Car D.I.Y.

[fossyant]

So many minor issues overlooked, tmps, check engine light for poor battery etc.

This, people don't look after cars, so they go in and there is a serious fault. It's surprising how crusty cars can get underneath, yet look OK on the bodywork - it's the lack of getting that salt off.

 

[MrGrumpy]

Youngest car went in for its MOT yesterday, failed.... leaking shock. That's all fixed now by myself tonight, so need it back in for a retest . So much for the pre mot check that was carried out a couple of weeks back........ this was missed ...

 

[MrGrumpy]

Anyone in here own a Ford Ranger , middle lad has bought one , appears to have a known issue regards losing sound from radio unit ? Everything works fine , touch screen , Bluetooth etc just not sound and then it magically appears ! Looking for info on this ?

 

[Pinno718]

Anyone in here own a Ford Ranger , middle lad has bought one , appears to have a known issue regards losing sound from radio unit ? Everything works fine , touch screen , Bluetooth etc just not sound and then it magically appears ! Looking for info on this ?

Reset or bumping the button - https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/radio-sound-not-working.21341/
"Could also try a reset. Hold down the power and seek next buttons together until the Ford logo comes back up".

 

[CXRAndy]

Anyone in here own a Ford Ranger , middle lad has bought one , appears to have a known issue regards losing sound from radio unit ? Everything works fine , touch screen , Bluetooth etc just not sound and then it magically appears ! Looking for info on this ?

Is it running windows, genuine question? My ford f150 does from 2011.

I've had on a couple of occasions, remove the fuses that power the entertainment unit, to allow a 'reboot'. All is well again for months, years

Maybe a firmware update to correct problem. Also is the battery in good condition, if the voltage dips too low on startup it can corrupt the electronics and give all sorts of weird faults. A fault scan might tell you low battery codes.

Our little Citroen lost radio sound the other day, no phone or radio. Worked correctly next time I started the car, it has a weak battery

 

[Jameshow]

That's a bit of a sweeping statement.

It's true or the £30 rubbish, but the more expensive stuff such as the iCarsoft v3.0, Csrista Pro, etc, are pretty close to the functionality of the dealer computer. Not only can they read every chassis system, not just the engine but transmission, brakes, aircon, SRS, etc, but they can also configure new components, do vehicle wetting configurations, and calibrate stuff like SAS's, etc.

If you're running a garage they'd be of little use, but you're a home with a single car, or a number of related cars, they're highly excellent.

I dont think a indie garage with say 2-3 mechanics and a office person will run dealer computer. Much more likely a snap on or Autoel

This, people don't look after cars, so they go in and there is a serious fault. It's surprising how crusty cars can get underneath, yet look OK on the bodywork - it's the lack of getting that salt off.

Don't I know it!🤣😢

 

[Drago]

I dont think a indie garage with say 2-3 mechanics and a office person will run dealer computer. Much more likely a snap on or Autoel

Or a clone of the dealer system.

Snap on etc are fine until you need codes or a patch from the manufacturer, then you have no choice but a clone and pay for an hour or a day's access.

 

[CXRAndy]

A number of years ago I got a Chinese copy of the Ford diagnostic software for my truck. It had a hack to reset the expiry date if I ran the windows in virtual mode. Ford software at the time was into the thousands per year for the license.

I only wanted to reset the light circuit after a bulb caused an overload, the ECM disabled the entire light circuit.

Now, any decent aftermarket scanner can do this. But I do have a fall back if my autel ever plays up

 

[MrGrumpy]

Is it running windows, genuine question? My ford f150 does from 2011.

I've had on a couple of occasions, remove the fuses that power the entertainment unit, to allow a 'reboot'. All is well again for months, years

Maybe a firmware update to correct problem. Also is the battery in good condition, if the voltage dips too low on startup it can corrupt the electronics and give all sorts of weird faults. A fault scan might tell you low battery codes.

Our little Citroen lost radio sound the other day, no phone or radio. Worked correctly next time I started the car, it has a weak battery

Nah it’s had the reboot , fuse pulled etc . Did work again for a few days they crackle pop goes silent once more . Mate at work in previous life repaired PCBs , so we are gonna go over some of the solder joints and see where we get .
I’ve seen quotes online where you send the unit away and they fix them for return . So I’m guessing there is an issue with poor soldered joints !

 

[fossyant]

Son is having to borrow a friends ODBC reader. He's misplaced his VW unit, my Autel has a damaged screen (caused by son's friend sitting on it - no offer of a replacement !), and my other basic one will not reset air bag message. The Leon is ready to go up for sale, but needs the ECU code reading and the airbag re-setting as he'd disconnected sensors in the bumper (and many other sensors on the car during the re-build). It's running absolutely fine with the replacement engine.

 

[Pinno718]

Nah it’s had the reboot , fuse pulled etc . Did work again for a few days they crackle pop goes silent once more . Mate at work in previous life repaired PCBs , so we are gonna go over some of the solder joints and see where we get .
I’ve seen quotes online where you send the unit away and they fix them for return . So I’m guessing there is an issue with poor soldered joints !

Not uncommon. I sent my 944 ECU off to some company for a check up thinking that a particularly large resistor, normally associated with the problem was the culprit. They tested it for 24hrs with no faults. Only charged me £60 + postage.

 

[CXRAndy]

Nah it’s had the reboot , fuse pulled etc . Did work again for a few days they crackle pop goes silent once more . Mate at work in previous life repaired PCBs , so we are gonna go over some of the solder joints and see where we get .
I’ve seen quotes online where you send the unit away and they fix them for return . So I’m guessing there is an issue with poor soldered joints !

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

 

[Tom B]

Somehow ended up with both acts due MOT on the same day.... forgot to get one redone in September DOH!

Mrs Bs Jazz nust needed the usual Jazz love of a rear brake clean up and adjust then some big stops.
Passed with an advisory on a track rod end dust cap and a tiny nail in a tyre that I'd missed.

I was a bit more nervous about my i40. It has an anti roll knock on the ROS, I'd ordered the bits but they took 14 days to come, that left me with 1day to fit them. The first bit was not an issue. however the nut on the second would not move and has really really restricted access. After bending a spanner I gave up. it'll probably need the damper and spring removing to get a rattle gun on it.

The other issue was that when I fitted the tow bar I didnt connect the reverse and fog lamps to the electrics plug because the trailer doesn't have them. I can't remember if the 13pin or 7pin plugs are tested at MOT .

I took it up for the MOT and the tester explained the electrics had an adaptor in so he couldn't test them :-)

Car passed the only movement on the rear was on a bush but not even an advisory. But that's next month's job.

Took it up to a local engine shop who quoted £950 +vat for a timing chain change! With no guarantees beyond the chain. But in his view he wouldnt bother due to age!

Now they both have passed the MOT I'll wash, hoover and service them :-)

 

[Drago]

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

 

[Tom B]

i shall remember that.... the internet is as capricious as usual on the subject