GregT

So, went for a spin yesterday in the Zed and came home as usual. Didn't notice anything until this morning - the power antenna on the car was still fully extended - which was surprising. So, after turning the alarm on/off a few times and starting and driving the car up and down the road this morning, it hasn't moved. It is still up. I have noticed that the illuminated side light on that side (below the antenna) has gone out (the other side is still illuminating) so I am thinking something has fused??? Any thoughts on what is causing the antenna not to go down or why the side light has gone out? I checked the bulb in the side light before anyone asks! (It was fine). Thanks, Greg

I saw this one for sale at a DJCC meet in Poole a few months ago - I parked next to it and it put my paintwork to shame! Good to know it has gone to a new owner! Greg

Looking clean!

I like the wheels - they just look right!

So, after a replacement TCU - I still have this - taken with flash and without. I can't see how fast I am driving! Without flash - See the difference? I have also noticed a battery drain. I replaced the battery today (£100 lighter now), checked all fuses, checked for damp (none), replaced the accessories fuse, taken the dash apart twice, and now am stumped. Any more ideas?

I find that a good service tends to increase the mpg a little, but it is mainly my driving style that affects the mpg. Tonight it was low at around 36mpg, doing the speed limit honest officer, but if I trundle at 60 I get high 40's from a CLS320. Its also a 3.0L TT, just a diesel version!

OK, so either my soldering is sh*te or this has not resolved this. I think a replacement TCU is in order.

We got through four big bags of mini twix's, mars, maltesers and milky ways! One left for the wife and that was it. The last kids knocked on the door at 11! The curse of living on a large estate!

You mean I got to buy a soldering iron!?! Maplins here I come! Thanks Graham - a nice little job for the weekend then I think!

Right - I have taken some pics of the TCU board - I did notice one bit of dodginess - see the bit circled in yellow. Is this OK or is this potentially a cause? The top of the TCU board looks fine. Thanks, Greg

Thanks Graham - will check it out when I return from work.

Its raining quite heavily here in Blandford Forum, Dorset, and there is a blustery wind, but not a gale force wind - yet.

Whilst checking all fuses again, I noticed that the input connector for the dimmer looked slightly burnt. See pics below! You can see it more in this light. Is this the cause do you reckon?

No - tried the dimmer - doesn't do anything. The pods don't light either. Apart from the outside temp (currently "18"*). Any more ideas??

Is it the rain or is just the day? What fuse directly controls the dash lights? I thought it was the "accessories" fuse that was in the b"gger of a place to get to - behind the drivers fuse panel. Dash lights not working again. Replaced that blue fuse again, checked all visible fuses - all fine. Just still no dash lights. Any ideas anyone? A short somewhere? Battery is good and all pod functions work. Its stumped me! GT

I've has the reading down to 3 miles to go before emptiness but my head always tells me to fill up and not break down! Mind you I normally expect 800 miles on a tank so its not often I like to test how much further it can go without fill ups. BTW - the lights and graphics come on with 100 miles to go - its madness! Although there is probably some German like logic in it??

When I started on my own I did my own books and then paid an accountant to do the HMRC bit and make sure it all added up. I think it cost about £900 for the first years business. I used an accountant who specialised in small businesses and sole traders - This I am sure kept the cost down. Now I have a larger accountancy do the books each month as the business has expanded since I started it three years ago. Just don't underestimate the amount of unpaid hours you are going to put in - I reckon I do two jobs worth even now. But you get so much satisfaction when it gets going and you start to make money. And also, your boss ain't getting any of the profits from the work you put in, as you will be the boss! :)

An epic fail! Pass the man some aspirin!

I used to have an old Peugeot 306 1.4L car for commuting in. I bought it for £400 and sold it for the same 2 years and 45,000 miles later. They are cheap as chips if you can find one that has low miles..its a winner. Not the fastest but you could wind it up to overtake with a tail wind!

Apart from the day to day cars, my Jap history is more interesting! Nissan Silvia S15 Nissan Skyline R33GTR Nissan Skyline 350GT Mitsubishi Legnum VR4 Nissan 300ZX TT x2

SO, just checked the Zed again and clock is still out - earthed fine but not working. I may try to do the soldering to fix it or source another. The thing that still hasn't been rectified is that the LH side of the dash - the speedo and temp gauge do not light up. Without taking the dash apart to check the bulb, is there another fuse that does just this side of the dash separate to the accessories one I just replaced?

So, I have replaced the offending relay and now I have air and wipers again. The odd thing now is I still have no clock and when I turn on my lights, the screen on the LH dash pod dims. Any ideas. Perhaps another fuse has gone?

Got it - yes will check it out in the am. Thanks!

Well I managed to get in there and get the fuses all out for a check - and they all looked clean with no visible corrosion on any pins. The area is completely dry, even after this mornings rain so I am not worried about water ingress. Anyway, I cleaned each fuse and their pins as best I could as I thought I might as well whilst this deep in the car, but to no avail. I think I might have to just replace the offending accessories relay to see if it has gone. I have seen one on ebay which I may get unless anyone has a spare or wants to sell me one they have? Also has anyone a picture of the TCU as discussed above, as I want to check this out as well tomorrow.

You must have been alert as well. There are so many dozy drivers around. Nice one!