[Outcast]

Having noticed the recent spate of car trouble topics, I thought it'd be useful for us to have a thread dedicated to car problems (and solutions) so as to keep clutter to a minimum.

For starters I don't seem to have any major problems with my cars but I do have a minor problem in my Infiniti Q45 (Y33), the volume knob on the centre console just stopped working and it basically turns the volume way up when I try to turn it down. I don't know if its an electrics problem or if its something with the knob itself.

[Garfield 2]

The major problem I have with the Volvo is two messages popping up from time to time:

BRAKE FAILURE STOP SAFELY
POWER STEERING FAILURE

The car's power steering is then out and the accelerator doesn't respond, the car stalls after a while... Not good when you're doing 120kph on a Motorway...

This problem has been diagnosed as a faulty ECU / BCM. They both need to be replaced. It's €3k to do it. I'm not bothered to, so the plan is to sell it and get something different. Maybe a Passat.

[epoxi]

@Outcast: I reckon the problem is the knob itself, it is probably slipping over the rheostat in a manner that only allows it to go one way. I would take it apart as much as possible and clean the inside. You might find the plastic of the knob is worn or something.

[Outcast]

@Garfield: those seem like pretty big (not to mention dangerous) problems.

@epoxi: thanks, i'll clean it and see if it makes a difference.

[Garfield 2]

QUOTE (Outcast @ Friday, Aug 3 2012, 11:59)

@Garfield: those seem like pretty big (not to mention dangerous) problems. @epoxi: thanks, i'll clean it and see if it makes a difference.

The thing is I had this problem happen three or four times in the past 4 months. And it's not as dangerous at it sounds.

[Ronnyboy]

My left front wheel sometimes makes a slight rolling sound every 50 feet. It'll sound like a rolling skateboard for a few seconds, stop, then go again. Once I get above 30, it stops. I also have tremondous amounts of wobble and vibrations between 60-72 MPH. After that, its fine though, strangely.

[Lurch]

full of water?

[sivispacem]

Sounds like a shagged wheel bearing to me.

[Burbalade]

QUOTE (Ronnyboy @ Friday, Aug 3 2012, 16:14)

I also have tremondous amounts of wobble and vibrations between 60-72 MPH. After that, its fine though, strangely.

I have mild vibrations in the steering column from about 72 to 78, but smooth as butter at 95. Odd.

[Garfield 2]

QUOTE (Burbalade @ Friday, Aug 3 2012, 22:57)

QUOTE (Ronnyboy @ Friday, Aug 3 2012, 16:14) I also have tremondous amounts of wobble and vibrations between 60-72 MPH. After that, its fine though, strangely. I have mild vibrations in the steering column from about 72 to 78, but smooth as butter at 95. Odd.

Why'd you change your username? leik oh em jeez was alright

[Ronnyboy]

QUOTE (sivispacem @ Friday, Aug 3 2012, 17:30)

Sounds like a shagged wheel bearing to me.

I googled the problem and the concensus is on the front wheel hub. This will be fun to replace.

[fatal1ty619]

I have had a problem with my Ford Escort. Most of the time, from 1600-1750 RPM, there is a grinding sound in the engine. It was there before, and we removed a couple heat shields (they were rusted and loose, causing the grinding). A couple weeks later, and the grinding is back again...

[Ronnyboy]

QUOTE (fatal1ty619 @ Tuesday, Aug 7 2012, 09:48)

I have had a problem with my Ford Escort. Most of the time, from 1600-1750 RPM, there is a grinding sound in the engine. It was there before, and we removed a couple heat shields (they were rusted and loose, causing the grinding). A couple weeks later, and the grinding is back again...

Like a grinding or more of a shutter?

[fatal1ty619]

QUOTE (Ronnyboy @ Wednesday, Aug 8 2012, 04:57)

QUOTE (fatal1ty619 @ Tuesday, Aug 7 2012, 09:48) I have had a problem with my Ford Escort. Most of the time, from 1600-1750 RPM, there is a grinding sound in the engine. It was there before, and we removed a couple heat shields (they were rusted and loose, causing the grinding). A couple weeks later, and the grinding is back again... Like a grinding or more of a shutter?

More like a shutter.

[DSMTuner]

Post a video.

[Kajun]

So today one of the fuel tank straps came off of my car, and I've got my mechanic ordering a replacement set on Monday since I've not the means nor time to do so myself.

My question right now, is how perilous is driving without one attached? Is my tank going to fall off in a spectacular fireball, or will I simply have to putter along and watch for bumps to avoid a painful death?

[fatal1ty619]

Just drive carefully. I have been in that situation a few times. Out is possible you have been driving a while like that. The tank should be okay as long as you aren't going on a baja...

[Outcast]

I've run into another problem with my Infiniti, I was going out to dinner today and I thought I'd go gas up before making the 50+km trip as I only had a quarter tank left. Got to the gas station and the damn gas tank door (not sure what its called in english) wouldn't open.

[GeorgieNJ]

QUOTE (Outcast @ Sunday, Aug 12 2012, 21:30)

I've run into another problem with my Infiniti, I was going out to dinner today and I thought I'd go gas up before making the 50+km trip as I only had a quarter tank left. Got to the gas station and the damn gas tank door (not sure what its called in english) wouldn't open.

I had similar problem on both BMW and Merc. In my case it was the lock mechanism on gas tank lid. My bet it's either the lock or the wiring.

[Triple Penetration]

This is closest to the problem you have.

I know yours isn't frozen, but it's practically the same thing.