I could write a book here about what happened the other day. Instead I'll try to be concise and will answer questions to provide more info if required.
3 year old, european pat, 41k miles, manual transmission, diesel. Doing 60mph and have been for about 60 miles when the steering goes funny and I've got no gears. Dashboard still lit up as normal without any warning lights. Coasted to a halt and attempted to restart twice. Making the right noises but engine doesn't kick in. Called for assistance at 14.10. In such a panic that I cant honestly say if the engine was still turning over when I coasyed to a halt but I think it had cut out. The electrics all seemed fine.
Three hours waiting at the side of the road, it's now dark and the car is dangerously close to fast moving traffic. Bad time for the battery to give in and cut the hazards. Without a battery the central locking doesn't work. Use key which opens doors but not the boot/trunk (which is where the tow hook is stored under the flap with the spare wheel). Emptied the contents of the boot via the back passenger door with seat folded but still couldn't raise the floor flap as the door furniture and pull out speakers are in the way.
The mechanic finds his own towhook which he wants to screw in to the front bumper tow point. Problem: It's badly rusted and the hook will only go in a couple of turns.
Eventualy he uses a strap to tow me to a safe point. He connects the battery to a charger. He turns the starter with his foot on the clutch whilst pumping the accelarator and it starts. No faults on the computer or lights on the dash. I drive 60 miles home at full speeds without a hiccup and have made several short trips since.
Questions: Why did it cut out?
Why cant the boot be opened from the outside (if it can how)?
How long should the battery last in such a situation?
Why isn't the tow point protected from the elements?
If you haven't done so check your tow point and either grease it to prevent rust or, if its too late, spend hours cleaning rust out of the grooves.
I want to love this car but can't because it keeps letting me down.
3 year old, european pat, 41k miles, manual transmission, diesel. Doing 60mph and have been for about 60 miles when the steering goes funny and I've got no gears. Dashboard still lit up as normal without any warning lights. Coasted to a halt and attempted to restart twice. Making the right noises but engine doesn't kick in. Called for assistance at 14.10. In such a panic that I cant honestly say if the engine was still turning over when I coasyed to a halt but I think it had cut out. The electrics all seemed fine.
Three hours waiting at the side of the road, it's now dark and the car is dangerously close to fast moving traffic. Bad time for the battery to give in and cut the hazards. Without a battery the central locking doesn't work. Use key which opens doors but not the boot/trunk (which is where the tow hook is stored under the flap with the spare wheel). Emptied the contents of the boot via the back passenger door with seat folded but still couldn't raise the floor flap as the door furniture and pull out speakers are in the way.
The mechanic finds his own towhook which he wants to screw in to the front bumper tow point. Problem: It's badly rusted and the hook will only go in a couple of turns.
Eventualy he uses a strap to tow me to a safe point. He connects the battery to a charger. He turns the starter with his foot on the clutch whilst pumping the accelarator and it starts. No faults on the computer or lights on the dash. I drive 60 miles home at full speeds without a hiccup and have made several short trips since.
Questions: Why did it cut out?
Why cant the boot be opened from the outside (if it can how)?
How long should the battery last in such a situation?
Why isn't the tow point protected from the elements?
If you haven't done so check your tow point and either grease it to prevent rust or, if its too late, spend hours cleaning rust out of the grooves.
I want to love this car but can't because it keeps letting me down.
