Not working licence plates lights and bad smell when pressing accelerator.. and

[eddyyss]

Hi there,

car - ford galaxy 1.9 TDI , year 2001 , Mk2

1.Suddenly stopped back side number plates working, I noticed that when I am opening boot lights goes on and off, so I assume wire are broken. On boot there are cables in both sides, which side would be for number plates?

2.Also I live in cold country where is now about -10C and -20C. I have never used this galaxy in winter but sometimes to get out from snow I press accelerator a lot and then I can smell bad smell like a dead rat or amouse.. why is that ?

Regards

[SilverBeast]

(1) All wiring passes through right hand boot (when viewed from back) the left hand boot just contains the rear wash water hose.

(2) Are you slipping the clutch while revving? It may be burning the clutch plate. Sorry don't know what a dead rat or mouse smells like so couldn't say if it's that.

[eddyyss]

Yes I am slipping the clutch otherwise I can't move my car.

yes, smell is only when I am using clutch and accelerator.

[marinabrid]

the smell is the clutch overheating,  its like drinking whiskey,    if you do it every day eventually something will give up 
a bit now and again shouldn't do any harm but to have to do it every day and time you use the car won't be good.

[Chrispb]

Sounds to me like you need some tuition for driving in slippery conditions, giving any vehicle loads of revs and slipping the clutch will only end with loss of drive altogether  (burnt out clutch)
It's  the cars way of telling you your doing it wrong.

[Mirez]

As above, you should be able to ease the clutch out without ANY revs on the diesel to pull away slowly with maximum grip. Snow/Icy conditions require gentle use of controls.

High revs and slipping the clutch equates to the same as low revs and a mated clutch. Unless its on a very big hill or there is a sudden change in traction (ie from icy sheet to clear tarmac) then the Mk2 TDI won't stall.

[drcotts]

I agree with the above also.
I find that the car will drive through snow in 1st gear and using the tickover speed with my feet not presssing on any of the pedals.

If you get stuck in snow try letting 50% of the air out of the driving wheel tyres. Put the air back in as soon as possible. I use a portable compressor inflator.

Slipping the clutch as you are doing may get you out of a difficult situation but as you live in a cold country and may have to do this quite often the cluch will soon burn out and this will be an expensive repair.

You should also look at fitting winter tyres which are softer and give the same effect as letting the air out.

Hope this helps
Phill