Owen J

The best tool I have found is a hand held grip made out of plastic. It looks like a question mark in shape and has a grip rather like a claw that moves upwards inside of the question mark shape if you know what I mean when you squeeze the trigger. If I can find one on the internet I will post a link.

Chain type tools always seem to slip and if you don't have a ready made tool try a good old leather belt and buckle and make sure the filter casing is dry. You will need to attach a lever to the belt ie stick, screwdriver, and twist to get a grip. I have often done this in the past.

Failing that, put some newspaper down and put a thick screwdriver through the filter and turn work it loose slowly, not the best way but it usually works OK.

Thanks for replying (and sorry it's a little late!)

By temp light I presume you're talking about the gauge? My 1.6 petrol focus is just shy of 90 degrees (about 3mm to the left as you describe) when up to temp. (90 degrees centigrade being when the needle is bang in the middle pointing upwards).

I had a saxo which did as you describe (get up to temp and then go back down again) and replacing the 'stat sorted the problem. I presumed it was sticking open.

It would be a good idea to replace the fuel filter but I don't think it's in any way linked to your problem. Good luck

40k kilometres or miles? If it's the latter that's not too bad but then again calipers that are binding can wear out discs in no time at all. I used to own a Citroen Saxo and they were well known for wearing out discs!

I'd check what the wear limit is because brake pads and discs are common items that garages tell you need changing when they really don't. It's an easy job for them and they know especially as it's a safety critical part that you'll probably give the work to them.

Having said that if it's in for pads anyway the garage might be thinking you might as well do the discs now because if you have to change the discs later you have to put new pads in then anyway.....

My knowledge may be outdated but I've always been led to believe that there is no synchromesh with     reverse on any car. Hence nearly all cars have a tendency to 'crunch' when selecting reverse. The best way to reduce it is to hold the clutch pedal down a bit longer than normal before selecting reverse. I also find blipping the throttle slightly helps too.........

I have a 1999 Focus ZetecS it had developed a fault of over reving and holding the revs high when i come to a stop, its had 3 idle control valves and has been the same with everyone of them, Could anyone shine some light on this for me?

Is your throttle cable frayed? Sounds a bit of a longshot but that sounds like similar symptoms to my mates car and that was the problem then........