Friday 28 December 2012

KUGA mpg update 36.3mpg

Taken bit early as I wanted to fill car up, but nonetheless tallies with current running average. 36mpg and 480 miles to a tank

Thursday 13 December 2012

Ford kuga 2.0 tdci

34mpg / 467 miles
Low values are down to some higher speed cruising on motorway, average is 57mph

Golf GTI edition 30 mpg

24mpg 261 miles
Short journeys is kicking my economy

Sunday 18 November 2012

Monday 5 November 2012

Ford Kuga mpg update

36.6 mpg 466 miles, 24 average mph



Tuesday 23 October 2012

Ford kuga mpg update

Nearly 37mpg at average 19 mph.
Total distance approx 480 miles



Monday 22 October 2012

GTI Edition 30 MOT passed woohoo

yep, good news again. Car at 65000 miles (just over 10,000 miles since last MOT) advisories on front left shock absorber 'misting' right rear wheel bearing has play rear discs and pads well past their best so car will need some work in due course. Sounds like an excuse to lower the car too and buy a full suspension kit;-) Well done again to VW Warrington, great service, good comms and a clean car(inside and out). On service plan so didnt cost me anything either. also meant I could update a years RFL (Road Tax) at £250

Sunday 7 October 2012

Friday 28 September 2012

Sunday 23 September 2012

Ford kuga mpg update

Good tank this time
Average 26 mph


Sunday 16 September 2012

Ford Kuga FAQ

all original content from this page

http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/new-updated-with-links-searching-the-forum_topic2869.html

join the forum, lots more great information there too.


* Fuel consumption / Miles Per Gallon
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/kuga-fuel-consumption-miles-per-gallon_topic4647.html

* Engine management warning lights / issues with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/engine-management-lights-dpf-issues-info_topic5726.html

iPod/iPhone/Bluetooth/USB connectivity
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/ipodiphoneitouchmp3usbbluetoothphone-issues_topic1398.html

* Ford easy fuel systemhttp://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/ford-easy-fuel-system-no-fuel-cap-no-locking_topic5298.html

* Colour mismatch on body panelshttp://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/white-kuga-with-off-white-cream-body-panels-bumper_topic5077.html

Red/Green change up/change down arrows

How to tell if a Kuga is 2wd or AWD
Either check: https://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRegSelector.do and use the reg or VIN number or read this thread:http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/how-to-check-you-have-awd_topic1525.html

Clunking sound at 15 mph when pulling away after starting - Answer is it's the ABS self testing and is normal
Fogging/condensation in light clustershttp://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/rear-lights-misting-up_topic2055.html

Rear seat trays

Parking sensors
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/info-on-factory-fit-reto-fit-parking-sensors_topic4699.html

* Diamondbrite/Supagard/Puregard/GardX Paint Protection
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/diamondbrite-supagard-puregard-gardx-protection_topic6083.html

Roof rails /roof racks
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/roof-rails-roof-bars-roof-cross-bars-rails_topic492.html

Bull bars / side steps
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/side-bars-side-steps-bull-bars-bumper-guards_topic5204.html


Auxiliary/Parking/Supplemental heater
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/after-market-engine-heater_topic5779.html#53059

Tow bars/Tow bar electrics/Tow mirrors/Caravanning 
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/kuga-towing_forum11.html

Button near the drivers side door release handle - Answer is it's the button to turn off the internal alarm scanning when the car is locked & is intended for use if animals or children or such like are left in the car for a short period of time. 

* Noise from Bridgestone tyres
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/19-bridgestone-tyres_topic3919.html

Panoramic roof & insurance

Mud flaps
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/info-on-mud-flaps-where-to-buy-help-on-fitting_topic4773.html

* Engine remaps / tuning boxes
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/tuning-box-chip-ecu-remap-code-red-blue-fin-etc_topic5203.html 


* Alloy wheel corrosion
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/alloy-wheel-corrosion_topic4250.html

* Baby & Child seats (Isofix, Britax, Maxi etc)
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/info-on-baby-child-seats-isofix-maxi-britax_topic5276.html

* Power steering settingshttp://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/power-steering-modes-settings_topic5063.html

* Gear stick gaiter crackinghttp://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/gear-stick-gaiter-leather-cracking_topic2202.html

* Squeaky door & window sealshttp://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/squeaky-door-creaking-window-seals-gummi-pflege_topic5202.html

* Water leaks & ingress in footwell & boothttp://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/water-leak-ingressfootwell-boot-windscreen-info_topic4033.html

* Problems with DAB Radiohttp://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/sony-dab-radio-problems_topic1092.html

* Daytime Running Lights (DLRs)http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/daytime-running-lights_topic2924.html

* Bumper protectorhttp://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/rgm-bumper-protector_topic1054.html

* Info on tyres - best prices / where to buy etc 
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/tyres-best-prices-where-to-buy-general-info_topic4867.html

* Kuga performance in the snow
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/kuga-performance-in-snow-gen-info_topic5292.html

* Tailgate mesh thingy (it all becomes clear when you read the thread!)
http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/kuga-tailgate-mesh-screen-thingies_topic5315.html

Wednesday 12 September 2012

Monday 10 September 2012

DIY : Replacing an Indesit FDU20IX main oven thermostat


Indesit FDU20IX


initial problem

Oven would run flat out and never fail to cutoff at desired temperature.
Oven heating light would stay on permanently and burn food within 10 minutes!

So rather than call out an electrician I thought Id have a go myself.
Ordered a replacement thermostat from espares. £24 quid all in (inc postage)



the link also contains a helpful youtube review (generic), which helps a lot but isnt specific to the FDU20ix




So, in general its pretty easy and mostly dissassembly and reassembly.
The key parts I had issue with are described below

Once it was all apart and the top cover was out.
i couldnt work out how to remove the old switch, as it turns out you just pull it off, its held in by spring loaded pins. just pull unit towards back of oven, new part just slides back on.
Easy once youve done it once!

There is an inner panel for lower oven , light unscrews (anti clockwise). needs removed to seat the new therm probe ok.

And finally the most important bit, I replaced the item and turned the oven back on, only to find that everything else worked EXCEPT the main oven, no power at all!
Just by chance my wife suggested setting the clock (rather than leave it flashing from the power being off), and Voila it then worked!!!!!
Obviously an interlock, but had me scratching my head for more than a few moments I can tell you.

Anyway all sorted now and works a treat.
I even spent Sat morning with wire wool making sure you can see through both oven doors for the first time since we moved in (5yrs+)

Job well done and satsifying.
Give it a go, just dont forget to turn the power off ;-) a during shot...


Sunday 9 September 2012

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Monday 3 September 2012

Ford kuga 2010 61 plate rev counter green upshift light

Early models have red arrow for Max revs indicator.
Later models have an economy light which is about 2000RPM (gear dependent) except sixth.
In fact I also found out today that the green arrow also lights up again at approx 4000rpm to indicate its time to change up .....
So on the later cars it appears to be dual purpose
60 plate car

Monday 20 August 2012

Windows Vista no internet access no DNS no router connection BT 18th Aug 2012 : McAfee update

yesterday had to review a Vista Sony Vaio laptop that suddenly stopped being able to connect to the internet. 
Odd one in that the connection to the BT Hub was fine, but no DNS resolved correctly. 
 For now a system restore (automatically taken for a sony software update) from early on 18th Aug 2012 resolved connectivity. 


 Its not entirely clear what the primary issue is, but there are 2 main areas of focus. 



A windows update 

A McAfee update


[updated see UPATE 1 below : it appears to be McAfee update]



I have posted it here as even an extensive google search didnt make things obvious!





Some customers are reporting they are unable to access web pages. No Web Pages - Please see 'More Details' on how to resolve Following investigations we believe this may be due to a critical Windows update that took place on the 18th August. If you have been affected you can resolve the issue by completing a system restore on your PC or Laptop. To do this type 'restore' into the 'Start Menu' search box and select either 'Recommended restore' or ' a different restore point' and follow the prompts. Alternatively contact your software provide for assistance..
Some customers may experience a loss of network connectivity and/or errors in McAfee Security Center after a recent update Environment Affected Suites: All McAfee suites Affected Products: VirusScan Affected Operating Systems: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Problem 1 After a recent update, customers are unable to access the Internet. Problem 2 Customers are unable to perform any actions in the McAfee Security Center console. One of the following errors displays when you perform any operation in the McAfee Security Center console such as scans and updates:
will update as I find out more. 


 UPDATE 1

It looks like its definitely McAfee software thats the issue. From the BT site they have updated the cause
We are aware that some of our customers have lost internet connectivity after recent updates by McAfee and Microsoft. Below are the required steps to resolve the issue if it relates to the McAfee update. If you do not have McAfee or the below steps do not resolve the issue, you will need to contact Microsoft or your software provider directly. Affected Operating Systems: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Problem 1 After a recent update, customers are unable to access the Internet. Problem 2 Customers are unable to perform any actions in the McAfee Security Center console. One of the following errors displays when you perform any operation in the McAfee Security Center console such as scans and updates: McAgent .exe –Application error -Error 0xc000009a Script :misp://C:\Progra~1\McAfee\VIRUSS~1\VSJSRes.dll::ScanRunningMasthead.JS This renders the McAfee Security Center console unusable and in some cases causes mcagent.exe to crash. Workaround 1 If you are unable to access the Internet after the recent update, uninstall and reinstall your McAfee products. Uninstall your McAfee consumer products using Add/Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel: Windows Vista and 7 Close all McAfee program windows. Click Start, Search, type Programs and Features, and click Go. Double-click Programs and Features. Select McAfee Security Center, click Uninstall, and follow any on-screen prompts. Windows XP Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click Add or Remove Programs. Select McAfee Security Center, click Remove, and follow any on-screen prompts. When the uninstallation completes, restart your computer. When your computer restarts, go to http://home.mcafee.com and log in to download your products. For instructions on how to reinstall your McAfee products, see TS100342. When your products are reinstalled, check the DAT version and ensure that it shows 6809. Workaround 2 McAfee has released DAT version 6809 to resolve this issue. Perform the following steps to update to the 6809 DAT: Check the DAT that is installed on the computer: Launch McAfee Security Center. Click About in the top right. Check the DAT version for VirusScan. Manually check for updates: Open McAfee Security Center. Click the Updates drawer. Click Check for Updates. If you are unable to update manually due to errors in the console, run the following commands to update the DATs from the command line: Click Start, Run, type cmd, and click OK. NOTE: Windows Vista and 7 users click the Windows Orb, type cmd, then right-click cmd in the search results window and select Run as Administrator. Type the following command and press ENTER: cd c:\program files\mcafee.com\agent Type the following command and press ENTER: mcupdate.exe /schedule Check the DAT version installed on the computer again. The DAT version should show 6809. If you still receive the error after the update completes, uninstall and reinstall your products: Download the latest version of the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool from the following location: http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe IMPORTANT: The MCPR tool is updated periodically when new McAfee updates and products are released. Always download a new copy of the MCPR tool before you use it to uninstall your product. Navigate to the folder where you saved the file and double-click MCPR.exe. NOTE: Windows Vista and 7 users, right-click MCPR.exe and select Run as Administrator. If you receive a User Account Control dialog, click Yes to allow the program to run. At the McAfee Software Removal screen, click Next. At the End User License Agreement (EULA) dialog, click Next to accept the agreement. When prompted, type the CAPTCHA information to validate application security and click Next. If you have Family Protection installed, type your Administrator user name and password, then click Next. If you are unable to authenticate, follow the on-screen instructions to obtain an uninstall code. When you receive the message CleanUp Successful, restart your computer to complete the uninstallation. When your computer restarts, go to http://home.mcafee.com and log in to download your products. For instructions on how to reinstall your McAfee products, see TS100342. When your products are reinstalled, check the DAT version and ensure that it shows 6809.

Wednesday 15 August 2012

Sunday 12 August 2012

Ford kuga 2.0 tdci manual mpg

Not quite what they advertise!
19's hurt the value too apparently, so maybe another 2 mpg possible with 18'a

Although so far, on day trips trend to cruise no lower than 70mph


Wednesday 8 August 2012

Ford kuga 163 bhp mpg cruising

And here's the mpg whilst cruising on the motorway at 85mph.
better mpg than town running, which is just mad!
Looks like 500 miles possible at this rate.

On a side note, for some reason the cruise control buttons on steering wheel don't light up at night.




Ford Kuga 163BHP 2.0 tdci mpg update

I guess you never know till you actually run a car, so here's the general mpg for urban driving of a kuga.
Pretty low if you ask me, but then it's not a bmw diesel engine.
Pulls well though and is stronger than I anticipated, certainly hustles along nicely.
difficult to drive smoothly when coupled to a manual box.
I even have the tyres pumped up to 36psi.

Really enjoying it, just needs a remap now.
Although the brakes are marginal at the moment tbh




Wednesday 18 July 2012

REVO software update info

Having spent countless development hours on newer engine types and various high power projects since our 2.0TFSI KO4 software was first released, we thought it beneficial to our existing customer base to incorporate some of this new tuning into our production software. Based on both these new tuning developments and customer feedback this tuning update has been developed, tested and is now available through the Revo Dealer Network.


Stage Overview:

Stage 1 Performance Software is designed to enhance the performance of an otherwise standard engine. Power, torque, responsiveness and flexibility are all improved while maintaining stock levels of smoothness, reliability and fuel economy. Stage 1 software is suitable for a healthy vehicle with standard components. Stage 1 software is boost, fuelling and timing adjustable allowing the vehicle to be setup to suit the fuel quality, driving conditions and driver preferences. Stage 2 Performance Software has been specifically developed to attain the best possible performance from cars with bolt on performance modifications. Stage 2 allows you to run a de-cat or sports cat without getting a ‘CAT Efficiency’ error code or a having CEL (Check Engine Light) come on. It also gives you slightly more flexibility with settings over stage 1 to make the most of the additional potential from the up-rated hardware. Stage 2 software is also boost, fuelling and timing adjustable allowing the vehicle to be setup to suit the fuel quality, driving conditions and driver preferences. 2.0TFSI Stage 2 software is specifically tuned to suit the limitations of the standard high pressure fuel pump and is designed to suit the following hardware upgrades:
•   Turbo Back Exhaust •   Cold Air Intake•   FMIC (Recommended but not required) Stage 2+ Performance Software has been specifically developed to attain the best possible performance from cars with bolt on performance modifications as per Stage 2 software, however is specific to cars with up-rated high pressure fuel pumps. Power increases depend very much on the hardware, settings and fuel being used. The up-rated fuel pump allows much more power throughout the rev range but specifically in the midrange where the stock pump is insufficient. Stage 2+ software is boost, fuelling and timing adjustable allowing the vehicle to be setup to suit the fuel quality, driving conditions and driver preferences. Hardware requirements are:
•   Turbo Back Exhaust with High Flow CAT or De-CAT•   Cold Air Intake•   Up-rated High Pressure Fuel Pump•   FMIC - Recommended

Update Overview:
Increased flexibility of boost adjustmentA bigger difference in requested boost values between boost setting 6 and 9. Boost setting 9 will ask for much more throughout the midrange than boost setting 6. This allows a greater level of adjustability to suit varying driver preferences; boost 6 giving a much more progressive setup than boost 9. Boost 9 giving a much bigger ‘shove in the back’ at low rpm.

Increased flexibility of fuelling adjustmentA wider level of fuelling adjustment allows a greater level of flexibility in varying conditions.
More efficient temperature correctionImproved temperature correction for hot running conditions, the higher the temps. the more the ECU will pull back to compensate.
Fix to prevent incorrectly setup car suffering from power dip in midrangeAlteration to the way ECU correction effects power delivery if a vehicles settings are incorrect for the operating conditions or fuel quality being used; preventing an excessive dip in midrange typically referred to as a hesitation around 4500-5500rpm.
Linear Throttle options available for all 2.0TFSI K04 Stage2 and Stage2+ vehiclesLinear Throttle offers the driver more control over the vehicle than the factory standard throttle response. Rather than giving full load at low throttle input, Linear Throttle gives you exactly what you ask for. i.e. press the throttle down 25% and you get 25% of engine capability, press it down 100% and you get 100%. Giving a much more useable vehicle, a must have for the true driver.
Fix to prevent sporadic ‘System too Rich at Idle’ faultFix to issue previous seen on some ECU codes, not all 2.0TFSI K04 codes were affected.Indicative Power/Torque Graph:












•   Testing done in UK conditions using Shell VPower•   Stage2 car running Milltek Turbo Back + Revo Development Intake•   Stage2+ car running Milltek Turbo Back + Revo Development Intake + Autotech HPFP Internals

This Software Update is Relevant to:
Audi S3         -   2.0TFSIAudi TTS         -   2.0TFSISeat Leon Cupra   -   2.0TFSISeat Leon Cupra R   -   2.0TFSIVW Golf V Ed30           -   2.0TFSIVW Golf V Pirelli Ed   -   2.0TFSIVW Golf R              -   2.0TFSIVW Scirocco R      -   2.0TFSI


FAQ’s:
Do I need to have this update?It’s not a requirement however it’s a FOC upgrade with benefits to the drivability of your vehicle. The best just got better!

How much more power will my car have?The revised software is showing gains in the midrange with peak figures largely unaffected. As with all Revo software the emphasis is on the useable power, torque, smoothness and reliability. We aren’t tuning for ‘dyno/pub talk’ figures but for real world useable performance.
Will my SPS still work with the new software?Your SPS will work with the same functionality it currently has. The performance modes will need to be altered to suit the new Revo settings once your car has been setup on the revised software.

Please contact your Revo Dealer to arrange for your software update. Note: Revo Dealers reserve the right to charge a labour fee for their time.
Over the next few days we will be arranging Revo 'update' events throughout the UK; details to follow.
If you have any specific questions about these updates or the effect on your vehicle, please contact the Revo Support Office. 
support@revotechnik.com

Monday 9 July 2012

goodbye sylvester xx




Ibiza Sport Black makes way for Kuga Titanium X 2.0 TDCI

Been looking for almost a year for a Kuga as the Ibiza had gotten a little small.


I decided on the spec, the wife decided on the colour lol. I liked Midnight Sky (Grey) but I do like the white anyway (its solid colour not metallic). 
Anyway one evening a chance autotrader search came up with a recent trade in at a Volvo dealer!


Titanium X model so has xenons (must have), keyless entry,panaramic roof to name but a few.
19 inch wheels for the 'look' but the tyres are silly money (£200 each)


Only compromise was that it doesnt have sat nav or reverse parking camera, but the price was right.


AWD 2.0 TDCI Manual


Had its first quick wash and polish.


Lets see how we get on, so far its good fun.
Lots of toys to buy, as well as fit a passenger airbag deactivation switch which Ford decided in their wisdom was a retro dealer fit only wtf !

That and some farse around the storage bins under the rear seats effecting isofix seats with bottom supports.


Good job I checked the forums first.


remap? mmmm 


Sunday 1 July 2012

What is RSS ?

Great overview on how to keep track of lots of content.

Feedly is awesome

http://www.howtogeek.com/117865/the-best-how-to-geek-articles-for-june-2012/

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Golf GTI edition 30 mpg update : 352 miles @ 28.5 MPG

28.5 mpg
350 miles
Mostly cruising on motorway @ 90 to 100 kph ;-)
Got far better mpg than my normal commute to work!

Sunday 6 May 2012

Golf GTI edition 30 rear or brake caliper finish deteriorated

Well, the OR caliper paint has lasted well on the rear calipers but now it's had it! Flaking off in chunks it's gonna need a refurb.
4.5 yrs seems pretty good to me.

Front s3 calipers are like the day they were put on, so ideally should get rears of to have same treatment but unlikely.

Sunday 29 April 2012

Golf GTI edition 30 mpg

My daughter reset trip so had to take two pics.

321 miles@25.9mpg



Tuesday 27 March 2012

Awesome GTI go back to APR (from REVO)

Not so long ago I changed from APR to REVO software because AwesomeGTI changed software providers. Now it seems they want to change back again.
Will there be an amnesty this time ? (doubt it) , Will I change back ? dont know yet tbh.
watch this space.......

Dear Customers, The directors of Awesome (Jim Cotton and Mark Ash) are pleased to announce the re kindled partnership with APR LLC. After a period away from the American VAG tuning specialists due to support and technical issues, we are excited to be back on board. We have spent the last 12 months partnering Revo Technik, whos products and service have been fantastic. It is with great regret that we have to part ways with Revo, but this was inevitable as it has obvious conflicts for both manufacturers. The reasons Awesome had for leaving APR have now been resolved, with the introduction of a UK based, APR owned, technical and R&D facility. This will allow APR products to be developed and evaluated very quickly for the specific needs of the UK market place. It also means that we are able to contact APR personnel without timeline restraints. This can be a huge factor when dealing with sensitive areas such as software programming. Another big factor in the return to APR, is the collaboration of APR with Volkswagen Racing Limited. This exciting partnership brings on board a host of cutting edge products from the VWR stable, these include ITG filtration, VWR braking and suspension solutions and the branded range of apparel. After a recent visit to APR LLC. HQ, in Auburn, both Mark and I were bowled over with the passion and increased dedication to the VAG tuning market. With massive investment in personnel, equipment and various race programs worldwide (including VW cup title sponsorship), not to mention the UK base in Milton Keynes, how could Awesome not want to be back on board? So as from Thursday 22nd March 2012, Awesome are delighted to offer the full range of software and hardware products produced by APR. A full product and pricing structure is underway at the moment and should be live on our website very soon. www.awesomegti.com. Any further questions regarding this partnership, please contact either Mark Ash or myself (Jim Cotton). If you have any requirements for APR products, please contact the sales guys at Awesome!

Saturday 10 March 2012

Sixty thousand miles! 60000

Also coincided with current tank of fuel.
350 miles @ 26Mpg
After the pic was taken I ran for another 15 miles!