Recent content by Mike6

Start simple, how old is the car battery. If you are uncertain of age I would replace that as a starting point and then read any codes.

Has the car done excessive mileage. Could be engine trouble but if it's been sat that long I would also suggest a good run

Try checking spark plugs. They might need replacing or condition of plugs might give a clue.

Oh careful, any women reading this will be after you. What's a bonnet anyway, is it a type of hat.

Same goes for tyre pressure warning lights which work from a battery in tyre on my BMW. They are sensitive and prone to failure so I keep getting low pressure warnings. I am told it was due to lazy americans who never check anything on their cars and low tyre pressure has been cited as cause on...

Why change a working component for something new that might then prove faulty. Believe me over the years I have replaced things for new items that don't work properly.

Whoever thought doing away with a dipstick should be shot.

I had a Piper cross air filter but didn't notice any difference . I then had problems with emls and garage carried out a number of tests but couldn't find anything. They suggested maf was breaking down under load and noticed I had the Piper cross air filter. They put it in the bin and replaced...

A cautionary tale. I had an accident in my old day car and although it only appeared to be the wing and a headlight when I delved under the car there was substantial damage to subframe and suspension parts. Insurance company rightly declared it a complete write off and it was towed away by co...

On most good sites you enter your reg number and it highlights parts that fit your car. Never had a problem with that.

What about the rear drop links. Fairly cheap and easy enough to change. That would be my starting point.

Yes, they did away with that in the 2006 revamp I think. I still think the earlier version beats the revamp .

I change my earlier view about walking away. Seems a good project and learning experience. Presumably there were no dashboard warning lights on particularly the dreaded airbag light which should light briefly when starting the car. It is not unknown for the airbag warning light to be taped over...

I know you have checked battery voltages but it could still be on the way out. I think my newish battery reads around 14 volts. How old is the battery, I would suggest if it's more than around 6 years old it could be worth buying a new one given the problems one reaching end of life can cause...

Agreed but you will not be able to see inside of engine and the parts that are likely to be knackered.