Some of our valued readers have called us to complain that they have not seen their questions answered having sent them to us in the last three weeks. The truth is that the questions have been answered but the editorial precedence that’s rightfully given to the op-ed segment of this column sometimes chokes out the publication of the answers to the questions we receive weekly. That is why, this week, we give room for the publication of many of the answers to your hanging questions.
I am ardent reader of Automedics. I drive a Toyota Highlander 1999 model. Recently, I noticed maintenance required light displayed on the dashboard. My mechanic checked it and said there was nothing wrong. He said it would disappear after sometime. But it is still showing till now. Do you have a workshop in Port Harcourt or someone you can refer me to? Thanks. Agatha U. Port Harcourt, 07084227xxx
I have someone in Awka, his name is Elias, you can reach him on 08030769896, but you really don’t have any problem. Your mechanic was supposed to reset the “Maint Reqrd” anytime a lube service is done on the vehicle. It does not automatically reset itself; it has to be done manually by a technician.
I am planning to get a Peugeot 406, but many people are discouraging me. They said its cost of maintenance is high. What do you advise I do? 08062515xxx
I have no view on this particular vehicle, because I have not really seen a lot of it in my workshop.
I drive a 1995 Ford Scorpio 2.9. It has six cylinders and automatic transmission. It has been parked for some time. The body is still rust-free and its power cuts whenever I am driving. When this happens, it refuses to start unless a mechanic works on it. Most times, the fault is with the coil. I have changed the coil and coil cable to no avail. The other problem is that I suspect that water boils in the radiator because I hear sound inside the plastic water container connected to the radiator.
How much does it cost to do a scan? And how can I locate you? Law, 08085311xxx
Your vehicle is an OBD1 system. Yes, it can be scanned. But I think yours needs manual diagnosis more than electronic. I have a feeling the challenge is with the ignition system (crank/cam sensor). Also if you experience overheating like you said, it could be adding to the problem, because when the engine gets too hot it could shut down the crank sensor from performing optimally. We have two locations in the Ikeja area: one is inside the Lagos Television complex (LTV) on Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, opposite Coca cola. The other one is at 10, Morrison Crescent, off Kudirat Abiola way, Alausa.
I want your advice on my plan to buy a Toyota Highlander 02-05 model. I was told to choose either v4 or v6 types. Please, which one is more durable and economical? I also think all 4×4 SUV come in v6 or v8.08064820xxx
It is not all 4×4 that comes with V6 or V8 engine, it depends on the size of the SUV. Both are durable but slightly different on fuel consumption.
Please, I want to know if it is wise to change the radiator that comes with an Extera 2009 model with another one when there is no overheating. 08053241xxx
Yes, it is wise to replace the radiator. This is because up to certain years of some Nissan brands, the radiator tends to rupture inside the core and allow coolant mix with the fluid inside the transmission, which will normally damage the transmission. You only replace with a new radiator.
Sir, I drive a Toyota Camry 03\04 model.When the gear changes from one to two, I feel a bump. I have conducted a scan and there is no code. I have also flushed the gear oil but the problem persists. Please assist me. Chinedu, Isolo, 08062152xxx
The challenge you are having could be related to faulty engine with high RPM or faulty engine/transmission mounts.
I live in Osogbo and want to know where your office is around here. 08125675xxx
I don’t have anybody in Osogbo, but I have a young man I mentor in Ilorin. His name is Lanre and his number is 07067718297. Also the Bulldog says we have another beneficiary of our training scheme in Ile-Ife. His name is Afolabi. You can reach him on 08034098794. I believe these ones are near to Oshogbo.
Sir, I commend you for your good work. I just bought a van, Chrysler- Town and Country 2001 model. I will like to know if AP Super V Visco static premium multigrade engine oil SAE20W-50 APÌ SG/CO is good for the vehicle’s engine. Is there a better alternative? 0817674 4xxx
Any good multigrade engine oil will also work. Yes, what you have is good, but adding MSP will do your engine better.
My Toyota Camry 2008 model emits a bluish smoke whenever I start it in the morning. It clears after five seconds and no light comes up on the dashboard. What do you think is the problem? Kolade, 08034489xxx
The problem is that some of the valve seals are faulty, and what normally causes this problem is sludge build up inside the engine. To solve the problem, you will have to replace the valve seals, which requires a complete valve job on the cylinder head.
I do not have a car but I am addicted to automedics column. Reading your answers to questions has really been educative to me. I am almost an expert in detecting problems in the cars of my friends and colleagues. Thank you for your free education. Abiola, 08025932xxx
The whole idea is about educating our populace so that the Nigerian motoring public can get value from their vehicular assets. And may I thank you too for your generous compliment.
I want to purchase a Toyota Venza. How can the GPRS be activated or is there a special way to install it? Thank you. 08020520xxx
All you need is just the Nigerian version GPRS DVD. If you install it in the player, it will activate the navigation system.
Thank you sir for the wonderful work you are doing. Recently, my Infiniti car developed overheating. I changed its gasket, cylinder head and engine. But the overheating did not stop. It wasn’t until I read one of your answers to questions on this page that I decided to run a diagnostic test. The test showed that the engine fan wasn’t running at optimal speed, I changed the car’s fan and voila. It was then that the overheating problem was solved. I am extremely grateful because I was about to sell the car as a scrap. Please continue your good work. adedeji_fadeyi@yahoo.com
Thanks for your appreciative spirit.
I think it is wrong to start treating vehicles without first diagnosing them. How can mechanics do what is right without the requisite education and empowerment? You have really started well on the educational empowerment department, so how about sales of affordable tools? You can guide mechanics when things seem unclear to them. You are a messiah in the area of automobile and you must not relent in your efforts. Iyiola, 08023130xxx
We do help technicians to source some of these state-of-the-art equipment and tools.
I drive a Toyota Avalon 2004 model. The check engine light is showing on the dashboard. I did a scan and the following default codes were detected: P0115 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit, P0135 Oxygen sensor heater circuit (ban 1 sensor) and P0155 Oxygen sensor heater circuit (ban 2 sensor). Is this scan correct? Where can I buy the sensors? Thanks. Lekan Alabi, Lagos. 08037166xxx
You can fill the online “spare parts form” on our website, www.automedicsafrica.com. But here are some explanations of the codes you need enlightenment on. P0115: The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is used to detect the engine coolant temperature. The sensor modifies a voltage signal from the Engine Control Module (ECM). The modified signal returns to the ECM as the engine coolant temperature input. The sensor uses a thermistor which is sensitive to the change in temperature. The electrical resistance of the thermistor decreases as temperature increases. When is the code detected? An excessively low or high voltage from the sensor is sent to Engine Control Module (ECM).
Possible causes: Low engine coolant level, faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, faulty engine coolant thermostat, engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted, engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
P0135: The code means that there is a problem with the heater element circuit of the heated oxygen sensor. The control module monitors how long it takes the sensor to warm up and start sending an adequate signal. The code is triggered when the sensor is taking too long to warm up. Water getting inside the heated oxygen sensor connector can cause the heated oxygen sensor fuse to blow. Before replacing the sensor, check for the condition of the heated oxygen sensor fuse and connectors. If the sensor and connector are okay, replacing the O2 Sensor 1usually takes care of the problem.
Oxygen Sensors (O2S) or Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) need to reach a minimum operating temperature of 750 degrees F to produce an accurate voltage signal. The faster the heated oxygen sensor reaches that temperature the faster the sensor will start sending an accurate signal to the Engine Control Module.
In order to achieve the required temperature, a heater element is included inside the heated oxygen sensor. The ECM controls the heated oxygen sensor heater element based on signals from the engine coolant temperature and engine load. The ECM controls the heater element circuit by allowing current flow to ground.
The ECM monitors the voltage signal received through the heater element circuit and determines the state of the circuit by comparing the voltage detected with the factory specifications.
Possible causes: Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 1. Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit fuse.
Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit open shorted to ground.
Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection.
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)
P0155 The code means that there is a problem with the heater element circuit of the heated oxygen sensor. The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors how long it takes the sensor to warm up and start sending an adequate signal. The code means the sensor is taking too long to warm up. Replacing the Front Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 2 usually takes care of the problem.