Hi I’m wondering if anyone can help. My s320 CDi (2001), or I like to call it the drain on my finances, has been playing up for some time now.
It all started with water not draining away properly when it was raining as the drains were blocked. This caused water to enter passenger footwell and played havoc with the electrics.
Anyway having replaced the aircon unit and various other bits and bobs I’m still having problems. Three main ones being as follows:
1. The car blows a HELL of a lot of black smoke normally when pulling away. The smoke continues but is less obvious at higher speeds although does leave a haze of greyness for drivers behind me. Very embarrassing. The car’s passed its MOT no probs recently and I’ve previously had air/oil filters changed as well as having the glow plugs changed. Still no joy. Any ideas what I could be missing?
2. The EC button (below REST button?) on the air con module is always lit red – I can’t seem to find out why. Again any ideas? IT’s not causing any problems as far as I can see but I’d rather have it unlit!
3. I’ve had a new battery put in however it goes flat very quickly – every morning I need to jump start it using a portable jump start pack and again at lunchtimes. Once jump started it drives fine – no problems whatsoever. Only problem is I need to turn the car off at some point. To be fair I only drive a few miles a day, but even still I would’ve thought it would hold its charge – this is a new battery that ive only had in for about a week. The same happened with the old battery, and I though that because it was old (approx 4years) that’s what was causing the problem.
4. When driving I hear a knocking sound – it sounds like it’s coming from the back passenger side wheel, sounds a bit like a ticking as if its like a timing belt about to go or spokes on a wheel. I’m baffled!
5. Finally I had problems with the fuel lines – fuel leaked out and caused a bit of a smell in the engine bay as well as producing white smoke from under the bonnet. However, there continues to be a smell of diesel/oil and it causes the interior of the car to smell a bit too. There’s only so much air freshner I can continue to use!!
I think that just about covers everything! Any help is greatly appreciated – preferably before I have to remortgage my place.
Any ideas on a decent garage in the Newcastle area – good rates please!! - is also appreciated. I’ve tried Staithes in Dunston but they’ve never returned my call despite chasing a number of times.
It all started with water not draining away properly when it was raining as the drains were blocked. This caused water to enter passenger footwell and played havoc with the electrics.
Anyway having replaced the aircon unit and various other bits and bobs I’m still having problems. Three main ones being as follows:
1. The car blows a HELL of a lot of black smoke normally when pulling away. The smoke continues but is less obvious at higher speeds although does leave a haze of greyness for drivers behind me. Very embarrassing. The car’s passed its MOT no probs recently and I’ve previously had air/oil filters changed as well as having the glow plugs changed. Still no joy. Any ideas what I could be missing?
2. The EC button (below REST button?) on the air con module is always lit red – I can’t seem to find out why. Again any ideas? IT’s not causing any problems as far as I can see but I’d rather have it unlit!
3. I’ve had a new battery put in however it goes flat very quickly – every morning I need to jump start it using a portable jump start pack and again at lunchtimes. Once jump started it drives fine – no problems whatsoever. Only problem is I need to turn the car off at some point. To be fair I only drive a few miles a day, but even still I would’ve thought it would hold its charge – this is a new battery that ive only had in for about a week. The same happened with the old battery, and I though that because it was old (approx 4years) that’s what was causing the problem.
4. When driving I hear a knocking sound – it sounds like it’s coming from the back passenger side wheel, sounds a bit like a ticking as if its like a timing belt about to go or spokes on a wheel. I’m baffled!
5. Finally I had problems with the fuel lines – fuel leaked out and caused a bit of a smell in the engine bay as well as producing white smoke from under the bonnet. However, there continues to be a smell of diesel/oil and it causes the interior of the car to smell a bit too. There’s only so much air freshner I can continue to use!!
I think that just about covers everything! Any help is greatly appreciated – preferably before I have to remortgage my place.
Any ideas on a decent garage in the Newcastle area – good rates please!! - is also appreciated. I’ve tried Staithes in Dunston but they’ve never returned my call despite chasing a number of times.
