it from said that they have replaced the ABS sensors and the reason that the warning light is still on is because they need to bed in (I think they also believe I was born yesterday!!!) but they have agreed to sort out the problem if it does not resolve - I would prefer to go back with the ABS light reconnected though!!!

 

2. Reversing lights - These don't work at any time. I've checked the fuse and bulbs, and I've found that there is a 12v feed to the switch at the gearbox when the ignition is switched on. Is it worth shorting the connections to check if the lights come on or should I just bite the bullet and get a new switch?

 

3. Passenger door release - The handle to open the front passenger door doesn't work properly. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't (mostly it doesn't). As a result I am looking like a proper gentleman opening the door for my wife every time we stop. Is this likely to need a new handle or is it a common problem? Also, how many clips are used to attach the door card to the door? (I understand that it is best to have some spares to replace the ones I will inevitably break!!!)

 

Any help with my questions would be most appreciated. Thanks. :rolleyes:

[seatkid]

The garage I bought it from said that they have replaced the ABS sensors and the reason that the warning light is still on is because they need to bed in (I think they also believe I was born yesterday!!!)

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: sounds like a particularly creative bunch of Muppets....

 

if the ABS light doesnt light briefly when you first turn the ignition on then they disconnected something electrical and you probably dont have a working ABS...

The handbrake warning light has nothing to do with ABS - sounds like a problem with the handbrake adjustment or switch..

 

Reversing lights - These don't work at any time. I've checked the fuse and bulbs, and I've found that there is a 12v feed to the switch at the gearbox when the ignition is switched on. Is it worth shorting the connections to check if the lights come on or should I just bite the bullet and get a new switch?

Yes...but likely to be the switch....

. Passenger door release - The handle to open the front passenger door doesn't work properly.  Is this likely to need a new handle or is it a common problem?

Not common but stripping it down is the only way to find out..

Also, how many clips are used to attach the door card to the door? (I understand that it is best to have some spares to replace the ones I will inevitably break!!!)

Several.....and you understand correctly.....

[Masked Marauder]

I finally picked up my new (to me) Galaxy 2.0 GLX on Friday.  I'm getting used to the size and it's beginning to feel like a car to drive (if a little underpowered).

 

There are a few issues though and I've had a look through the forum for the answers and not found exactly what I'm looking for so here goes:

 

1. ABS - My Gal has the optional ABS and passenger airbag fitted.  When I tested it last week, the ABS light and handbrake warning lights were both on all the time.  The garage agreed to fix this as it needed an MOT.  They have provided the MOT, but the handbrake warning light is still on and the ABS light does not come on at all.  Can anybody advise what they are likely to have done (i've checked for fuses and can't find any missing).  The garage I bought it from said that they have replaced the ABS sensors and the reason that the warning light is still on is because they need to bed in (I think they also believe I was born yesterday!!!) but they have agreed to sort out the problem if it does not resolve - I would prefer to go back with the ABS light reconnected though!!!

 

2. Reversing lights - These don't work at any time.  I've checked the fuse and bulbs, and I've found that there is a 12v feed to the switch at the gearbox when the ignition is switched on.  Is it worth shorting the connections to check if the lights come on or should I just bite the bullet and get a new switch?

 

3. Passenger door release - The handle to open the front passenger door doesn't work properly.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't (mostly it doesn't).  As a result I am looking like a proper gentleman opening the door for my wife every time we stop.  Is this likely to need a new handle or is it a common problem?  Also, how many clips are used to attach the door card to the door?  (I understand that it is best to have some spares to replace the ones I will inevitably break!!!)

 

Any help with my questions would be most appreciated.  Thanks. :rolleyes:

 

1. ABS light not working is a reason for MOT failure

 

2. Bridge the terminals and see if the lights work

 

3. A door handle not working is a reason for MOT failure

 

The garage sold you a defective & unroadworthy vehicle. Period. They must repair or you can reject the goods. The fact that they have obtained a dodgy MOT for it makes matter much, much worse. Contact your local VOSA branch.

[seatkid]

Good point MM

[faded-fish]

3. A door handle not working is a reason for MOT failure

I didn't realise that - I've just looked on the VOSA site and can confirm that front doors must open from both outside and inside the vehicle.

 

I knew that the ABS came under the MOT - I just need to know how they have turned the light off? Is there a simple way to get to the back of the dash (I can't see them stripping it down to do that) or is there a something uner the bonnet that could be disconnected? (if you have pictures that would help too!!!)

[willg]

Hi faded-fish

Handbrake warning light is also warning for low brake fluid

Optional A.B.S:- all gals have A.B.S traction control was optional at the time.

A.B.S light only comes on when there is a problem, mine has never come on

but A.B.S working fine, try pulling the plug from the pump light will be on

[Guest vr6galaxy]

To get to the back of the dash (the gauges) is a very simple job ;) only four screws and a clip and your there! a five minute job!

as the others have said short out the terminals to check out the reversing lights, most common causes of non operating reversing lights is the wear on the switch actuator and the failure of the wires to the rear hatch

replaceing the reversing light switch has been covered else where if your stuck?

good luck in getting ALL the faults put right and letting us know how you got on? and the name of the garage so we can give it a WIDE berth when we are looking for another vehicle or need work doing! ;)

[Topbloke]

A B S light should come on when the ignition is first turned on, then it should go out, if it go's out then comes on there is a problem i can confirm that a vehicle fitted with ABS must work in this order unless stated otherwise on the MOT Tester's guide, if the light do's not come on then the vehicle will fail said MOT .get as many facts correct before going back to the garage point out to them that you have done your home work and ask for the faulty items to be rectified at there exspense or demand your money back (although they may call your bluff ) and you will end up with no vehicle I am an MOT tester and if you wish to discuss this further pm me and i will help as much as possible.

[Guest vr6galaxy]

Optional A.B.S:- all gals have A.B.S traction control was optional at the time.

ABS wasnt fitted to all Galaxy's it was standard how ever on all VR6 GLX's and Ghia models and an option on all other models till 2000 when it was fitted as standard across the whole range

 

 

The ABS warning light should come on after turning on the ignition, the warning light then goes out after the ABS system has self tested itself and passed the tests! after total ABS failure! or the ABS ECU has been unplugged/failed connection while the ignition key is switched to position 2

 

The brake system warning light comes on after switching on the ignition, then it goes out after the self test is complete, or when the handbrake is applied, when the brake fluid level is too low, or failure of the electronic brake pressure distribution system for the rear wheels! (load compensator?)

[faded-fish]

Well I have been in touch with the garage and was ready to have a big argument when I told them what needed sorting out - the reply I got was

We'll sort that out - when would you like to bring it in?

So I am taking it back to them next Monday - they agreed to give me a courtesy car while they're fixing mine (I'm guessing it won't be a Galaxy but so long as it's a reasonable size I don't mind). I'll let you know the outcome and I'll name the garage when everything is sorted out.

[HalfPint]

I have a '96 gal 2.0i. and my reversing lights went some years ago and after trying switched and bulbs i checked the wiring on the right hand side of the tail gate. pull the gaitor back and you will find possibly half of the wires have broken through there insulation. as i think the wire that fords use is to stiff and over time just SNAPS. Beware though fords don't leave much spare and if you have hands like shovels BEWARNED it's tight and plasters may be required.

 

ABS---My abs have also come on all the time after you reach a speed of 20mph have had sensors checked-diagnostic checks have changed the brake fluid just in case and no joy had another diagnostic check done by a vw garage as i know them and they said it might be the abs pump or the main unit or both with a cost of about

[faded-fish]

Well here is the latest in my Galaxy saga!!!

 

I took it back to the garage last Monday with the following list of jobs to do:

1. Fix ABS

2. Fix problem with brake warning light

3. Fix reversing lights

4. Fix front passenger do so that it opens from the inside

5. Fix/replace sunvisors so that that the mirror cover does not fall off/swing in your face!

6. Fix heating system (which never heats up!!!)

 

I was advised that the car would be ready by Wednesday evening and was given the sheddiest car I have ever driven as a loaner (a P reg Proton - hardly a replacement for a Galaxy but never mind).

 

I phoned on Wednesday afternoon to check that it would be ready for me (NOTE I live about 50 miles from the garage I bought it from). They told me it was still on the ramp and wouldn't be ready - I agreed to pick it up on Friday (as I couldn't make it on Thursday)

 

I called again on Friday afternoon to check that everything is sorted and that the car will be ready for me that evening - they told me it was all sorted and ready for me but they were closing at 6pm - too early for me to get there. I got my Dad to pick it up for me on Saturday instead (my Dad is a mechanic and he lives ~3 miles from the garage).

 

Here is the state of the car I got it back in:

 

1. :rolleyes: ABS light still not working - ABS not working (checked in an empty car park on Saturday night!)

2. :angry: Brake warning light still permanently on

3. :angry: Reversing lights still do not work - they have since said that they ordered the switch and when they got it it was the wrong one.

4. :) Passenger door opens from inside - :( big globs of araldite on the door card!!!

5. :angry: No change to the sunvisors

6. :angry: No change to the heating

 

In addition:

:angry: Missing horn button off steering wheel

:angry: Missing wheel trim from NSF wheel

:angry: :angry: :angry: 140 extra (unaccounted for) miles on the clock and 1/3 tank of petrol used :angry: :angry: :angry:

 

My Dad is using his influence as he is a well respected mechanic on the Wirral (had his own business for ~40 years) and is getting all the major faults seen to by his prefered auto electrician and has got the garage owner to agree to pay the bill.

 

The next installment of this saga will have to wait until next week as my Mum & Dad have just gone on holiday for a week. I'll keep you posted.

 

Just a small teaser on the garage - they are based in Moreton on the Wirral. I'll name/shame them based on the final outcome - it's not looking too good so far though!!!

[Karapaul]

Hi Faded-Fish

 

How did you get on ?

 

I also live on the Wirral so I need to know !

 

Cheers

Paul

[faded-fish]

Well I finally have my Galaxy back - it's been with the garage for the last 2 weeks!

 

:D The reversing lights now work (switch as expected)

:D The heater now works (thermostat was stuck open)

:) The handbrake warning light now goes out (not sure what they have done for that!)

:) Wheel trim has been replaced

:o Horn button is back but won't stay on - any advice?

:lol: ABS light is still not operating - however it does appear to be working. Apparently the rings on the driveshafts had corroded and these have been replaced. I think it may be that the light is still disconnected - can anybody tell me how to reconnect them?

:o Sun visors are in a worse state than ever - drivers side mirror cover literally hangs off - I've had a quote for new replacements of

[greg_68]

Ouch!!!! :o

That was a bad introduction to the "wonderful world" of Galaxyship.

 

I thought I had some bad luck but at least mine have been over the last 5 years.

 

I am utterly amazed at the amount of things that go wrong with Galaxys.

 

For a

[faded-fish]

Despite all the problems I love the car and, surprisingly enough, so does my wife. My Dad used it over the weekend taking my sister and her husband out for the day - now he is looking to get one himself and so is my sister!!! I guess when you have a car that is as nice as the Galaxy when it's working you can overlook some of the problems when it's not working.

 

PS I've just been out in it at lunch time in torrential rain/hail and found out that the wipers don't work on full speed :lol: :o :( Any ideas anyone?

[GSMGuy]

Oh dear... From bad to worse... If the wipers work on the other speed, but not the max, it could be a switch/wiring prob - Do they self park ok, and does the single flick/wash wipe work ok?

 

Mike

[faded-fish]

Do they self park ok, and does the single flick/wash wipe work ok?

No problem with self parking - they park as soon as you switch to full speed!!! Wash/wipe works fine. Is there a separate fuse for the high speed wipe or is it more likely switch/relay related?