Superfly

I tend to do that a lot but I'll bear that in mind from now on.

Thanks Stu. I'll take it to a local garage to get it looked at. I hope it is the linkages as this sounds like a minor job compared to what else it could be.

Hi, I sometimes have problems with my gearstick whereby I either can't select 1st gear or it gets stuck and I can't get it out of gear. This occurs when the car is running and at a standstill. So I'm usually parking (sometimes Im at the lights) and its first gear or sometimes its the reverse gear. When it gets stuck I try lifting the clutch a bit but I don't want to stall it and I usually end up forcing it out of gear. When it comes to 1st gear (at a standstill) if I cant select it, I usually lift the clutch and start again. This usually helps. Its an issue Ive had for a while and I need to get it sorted as it went from happening very seldomly to a little more often. I wouldn't say it hinders my driving but its getting to the point where its not just an odd occurrence and I should get it looked at so any pointers/advice would be appreciated. I have a non modified Skoda Oct 2.0 diesel from 2007.

What's the best way to find independent specialists? I'm looking for some in North-West London. North London and West London might even be good for me. Is there is a list i can refer to?

"lowly" pedestrians... Yes, that rights re pedestrians that dont look and I've seen a far few accidents involving them (ouch!) as they step out onto the road not thinking as their mindset is more about cars so they think there is no danger. At the end of the day everyone has a responsibility. As a cyclist you can go fast and I liked to but if its in an area where there are lots of pedestrians you have a responsibility to take care. I havent hit many pedestrians in my time, probably 2 which is pretty good going seeing the number of times I have cycled. Nothing serious either. Its common sense really. I always slow down where there are blind spots (e.g. where buses are stationary in traffic and people are likely to cross) as it is about anticipating what might happen too.

I saw this on iPlayer 2 nights ago as I missed the original airing. It was interesting but very sensationalist. The guy with glasses claims he wasn't shown in a great light which im sure is true but still, whacking a car from the outside makes a hell of noise for a car driver and gets their back up. Shouting abuse seems to be common so he didnt do himself any favours. I can understand sometimes its necessary though to tap a car. I cycled in London consistently for about 7 years and it is dangerous but I still loved it. The worst thing apart from accidents is cars getting too close. I can understand the guy with glasses driving in the middle of the road to "claim the road" (cant remember his exact words) but his choice of words and general arrogance didn't help him again. Anyway, I've done this to stop car drivers overtaking me because there isnt any space and while most drivers know this there are idiots out there that are completely clueless and/or reckless. In other words I dont want to die and I want to see my kids grow up. The thing about some of the people on this programme is that they are winding people up and other people end up paying for it. I wasnt impressed with the policeman on one occasion when he was talking to the cabbie. He could have just said be careful with cyclists but not directly criticising his driving as he had no proof anyway. It just needs to be said. I know an old work colleague who died as a result of a lorry. Its just sad really and the less accidents there are the better. This is one of the reasons I was alarmed at that Gav bloke winding people up. A few times Ive shouted at people or gesticulated to make some space but that guy was over the top. I can also see the driver's side of course as I have always driven. Cyclists are more aggrefsive though, I agree. Putting your life on the line daily can have this effect.

Thanks for the replies and I will do that. :-)

It's happened once before since the cold snap started in London and this morning was the second time. I'm just wondering if there's anything I can do to get access or do I just have to live with it? I try to open it using the key fob and there is mechanical sound but you can hear its struggling to open it.

Mine popped out a few weeks back and I noticed it when the car was stationary so I just popped it back in. Makes me think that I need to look at it properly to make sure it is secure. It seemed very flimsy I thought.

Cheers silver101, I am too! The engine definitely makes a siren type sound when its driven. As said here, this is sometimes normal and it didn't sound like the video added to this thread where the turbo was on its last legs. EDIT: If I get a chance Ill post a video so you can hear it

Here's an update in case you were wondering what happened. They only started looking at the car last week and nothing was coming up on the diagnostics check so it had to be a mechanical fault. It turns out that the fuel pipe which is connected from the fuel tank to the engine was put the wrong way round so they believe the problem has been sorted. I'm hoping this is the end of issue as you can imagine driving a car where the engine cuts out is pretty dangerous and especially on a motorway... I have a family to think of. So it wasn't the turbo and as I read on here and my brother who is in the motor trade said the same thing, the Internet can sometimes bring up all sorts of stuff which isn't related. I guess without the Internet we wouldn't be as informed as we are with it but it can sometimes lead to all sorts of conclusions. Sorted and end of hopefully.

Im trying to keep an open mind, believe me. Thanks for the link. I'm learning a lot about turbos in a short space of time. Not sure I understand it all but there's more knowledge now than there was a week ago.

Mine doesn't sound as bad as that. Mine is more siren like and as if its in the distance. Anyway, when I get a chance I will post a recording of the sound. No news yet...

Will do, thanks. On a different note and just in case they (VW/Skoda) dont find anything wrong with the car, which independents can I go that are recommended? Is there a directory somewhere I can check to find local ones in NW and W London?

To answer your question, no. I've just spoken to them and it made it to the customer's home and back. They will keep testing it to see if it happens again. Not good news really as I dont really want to drive away a vehicle that is waiting to break down. Lets see what happens and I will update when I hear any news.