Hey,

I've got an old Ford Galaxy Ghia 2008, and it's throwing me a bunch of issues during the MOT. The ABS warning light is on, and I've checked the fuse box, but I can't pinpoint the exact problem. The garage is suggesting scrapping the car due to multiple problems, but I'm hoping for some advice from experts like you.

The laundry list of issues includes parking brake inefficiency, an exhaust leak, worn suspension components, and more. The ABS warning light and wiring damage are worrying, and I'm not sure where to start. Any suggestions on how to tackle these problems, especially with the ABS issue? I'd appreciate any advice or guidance on fixing these or determining whether it's worth salvaging the car.

 

List of problems

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Anti-lock braking system wiring excessively damaged (1.6 (d))

Nearside Rear Other passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.2.1 (b))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn trailing arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn trailing arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Hi,

Sadly it would need extra diagnosis to confirm how much work needs doing.  Are you able to complete any of the work yourself or is it all plus garage labour?

1. Parking brake efficiency is probably just caused by worn rear pads - new set of those will only cost around £25.

2. ABS light will be caused by the damaged wiring.  Did the garage point out where that was?  If it's visible, it should be easy enough to repair with a bit of solder.  Or if it's near a sensor you can often replace the sensor cable. (Of course, there may also be an additional ABS fault, unknown until wiring is repaired).  Impossible to quote for without knowing further details.

3. Likely to be a faulty door latch.  Used replacement can be bought for around £50.

4. Totally depends on where the exhaust leak is, and the severity of it.  Again impossible to quote for.

5.  Very simple, just needs a new shock absorber.  Estimate £30 for a new one.  (Should be replaced in pairs but that's your decision)

6. Rear trailing arm bushes need to be replaced.  Easiest to replace the full arms at approx £60 a pair.

 

So overall, parts cost not excessive.  However, there's several hours labour there.  Rough estimate of around 6 hours from the info we currently have, which could be another £450+.