my car failed it's MOT today
it was on:
- the nearside and offside headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect? what is this caused by?
- exhaust emits excessive smoke or vapour
- Front exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases
- front exhaust system not adequately supported
-offside inner front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt? again what is this?

And will this be expensive to repair/replace on a 2002 stilo JTD?

Thanks Cath

Hi Cath,
welcome to the forum!

incorrect pattern will be the bulbs not installed correctly nice easy job if you can get your hands in... The 'tab' of the bulb should face up.

excessive smoke on a JTD... i would think the egr is blocked.

sounds like you need a new exhaust and CV boot.

The CV joint is a flexible coupling that allows power from the gearbox to be put to the wheels. the joint allows movement of suspension and turning of the wheels without adversely effecting power transmission. It is covered by a flexible rubber boot that keeps road muck out and vital grease in.

Price wise it depends where you go to get it done but it should be about 30 mins for the bulbs, an hour for the cleaning of egr, an hour and half for the exhaust plus the price of atleast 1 section of the exhaust, and about 2hours If not less for the CV boot plus a CV boot kit

id expect it to be around the 150 mark at a half decent garage

That sounds an awful lot better than the guys at Halfords made out, they did a fair bit of teeth sucking and told me to take it to a fiat specialist.... I though scary money, so will pop it to my local garage tomorrow, just thought I would use Halfords as they are across the road from work and I thought it would be convenient, not a scary experience like it turned into!
Thanks for your help, I'm sure I will be back to the forum,

Cath

halfords flat refused to fit my headlight bulb on my stilo... so i did it in front of them myself... they actually looked genuinely suprised that it was possible without removing the bumper.

one of them asked me about working for stobarts and if he could get a job. i made a sarcastic comment about being payed £12p/h as opposed to his minimum wage and told him not to bother... i think i upset him

in my opinion halfords are an overpriced motor factors not a garage worth their salt. where abouts in the country are you someone might be able to recommend a half decent garage!

I am midway between York and Scarborough, but work in Leeds City center.
I had the alternator replaced at my local garage (insured/warrantee work) he did a good job and only charged me £15 for a small part cann't remember what, that wasn't covered. I think I will get a lift to work and drop it off there.
Thanks again
Cath

at least you have a garage you trust, that alone is worth its weight in gold. good luck with it all dont forget to come back and tell us how you get on and if he does a good job at a good price let us know... it may help another local close to you!

CV Boot, simple thing to fix, i done mine the other week before my MOT, my headlight failed also BUT my bulbs are located properly as i removed the lights and installed all bulbs in the house,

for excessive smoke, i would say EGR valve needs cleaned, and exhaust is just one of them things, they can go at any time