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It should be borne in mind that the Toyota Prius XW20 is a hybrid design and only technicians trained in working with high voltages should attempt anything other than routine service work on this make of car.

Technicians looking to address brake squeal on the Toyota Prius should bear in mind that some vehicles were built without anti-squeal shims fitted to the back of the brake pads. These should be fitted in such cases.

Failure to start, accompanied by fault code P0A0D, is usually caused by the hybrid battery pack isolator being incorrectly fitted following battery pack isolation.

Automotive Distributors Ltd (ADL) is to change its name to Ferdinand Bilstein UK Ltd.

Vauxhall Zafira Mk II 1.9 CDTI

Particulate filter malfunction, loss in power and regeneration is not possible

Reference number(s): 2827

Fault symptoms: Diesel particulate filter clogged. Loss in power. Particle filter regeneration is not possible

Causes: Too many particle filter regenerations have been aborted due to predominant short-distance trips.

Remedy: Clean the particle filter. Carry out particulate filter regeneration.

Lucas Oil advises that power steering issues on early Astra and Zafira models without electric pumps need not always lead to an expensive replacement programme. They can be treated with Lucas Oil Power Steering Stop Leak. It's an effective treatment for hard spots and tightness in worn rack and pinions.

Those models fitted with electric power steering require Lucas Oil Power Steering Fluid With Conditioners. This is a synthetic-based fluid with foam inhibitors. It lubricates springs and valves, conditions seals, eases sluggish operational issues and stops small leaks.

Corteco advises that sales of its 21652556 OE quality engine mounts - which fit many models in either range - have almost doubled in the last year, a statistic that suggests many more of these models are likely to experience engine mount failure in the foreseeable future.

These components are safety-critical and subject to MOT Test criteria, so it's worth checking them out now.

"Given their safety critical role and the diverse range of loads and forces that they are expected to cope with, it's safer to choose the engine mounts of original equipment quality available from the Corteco range," says sales and marketing manager Steve Jarnet.

Vauxhall Zafira – CSC Overstroke

When replacing the concentric slave cylinder (CSC), check that the rubber-sealing washer from the old CSC does not remain stuck in the clutch pressure pipe. If left there, it will cause a restriction when the new slave cylinder is fitted, preventing fluid pumped into the CSC from returning. This over extends the cylinder causing fluid to leak into the gearbox bell housing.

1.9 Z19 DT Engines: limp mode enabled with fault code P2587 turbo boost control – caused by blocked EGR valve, EGR fault code not generated.

2005 – 2007 All Engine Variants: brake disc run out causing steering judder on braking. Replacing the discs only remedies for 6-8000 miles – excessive front hub run out, new hubs rectified the fault.

1.6 Z16XE1 Engines: Engine warning light illuminates with EGR fault code P1405 in the memory, after replacing the EGR and confirming the wiring was good the fault code t returned, replacing the mass air fixed the problem.

Timing belt

Beware of a natural tendency to rotate the timing belt tensioner on the GM 16-Valve engine in a clockwise direction, says Gates. On these models, the Allen Key must be turned in an anticlockwise direction to achieve the correct tension. Failure to do so is a common error that's likely to lead to catastrophic engine failure.

Ensure the engine is at ambient temperature and note that 'used new belt' indicates the progress of the pointer during the lifetime of the belt.

It's also worth noting:

• Rotation of the engine during this procedure is always a manual procedure and must always be in a clockwise direction

• Camshaft and crankshaft sprockets must not be rotated unless the belt is installed and tensioned

The 1.7-litre turbo diesel engine used in several models in the Vauxhall/Opel Astra and Zafira range, is extremely sensitive to the tension of its timing belt, which can easily be over-tensioned, with eventual belt failure as the likely result.

The reason that the belt can become over tight is because although it is straightforward to install the new spring loaded tensioner, it is also very easy for it to move while it is being secured and just a small movement can make a big difference on the tension on the belt.

Wheel Bearings

Although the Vauxhall Zafira II was based on the contemporary Astra platform, it is important to be aware that there are three different versions of wheel bearing kit for the front axle.

The 1.9 CDTI 150bhp and 2.0i Turbo 240bhp versions use a heavy-duty bearing. Both of these engines are also available with lower power outputs, but these, along with all other engine variations, use the standard bearing options, which are dependent on chassis number.

It is important therefore to confirm which bearing kit is required for the vehicle before ordering.