i am thinking of fitting one so i can disconnect the earth when i park at the airport for 3 weeks soon

i have googled a lot and some seem a bit flimsy on the turn on and off knob

at present i know i can just use the little spanner and do it that way

a switch appeals to me so that if the little spanner goes missing i havent got a problem

suggestions welcome...

 

ps i saw a newish fabia 2 with the number 2 where the number 3 is on my TDI...i assume 3 means 3 cylinder

does that mean there is a 2 cylinder fabia..???

 

happy days chaps...here's posting to ya

 

cheers

geof

No, no 2 cylinder (yet), at least when things are working okay!

 

I'd suggest/think that your "spanner in the car" is the best bet for this nasty fan issue.

 

A cheap second spanner bought and always kept in the car must beat an isolator on the battery lead on cost.

Edited 10 August, 20178 yr by rum4mo
Added (yet)!

Fabia, Fabia 2 and Fabia 3 relate to trim and specification levels. The higher the number, the higher the spec. I assume you have a centre armrest in the Fabia 3?  (Along with varying other improvements). 

As for a switch, I guess you could fit an inline one somewhere on the earth cable but you can get, from Halfords among other places, a replacement earth cap the simply screws on and off again quite easily and effectively. Stuck one on a Clio once but beware, it will prevent the immobiliser light from coming on too! This can be overcome by fitting a small red led bulb somewhere that can be run off a small battery a bit like Christmas lights etc, so as to be visible to look like an alarm or immobiliser to the unsuspecting would-be tea-leaf!

7 hours ago, rum4mo said:

No, no 2 cylinder (yet), at least when things are working okay!

 

I'd suggest/think that your "spanner in the car" is the best bet for this nasty fan issue.

 

A cheap second spanner bought and always kept in the car must beat an isolator on the battery lead on cost.

i have a little socket set with a ratchet screwdriver...i think i will pop that in the car too.

the little spanner i keep under the front passenger carpet...that is where the pull lever for the bonnet is

 

here is a thought and i tried it out today

the bloody fan came on during the night...no rain no packdrill...

so the battery was flat with just enough juice to open the central locking...bringing me to think this

 

if i disconnect the battery...the car isnt locked...it tried the key to do it mechanically...no go

 

so if i leave my precious level 3 at the airport...the car wont be locked..!!

i think that mrgf in the above post is mooting that with the imitation security light idea

 

what does the team think...

 

cheers

geof

No, you remove the soft rubber cover from all the doors except the driver's door and using the car key turn the exposed bit thro about 90 degrees then shut each of the three other doors, the driver's door gets locked mechanically using the key in the lock.

 

Edit:- the location of the soft rubber covers is in the door non hinge end at about the external handle height.

Edited 10 August, 20178 yr by rum4mo

7 hours ago, mrgf said:

Fabia, Fabia 2 and Fabia 3 relate to trim and specification levels. The higher the number, the higher the spec. I assume you have a centre armrest in the Fabia 3?  (Along with varying other improvements). 

As for a switch, I guess you could fit an inline one somewhere on the earth cable but you can get, from Halfords among other places, a replacement earth cap the simply screws on and off again quite easily and effectively. Stuck one on a Clio once but beware, it will prevent the immobiliser light from coming on too! This can be overcome by fitting a small red led bulb somewhere that can be run off a small battery a bit like Christmas lights etc, so as to be visible to look like an alarm or immobiliser to the unsuspecting would-be tea-leaf!

 

thanks and good thoughts there...see my reply to rum4mo about security etc

you mentioned the immobiliser light...which brought me to thinking..

is the car locked at all then...i did try this today with the battery disconnected...with the key...it seems to need some power to initiate the locking procedure...dohhhhh

 

my recent fan escapade is that is started overnight and left me in the morning with a depleted battery...had to get a push start...it fired ok

it wasnt raining and the car was pretty well sheltered but not in my garage...

i had used it the day before to do a short run to the doctors again...and put on the a/c for that short run...3 miles total

so, and since i cant find any record of the a/c being serviced i am going to bite the kulka (czech) and have a full service on it at the skoda dealer...£45

and at the same time get them to do a czech :D...with the plug in analyser to search out the reason for the problem

note i am not now buying a jack and axle stands to do this job...but thanks for all the input...

hope this goes ok

cheers

geof

11 minutes ago, rum4mo said:

No, you remove the soft rubber cover from all the doors except the driver's door and using the car key turn the exposed bit thro about 90 degrees then shut each of the three other doors, the driver's door gets locked mechanically using the key in the lock.

 

Edit:- the location of the soft rubber covers is in the door non hinge end at about the external handle height.

 

oh brilliant...i can start using that now...

i have noticed that when the car is locked normally with battery attached...one click only unlocks the drivers door and then to get the rest to unlock click it again...or from scratch...click twice to unlock all doors...i think the boot is on the middle button to unlock

 

(i just thought of this after i posted...not being smart or anything)

is this procedure part of what you are suggesting i do...

i understand the remove soft rubbers...not drivers

and i guess i will see a slot which the key goes into...similar to the child lock idea??

shut the three doors and then they are locked

finally using the key use the key in the drivers door

 

if i unlock the car one click...release the hood from the drivers side ....door unlocked at that stage..and disconnect the battery...i hope that the key idea in the drivers door would work as well

 

all of this is really good info..one never knows in situations not of my making i would need to know it

thanks again

geof

Edited 10 August, 20178 yr by mrcrow

The "one click" or "two clicks" is an option that you can change or get changed if it annoys you, it was meant as a security thing I think prior to "auto locking" coming along. When I said turn these revealed "slots" by 90 degrees, it is in reality only about 30>45 degrees, and yes, a bit like the child lock sort of thing.

 

Edit:- when I read about how to lock these cars up if the battery failed, was out of the car, I really did stick it in a very easy to find place in my memory, so much so, that when I had problems with my daughter's late 2009 Ibiza, I had issues with removing or disconnecting the battery.

 

Another Edit:- in reply to your edit, yes that would work, lots of newer VWG cars have the bonnet release handle designed so that it can not be operated unless the door has been opened.

Edited 10 August, 20178 yr by rum4mo

2 minutes ago, rum4mo said:

The "one click" or "two clicks" is an option that you can change or get changed if it annoys you, it was meant as a security thing I think prior to "auto locking" coming along. When I said turn these revealed "slots" by 90 degrees, it is in reality only about 30>45 degrees, and yes, a bit like the child lock sort of thing.

 

cheers..

getting there now...and giving me peace of mind too..

 

it would really be ideal for me to have a fan isolating switch so i can retain all the security and trip/consumption data on the computer readout...

cheers

geof

The end game should be finding what the problem is and fixing or getting it fixed, a switch for the fan, or fan control will probably end up biting you in the bum when you least expect it to.

Just now, rum4mo said:

The end game should be finding what the problem is and fixing or getting it fixed, a switch for the fan, or fan control will probably end up biting you in the bum when you least expect it to.

 

i agree...its asking for trouble...it would be just like me...or another driver to forget to switch on...

forget that idea

cheers

geof

Just to put your mind to rest, after locking a door using that "function" in the edge of the door, these doors can be unlocked simply by operating the internal handle which resets that "function" back it its previous position.

Just now, rum4mo said:

Just to put your mind to rest, after locking a door using that "function" in the edge of the door, these doors can be unlocked simply by operating the internal handle which resets that "function" back it its previous position.

thanks

i was wondering if there were any back to normal actions to carry out

does that mean that the soft rubber plugs will be back in place then...ask a silly question...:D

will give it a go tomorrow in daylight here at home and learn better that way

i will return tomorrow with my report

appreciate you chaps knowledge...

cheers

geof

Oh yes, I fit them back on right away, as they would get lost etc.

 

Edit;- when I bought my wife a new Polo a couple of years ago, it only had rubber covers on the front doors, these lazy little South African chaps seem to have forgotten to do a couple of things, so sod it, I just did my usual and ordered them in and fitted them, saved taking that car back in for a few hours while someone checked and confirmed that, then required me to return some days/weeks later for them to fit them!

Edited 10 August, 20178 yr by rum4mo

3 minutes ago, rum4mo said:

Oh yes, I fit them back on right away, as they would get lost etc.

i wouldnt pretend to know that...

 

on a happy note...i nearly got 55 mpg on a run home from st agnes to hayle...that is average for 18 miles from a reconnected battery situation..mostly doing 55-60 for 75% of the journed...the rest at around 40 mph

 

that and £30 a year road tax makes me feel a bit better

cheers

geof

Edited 10 August, 20178 yr by mrcrow

10 hours ago, rum4mo said:

Oh yes, I fit them back on right away, as they would get lost etc.

 

Edit;- when I bought my wife a new Polo a couple of years ago, it only had rubber covers on the front doors, these lazy little South African chaps seem to have forgotten to do a couple of things, so sod it, I just did my usual and ordered them in and fitted them, saved taking that car back in for a few hours while someone checked and confirmed that, then required me to return some days/weeks later for them to fit them!

Was your polo made in SA?

 

 

Unfortunately, yes, generally speaking all RHD 5 door Polos get built in SA, the exception being RHD 5 door GTIs and maybe others if demand allows for space in Spain or even in extreme cases Germany!

I'll quantify/qualify my last posting by saying that this shift to RHD 5 door cars being manufactured in SA only started when the MK5, ie 6R Polos went into production, and continued into the 6C Polo production period, I can't say what VWG have planned for the next version of Polo, but I'd guess moving to a cheaper area of the world sounds like a good plan for VWG, with the added "you sell here, so you will make some here!" way of thinking - which is why you see the odd VWG factory in UK - not!!  By the way, the fancy trim on the console of my 2000 VW Passat 4Motion was marked as being made in Britain! Most if not all the ancillary bits that I've checked are assembled in SA, though I suppose that includes sticking labels on things! Local sourcing and job share!

Edited 11 August, 20178 yr by rum4mo

8 hours ago, rum4mo said:

I'll quantify/qualify my last posting by saying that this shift to RHD 5 door cars being manufactured in SA only started when the MK5, ie 6R Polos went into production, and continued into the 6C Polo production period, I can't say what VWG have planned for the next version of Polo, but I'd guess moving to a cheaper area of the world sounds like a good plan for VWG, with the added "you sell here, so you will make some here!" way of thinking - which is why you see the odd VWG factory in UK - not!!  By the way, the fancy trim on the console of my 2000 VW Passat 4Motion was marked as being made in Britain! Most if not all the ancillary bits that I've checked are assembled in SA, though I suppose that includes sticking labels on things! Local sourcing and job share!

its a diverse world and no mistake

what got me really upset was my favourite scottish shortbread in the co-op is made using irish butter...i suspect brussels is behind this as a slap on the wrist for brexit...!!

the co-op has closed down now in hayle...and the building is getting upgrading ready for the B&M store...there is a new one in penzance..only 9 miles away and one in pool camborne..also around 8 miles away in the other direction

now hayle is getting one...

 

B&M European Value Retail S.A.
9, Allée Scheffer
L-2520 Luxembourg
Grand-Duché de Luxembourg

 

they are going to make us suffer for brexit..all our local shops are going to feel the post asda pinch they felt a couple of years ago when they came to town...

 

cheers

geof

My method (When disconnecting for any reason) Is to pop the bonnet, re-lock the whole car and THEN disconnect the battery. Close the bonnet and leave. When re-entering, use the key to open drivers door, lean over to pop bonnet or open passenger door, open bonnet and re-connect battery. once r-connected, central locking is up and running! Window auto function sill need re-setting, as will clock. The ECU will need to re-learn your driving style, too. This is usually done as you drive so it might feel a little sluggish for a few miles until it starts to do this. No need then, to muck around with switching passenger doors on/off too!

 

If you are still using the spanner method, you could just loosen the earth enough to pull it by hand, keeping the central locking live. This will allow you to open the door again, to slip the spanner somewhere safe. Probably so will leaving a door open whilst locking (Drivers door won't do this, passengers will) THEN, slipping spanner in. I am fairly sure the door will lock as its already set. 

Irish butter, which means Eire, not even a UK country in Scottish shortbread, brilliant!  B&M, or is it not B&M Bargain Stores - along with The Original Factory Shop, rebranded as TOFS, what a blinking laugh, but these places only pop up where the original traditional supermarket gang have pulled out and hoped their customers, who they now hope/feel can not survive without them, will now travel further to where their next branch is and so increase store footfall and reduce overheads, well in our case that did not work as Tesco turned up!   Lidl, yup, there came, Aldi - maybe not too interested, yet!

 

So some unknown, wife decided to shop in Lidl today, just for fruit and veg - so I joined her after parking the car, I mugged myself into buying an LED strip light which is rechargeable, it seems bright enough and "only" cost £19.99, so my Lidl visit cost me! I always fancied one of them as the raised bonnet masks the lights at the front end of the garage, but I was but off by the cost of the usual ones.

2 minutes ago, rum4mo said:

Irish butter, which means Eire, not even a UK country in Scottish shortbread, brilliant!  B&M, or is it not B&M Bargain Stores - along with The Original Factory Shop, rebranded as TOFS, what a blinking laugh, but these places only pop up where the original traditional supermarket gang have pulled out and hoped their customers, who they now hope/feel can not survive without them, will now travel further to where their next branch is and so increase store footfall and reduce overheads, well in our case that did not work as Tesco turned up!   Lidl, yup, there came, Aldi - maybe not too interested, yet!

 

So some unknown, wife decided to shop in Lidl today, just for fruit and veg - so I joined her after parking the car, I mugged myself into buying an LED strip light which is rechargeable, it seems bright enough and "only" cost £19.99, so my Lidl visit cost me! I always fancied one of them as the raised bonnet masks the lights at the front end of the garage, but I was but off by the cost of the usual ones.

 

our lidl is just around the corner and is referred by all the old folks nearby...and me

the corner shop

will do in and see if i can get one of those lights

i have an led torch and bar light...but both are battery operated...rechargeable is better i suppose

i have bought my cross cut saw, handyman folding bench, a small pistol screwdriver, and various 'bosch' items from lidl

the best was a 2 man mountain tent...which is in the loft!!!

we have a marks and sparks store and food hall just over the other side of the road...so we are spoilt and have an

m and s credit card...to get points etc

 

cheers

geof

9 minutes ago, mrgf said:

My method (When disconnecting for any reason) Is to pop the bonnet, re-lock the whole car and THEN disconnect the battery. Close the bonnet and leave. When re-entering, use the key to open drivers door, lean over to pop bonnet or open passenger door, open bonnet and re-connect battery. once r-connected, central locking is up and running! Window auto function sill need re-setting, as will clock. The ECU will need to re-learn your driving style, too. This is usually done as you drive so it might feel a little sluggish for a few miles until it starts to do this. No need then, to muck around with switching passenger doors on/off too!

 

If you are still using the spanner method, you could just loosen the earth enough to pull it by hand, keeping the central locking live. This will allow you to open the door again, to slip the spanner somewhere safe. Probably so will leaving a door open whilst locking (Drivers door won't do this, passengers will) THEN, slipping spanner in. I am fairly sure the door will lock as its already set. 

 

will try that tomorrow as well...that seems easiest in many respects..

one minor point...the loose cable to the bonnet release switch...what happens if you connect it

i didnt see any indication that the bonnet was open when i reconnected it..

it was disconnected when i got the car...can you think why???

 

not to clear on your last paragraph...when i loosen the earth i take it right off and put it down the side of the battery..

at this point however the car is unlocked...so i think i can grasp what you mean...

 

the ECU is ok...when i reconnect the battery and drive off i set it on mpg and watch it go from 26-38-45-48..54...and on as i cruise along for about 15 miles

the problem was the clock but i put one of those little ones from ebay on the dash where mrs crow can see it...she couldnt see the other one anyway...

what i was thinking was a matching on for cabin temperature...that isnt anywhere on the existing controls??

overall remaining tank mileage eventually comes up but takes a while to give accurate readings

i will get used to viewing the tank gauge in the meantime...i dont do a lot of miles and if i go for a real long jaunt i will set the trip and make a note when i stop and disconnect

 

this spanner fantasia will cease soon...in a couple of weeks...still tiling the bathroom and some fiddly finishing bits

cheers

geof

 

cheers

geof

My local Lidl(S) make you tap in your registration number after getting a till receipt, so as to not get charged a parking notice! Bet the notice will not be a cut price bargain!  Price you pay for living in the big smoke?

Edited 11 August, 20178 yr by mrgf

M&S credit card, that is our petrol buying card as well as other things, as you said that you are flying away on holiday, my wife always used M&S for foreign currency as you get a better deal as an account holder, our nearest M&S is 5 miles away and is mainly just an edge of town food place with limited choice.