Anti Pollution Warning

[TFunster]

Hi guys, hope somebody can help/advise. Yesterday my Megane Expression Estate 1.6 '04 Reg, was stalling a lot but then this stopped. A couple of hours later the oddly shaped light on the dash illuminated (I always thought it was meant to be an engine) and the SERVICE word lit up on the left of the dash. The car is not due a service so I consulted the handbook and it tells me that the oddly shaped light indicates that there is an anti pollution problem, and to take it to the dealer. I am not mechanically minded at all, so I phoned the dealer this morning to book it in for whatever may be required. I live in Edinburgh and the only dealer for miles around (Evans Halshaw) cannot book me in until October 2nd. I am due to drive to Crewe this weekend and Bradford the one after so I wanted it repaired quicker than that, obviously. The car now seems to be running OK (though the lights are still on). My questions are - can anyone tell me what the problem is, or is likely to be? - is it OK to drive it until October 2nd? - If I take it to a run of the mill garage mechanic will he be able to fix it and reset the warning lights? - and lastly, is it just an exhaust problem and I could take it to Kwik - Fit.

Really appreciate any advice,

Colin.

[AlexB]

EH and KF would be the last on my list if looking for a decent garage. Go to Bosch web site and locate their garage in your area -- they are typically good by many reviews. Stalling in 1.6vvt can be due to dephaser problems, pollution warnings can be caused by failed ignition coils, a few sensors are also suspects -- these are very common faults. Your message does not contain enough information to diagnose the problem, so just take it to a garage. Good luck.

[TFunster]

Thanks Alex, but can I just ask, would it be OK to drive with the sort of faults you describe? I shall try and find a Bosch garage (though I don't think there is one near me) but I can't have it off the road for long as I really need it this weekend and next so would rather take it after then. As I said the EH garage said they could not book me in until October!!

C.

[andywills]

Colin,

are you in the AA or RAC? if so, just phone them and tell them this light has come on and the book says not to drive it

[TFunster]

Thanks Andy, yeah I'm in the AA but I don't have Home Start. Anyway, I didn't quite understand what Alex meant by a Bosch garage but I have found one who will diagnose it for me tomorrow morning, at a cost of £40 (normally £55) so needs must, I suppose.

Colin.

[andywills]

nor do I...I got the basic RAC and when a coil went on mine, I limped it to my parents house just over a mile away and rang them from there

[AlexB]

Have you tried this postcode search tool?
https://www.boschcarservice.co.uk/

Regarding the other question... There is a danger of damaging the catalytic converter, as it will be burning whatever forms the polluting exhaust, and valves/pistons, as combustion temperatures may increase. If necessary, drive slowly -- thus, you will save the pistons and the valves, but the cat may still suffer. I saw an engine with compression lost in one cylinder due to a chipped valve. Its cat had a hole going straight through the honeycomb structure... Cats are expensive, but the UK anti-pollution regulations are not very advanced and a healthy engine will pass MOT even with a damaged cat.