Car D.I.Y.

[Pinno718]

Yep* ^.

13 pins are testable, the oldm7 pins aren't.

(*here we go) Why? A multi-meter doesn't work on them nor does say, a light bulb nor getting a male/female connector and stripping some wires back to fabricate a test lead?

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

13 pins are testable, the oldm7 pins aren't.

When my Kodiaq went for its MOT test earlier this month, I'm not sure if it was tested?
As usual all 3 rear seat-belts were still clipped in, but the tow-balls a removable 'goose-neck', & the 13-pin socket hinges into position, & it was still retracted/the gooseneck still in the bag

 

[Pinno718]

When my Kodiaq went for its MOT test earlier this month, I'm not sure if it was tested?
As usual all 3 rear seat-belts were still clipped in, but the tow-balls a removable 'goose-neck', & the 13-pin socket hinges into position, & it was still retracted/the gooseneck still in the bag

It has been part of the MOT since 2012. Maybe they couldn't be bothered.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

It has been part of the MOT since 2012. Maybe they couldn't be bothered.

Maybe, or it could just be that it's fairly well hidden, with a minimal cut-out of the 'bumper', not really seen unless you're at the same level

 

[Pinno718]

Maybe, or it could just be that it's fairly well hidden, with a minimal cut-out of the 'bumper', not really seen unless you're at the same level

You should leave it 'unfurled'. It's good protection from the parking dummies (but not so good for the shins).

 

[Pinno718]

Talking of which, my pdc sensors were playing up, That's BMW parlance for parking sensors. When 1 is out, they're al out on that bumper. So I managed to reverse into a lamp post at the police station.
Nothing a hair dryer couldn't sort. Plastic has it's merits.
45 mins to remove the bumper and 30 secs to fit the new pdc. I keep new Torx head flange nuts and spire nuts and replace as I go.

 

[MrGrumpy]

Ah, if it's crackling, then a fault is likely. I used to repair car radios back in the 1980-1990, dry soldered joints were not uncommon. Usually around the sound output amplifier chip

We found those but have now found a hole in another chip which I cannot find online ! Hole is next to the lettering R5 !

 

[CXRAndy]

You're going to need a schematic circuit diagram or full repair manual to identify parts damaged.

My eyes don't work as they used to with these tiny surface mounted components. Thank goodness I left the trade just as they became manufactured. Upside electronics improved in reliability

 

[raleighnut]

Maybe, or it could just be that it's fairly well hidden, with a minimal cut-out of the 'bumper', not really seen unless you're at the same level

They lift the car in the air and walk under it to check brake pipes, suspension bushes, ball joints etc. How would the small cut out affect that view

 

[Tom B]

When my Kodiaq went for its MOT test earlier this month, I'm not sure if it was tested?
As usual all 3 rear seat-belts were still clipped in, but the tow-balls a removable 'goose-neck', & the 13-pin socket hinges into position, & it was still retracted/the gooseneck still in the bag

For TowBars. Its something along the lines of a visual check only, they may remove covers etc but cant use tools to deploy it. If its removable then they just check what is there.

To test the electrics they just use one of the plug in testers or so I am told - but again cant use tools or remove things from the socket to test it (other than the usual cover caps)

The tester was totally relaxed about not testing it even if it was testable.

 

[PhotoNic69]

I do little car maintenance nowadays except for:
Oil & filter changes
Air filters
Fuel filters
Battery changes
Fuel line repairs
Brake pads and disks
Belt tensioner replacement
General cleaning, tidying and making good whatever needs doing.

In the past I've changed cylinder heads, Fuel tanks, suspension parts, springs, shocks, bushes, fuel injection systems, brake cylinders and calipers etc
Cars (all vws back then) Were easier, simpler and less expensive back then so If I cooked up it wasn't so bad.

Now I just don't have the energy or space as all repairs have to be on the roadside on a very slight hill.

I do spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning cars now.

 

[CXRAndy]

Just done 5k mile oil/filter change, also did the serpentine and the water pump belts, plus new belt tensioner

I'm pricing up a new exhaust too, if stainless isn't too much more than standard I'll go with that

 

[CXRAndy]

Got my car into garage for assessment for a new exhaust.

Decided to go full stainless steel cat back system matching same mufflers as the OE.

Pipe is slightly larger which has changed tone of exhaust from raspy sound to more throaty rumble, but no louder.
Brackets are solid bar, system guaranteed for life

Price was actually £200 cheaper than main dealer for mild steel system

 

[fossyant]

Got my car into garage for assessment for a new exhaust.

Decided to go full stainless steel cat back system matching same mufflers as the OE.

Pipe is slightly larger which has changed tone of exhaust from raspy sound to more throaty rumble, but no louder.
Brackets are solid bar, system guaranteed for life

Price was actually £200 cheaper than main dealer for mild steel system

View attachment 769153

View attachment 769151

Bonkers that. I believe it's way cheaper for a custom exhaust for a Ford S-Max than it is to try and buy a standard one.

 

[CXRAndy]

Having driven the little car now with the new slightly larger bore exhaust.

It seems to have a little bit more torque low down. It's happier to pick up speed in top gear from low revs.

It not massive gains being a normally aspirated 1.2ltr 3 cylinder engine, but there is a little bit more. I suspect power has increased but that will be higher up the rev range