Robbo, I'm drawn to thinking that it may be the indicator stalk now that is faulty.

Do you know anyone who has a facelift Fiesta with trip computer (Zetec and above)?

Ask them nicely if they will let you try their indicator stalk in your car.

They are very very easy to remove just unclip the upper shroud from the column, unclip the audio remote then unclip and disconnect the stalk, JD.

Don't buy one until you know it's faulty as it could also be a faulty GEM.

I take it you are out of warranty then?

Nope I don't know anyone with a Fiesta up here. Is the stalk expensive? I'm assuming I can't buy one then take it back if it's wrong...

Yeah I'm out of warrenty purely because I couldn't afford a service when it was due. Just finished being a student so was totally skint. I'm guessing a GEM module will be expensive.

I don't know which relay the headlight relay is though. There are 5 there, could you tell me which one it is (IE "3rd in from left")?

The socket number should be moulded onto the plastic panel of the GEM next to each relay will be a very small number.

Yes do not drop it.

The indicator stalk is the main light control after the GEM, the light swithch just tells the GEM to turn the lights on if the indicator stalk/rain sensor asks for it.

I can't tell you exactly which one it is as I can only see schematics of the circuitry of the GEM.

The stalk is about £40 but the GEM is about £200.

You can fit a used switch from any equivilant specced Fiesta (Fuel Computer)
but you can ONLY fit a used GEM from an ST150.

Have Ford told you that they won't repair though?

Your argument would (quite rightly) be : What has headlamp functionality got to do with engine oil?

I could understand if you'd seized your bottom end but this is electrical faults not mechanical.

If you don't ask you don't get and don't tell them anything.

You may be able to negotiate a service with the first MOT which looks like it's due.

Dave is it in the same place on the diesel ZS?
As I had a look at my mates earlier and couldn't see the relays
Just 5 connectors

got it booked it in to be checked out at ford tomorrow lunchtime

right, i should hear back from them any minute now! they did say 1pm and i told them im at work so can only come and pick it up at certain points through the day. Will be raging if they ring up and say they need to order parts or something.


ps. some cheeky wifey has brought her kid into the office and MY GOD its annoying. haha, i think thats her away now though. fingers crossed.

Got a spare office chair and gaffa tape?

haha! that would have been handy.

Okay, got the car back... turns out to be just that the lights and fuses have blown. apparently. But i fitted new lights the other day and they still didn't work, after I'd checked the fuses, which were fine. So Im not sure they've told me the whole truth there. Anyway, lights don't come under warranty, and they'd fitted them when i came to picking it up so i ended up paying out £40 as I had to be back at work and didnt have time to argue.

thing is, i would have thought bulbs and labour would have come to more than £40...

oh well, lesson of the day is to always leave yourself time to argue in the case of any funny business.