Sick car, need a little advice on what to expect

[UKIan]

Well that didn't last long. I've got a few issues with the car, it sort of falls into a couple of the sub forum areas, so wasn't sure whether to break it up into several posts or not.

So the car has the following issues:
1) Tricky to start. Not just when cold (as if that should matter these days) but even after driving somewhere. It will sometimes turn over and then just die, or cough a bit and eventually get going. Idling can be rough as well.

2) Slam on brakes and get "ding" + all in car electrics go off + "! check" on dash + no abs (i.e. car skids, wheels lock). Have also had a big AW[C/S] symbol appear with "Service" (symbol being the four wheels on a drive train with front wheels turned right). This happens everytime I apply hard brake pressure. Obviously I've only been doing so to establish what is causing it. Also seems to get worse, I.e. once brakes are warm it requires less pressure to have the above happen. All car electrics go, so even the stereo reboots. Car headlights stay on though.

3) Exhausts have dribbled tar out of them. I'm guessing it's running rich and that could also be causing 1), but my expertise here ends with normally aspirated cars circa 1990.

4) when cold, first gear change from 1st to 2nd results in a big thunk. All is fine after that initial thunk.

So it is going in on Tuesday, what I'm really after is any advice, things I should know when discussing the above. Partly because I trust car dealers/garages less than politicians and partly because I'm quite out of my depth.

Car has 4k miles on the clock.

Thanks in advance.

[dboz]

WOW!!! Worst I have ever heard. Total lemon??

Did you race it?

[Keshav707]

3, 4 are common with all evos.. they arnt problems..

[N.G.S.]

1&2 - check your battery connections - additionally my car idled horribly until it got tuned

3&4 normal.

[UKIan]

Originally Posted by N.G.S.

1&2 - check your battery connections - additionally my car idled horribly until it got tuned

3&4 normal.

Good enough I wonder if the stereo people knocked something when they fitted the stereo. They have been back in to tighten all the connections, and it seems like a bloody stupid place to put wiring that's related to engine management, but then what do I know

Cool, I'll see what transpires.

[UKIan]

Originally Posted by dboz

WOW!!! Worst I have ever heard. Total lemon??

Did you race it?

Not yet

Don't wind up the noobie, I was worried enough. Actually not that worried, but I have no idea about computer controlled parts of a car and I don't like the unknown.

[Steve-o]

Check all of your fluids while the car is cold. The electrical problem is another issue.