HELP

[wazevan]

HI ALL,
I have had mk3 for a few months now and the issues just keep coming.The car has a 6month warranty .ive had an issue with the car pulling to the left and sterring wheel wobble at 60ish.Back to garage they noticed the right shock was gone (oil everywhere).This was replaced and all the tie rods and arms checked and tested.Had it re tracked still the same not as bad.(traking was allround).warranty work
Next had probs starting (would not) .New starter motor fitted.warranty work.Car was ok for a few weeks now its started to take 3 turns of key to get started very intermidate.Battery checked all ok.This is ongoing,also at the same time noticed fuel gauge seems to be not working correctly,tells me I got 150 miles then goes up as im driving,then don't move then drops to 50.(which based on driving distance is correct).I have turned engine on off but makes no difference.Also white smoke on hard acceleration.Car also feels more shaky.Today and yesterday car was driving /starting fine.its going back to garage tomoz.Any ideas

[johnnyroper]

When you say not starting is it cranking and not firing or just not doing anything on turn of key?

Shaking,white smoke etc suggest either injector related issue or compression/piston related. Are you losing any water and has diagnostics been done to check injector correction and also a compression test?

Tracking wise have you a printout to see what the figures are Pre and post adjustment?

[wazevan]

yes on turn of key it try to start but don't seem to catch.im so disappointed with the mk3 after having mk2.
in my opinion the mk2 was like a small van ,mk3 big car .totally different .Only thing I do like is the fold flat seats,

[johnnyroper]

You need to get diagnostics done and see what injectors are doing and if any fault codes logged. Also a compression test would be wise in my opinion

[wazevan]

Car now in garage being looked at .The mechanic reckons as its an intrermedate fault its prob electrical.I have a courtesy car and told them I don't want it back till all the issues are solved.Fingers crossed.Thanks for the help

[SirDavidAlhambra]

We hope u get this fixed soon wazevan, it sounds like u have had some problems with your lovely Alhamb recently but I am sure u will be back on the road soon enjoying it again

[wazevan]

AHHHHHH,
Got the car back yesterday.here goes....
1 .Car still pulling slightly to left.He said the sub frame was out slightly. He altered had laser tracking done .He did tell me he noticed it still pulled slightly to left.
2. Car started every time he tried. He said he could find no mechanical fault.He plugged into diagnostic machine.No faults ,just unplugged wind screen wipers sensors.(I did this)
3 Said I would need to have electrical garage to look into fuel gauge and starting probs.
Took it to my mates garage he tested the starter solenoid and sais there 13 v (ithink) going and 8 v comingout.
on his machine he found faults (the same as the garages).CONTROL MODULE IMPROPER SHUT DOWN PERFORMANCE. .Also 12V SUPPLY CIRCUIT

The car fuel gauge reading are just as bad.I have not had an issue with it starting.tHE  worst is at 60/70mph when I put brake on the wheel wobbly was the worst,it really was wobbling.
Any suggestions before I go back to car dealer.
.

[johnnyroper]

Wheel wobble when braking at 70 sounds like it needs some front disks and pads.

Pulling to the left of it has been aligned properly and it is spot on then what about tyres. Are they both similar tread and same make?

Not sure what you mean by 13v in to starter solenoid but 8v out?

I think you need a specialist to look in to the electrical issues with starting. And fuel gauge, the garage you bought from should be looking at arranging that if they donââ,¬â,,¢t have the know how to do it. You shouldnââ,¬â,,¢t be sorting it out

[SirDavidAlhambra]

The control module error code probably just means someone disconnected the battery at some point and the computer shut down without going through itââ,¬â,,¢s shutdown sequence. Sort of like turning a pc off at the mains instead of logging off gracefully before powering down. Clear the code and I expect it wonââ,¬â,,¢t come back.

I had that code and my silly dealer who doesnââ,¬â,,¢t know anything about cars thought it was the cause of some turbo problems I had last year, what a carry-on that was!

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Also the fuel gauge does change its estimate of your range as you drive along. If you do short journeys or go up hills you will often see it change its estimate of your range as you drive along. Are you sure itââ,¬â,,¢s malfunctioining? It is extremely rare for Alhambra to have faults, they are one of the best cars money can buy

[wazevan]

Hi,
I drove 88miles yesterday,my fuel gauge is now saying I have got 25 miles less than when I started.I drove at asteady 65 all the way.
Im going to Ã,£20 of fuel.Ill see wot the it says on how many miles to empty.I roughly estimate it shoukd be between 120-140 miles.Ill set trip computer.How do I check if it gauge stuck in tank.I have had a mechanical diagnostic test .
My car is a Ford Galaxy mk3, which I wish I listened to advice and not purchased(had mk2 for 6 yrs).Totally different car ,more of an estate car not mini bus.i wish I got vw/seat 06-09.Ive got 3k to start looking.
My main issue is that the sterring wheel vibration is really bad at 60 plus when braking.It was no where as bad(hardly noticeable) before it went to garage for them to try and solve the going to left issue.I m having disks looked at Tue. Cheers all.

[johnnyroper]

So are you talking about the distance to empty figure or does gauge itself read incorrect?

The distance to empty figure constantly updates,sitting at  constant 65 will not make it change much.

If thereââ,¬â,,¢s no wobble other than braking then you need front disks

[wazevan]

Hi,
Yes the distance to empty ,it did move today from 175 to 170.Did a journey of 60 miles !!! Keeping my eye on the gauge now as im not sure how much its moved.As for brakes yes I do agree but why after its been in garage having sub frame altered and tracking re done is it sooooo wobbly. Now a message came up on the dash Alarm System Requires Service  .No issues with alarm as far as I know,.
Cant wait to go to dealer on tues ,ive had enough....

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Dear friend wazevan, I sincerely think there is nothing wrong with your distance to empty gauge, from what you describe it is operating as normal. The figure is continually updated in light of your average mpg and driving style, things like that. It is normal for the figure to change, may even to go up despite having done a journey of tens of miles! Your car sounds really nice btw, nothing quite beats having a lovely big people carrier

[johnnyroper]

I canââ,¬â,,¢t explain why it is worse after alignment etc but to have a wobble on braking is caused by the disks. All I can think is different steering angles etc have exasperated it?

I do think the distance to empty is behaving normally my 535d was showing 257miles earlier I drove 79miles the distance to empty increased through the journey and was on 220 miles when I got to diggerland. So long as the fuel gauge is behaving like it should I wouldnââ,¬â,,¢t worry about it.

The alarm issue could be down to the heat,my mrs Giulietta has a burglary attempt detected fault yesterday,no issues to cause it except temp inside car sat in the sunshine.

[wazevan]

thanks for the replys,hope its just wots you guys have said.
I do wish I waited for the VW/SEAT model pre2009.

[wazevan]

Car booked into

[wazevan]

Just had car tested by auto electrician.Only fault was auto windscreen wipers and alarm module.I told him I unplugged the windscreen wiper plug about 4weeks ago and the alarm fault only came up last week.I did try to lock car with window open and then put my hand bybut no alarm went off.
As for the fuel gauge(dial/needle one)its still on 1/4 of tank.He said there was no fault and it was saying 21%fuel.
I have now parked up steep hill and it makes no difference .I have filled jerry can up just in case.
Has anybody got any ideas wot my step is ...Thanks

[wazevan]

Car parked over hr,turned on fuel gauge straight to 1/4 of tank. Im now parked in opposite direction.See if that makes any difference.im desperate now.

[johnnyroper]

When you locked car and put hand in how long did you wait after locking to put your arm in?

As for fuel gauge it is just an estimate but you say 1/4 of a tank in there and diagnostics showed 21%.... obviously you could have more or less as the readings from gauge and OBD are dependant on what sender is registering. Also parking on a steep hill I would expect some change in reading. I would suggest the sender is replaced as it sounds like Not registering correct. Not easy like a mark 2 though as tank needs dropping on the mark3

[SirDavidAlhambra]

If you fill the tank up, does the range go up to like 580 miles or so?

I can be driving my Alhamb down the road and one minute it will show a range of 580 miles, the next it will be 520, then it might go up again to 590 and so on. It constantly updates its prediction of the range based on how you are driving it. So a good steady 50mph along the motorway might make it go up to 620, but blasting it down the road from cold with lots of stop-start might make it drop to 480. Itââ,¬â,,¢s a prediction rather than a guaranteed figure. The gauge should always show how much fuel is in the tank, though.

The Alhamb is one of the best cars money can buy.

[johnnyroper]

The OP doesnââ,¬â,,¢t have an Alhambra he has mark 3 galaxy.

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Apologies. The Galaxy is a very good car too though! Very similar to the Alhamb.

[brianh]

Apologies. The Galaxy is a very good car too though! Very similar to the Alhamb.

The MK3 really isn't actally that similar to an Alhambara. No flat rear floor, seats can't be removed (but do fold down flat I think) and its got no VAG bits to it, unlike the mk1/mk2 which were built on the same production line.

That said, i've generally found the range display on cars that have it (one of mine does) can vary quite a bit regardless of who's it is. The Renault I've got varies anywhere in the range of ~200 miles when filling it depending what driving its been doing recently, I've driven vans that are the same even on fairly static speed runs. Its really a reflection on how bad the traffic is in this country that you can rarely maintain a decent speed and hence fuel economy suffers.

That said, the MK2 Galaxy I've got only gives mpg readout, and that varies anywhere between 14 and 35mpg depending on conditions.

[johnnyroper]

The OP is also having issues with the gauge reading by sound of it. 21% fuel shows 1/4 but does not change on big inclines. Seems fords if that era can suffer gauge problems due to defective sender judging by some stuff I have read online

[wazevan]

Hi all, I did 135 miles and now the gauge has dropped.it started to flash low fuel warning.Have now refuelled and waiting to see if the same happens again.My mate reckons it could be faulty especially as it does not move on hills.I have noticed its not that uncommon.Im still concerned about alarm as it no longer works ,I have plugged the auto wipers back in and no difference to alarm
As for the vehicle itself after owning mk2 the mk3 is a TOTALY different car.I so wish I waited and got vw /seat pre09.If you are thinking of buying a mk3 DONT,ESPECAILLY IF U HAD AMK2

[johnnyroper]

If you arm the alarm with window open and try to open door does alarm sound? Just wondering if it has faulty ultrasonic sensors that have been unplugged (I did that to an old car after false activations) sorry not re read thread but did you have alarm scanned for faults?

[SirDavidAlhambra]

I really hope wazevan my friend this all gets fixed soon for you.

I have a Ford Focus and the fuel gauge on that is always wrong too, I think it was a faulty dial.

You have a lovely car overall and this will eventually get fixed I am sure

[wazevan]

AHHHHHH,
just PARKED CAR AND THE HAND BRAKE WENT ALL THE WAY UP AND WOULD NOT GO BACK DOWN.
took plastic off and theses a bit of metal which has broke which is connected to the handbrake switch.i JUST GIVE UP.

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Oh wazevan my friend, I am so sorry you are having all these problems with your car.

They are actually really good cars, it just sounds like yours needs a little work to get it back in tip top condition.

My handbrake got stuck on once, it turned out to be a sticking cable which by all accounts is quite a common problem.

Keep your chin up buddy, youââ,¬â,,¢ll get these issues sorted eventually Iââ,¬â,,¢m sure.

[wazevan]

The metal part of the cable has snapped off.(apparently another common issue)I have managed to disengage handbrake,at least I can grt it to garage.Sorry so far I think the car is crap

[wazevan]

more probs.
Managed to drive car ,as I was driving car was pulling badly to the left.I need to have steering wheel at right angle just to drive straight. My mate looked and noticed a knocking when wiggling the steering wheel.He reckons it the sterring rack.Just drove home and the noise is gone and its nowhere as neer as bad.
im going back to garage and  want the car fixed properly(it is under warranty) or money back.Ive been told I will not get the same amount back I paid for car,thats why I woukd prefer to have fixed ,then I would sell privately.I paid 2650 for car and 200 for new cambelt and air con top up.

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Yes with all these problems it sounds like garage should fix them under warranty. I would be so mad, especially if the steering rack is faulty. I once had a fault with my upper strut mount bearings and the garage told me it was the steering rack so I left them a bad review in the Internet because they are meant to be the experts but they didnââ,¬â,,¢t seem to know much at all.

Ford is one of the worlds most prestigious brands, dating back almost a hundred years, and they know all about quality and value. The garage should try and help now I think. A Ford is a car that will last a very long time if looked after properly

[brianh]

more probs.
Managed to drive car ,as I was driving car was pulling badly to the left.I need to have steering wheel at right angle just to drive straight. My mate looked and noticed a knocking when wiggling the steering wheel.He reckons it the sterring rack.Just drove home and the noise is gone and its nowhere as neer as bad.
im going back to garage and  want the car fixed properly(it is under warranty) or money back.Ive been told I will not get the same amount back I paid for car,thats why I woukd prefer to have fixed ,then I would sell privately.I paid 2650 for car and 200 for new cambelt and air con top up.

There is some sort of issue with the mk3 steering and a filter getting blocked in the reservoir - There are details on here I think posted by someone (it might be Silverbeast?). If its clogged up with debris that probably points towards the rack failing, but is worth at least seeing if you can check it so you know what you might be dealing with.

I think the original poster with the issue cleaned the reservoir out and that cured it for a while, though it did eventually come back again.

If the rack is starved of fluid, its likely to make an awful racket which would probably explain your issues above.

Taking it back and insisting its either fixed properly or they give you a full refund is really the only way to go. If the warranty is through a third party, it might be worth contacting them as well to see what they can offer or advise (at least then they can't claim its out of warranty if the garage dither around for too long sorting it out)

[mike wilson]

There is some sort of issue with the mk3 steering and a filter getting blocked in the reservoir - There are details on here I think posted by someone (it might be Silverbeast?). If its clogged up with debris that probably points towards the rack failing, but is worth at least seeing if you can check it so you know what you might be dealing with.

That issue usually manifests very early on.  There was a defective batch of racks with manufacturing debris inside.  Also affected Mondeos.  This is likely to be simple wear and tear.

There does seem to be a problem with thoroughly flushing the system after pump failure.  I am on my second replacement and that is failing, too.  Maybe there is a design fault in the rack that allows debris to be trapped, only to be released gradually later and cause yet more damage.  I will be replacing pump, rack and cooler next time.

[wazevan]

Took to another garage.They reckon the sub frame could b damaged 0I explained the shaking only started after the other garage moved the sub frame.To much of a coincendence to start shaking .They looked at all parts ,arms,rubbers etc,and could not see any issues.
Next week its going in under warranty and I want it all fixed.Ive had this car for roughly 3 months and it seems it issue after issue albeit garage seems to just tried to bodge jobs on it.