Russ's 2.1 SED Auto now in Mandarin

[mds141]

Duff battery?

[russ92xmsed]

Not sure Mark, it's started fine since. The voltmeter suggests that the battery is fine. Any way, time will tell I suppose. Just really strange both cars have this similar fault days apart.

[mds141]

Might be worth checking the electrical connections to the starter motor. I had similar symptoms on my motorbike last year. I suspected a weak battery, when it turned out to be a corroded terminal on the starter motor.

[russ92xmsed]

Good idea Mark. Might take a look, At both in fact for this. I think it didn't like the steep incline on the drive. Must have upset something. As I say it's been fine ever since.

[russ92xmsed]

I have been tinkering away with a few niggly small jobs on the XM recently. Replaced a load of blown bulbs and also replaced all the switches with my improved LED ones. Only to accidentally put the rear ones in the wrong way round! A blown fuse later and all is well! note to self, read own diagram!
I noticed the centre roof light had a dim bulb on the passenger side. Found it had been glued with araldite once I had dropped it down. The whole bulb holder glued in place. Couldn't shift it. So did an entire swap of the whole unit. Much better now. Also replaced the sunroof switches with some better ones. And then sorted out the melting puddle light. The drivers door one had a dome of melted lens plastic forming, so just got rid with a better one.

One job I really want to do, but dreading, is sorting out the glovebox. Maybe if I'm brave I will do it next week if I have a spare moment. Might need several moments however.

As the weather here is glorious blue skies, I sprayed the window pillars, to smarten them up a bit. The main b posts were fine, but the slim ones were doing their usual job of fading to grey. So all nice and black again. I am currently sorting out a better front bumper ( it's in primer at the moment ) and so once I have some mandarin paint I will also respray the plastic window caps. Can't wait for that. They look terrible!
It hasn't done it's trick of not starting since that little event. But the C5 which promptly followed suit of suddenly not starting two days later, has now really played up. It needs a new starter motor. fortunately that is not my concern!

[Vince]

Have you posted up any pictures of this one yet Russ?

What did you use to spray the slim window pillars? Ive thought of doing mine but they feel too smooth for any paint to cling to them even if you etched them first.

Pray tell...mine look horrific

[russ92xmsed]

Sorry Vince I haven't posted any pics yet. I have some, just not got round to it.

I used normal satin black paint. Holts infact. Use an etch primer after a little rub down with some fine wet and dry. Then I use a panel wipe cloth to degrease, then the black. Come up a treat.

[russ92xmsed]

Yes I know, grill is missing and the side light. Took them out to do bumper swap... Thought the nose cone had to come off, only to find you don't need to do that. Ahem!



I'll get some better ones at some point. I really need to do a good clean and polish. Get her sparkling.

[russ92xmsed]

They're up to no good..... You can tell....

[White Exec]

Lurking with intent, I would say...