Stupid Accident Of The Day......

[mainline 2 1 Cars]

Stacked the Merc at a roundabout.

 

Feel like a total idiot. As I approached the roundabout it was clear to the right. The car in front started to go, but the car in front of it, unbeknown to me, had stalled. So as I am looking right to check that its still clear, he brakes sharply, and by the time I turn my head the right way to look up the road.... smash!

 

Cracked bumper and dented the O/S wing.

 

Felt like a right plonker.

 

The guy was lovely though, and the lady in front of him was also very reasonable.

 

Totally my fault, insurance company is sorting it etc etc.

 

But I haven't got a courtesy car on my policy, so the 205 has been dragged from its winter hibernation and called into action, and its been faultless... almost. My heater isn't working properly, only seems to blow lukewarm air for a minute or so, then reverts to cold, and my stereo has given up.

 

But its handled the commute really well, no overheating and no weird noises. Have been grinning all the way to work, to Wakefield, Nottingham and Teesside.

 

Really need to sort the heater out, any ideas?

[Atari Boy 11]

I can't help with the heater, but I did a similar thing in my wife's A3 two months ago, I know how you feel.

[Tom Fenton 1,542]

These things happen, I'm sure we have all been damn close to doing the same if not having actually done it.

 

As for the heater, try bleeding the coolant pipes that go into the heater matrix, there is a bleed screw near the bulkhead.

[allye 530 3 Cars]

This is exactly what happened to me, except I was the victim! I'v always been told to stop straight away if the heater doesn't get hot! But I suppose you have been driving it for a while and know it gets up to temp ok.

 

Ali

[mainline 2 1 Cars]

These things happen, I'm sure we have all been damn close to doing the same if not having actually done it.

 

As for the heater, try bleeding the coolant pipes that go into the heater matrix, there is a bleed screw near the bulkhead.

 

Yeah its one of those things you think won't happen and then wham, it does.

 

Good idea re the heater, I will try that tonight. It definitely seems like the heat just isn't getting up there regularly so it could well be full of air.

[jackherer 543]

I don't even look right until the car in front has gone, my eyes stay locked on the vehicle in front. it took a while to train it into me but its second nature now.

 

My heater isn't working properly, only seems to blow lukewarm air for a minute or so, then reverts to cold, and my stereo has given up.

 

The two faults are probably connected, the heater matrix is directly above the stereo and when it fails the coolant leaks all over it.

 

Did you check the coolant level before you drove it?

[swordfish210 20]

We've all done stupid things, not too long ago i crashed in to a parked car Just don't let it worry you, you only need to think about it once a year when the insurance renewal comes through and you have to tick the "Any accidents in the past 5 years" box.

[mainline 2 1 Cars]

I don't even look right until the car in front has gone, my eyes stay locked on the vehicle in front. it took a while to train it into me but its second nature now.

 

 

 

The two faults are probably connected, the heater matrix is directly above the stereo and when it fails the coolant leaks all over it.

 

Did you check the coolant level before you drove it?

 

Coolant level is okay, checked it last night. Had a go at bleeding the matrix but it was dark and I could only find one of the bleed valves. Topped it up a bit after bleeding it off and it seems slightly better.

 

Not had any leaks as far as I can tell, checked the footwells and carpet etc, but I will get the dash dismantled and the matrix off and have a better look at the weekend, think my matrix might be blocked or something? The hot water is getting up there, as it was bleeding off no problem from the bulkhead, but the blower is still only lukewarm. Still holding a steady temp and good oil pressure so I'm not too worried.

[shalmaneser 26]

I don't even look right until the car in front has gone, my eyes stay locked on the vehicle in front. it took a while to train it into me but its second nature now.

 

Same here, too many morons on the road. For the same reason I never pull out infront of a car that's indicating, had my fingers burnt on that one too.

 

Bloody people.

 

Glad to hear you're enjoying your 205 tho, OP, they respond well to regular use!