worst design possible

Alan SS1 · Post by **Alan SS1** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 12:49 pm

is there a thread already for this?

if not can I suggest the replacement of pollen filter in volvo C30 (and i assume all fords/ Volvo of same vintage)

to change:-
remove carpet trim, poke the wee clips HALF WAY in (otherwise they fall down back of carpet)
lower fuse holder (easy so far)
now remove the bracket holding the fuse holder on using two foot long extension cos you can't get near the bolts (oh don't drop the nuts down back of carpet)
can you see the three small bolts holding the cover? no only two? OK the third one is behind the carpet that you cant move cos the cables are in the way!
you CAN now see them, can you get a socket onto them???
having shredded your left arm on plastic trim and removed the small bolts (without dropping behind carpet) now try and wiggle the filter out,
NB it only comes out half way before you need to twist it past the cables roll it over top of fuse holder and rotate over the carpet and chuck away.

refitting is reverse of above
except you can't see the slot where the filter goes back into and it needs twisted/rotated etc to re-fit and your eyes are not on the end of your fingers . ..

meant to be done every 15000 miles, I bet they don't!!!

if posted in wrong area then please shift it

Post by **peter freeman** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 1:31 pm

In my experience the worst design is done by accountants.

mikerf · Post by **mikerf** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 3:54 pm

Simple in comparison to changing the bonnet release cable on an SS1.

Post by **scimmy_man** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 7:41 pm

SE5 heater,

nuff said, remove engine or gearbox.

Post by **jag12** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 8:07 pm

Rumour has it that on one of the Monteverdi models ( possible Hia ) you have to remove the engine to change the battery

Post by **scimjim** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 8:56 pm

You have to remove the PAS pump to remove the battery on a Triumph Stag!

Terry H · Post by **Terry H** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:15 pm

On the Ford Focus I had a while back you had to remove the battery and battery tray on the nearside just to replace a headlight bulb.
Regards Terry H
1185

Post by **efi_sprintgte** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:23 pm

Terry H wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:15 pm
On the Ford Focus I had a while back you had to remove the battery and battery tray on the nearside just to replace a headlight bulb.
Regards Terry H
1185

You don't, MK1s you pop the cap and do it by feel

Mk2s and 3s you remove the headlight.

Honda Jazz you have to remove the wheel arch liner to do Head light bulb, that's fun.

MikeyBikey · Post by **MikeyBikey** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:26 pm

The Renault Megan's of about 10 years ago, basically you dismantled the front to change the light bulbs. Fifth gear or similar did a review and quotes ranged up to £400

Post by **efi_sprintgte** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:28 pm

Again it is possible from the wheel arch, the front indicator bulb is by far the worse on those

Post by **philhoward** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:42 pm

I refuse to accept the statement you need to remove the engine on an A-Class Merc to change the starter motor..

I'll let you know if I reach for the matches and petrol..

Post by **Diyhell** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 10:00 pm

Saw an A-class on the ramps at a garage with most of the engine ancillaries removed and it canted over as much as humanly possible. Why? To replace a glow-plug of course...

Post by **greeny** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 11:44 pm

The last of the vectras you had to dismantle the whole front end to replace any bulb on the front end.
I seem to remember the mk1 renault Clio 16v had somthing funny about dismantling the front to change the air filter?

drcdb15 · Post by **drcdb15** » Wed Sep 06, 2017 12:38 am

Terry H wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:15 pm
On the Ford Focus I had a while back you had to remove the battery and battery tray on the nearside just to replace a headlight bulb.
Regards Terry H
1185

Maybe this is a Ford design thing. X-type headlamp bulbs generally a nightmare, especially nearside - lean battery backwards, remove half the fuse box, etc. Tail lights almost as bad - you can reach them but not grip them or see them, or you can see them but then not get your hand in - brilliant!

Front spots: remove front spoiler. To remove spoiler, first remove front undertray. To remove front undertay, first remove rear undertray... and so it goes on.

A friend with a Porsche Boxster told me they have an access panel behind the front wheel, actually in the wheel arch, to get to certain areas, can't recall if this was lights as well, but at first I thought he was joking. He wasn't of course. So, to get access, first jack up front end; then remove wheel; then remove access cover. To remove access cover, first undo the securing screws... they're they ones that have been covered with underseal to hide them OR made of mild steel then sprayed with road salt and other muck for the past 5 years....

I suppose you have to get college degrees to be able to become a car designer these days - no ordinary person could ever come up with these wonderful design ideas...