Help!
GENERAL
Battery chargers
Q I read with interest your report on the Ring Smart Battery Charger reviewed in the January 2021 issue of Car Mechanics. My Skoda Kodiaq has the Stop-Start facility, and due to the current COVID restrictions has not done too many miles. My concern with this is that the battery might need to be charged.
I have two other vehicles which do not have the Stop-Start facility and I wondered if the battery charger reviewed would be suitable for all three cars. The details of the cars and their batteries are as follows: Skoda Kodiaq 2017 Diesel 2.0 TDI. The battery type is VARTA EFB+ 12V 70Ah 420 A DIN, 000 915 105 FC. Skoda Octavia 2008 Diesel 1.9 TDI PD. The battery type is VARTA 12V 61Ah 330A DIN, 540EN/SAE, 1 JO 915 105 AD. Isuzu Trooper 1993 Diesel 3.1 TDI. There are two of each battery. Battery Type Exide EB705 12V 70Ah 540A (EN).
On both the Trooper and the Octavia I have used the old-fashioned trickle charger without disconnecting the battery, and without any problems. Having read the article on the smart charger, I wondered if I could use the smart charger in the same way – also if I should need to disconnect the battery to charge the Kodiaq, what problems might this cause? I am thinking of purchasing one of these battery chargers, but would be interested in knowing the implications of its use, and whether it would be suitable for use on all three cars?
M J O’Driscoll
A The Ring 6A smart battery charger (RSC806) is perfectly suitable for all your vehicles. It does have an internal processor which will adapt and adjust to the requirements. The charger can be connected and used whilst the battery is still in position and connected and this does save any problems that could occur due to the disconnection of the battery.
If you were to disconnect the battery on the Kodiaq you should first disconnect the battery condition sensor multi-plug before reconnecting the earth lead. Once the battery is connected the battery condition sensor can again be connected.
You will also have to re-set the automatic electric windows by switching on the ignition, lifting and holding the window switch to fully close the window. Then release the switch and lift and hold in the close position for one second. This procedure will need repeating for all the windows and the sunroof if fitted.
The TCS/ESP warning lamp and power steering warning lamp will also illuminate after the battery has been disconnected but this should re-set after a short drive, around ten metres in a straight line should be enough.
FORD KUGA
Clutch judder
Q My Ford Kuga is a late 2015 model and covered 27,000 miles. Whenever I go on a long journey, the longer the journey the worse the clutch gets. It judders very badly trying to pull away in 1st gear. Once it has cooled down and I drive from cold it is fine. Can you give me a clue as to what might be wrong please?
Tom Whitman
A From the data I have your Kuga may be subject to a vehicle recall related to clutch problems (recall number R/2018/082). This is related to the clutch overheating and so does tie-in with your concern. You can check your specific vehicle by going to this site www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall and entering your registration number. I did also notice that there was another recall for the 2015 Ford Kuga relating to a possible sump failure (recall number R/2018/053).
If your vehicle is affected then you should contact your local Ford dealer who should carry out the work required under warranty – this should solve your problem.
FORD FIESTA
Gearbox level check
Q I have a new little run around – a 2004 Fiesta 1.25-litre petrol, with a manual gearbox. The air and pollen filter look very decent, as the lady who owned it previously maintained it very well, with regular service at the local garage.
Could you please tell me how to check the gearbox oil level, and if this gearbox has a drain plug so I can change the gearbox oil? Please also tell me if the timing belt drives the water pump on this model, as this is going to be one of my next jobs.
Bartosz Kijanski
A Starting with the cambelt, this does not drive the water pump, but you should be aware that the crankshaft pulley is free-rotating. This means that once the crankshaft pulley bolt is undone, the pulley will spin round freely. It is essential to use the timing locking set to ensure that the timing is correct. The crankshaft pulley bolt is also normally very difficult to undo and will be very tight. For this reason, the flywheel locking tool should also be used.
The locking pin set comprises the crankshaft setting tool 303-748 and the camshaft locking bar 303-376B. The flywheel locking tool is 303-393 (21168). The Laser tools 3575 (locking tool) and 4347 (setting tool) can be purchased from this link http://bit.ly/CM1xcST
The gearbox on your Fiesta cannot be drained as it does not have a drain plug. The level plug can be found at the front side of the gearbox behind the plastic shielding for the gear-change mechanism. Draining is only possible when the gearbox is removed. Then the ‘box will take 2.3 litres of 75W-90 synthetic oil.
FORD COURIER
Early oil change
I recently bought a nearly-new Ford Courier van with the 1.5-litre diesel engine. The van only has 3500 miles on it, and I’m wondering about the merits of doing an early oil change to get rid of any break-in foreign matter. This always used to be done but seems to be not bothered with any more. What’s your opinion?
