My friend, business-partner and alter-ego, Gbola Oba, can be overly assertive sometimes; that, I must confess, along with his tenacious disposition when he believes in something that may still be obscure to people around him, is why we call him the “Bulldog”.
On the morning of Tuesday, May 21, 2014, he strolled into the office and started barking at the top of his voice “I must attend the Ogun State Investors Forum and you guys (the people at the finance department) must raise the money for me to spend two nights in a good hotel in Abeokuta and not starve.” A couple of hours later, he signed off with me and the next I heard from him was when he called at about 7pm the following day to tell me “Egbon, I told you that something is in this OSIF for us.”
He went further to inform me that while the SA to the State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun on housing, Mr. Segun Abiodun, was responding to a question from the audience in one of the three plenary sessions of the first day of the two-day event, she mentioned that they were planning to integrate an “auto area” into a planned “Government City” that would be located on the Sagamu-Abeokuta expressway axis.
In view of this important information, I’m compelled, on behalf of the many men and women petrol heads out there, who (we have hundreds of email responses to our planned off-road racing event to back this) will turn the said “auto area” into a mecca of auto themed entertainment.
Our plan (which we’re still perfecting on the drawing-board with a UK-based civil engineering–building-cum-training-company, whose Nigeria-registered sister firm’s board Gbola is a quoted director) is to build a racetrack, a Nigerian-historic auto museum (with some of the old vehicles littering the garages of the palaces of some of the paramount rulers and the old stately houses of Ijebu Ode rehabilitated and displayed), auto-test range and hotel etc. It will be built into a real estate development that will host the permanent site of Automedics automotive mechatronics monotechnic with students and lecturers accommodations, and integrated residential community of autophiles.
We’re planning the development to look like a hybrid of the Virginia International Raceway, and because of the hilly terrain of Ogun State, a commercial test-range in South Africa where I once was flown to test a light truck for a globally known manufacturer. Indeed, the latter point is another way that Ogun State can make the new auto manufacturers expected on our shores on the backdrop of the new national automotive policy to test vehicles assembled in their Nigerian plants.
I hate to admit it: it does seem that the bulldog may be right again.
REACTIONS TO AUTOMEDICS
I bought a vehicle last April and it overheats. I changed its top gasket, water hose, whole plug wire, oil seal and valve oil seal but it has refused to start. Thanks. Jacob.
Run a scan on the engine and let me have the result. It will help in diagnosing the fault.
I drive a Toyota Camry 2007 model. Recently, it showed ‘Check Hybrid System’ and ‘VSC’ on its dashboard. I was told to change the following: Transaxle Assy Hybrid and Brake Actuator. I want to convert it to a conventional type. Aragbaye.
I was privileged to inspect this type of vehicle and all the necessary repairs were carried out on it. The Transaxle I believe does not need a replacement.
I drive a Toyota 4runner 2002 model. The vehicle does not move in traffic. Its air conditioner is also faulty. What should I do? Thanks. Bade.
Replace the radiator fan clutch. This should solve the problem as I believe someone has re-directed the fan to run at the speed of the engine.
I bought a bus as ‘Tokunbo’ about two months. Its automatic transmission showed some signs some days ago. After driving it for a while, I parked to do something for few minutes and started the engine again but the vehicle’s gear selection indicator on the dashboard refused to show any selection. Anonymous
Please run a scan on the transmission and let me have the result. The fault could be on the selector switch or on the solenoids inside the transmission.
Sir, my 2002 ML 500 shows this light on the dashboard: BAS, ESP, ETS, ABS, BRAKE, yet scan result states “No codes are stored in the module.” Akosile.
If a Mercedes MB-Star scanner is used on it, you should be able to pull some codes out of the system.
I drive a Ford f150xlt truck, 2001 model. Its oil seal leaks and my mechanic worked on it once but only gauged the oil which now leaks. I want to find out the cost of fixing it. Thank you. Simbiat.
Yes, we can fix the problem but we have to inspect it before we can give any quotation.
Whenever I park my Honda CRV on a slightly high surface, I always hear a screeching sound when I engage to reverse gear. But on a level surface, it engages smoothly. What do you think is wrong? Anonymous
I think you should always apply the parking brake first before you put the vehicle in park position. The incline causes the weight of the vehicle to be on the “parking pawl” inside the transmission.
My mechanic advised me to use a Lubcon synthetic lubricant 5w 40 in place of 5w 30 recommended for my wife’s car. Is it okay?
I will rather you stick with the specification your vehicle manufacturer stated. You can get any of this oil by calling this numbers 08023025022 or 08096234625.
I am an ardent reader of your column. I want you to advise me on my desire to buy a hybrid car In Lagos. I want Toyota Camry, 2008 model. Thanks. Anonymous
It’s very good on fuel consumption, but not too many technicians have the understanding of how the system works. Also, the spare parts are not readily available in the market and could be on the high side.
My vehicle overheats and my mechanic told me to change the radiator. Oladipupo.
Changing the radiator will only suppress the problem not solve it. He needs to troubleshoot why the overheating is happening in the first place, identify it and correct it.
I drive a Honda Accord 1996 model. It consumes a lot of fuel. I also discovered that its ‘akara’ has been removed before delivery. Its breaking system has a problem too and the ABS light is permanently and making a noise. What should I do? Adebayo.
My advice will be for you to run a scan on the vehicle’s systems, a proper diagnosis will reveal all the problem areas. Also, I don’t understand what you mean by “akara.”
The “VSC” and “TRAC OFF” indicator lights are permanently on while driving. The vehicle is Toyota Sienna and it is 2000 model. What do I do? Aina.
The only thing to do is to run a scan on the chassis system. The result will guide you on what to do.
The battery of my Honda Accord 2000 model runs down quickly. I bought two new batteries and a technician worked on it. Wiring problem was detected but not the location. Please tell me what to do. John.
What you need is a good electrician to check for parasitic drain on the charging system when it’s off. Also, the alternator needs to be inspected for a short in it.
When are you going to have a scanning centre in Abeokuta? Oyeniran
We will be in Abeokuta very soon.
I am planning to get a Mercedes Benz car from the US. Its model is S550 2008 model. It can do 79800 miles. What is your view if I want to use it on Lagos roads? Anonymous
It’s okay provided you will take good care of the maintenance.
I did a scan on my Camry 2007 model. The codes are: P2716, P0715 and P0791. What do they mean?
P2716: Pressure Control Solenoid ‘D’ Electrical. P0715 is detected when TCM or ECM does not receive the proper signal from the sensor. The input speed sensor detects the primary pulley revolution speed and sends a signal to the Transmission Control Module and Engine Control Module.
Possible causes: Faulty Transmission Speed Sensor, Transmission Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Transmission Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. P0791 code is detected when the input speed sensor voltage is more than 1.9V or less than 0.1V for 2 seconds or more. Possible causes: Faulty intermediate shaft speed sensor, intermediate shaft speed sensor harness is open or shorted and intermediate shaft speed sensor circuit poor electrical connection
I drive a 2001 model of Toyota Camry. The timing belt of my car was first replaced on May 2013 since I acquired it in 2008, it got damaged (cut) again in the last week of April 2014. I will like to know the period (years) or mileage interval that is required before a timing belt goes bad or is due for a change. Is there any sign or check to know in advance any impending damage to it? Thanks for your help. Sotonwa.
The manufacturer specifies you replace the timing belt every 40,000 – 60,000Km, with a new OEM belt. But if you noticed any oil sleek/contamination on the belt, it’s possible for it to fail prematurely until the leak is fixed.
Please is there a scan I can run on my car that will show the faults in and around the wheels like the shock absorbers, hubs, ball bearings? I have changed all of these as advised by my mechanic but I still hear much noise around my wheels anytime I drive or enter any pothole. Please help me. Wumishipe
There is no electronic scan that will detect any faulty shock absorber and hub wheel bearing. But if it is a vehicle with electronic height-control system, yes it will detect a failed air spring called “balloon”. Diagnosing suspension and steering faults still involves human physical examination and touch.
I want to buy a Hyundai H-1 bus, 1997 model that uses diesel engine and also has a fuel tank capacity of about 75L.
I intend using the bus on a daily basis to cover a distance of at least 100km. Please, what is your take on my choice of bus and I need your urgent advice on Hyundai H-1 bus 1997 model diesel engines. Joel.
I don’t have any information on the performance of the vehicle in question. But the only advice I will give is to make sure you have someone good on diesel engine to inspect it for you before you buy it.
Thank you so much for the programme you are planning to give youth corps members training on automedics. I have waited long for someone to partner with you on how to assist youths in this direction. Now, there is hope for our graduates. These young souls are going to be tremendously thrilled. Balogun
Thanks to NAC and NYSC.
My car is Ford Focus 2002 model (Coupe). Recently, I noticed that every morning when I start the engine, I hear a humming vibrating sound prominent inside the car. This vibration is visible on the steering wheel. The vibration reduces gradually as the car warms up and finally normalises when the car has finally reached the optimal temperature. If I park it for hours and its engine cools down, the vibration is only noticeable when I step on gas pedal. The car runs rough during this vibration period but runs very smoothly when the engine is completely warmed. Is it normal? The car idles well even when AC is turned on. The only obvious thing I can point to is that the engine oil leaks around the top seal. I’m currently using oil grade 20W-50 (Mobile Super) with oil treatment. I read from the manual that the oil grade recommendation is 5W-20 (which is scarce in Nigeria especially Abuja, where I live). I guess you’ll say something about CHECK ENGINE light. Yes, it is ON but it’s been like that since I bought it in August last year. I had it scanned couple of weeks ago and got these codes: P0420 Bank 1 Catalyst EFFIC LIMIT, P1504 IAC-CIRCUIT MALF and P0171 BANK 1-SYSTEM LEAN.
I took it for scanning when I was having problem with the idle speed and idle gauge (RPM). The Idle Air Control solenoid, throttle and nozzles were cleaned and fuel pump changed. The fault was rectified but the light is still ON, though, until this issue of humming vibration started recently.
Please, I want to take my car to the mechanic again for possible solution but I need your advice on what to do before he begins try and error. I wish you are nearby. Please what do you think I should do? Thank you.
Using the wrong engine oil could cause sludge build up in the engine which can cause all sorts of problem for the engine. This code P1504 can cause the challenge you are facing at the moment. The Idle Air Control Valve is used to control engine idle speed and allows air to bypass the throttle plate. The amount of air allowed to bypass is determined by the Powertrain Control Module and controlled by a duty-cycle signal. Powertrain Control Module has detected an electrical load failure on the IAC circuit. Possible causes: Idle Air Control Valve harness is open or shorted, or idle air control valve circuit poor electrical connection.
I want to get a fairly used car. My choices are Honda Civic or Nissan Primera. Which of the two is efficient and pocket-friendly? Anonymous
I believe both are fuel friendly if well maintained.
I drive a Mercedes Benz c230, 2000 model. It consumes a lot of fuel. What do I do? Williams.
I will suggest you do a proper tune-up service on it and make sure the right-spark plugsare used. Using the wrong spark plugs could increase the fuel consumption.
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