I bought a second-hand saloon Nissan Maxima 2003 model, with a net weight 750 kg. It has automatic gear. I have changed the gear four times and almost all the gear were damaged the same way. Mechanics think the gear pump gets damaged every time. What could possibly be the cause? Kindly advise me on the possible solution.
—Toba, +234803714582
Did you ever try running a scan on this car? If not, please do, because the problem your car is having could be related to electrical/electronic problem which will affect the way the transmission performs. Also, if the car has a salvage history and frame damage is among the damages it sustained in the previous accident, if the frame alignment is not okay it could be affecting or putting pressure on the transmission, resulting in the damage to the transmission.
I use Toyota Sienna, 2005 model. I did a scan and this is the result: Trouble Code PO798 — pressure control solenoid ‘C’ electrical; PO980 shift solenoid ‘D’ control circuit high. You were kind enough to publish a reaction in the Sunday PUNCH of November 25, 2012 to my first e-mail. After changing the ATF, as I earlier mentioned before scanning the vehicle, the mechanic poured eight litres of recommended Toyota Type IV oil, but we now have a leakage problem. I followed your advice and searched for solenoids and also the valve body/transmission valve. Please, can you identify the two specific solenoids: pressure and shift?
Secondly, the rear doors work fine manually, but the doors’ main power engines are faulty; the cables are cut. I suppose the doors will have to be physically examined. Please, we want to fix the transmission/solenoid problem, the doors and the leakage.
—Temitope Paul, pltppt@gmail.com
Yes, it’s possible sometimes to get some codes, which are not the real problems your vehicle has, but could have been triggered by another fault. Before any major repair is carried out, those codes must be researched and be sure they are the problems. Also, make sure the transmission is not over-filled, which will lead to leakage from the breather pipe on the transmission.
I drive a 2002 RAV4. The car has serious transmission issues. The symptoms are harsh shifting, loss of power, launching on second or third gear and hard engagement when it is put in reverse. My research has led me to understand that these problems are caused by a defective engine computer, also known as an ECM or ECU, which also controls the automatic transmission. I’m not sure if this is the same thing as the brain box.
These problems are erratic and only come up intermittently or when the vehicle is warm or have been driven for a specific time. Sometimes it happens one day and the next morning it does not show. For example, if I stop at a red light and when continuing, the car moves like it is carrying a very heavy load, that is because the vehicle is starting at second or third gear instead of the first gear.
My question is, can you help me repair or replace this ECM? I really need to sort it out so that the transmission or the gears/gearbox is not damaged. If not, could you direct me to where I can?
—Babatunde Koiki, 23480931629
You are perfectly right about your findings on the vehicle’s ECU; I believe the TCM is incorporated together with the engine computer (ECU). You are better off getting a new or rebuilt computer from the US and replace it. Continuous use can and will damage the transmission permanently.
I have a Century Buick 2001 model. Recently, I changed the transmission but the performance is not encouraging. Can I get someone in Ikorodu to check it out for me?
—Giwa, +234802088541
I have this gentleman, Watchman (Bayelsa man), in Ikorodu who I mentored. I can recommend him; you can reach him on these numbers 08029329516 or 08098002385.
I ride a Nissan Xterra 2003 model. A panel beater working on the fuel tank ended up cracking the fuel pump casing. What is this and how can I get it replaced as my car is currently with them? Any attempt to ignite the car leaves fuel pouring under the back seat. What do I do?
—+234802342254
Yes, you can call my workshop number 08132570006, but we will be closing for the year on December 21.
I drive a Honda Accord 2008 model 2.0EX. I observed that the ‘check engine’ light and air bag light were coming on occasionally over a period of time. Then the car was not having trouble starting in the morning until about two weeks ago when the key light started flashing. The engine would only start when the key light goes off. For the first time in over four years of driving the car, which I bought brand new from Honda Place in 2008, the engine stopped running while in motion, though it started almost immediately I kicked it. The computer diagnostics report listed the following codes: P0604, P1659, 32-10, 56-31and 63-10. Kindly advise on how to resolve them.
—Soji, +234803327788
P0604 Control Module Random Access Memory. Clear the codes and retest the system. If the code remains, the control module must be replaced to correct this problem. A new module must be programmed with the correct software/calibration. Engine cranking or key on for five seconds; and the Control module detected a problem with the Random Access Memory function. The control module performs an internal self-test on its Random Access Memory (RAM) or read/write memory. If this self-test fails, this code is set. Internal fault detection is handled inside the particular controller.
P1659 — the electronic throttle control system (ETCS) control relay malfunction. It is a relay used in the drive-by wire system.
When the voltage from the ETCS control relay is not detected for a set time, after the ETCS control relay is turned on when the ignition is turned to ON in its second lock, or when voltage is not applied for a set time when the throttle actuator is operating, a malfunction in the ETCS control relay power switch is detected and a DTC is stored.
I use a Ford Transit diesel engine bus model 2000. Please, can you recommend a good diesel mechanic for me?
—Michael, Ikorodu, +234802412771
I am sorry at this time I cannot help.
My Volkswagen Jetta 2000 model is consuming too much fuel and spews black smoke. The mechanic advised me to change the air flow meter, which I did, but it still did not improve the situation. What should I do?
—+2348035244547
What you really need to do first is to run a scan on your car’s power train system. The result of the codes will guide your mechanic on what to do.
I’ve just bought a Toyota RAV4 2002 model, automatic. Whenever I start moving, it jerks when selecting the second gear but continues to run smooth after that until I slow down and I’m about to take off again. What could be the problem? How do I solve it? I live in Igando; do you have a mechanic around the place and do I have to run a scan?
—+234802900934
Yes, you need to run a scan on it. But sometimes, you will get some codes related to transmission faults; in most of these cases on this particular brand and model, the problem is with the ECU.
I use a Nissan Navara diesel engine. After changing the fuel pump, I started noticing other problems. Now, it has packed up. The mechanics and electricians in Awka where I live seem incompetent. Can you recommend a mechanic and an electrician in the east?
—Dickson, +234808709870
Elias is an alumnus of Automedics Training Institute and he’s based in Awka. You can reach him on 08030769896.
My dad is trying to purchase one of these cars: a Nissan Pathfinder 2005, Honda Pilot 2005 or Infinity MDX 2005. Kindly advise on which to purchase and enlighten us on its performance, durability and fuel consumption.
—Adegbenro Isaac, frankmolaventures@gmail.com
Jeep is a brand in a class of SUVs and MDX is made by Acura not Infinity. I will advise against the Pathfinder because of the damage usually caused to the transmission when the radiator eventually starts to leak coolant into the transmission. The other two are both Honda products.
The fuel gauging system of my Honda CRV 2002/2003 model is giving me some headache. Soon after I acquired the car early this year, the car was jerking and we thought the fuel pump was the cause. It was changed, though we later lost the engine of the car. After the engine was replaced with another one (Bora), the fuel gauge has been malfunctioning. At first, the gauge would stay down, indicating empty tank even when the tank was not empty; at other times, it would indicate full tank whereas the tank was almost empty. Several technicians have checked it. The gauge and the clock have been replaced at different times, but the problem persists. What do you think may be the problem? I am writing from Port Harcourt.
—Collins, megacollins77@yahoo.com
If both the gauge and tank switches have been replaced, then the problem has to do with the electrical wiring circuit.