What kind of alloy caps? Hub, centre or dust?

Hopefully just the switch but don't be alarmed if it needs sensors. Easy job once you get stuck in. Watch where you get them though as the prices vary. Best to get the part No and use ebay. The older model ones are quite cheap now but 2001 on are dearer.

What's the age and mileage of the car? Has it sat unused for a while - maybe sorned for a month or so?

Think you have answered your own questions. They should be secured with lock nuts and not be able to be turned by hand unless they've been slackened during the overhaul. Grinding noise in the balljoints is your 'two minute warning'. There may not be any lift in them which would be an MOT failure...

If it's intermittent it is more likely to be a switch on it's way out but if you do change it and the problem remains then it's the sensor(s).

Just so you know you will demolish the old sensor taking it out unless it's not been in long. Don't be alarmed when the plastic head comes off it. My method of removal was to drill out the centre - watch out for the hard magnet in the middle, there will be a load of copper wool inside then tap a...

ABS sensors when I had the same some years ago. Disconnect each one in turn and check across the terminals on the plug on the wire from the sensor for continuity. From memory if there is no continuity it's the culprit. Awkward to remove the old sensor from the hub but possible with a bit of...

ABS sensors or reluctor rings a bit dirty with sitting? Was it inside or outside and how long is a 'few months'?

(Try looking at a diagram to wire up a towbar socket and then the plug - many people fall foul of that one too) :eek::eek::confused2:

If you ever get mixed up as to which side is which, the left is the left side of the car and the right is the right. Sounds obvious and it is. Looking the way you did originally means if that if you were standing side on the back would be left and the front the right or vice versa. All lefts and...

Dirty connections inside the switches too if not used for a while. Give each one in turn a press, hold it down and 'work' it gently side to side while holding it down. Don't spray anything onto the switches though. Does it select a different memory position depending on which one you press? To...

Has anyone mentioned spark plugs yet? They could be glazed over if not used for 18 months. There is a similar live thread ongoing at the mo where someone has had starting problems. Have you had the plugs out to check they are wet, white or sooty? Remember that easy start stuff is more volatile...

Or a carefully positioned narrow cold chisel and tap it anti clockwise. What is the diameter of the round section of that nut?

That type of locknut are easily overcome lawfully or otherwise. A tenner buys you a locknut removal tool which is just a reverse spiral socket. Get hold of one of them, get these nuts off and if you want get another new set do so otherwise a trip to the breakers for 4 spare nuts will set you...

"now just to sort why drivers side heat does not blow warm" Oh dear, blend motors (unless flap stuck but.............) Mine went last year, same symptoms, driver's side cold. Recalibrated and cleared faults but next time I put it down to below 18 it stuck there and wouldn't warm up despite...

Yes, just feel your way and do it one at a time. The coil packs are just small square boxes that bolt on. Effectively like two square distributor caps. The leads just push in.

Exactly :) saves me leaning over the top of the plenum tomorrow.

2001 was when the variable rates came in (PC and DC) and the biggies were restricted to category K if they were registered between then and March 06. From then it's the high rate which was £460 but it went up again recently of course! :eek:

Then there are the coil pack connections down the back. You could be doing with knowing that too if you ever change them or the leads. I have it somewhere but can't place it at the moment so if you need it I'll go and check the car tomorrow and post back. (Unless some kind soul has it to hand now.)

....March 06 onwards also means the £460 a year tax disc.