Magnet

Thanks Monty, So at the moment it’s ‘ sensible assumption’, logic rather than an intermittent fault logic. Could you kindly keep us posted on whether this logic proves correct over the next few days -? Regards, Gareth.

In addition to questions asked in the earlier open-ended thread, does the car use any coolant?

The thread which Dave referred to is still open ended, so no experience gained from that. Could you answer the questions asked in that thread, in respect to your car Damian? Regards, Gareth.

Hello Monty, When you say they are ‘Light Sensitive’ , where did that information come from?

Welcome Adrian, Might be worth looking at the pros and cons of panoramic roofs. Regards, Gareth.

They are likely to inform you that the belt doesn’t need changing until it’s covered in excess of 125K miles, without any specified time limit. The car you intend buying is now approaching 9 years old and has covered just over 3k miles a year on average. When you say it has service history, has it been serviced annually? If it hasn’t, it hasn’t been serviced properly. Whereas low mileage appeals, it has to be considered that vehicles are likely to have been used on short journeys, with stops starts ( where the belt will be stressed) and increased wear on clutches etc., and can potentially be as worn as a vehicle which has covered treble that mileage operating under optimum running conditions on the motorway. It’s obviously your choice John, but by previous recommendations on time limits, the car should already be due for its second belt change as it approaches 10 year old. I my book, there isn’t any debate, and I would be changing it now, to minimise the risk of it being rendered beyond economical repair should the belt decide to part company. As Richard says, renew the auxiliary belt at the same time. In case it helps, I use Gates belts and tensioner kits. Regards, Gareth.

Welcome Monty, I believe the courtesy lights are controlled by the door latch/latches. Regards, Gareth.

Welcome Kyle, Photo? Regards, Gareth.

Have you been in touch with Smith & Allan Ltd. yet?

Welcome Susan, and sorry to hear of your issue. Did you buy the car from a dealer or privately, and what mileage has it done to warrant a new (aftermarket?) catalytic converter? Sorry, the videos done work on my system. Regards, Gareth.

Thanks John, what have you decided to do? Regards, Gareth.

Please don’t send me PMs on this topic, and be kind enough to post what you put in an PM and answer my #2 post. Thanks. Overlapped post.

Have you tried local diesel specialist who could check and calibrate these for you?

So that is the alternator test. Have I missed the battery efficiency test? Who carried out the test and when - confused by the 07 -02 - 2000!?

New or secondhand?

I have dealt with Parts in Motion for number of years, and I find their prices are competitive, and their service has been faultless. Yes, you should expect Bosch to give you good service - make sure you order by 2/9 to get a remarkable 20% of the quoted price. Exchange item,where you have to return your existing one?? Please let us know how you get on.

Any progress Tyler?

Any progress James?

Any comments so far James?

That’s fine Mike, Where are you going to buy a new alternator from? Regards, Gareth.

Hello John, If you search cambelt belt or timing belt on here, you will find numerous posts on the topic, due to changes in VAG’s recommended change intervals. You will find all you need to know there. Assuming your engine has a belt rather than a chain. Please let us know what decision you come to. Regards, Gareth.

I’m all for soldered connections too. Never did have much confidence in crimp connectors. I slide some shrink sleeve over one of the cables, moving it away from where the solder joint will be, then sliding it back over the soldered joint and shrink with a hair drier.

Who pays then?

Welcome Alan. I think we will need a bit more information before being able to offer constructive advice on this. Would you describe your driving style to be on ‘enthusiastic’ side of normal, and/or do you depend on your brakes more than normal, with being ‘ rather late on the brakes’? Do you know what discs and pads are currently fitted, and when, and what makes you think the front discs are warped? - a common misconception for similar symptoms caused by other problems? Regards, Gareth.

Thanks David, I guess you mean cannot , rather than can. Possible valve block? - but you cannot hear any leaks. Worth trying with soapy water? Aerosus? Never heard the name, but you would expect it to be good at that price. My go-to for all things air suspension is Bagpipingandy on EBay. Could be well worth tapping into his experience and parts supply. Please let us know how you get on David. Regards, Gareth.