saxo 1.6 auto vsx 1800 genuine miles! Running on 3/4 temp gauge and poor brakes - hard pedal.

  1. Newbie Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 3
    #1
    Hi

    Any advise welcome please.

    I purchased a 1997 p reg saxo 1.6 auto vsx with 1400 genuine miles a few weeks ago.

    The car is almost as new.

    however a few issues.

    The temperature gauge always runs on 3/4. I have had it checked at a garage and they say the temperature is fine.

    For some reason though is always hits 3/4...surely that can't be right.

    Also, the brakes are not fab. The pedal seems hard and you have to apply more pressure than usual I feel.

    Brakes have been checked out with new pads and rear shoes and fluid. I have to say though they are bloody awful.

    Any help welcome.

    Cheers
  2. Saxperience Addict Joined: Jul 2005 Solihull / Bournemouth Posts: 14233 2015 Lapiz Blue Golf R
    #2
    Temperature wise, I'd be tempted to change the thermostat, flush old coolant out and put new stuff in and see what the temperature is. What condition is the radiator?

    Id refresh the brake fluid and give the car a good run and go from there - some rubber has probably perished in the master cylinder.

    Mileage isn't everything - age can have a big effect on the running of the car too


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  3. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2008 Birtley Posts: 22253 VTR Turbo, 106 xsi track slag, Transit recovery, B
    #3
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by raunchz View Post
    Temperature wise, I'd be tempted to change the thermostat, flush old coolant out and put new stuff in and see what the temperature is. What condition is the radiator?

    Id refresh the brake fluid and give the car a good run and go from there - some rubber has probably perished in the master cylinder.

    Mileage isn't everything - age can have a big effect on the running of the car too


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    what id say
  4. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #4
    As above but my main concern would be to get the cambelt changed asap.
  5. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Mar 2003 United Kingdom (England) Posts: 7064
    #5
    Check also the vacuum feed to the master cylinder!
  6. Newbie Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 3
    #6
    Cheers guys thanks ever so much for the advice and responses!

    Much appreciated.

    Right...

    Cambelt changed...

    engine coolant temperature sensors changed...

    Coolant flushed

    Thermostat changed

    All done...it does not seem to be overheating but I can't get my head around the gauage running on 3/4.

    Fan kicks in after a while but none of this makes sense.

    Is it normal for these 1.6 engines to run this warm.....
  7. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #7
    Bleed the coolant.
  8. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jan 2003 Scotland Posts: 3380
    #8
    my guess is the brakes are solid disc not vented and you have been used to car with good brakes --saxo brakes not the best and an auto will fight aganst the brakes a bit anyway
    look after thatcar it wil be worth money in years to come
  9. Newbie Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 3
    #9
    Thanks for all the messages...

    Axsaxoman

    I think you may be right - passed it's mot test. I believe these saxo's don't have a great reputation for their brakes if I am correct.

    The brakes are nothing as good as my wifes Micra K12 55 plate auto - again, more of a modern car.

    In as much as the temperature gauge - I am told this is pretty normal for 1.6 saxo to run on 3/4 and nothing to worry about.

    How true this is I don't know!
  10. Established Member Joined: Feb 2011 cumbria Posts: 1239 Satin black furio
    #10
    Highest mine goes is half way and that's when it goes for a blast up heart side, bleed your radiator, and also maybe worth trying a new/good sensor