[mercedised]

Hey, one question Are your Power windows working fine??
Mine front window glasses comes out of its position whenever they are closed??? The SC guys says that i need to change the window machines?? cost=4500rs per machine ..Any suggestions??

Originally Posted by AVR

No. Not the whole gearbox. There are three shafts inside the gearbox that need to be changed for changing the mechanism. The cost included a complete overhaul while the gearbox was opened up along with new seals, etc.

Always thought the lights weren't good enough.

Our SAFARI has the best light in the whole SUV segment(Halogens). That's my thinking and What is your's after pencil beams are fixed?

[AVR]

Originally Posted by mercedised

Hey, one question Are your Power windows working fine??
Mine front window glasses comes out of its position whenever they are closed??? The SC guys says that i need to change the window machines?? cost=4500rs per machine ..Any suggestions??



Our SAFARI has the best light in the whole SUV segment(Halogens). That's my thinking and What is your's after pencil beams are fixed?

Well the Safari Power Windows have a mind of their own. Start working and stop working on their own accord. About it coming out of its position, its more of a glass fitting issue than the motor. I felt that issue on the Expressway once with the noise even though all glasses were closed. When winding them up, try guiding them into the right place as they go up and that should sort it out.

Agree with you now. After the lights were sorted, I love the way the way jerks who drive with high beam switch to low beam when I switch to high. I wish people knew how irritating it is to have cars driving with high beam all the time.

[AVR]

Last 8-9 months with the entry of the Jeep, the Safari has taken 2nd priority in terms of expenses so last week decided to do some TLC for the Safari in time with its planned service.

Things done since last update:
Late Summer of 2010
1) A/C compressor conked off: Well a new one seemed to cost a lot so the good ol' scrapyard came to the rescue. I learnt a very interesting thing while trying to wiggle a guarantee out of the scrap dealer. Basically, compressors bought from them have no guarantee but usually work. He had this to say: "Chalein to chand tak, warna shaam tak" i.e. If it works it works till the moon (forever) else it wud last just one day. With such a reassurance I got it fitted and voila its still working! - Cost ~ 5500 for compressor

2) Ordered a new black centre console + both door + rear + centre a/c vents + gear cover for about 2500 bucks from Mumbai thanks to a contact given by ACM. Car looks much neater than it was few years back!

Oct 2010
1) Changed disc brake pads after a screeching sound that came one day. Simple job.

Hassle free operation apart from the whistling sound that continues to bug.

January 2010
Issues:
1) Driver on an overnight drive ended up driving without clutch oil for about 300 km due to some leakage in the base of the slave cylinder. Resulting in a totally fried clutch plate with significant loss of pickup. For the time, changed the slave cylinder but mechanic was unwilling to change clutch plate but have not been enjoying the drive though it does move normally in idle (~750 rpm) in both 1st and 2nd. Should try the 5th gear test before replacing it.

2) Engine oil filler cap came off (must haven't put the cap on tightly) and it threw up all the engine oil. Don't know how he managed that but luckily stopped the engine and put enough oil to get to garage

3) Whistling sound has aggravated and now its been traced to a leak in the exhaust. Yet to solve this problem.

4) At around 3000 rpm in 2nd or 3rd there's a screeching sound when you are pushing the car hard. What could it be? I don't hear it when in 4th/5th when gradually picking up pace. Clutch issues? If engine, it should make noise in all gears right??

5) Engine oil changed (Mobil Delvac MX) along with filters at roughly 15k interval.

6) Also put a gear additive from Wynn as gear changes for the first minute post start were extremely tough. (Probably a thinner gear oil would help?). For the time, the additive seems to have worked but does anyone face this issue too?

TLC:
1) Bumpers have been regularly interacting with other vehicles on the road and had started hanging so went and found bumpers from the scrapyard and painted them and got them fitted. Safari looks awesome again with new bumpers and also new tail lights (old style, don't like the dicor taillights). Will post interior and exterior pics soon!

Cheers,
Adi

@Mods - Please update to title to 125,000 Kms from 110,000 Kms.

[condor]

AVR : 1) A/C compressor conked off: Well a new one seemed to cost a lot so the good ol' scrapyard came to the rescue. Cost ~ 5500 for compressor

A scrap-yard sourced A/c compressor costs that much ?!!

AVR : 4) At around 3000 rpm in 2nd or 3rd there's a screeching sound when you are pushing the car hard. What could it be? I don't hear it when in 4th/5th when gradually picking up pace. Clutch issues? If engine, it should make noise in all gears right??

1. What rpm are you at when you shift from 4th to 5th ?
2. If you shift from 4th to 5th at 3000 rpm, what speed are you at ?

(I change gears late, but 3000 rpm is still pretty high. Esp for a 4th to 5th change .. )

AVR : 6) Also put a gear additive from Wynn as gear changes for the first minute post start were extremely tough. (Probably a thinner gear oil would help?). For the time, the additive seems to have worked but does anyone face this issue too?

Do you warm up the engine after a cold start & before moving ?

[AVR]

Originally Posted by condor

A scrap-yard sourced A/c compressor costs that much ?!!

Well the peak summer did reduce my bargaining ability plus this guy is THE compressor guy in town so he refused to go down. Started at 6500!

Originally Posted by condor

1. What rpm are you at when you shift from 4th to 5th ?
2. If you shift from 4th to 5th at 3000 rpm, what speed are you at ?

(I change gears late, but 3000 rpm is still pretty high. Esp for a 4th to 5th change .. )

I usually change gears at much lower speeds (~ 2-2.5K) but every few days I prefer to give it a high-rev drive just to understand if things are working
fine or not .
Today morning again I revved it while standing and sound wasn't there but while driving the sound did appear. Actually I had the opposite problem in my Tucson last month when the clutch plate was on its last legs. At lower rpm gear changes there was a lot of clanking noise which went after clutch change. The Safari has the opposite.

Originally Posted by condor

Do you warm up the engine after a cold start & before moving ?

I give it about 15-30 secs of idling but not more. Actually the hard shift has reduced post additive + new gear oil (90 grade?)

[mercedised]

Originally Posted by AVR

2) Ordered a new black centre console + both door + rear + centre a/c vents + gear cover for about 2500 bucks from Mumbai thanks to a contact given by ACM. Car looks much neater than it was few years back!

Please Give me the details too. My car needs the console overhaul.

Oct 2010
Hassle free operation apart from the whistling sound that continues to bug.

The TURBO whistle is there in my car too. It is from a very long time (probably 50,000kms). No problems till now.

January 2010
Issues:
1) Driver on an overnight drive ended up driving without clutch oil for about 300 km due to some leakage in the base of the slave cylinder. Resulting in a totally fried clutch plate with significant loss of pickup. For the time, changed the slave cylinder but mechanic was unwilling to change clutch plate but have not been enjoying the drive though it does move normally in idle (~750 rpm) in both 1st and 2nd. Should try the 5th gear test before replacing it.

That's exactly the problem I faced a few days ago. The slave cylinder developed a leak. But, I quickly figured it out and drove home by topping it for every 10-15kms. Replace the clutch plates only if you are experiencing any clutch issues.


3) Whistling sound has aggravated and now its been traced to a leak in the exhaust. Yet to solve this problem.

Where is the leak EXACTLY??

4) At around 3000 rpm in 2nd or 3rd there's a screeching sound when you are pushing the car hard. What could it be? I don't hear it when in 4th/5th when gradually picking up pace. Clutch issues? If engine, it should make noise in all gears right??

Yes, might be a clutch issue. BTW, I hear a ghrrr. ghrrr sound which is due to clutch while in 1st gear and car moving in IDLE, this is also from a long time but no problems faced.


5) Engine oil changed (Mobil Delvac MX) along with filters at roughly 15k interval.

I change at every 7.5-8K kms STRICTLY. (This is recommended by TATA)

6) Also put a gear additive from Wynn as gear changes for the first minute post start were extremely tough. (Probably a thinner gear oil would help?). For the time, the additive seems to have worked but does anyone face this issue too?

Yes, same behaviour from my Safari too. Infact for the first 1-2 kms it is very hard to shift to 2nd gear, I have to try 4-5 times till it engages. Again no problems faced due to this issue till now. But, I will try the additive certainly.

TLC:
1) Bumpers have been regularly interacting with other vehicles on the road and had started hanging so went and found bumpers from the scrapyard and painted them and got them fitted. Safari looks awesome again with new bumpers and also new tail lights (old style, don't like the dicor taillights). Will post interior and exterior pics soon!

Please post the pictures soon. I'm hungry. Also, from where did you source the old type rear lights? And how much?
Cheers,
Adi

@Mods - Please update to title to 125,000 Kms from 110,000 Kms.

Answers in BOLD.

BTW, the Safari just got its oil change at 2.25Lkms (today), alongwith RPM setting to 750rpm at Idle.

[condor]

Originally Posted by AVR

Started at 6500!

Wow ! What's the cost of a new one ?

Btw, a/c must be used atleast 5 minutes every month. Many of us dont do that also.

.. but every few days I prefer to give it a high-rev drive ..

min 3k rpm for 30 secs every week or two. Helps clear the exhaust system.

I give it about 15-30 secs of idling but not more.

Pls do a 1 minute idling atleast in the morning, 30 secs later during the day.

[AVR]

Originally Posted by mercedised

Please Give me the details too. My car needs the console overhaul.

The place is Sunco Motors and they'll do cash on delivery

Sunco Motors - TATA parts shop at Opera house Mumbai:

+91-2223894602 / 2223876850

Just the black centre console frame is 1000 bucks but with all the switches etc its about 6k

Originally Posted by mercedised

Also, from where did you source the old type rear lights? And how much?

Cost me about 700 each so ~ 1400 bucks. I can check if you want them. Else you can check with Sunco when you talk to them.

Originally Posted by condor

Wow ! What's the cost of a new one ?

As per the price list compiled by IBM_Jennifer its 27k! so mine seemed to look like a good deal!

Originally Posted by condor

Btw, a/c must be used atleast 5 minutes every month. Many of us dont do that also.
min 3k rpm for 30 secs every week or two. Helps clear the exhaust system.
Pls do a 1 minute idling atleast in the morning, 30 secs later during the day.

Thanks! Will keep it in mind.
Performance is sluggish and am hating it but am caught up with some stuff so can't get around to taking it to the garage.

Cheers,
Adi

[mercedised]

Originally Posted by AVR

The place is Sunco Motors and they'll do cash on delivery

Sunco Motors - TATA parts shop at Opera house Mumbai:

+91-2223894602 / 2223876850

Thanks. I want to order the Centre vents and the middle vents. Everything else seems fine.


Cost me about 700 each so ~ 1400 bucks. I can check if you want them. Else you can check with Sunco when you talk to them.

Oh yes. If you could find 2 extra it will be a great pleasure. Try if you could get.


Thanks! Will keep it in mind.
Performance is sluggish and am hating it but am caught up with some stuff so can't get around to taking it to the garage.

Might be that you are not using correct grade of oil. I'm using Shell HX6 currently in Safari. Earlier I used Castrol GTX 15w40 Diesel with change interval of 8000kms.

Cheers,
Adi

Answers in bold.

Have you got the AC serviced? I have tried a few times but did'nt got time to leave the vehicle for cleaning purpose. Any idea about AC system servicing. Although the AC cools like charm without any overhaul too. But, I am thinking of cleaning as the AIR flow control system is not working (no functioning by buttons, I have to do it manually from the dashboard dickey). The heater knob also needs tobe controlled from under dashboard dickey.

[AVR]

Originally Posted by mercedised

Answers in bold.

Have you got the AC serviced? I have tried a few times but did'nt got time to leave the vehicle for cleaning purpose. Any idea about AC system servicing. Although the AC cools like charm without any overhaul too. But, I am thinking of cleaning as the AIR flow control system is not working (no functioning by buttons, I have to do it manually from the dashboard dickey). The heater knob also needs tobe controlled from under dashboard dickey.

You bring up a good point. Since its winter time haven't used the AC but I was trying today and while I could hear the blower running at full speed, the air flow system seems to have again messed up. I tried fixing it from left-side behind the centre console but its not helping. will have to get it checked. I did get the AC serviced when I changed the compressor. Made a lot of difference to the cooling.

Will check about the lights and let you know.

Cheers,
Adi

[mercedised]

Originally Posted by AVR

You bring up a good point. Since its winter time haven't used the AC but I was trying today and while I could hear the blower running at full speed, the air flow system seems to have again messed up. I tried fixing it from left-side behind the centre console but its not helping. will have to get it checked. I did get the AC serviced when I changed the compressor. Made a lot of difference to the cooling.

Will check about the lights and let you know.

Cheers,
Adi

For fixing it you will have to open-up the left front DICKEY. Then, there are 2 levers one for heater and other for air flow control, this is the only way to control flow if your knob-cables have messed up (which is the case with my car) . If you want I could post the pictures.

[AVR]

Originally Posted by mercedised

For fixing it you will have to open-up the left front DICKEY. Then, there are 2 levers one for heater and other for air flow control, this is the only way to control flow if your knob-cables have messed up (which is the case with my car) . If you want I could post the pictures.

Have an idea but would be great if you could post pictures

[AVR]

Last whole week my AC acted funny. All the wiring had been checked but on a purely random basis the AC clutch would not engage and hence no cooling would happen. After rechecking the wiring we started looking for any issues inside the dashboard. Now there's a thermostat in the AC which was acting up and cutting off the compressor resulting in no cooling.

To circumvent that we decided to just bypass the AC thermostat.

Result: Never had a more cooler AC!
Now What can be the damages? I don't think there could be issues on short runs but on a long trip with AC at full blast for 400+ Kms, how would it negatively impact the vehicle?

[sumannandy]

That's interesting. We should have a bypass switch which when activated would completely bypass the thermostat and would keep the AC always on

[AVR]

So there was this whistling sound that had been continuing for a while and got louder by the day.
For the last week, thanks to the above problem aggravating, I don't reach anywhere but I make a loud entry that can be heard from a mile away

Well, finally traced it to the flexible joint that joins the exhaust pipe to the engine. It is flexible to allow for some level of movement. Need to get it repaired.


Small Joys of Life: Had taken some kids in the family for a joy ride to the riverbank. Decided to eventually cross it and water came inside the car but no issues except that the 4wd switch acted up and ended up crossing it in 2wd with some rather anxious moments. Nevertheless was a lot of fun! I guess I just introduced some young kids to their first OTR. They were so excited!! Nevertheless, I hate electronic transfer cases!