Four years ago, this column kick-started its readers-engagement programme by conducting a free two-day training for mechanics and auto lovers. More than 3,000 mechanics and auto enthusiasts registered (and indeed shocked us by coming with more than three copies of the SUNDAY PUNCH to be admitted) for the weekend event. In the years after, we conducted a similar free event in Abuja and Abeokuta for readers of this page and they turned out to be interesting outings.
We’re organising another free auto-themed training and entertainment event for the “whole family” from the September 28, 2015, to October, 4, 2015. The matured male and female characters that are already driving in the family will have the opportunity to get their vehicles scanned and analysed free if they pre-book. Special (don’t-get-dirty) classes will also be held for ladies (and men) to understand the meanings of the warning lights on an average automobile’s dashboard and how to better handle and/or care for modern vehicles to get good value from them.
A dedicated class is also planned for male and female attendees who have more than two vehicles in their care; this is a kind of fleet managers’ course on how to maintain the kinds of brand- cum model-specific vehicles that are either used for domestic or industrial purposes.
Aside from these afore-stated vehicles’ maintenance/repair training programmes for the adult members of the family, we’ve planned a “Go-Kart Racing” event to entertain kids who would come along with their parents. That child has always wanted to drive your car and you’ve always rightfully refused him/her, but you now have the opportunity to let him/her drive the “cars” for kids. We’re even planning a Go-Kart racing challenge between the kids and the adults (especially dads)!
We’re also using this readers-engagement event to display (and historically analyse the automotive engineering evolution of the oldies’ engines and the sociological import of) some classic cars used in the ‘50s, ’60s, ‘70s and few from the early ‘80s. My dear Aburo, Kunle Afolayan, the famous cinematographer and his classic-cars-loving friends, like Chiedu Egbuonu, will be showcasing their historic automotive assets such as the former’s Mercedes Benz 1967, and the latter’s Rolls Royce Silver Cloud 1958, Rambler 1967, Mercedes Benz 200 1968 and 250 1971 respectively. Many more classic car enthusiasts will also be featuring their stuffs, and those who’re interested in bringing their “old horses” can email me their contact details, and the brands and models of their assets should be specified (if possible, pictures can be attached).
To pre-book your registration free for the special classes and the limited space in the parents/guardians versus children Go-Kart racing event, you should present three copies of SUNDAY PUNCH between now and the date.
REACTIONS TO AUTOMEDICS
I’m an ardent reader of your column in SUNDAY PUNCH. I have keen interest in being an auto engineer. I want to know the schedule and fee of the training. Anonymous
You can call this numbers for more details about registration, 08023025022, 08080806686 or 08094096786.
I want to thank you once again for your column in SUNDAY PUNCH. Your write-ups no doubt have been educating a lot of people, including myself. It is also a welcome idea that you are setting up garages in some parts of the country. However, I want to make these suggestions:
(i) Many people may not know that you provide other services apart from scanning, so you may need a sort of publicity wherever your workshop is.
(ii) One expects services which are commensurate with the quality of your write-ups. Therefore there is the need to engage qualified personnel who are better than the mechanics we have at our mechanic villages.
(iii) In order to ensure transparency, the cost of your materials should be made available at the garages. You would agree with me that those at these garages may want to play a fast one; moreso when some of the materials may not be available in the market for comparison of prices. Even if they are agents, you must let know their profit margin so as to maintain your integrity. Anonymous
I thank you for the suggestion and observation which I will look into.
Thank you for your enlightenment column. I drive a Toyota Corolla 2005, but the problem is that whenever I’m in traffic and the gear is in drive, the car begins to vibrate uncomfortably. I have changed the plugs, coil, nozzle, tension wire and every other part, as directed by my mechanic, all to no avail. I ran a scan and it came out that oxygen sensor bank 1 and 2 are faulty. I have since changed them yet the problem still persists. Please I need your advice. I am fed up. Anonymous
I believe the problem of the vibration has to do with the mounts or the engine is not running smoothly. But I will strongly suggest your mechanic should check the engine mounts and transmission mounts.
Thank you for the good work you are doing. Recently, I drove my Auto V6 car to Omu Aran and while speeding, whenever the speedometer reached 120, the vehicle will start to jerk, but it will be normal when it is below 120. Also, at times, it took it a longer time to pick up. Please, what could be the problem? Fola
Let your mechanic check the condition of your fuel pump, I have the feeling that the fuel pump is either clogged up or on its way out. A fuel pressure test will reveal the fault.
I have been driving a Jeep Liberty for five years. It has a mileage of 170000, and I haven’t had any engine problem with the car until now. It runs well, the a/c is in perfect condition, while fuel consumption has been good. However, when the vehicle is in idle mode, I feel a funny vibration from the engine compartment. It worsens while in motion and the vehicle won’t rev beyond 3000. The check engine light is okay and occasionally flashes, but at other times, it would go off and the vehicle would still run very smoothly as if there was no problem at all.
I had it scanned and checked at my mechanic’s workshop and some codes came up: P 0203, P 0123, P 0353, P 0351, P 0355, P 0300, P 0304, & P 0305
The mechanic changed the spark plugs and coil on both cylinder; he also did a total cleaning of the carbon, which he said could be blocking the valves, but the problem persisted. He has now advised me to bring in the vehicle to his garage to work on the cylinder. Tis guy knows his onions but I’m worried about all this rigmarole without figuring out the problem and dealing with it once and for all. Have you had similar experience? Could you offer any advice for me before I take it to his garage this time? Thank you. Ade
The under-posted is the result of the codes which will give an insight to some of the faults you are facing.
P0203: Engine Control Module checks the injectors’ circuit resistance and monitors the voltage drop during normal operation. The ECM will trigger the P0203 code when the resistance or voltage drop at the injector 3 is out of specifications. Possible causes: – Faulty fuel injector 3, Fuel Injector 3 harness is open or shorted, Fuel injector 3 circuit poor electrical connection.
The P0123 code will set if the monitored TPS volts rise above 4.94 volts for the period of 0.48 seconds
The Throttle Position Sensor responds to the accelerator pedal movement. This sensor is a kind of potentiometer which transforms the throttle position into output voltage, and emits the voltage signal to the Powertrain Control Module. In addition, the sensor detects the opening and closing speed of the throttle valve and feeds the voltage signal to the PCM.
Idle position of the throttle valve is determined by the PCM receiving the signal from the throttle position sensor. This sensor controls engine operation such as fuel cut. On the other hand, the wide open and closed throttle position switch, which is built into the throttle position sensor unit, is not used for engine control. Possible causes: Faulty throttle position sensor, Throttle position sensor harness is open or shorted, Throttle position sensor circuit poor electrical connection, Faulty Powertrain Control Module.
P0351: Each ignition circuit is continuously monitored by the Engine Control Module. The test fails when the ECM does not receive a valid pulse signal from the ignition coil.
The ignition system on the vehicle uses individual ignition coils for each cylinder. The Engine Control Module controls each ignition coil operation. The ECM sends an ON/OFF signal to energise the ignition coil to create a spark at the spark plug when a spark is required at the cylinder.
Each ignition circuit is continuously monitored by the Engine Control Module. The test fails when the ECM does not receive a valid pulse signal from the ignition coil. Possible symptoms: Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light), Lack/Loss of Power, Engine may be harder to start, Engine hesitation, Rough engine idle. Possible causes: Faulty Ignition Coil 1, Ignition Coil 1 harness is open or shorted, Ignition Coil 1 circuit poor electrical connection, Faulty Engine Control Module.
Same thing goes for P0355.
The P0304 code means that the cylinder 4 is misfiring or is randomly misfiring. Start by checking for intake leaks, and if no leaks are found the next step is to replace the spark plugs on cylinder 4. If the problem persist more tests needs to be done to diagnose problem.
When a misfire occurs, engine speed will fluctuate. If the engine speed fluctuates enough to cause the Crankshaft Position sensor signal to vary, the Engine Control Module can determine that a misfire is occurring. Possible causes : Faulty spark plug 4, Clogged or faulty fuel injector 4, Faulty ignition coil 4, Fuel injector 4 harness is open or shorted, Fuel injector 4 circuit poor electrical connection, Ignition coil 4 harness is open or shorted, Ignition coil 4 circuit poor electrical connection, Insufficient cylinder 4 compression, Incorrect fuel pressure, Intake air leak. The same applies to P0305.
I have been following your column in SUNDAY PUNCH. I just graduated from secondary school and I want to become an automobile engineer. But I do not know what course would be more beneficial for me, either mechanical engineering or mechatronics. I believe that since you are a professional in this line of study, your advice would help me a lot to make my decision. Hope to get a reply soon.
Either course or discipline will do, but it is your passion and diligence that matter a lot.
I ride a Nissan Pathfinder 2000/2001 model. The engine cuts off intermittently. I was advised to change the airflow meter and air filter and also the fuel pump, which I did, but the problem persists. Please, what do you advice? Thanks. Jonhson
My advice will be to run a scan on the vehicle, and the result will guide your mechanic on what to do. Though I believe the problem is with the crank-sensor inside the distributor.
Recently, the ‘Maintenance required’ sign suddenly appeared on the dashboard of my Honda CRV. But the engine oil is not up to 4000kls usage after the last service. What could be wrong? Johnson
If the temperature of the engine oil keeps getting to a certain level above the set temperature, yes it could trigger the “MAINT REQRD.” Also, if the quality or specification of the oil is not the right one for the vehicle, it could cause it to come on. And if the last mechanic that did the lube service did not reset the maintenance counter, this could also cause it.
I drive a 2008 Hyundai Elantra. The gear indicator flickers from D-3-2-L when in motion or when I’m parked. EPS also flashes from time to time. I ran a scan with a handheld CAN OBDII scanner and got the error code P0012 (Camshaft Position Actuator A – Bank 1 Timing Over-Retarded). What does that mean and what is to be done? I noticed some slight drag when in motion too. Could this error explain the drag? Thank you. Charles
The Continuously Variable Valve Timing system is installed to the chain sprocket of the exhaust camshaft. There is no variation in valve timing of the exhaust cam because the exhaust camshaft is driven by the timing belt. The timing of the intake cam is varied by the relative operation the CVVT vane to the housing. The CVVT controller regulates the intake camshaft angle using oil pressure through the Oil Control Valve. As a result, the relative position between the camshaft and the crankshaft becomes optimal, and the engine torque improves, fuel economy improves, exhaust emissions decrease by changing the valve open/close timing of the intake camshaft.
The deviation of the camshaft position from the target point is evaluated during stable driving condition. The Engine Control Module accumulates this deviation for a certain period and sets DTC P0011 when the accumulated deviation is too high. The target camshaft position is predetermined value depending on engine speed and throttle angle in the ECM. Possible causes: Dirty Oil, Low engine oil level, Faulty Valve Timing Control, Valve Timing Control harness is open or shorted circuit. Valve Timing Control circuit poor electrical connector, Incorrect timing, Engine mechanical problems, Damaged Engine Control Module.
How can I ‘bleed’ an Armada 2004 car? Each time I pour water inside the radiator, it goes to reserve. How do I correct this?
This is hard for me to explain, you will have to see it physically been done.
Please kindly answer these questions. 1) What is ABS? 2) I bought the Jeep with the inscription: service your engine soon. What does this mean? The Jeep model is Nissan Pathfinder 2001 model. Thank you.
ABS is “Antilock Brake System”. “Service Engine Soon” means the powertrain needs to be scanned. It does not mean you need ordinary service. You can also run a scan on the ABS system.
Is it safe for me to change the 2004 RIM of my Odyssey to the 2014 version, because the former is an alloy while the newer is metal? The 2004 model tyre size is: 225/60RIM16, while the 2014 model is 235/65RIM16. Femi
It is very okay to do that.
Please, what do I do to stop rats from entering my engine? Anonymous
You need to change the location of where you park from time to time.
On my way to the RCCG Camp recently, my Ford Explorer Truck 1995 developed overheating for the first time. I have parked it since then, although I thought of running a scan. However, what else do you think I could do? Tunde
Only your mechanic can do the diagnosis, he will need to do a coolant pressure test on the cooling system, provided it has not affected the cylinder head gasket.
I use a Honda Accord 2012 Model shipped to me from the US. My concern is that once I start the car, the headlights come on. Can your workshop help me out as I don’t like people in my village pointing out to me that I have my lights on whenever I am out on the road. Thank you. Godwin
That light is called Daylight Running Light. On some models you can turn the light off, but on some you cannot turn it off unless it’s manually bypassed.
I had wanted to buy a Nissan or Toyota product when I decided to buy a car. But I opted for Benz C-class, solely because I recalled my late dad was fond of Benz. Please explain what makes Mercedes Benz unique. Pope
What else can I say to this? I wish you happy motoring with what you’ve bought already.
I enjoy reading your column. I am planning to buy Toyota Corolla Sport and I don’t know which model would be better. What should I look out or watch out for when checking or inspecting the vehicle. Tunde
Just make sure you go with a technician you trust to do a comprehensive inspection on the vehicle. Let him check it mechanically for any defect, electrically for short and faulty electronics, and structurally for salvage and rust history.
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