Given the deluge of enquiries we get weekly from motorists wishing to get value from their vehicular assets, me thinks it’s about time a corporate entity collaborates with the management of PUNCH Newspapers (that has altruistically sustained this column on behalf of the Nigerian motoring public) to extend this column’s space by branding it. This is the third consecutive week we are devoting exclusively to answered questions and we may still not have exhausted them.
NB: The Automedics commenced a unique college-industry-mentorship-and-commercial-collaboration by taking over the running of the auto-mech department’s workshop of Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos. It will function as a commercial centre, where students can get cutting-edge knowledge. So, if you’re in UNILAG, Bariga, Yaba, Gbagada, Iwaya and other neighbouring precincts, an Automedics Autocare centre is now nearby to you.
Sir, your piece on youth empowerment programmme in SUNDAY PUNCH of May 12, 2013 was great. It not only taught one how to fish but also equipped one with fishing equipment and took one to the riverside. How I wished I had some money, I would partner with you. Keep going on and no looking back. God will continue to support, strengthen and bless you and your team. 08035019xxx
Thanks for the prayer and support.
I drive Honda Accord 2004 model, four cylinders engine. There is oil leakage under it and the power steering oil is always short. The steering is strong and causes me body ache. My mechanic said I have to change the steering rack. Please, I want to know if I really need to change the steering rack. And if you are going to change it for me, how much will it cost? Thank you. Tosin Lebile tlebile@yahoo.com
Your mechanic is probably right, because you have oil leak under the car and you did not complain of engine oil shortage. If you have any leak on your P/S system, especially from the rack it will definitely make the steering hard to steer. You might need to replace the steering rack as your mechanic suggested and sometimes the pump also.
I read your column in SUNDAY PUNCH. I’m a final year accounting student but I love cars, and want to learn how to properly handle them so I can run a garage in future to offer quality services to people. Thank you. tripleb1990@yahoo.com
You can reach us by coming to our office inside Lagos Television Complex (LTV) or go to our website www.automedicsafrica.com.
I drive a Nissan Xterra 2004 model. A light displays service the engine and I want to conduct a scan on the vehicle to know the fault. How much will scanning cost in your workshop? Otunba Olasoji, 08023249xxx
We don’t give quotes through this medium, but you can call any of these numbers to get advice on your question. 08038292296 or 08057777961.
I drive a Kia SEPHIA automatic 1996 model. The problem is that when in drive mode, the gear moves with the third gear and stay fixed without selecting up or down unless I down-shift manually to L or S to use the lower gears. Also, when on high speed-say 100km/h-the tactometer revs up to 5000rpm instead of the usual 2100rpm. Before the problem started on April 13, I have serviced the gear and changed the oil without any improvement. My technician said the brain box is the problem. I need your advice on this. ayodeleolufemi9@gmail.com, 08077950xxx)
I will advise you to run a scan on the transmission, also be ready to possibly replace the transmission. But don’t just replace the ECU without being sure it is the problem. The scan result will reveal the fault.
Sir, I must thank you for your response on my complaint about the code P1381 that came up when my wife’s Honda Accord 2003 was scanned. Just as you instructed I just cleaned the battery connections and the problem was solved. Olusola Akosile, 08123949xxx
Thanks.
Sir, I need to know if you have an outlet in Ajah area of Lagos. If you do, please I need the address. Thanks. 08038784xxx
Yes, we are about to open one by Lagos Business School, inside the NIPCO fuel station.
My BMW 3 series does not start immediately until after trying it for about seven times. What should I do? 08053940xxx
Please run a scan on it. The result will guide your technician on what to do.
I drive a Nissan Xterra 2001 model. The car consumes fuel a lot more than Mercedes Benz and V/Boot I once used. What do I do?
Run a scan on the SUV, the result will guide you on what to do.
The dashboard meters of my Cherokee Jeep failed at the same time. I later saw ‘check gauges.’ I do not know what to do because many of the technicians I that worked on have been unable to solve the problem. I want you to help me. 08027703xxx
This brand and model of vehicle seems to have this particular fault all the time. The ones I have dealt with seem to have faulty harness to the BCM and cluster. You will need someone with experience with this type of problem to fix it, and sometimes it could be tricky to solve.
I drive 2003 model of Dodge Grand Caravan. It starts overheating because the fan stopped working. I called my technician to fix the leakage and the radiator that was leaking. The technician was unable to fix the problem. What do I do? tirofnigeria@yahoo.com.
What your mechanic should have done first is to run a scan on your van before doing any guess work about the problem you have. But on the brand and year model of your van, there is a control module that controls the operation of the cooling fan which I believe failed. But your mechanic did not understand the workings of the electronic system of your van and that led to all the guess work. I have a feeling damage has been done to the engine’s ECU when the guess work was done, and that is why the engine will not start.
Good day sir. God will bless you and your family. Thank you. Francis Obomhense. 08064189xxx
Thanks for the prayers.
I want to appreciate you for the good work you are doing. The young man, Lanre, who you introduced to me in his workshop at Ga-Akanbi area of Ilorin, has been able to fix my Pathfinder jeep that has been malfunctioning. He is really doing a good job. J. A Ojo, 08077082xxx
Thanks for the compliments. The goal is to replicate myself in some of these young energetic Nigerians. And also have our own made- in- Nigeria automobile that will meet world standard.
Please, my Toyota highlander 2005 model is faulty. My mechanic serviced it few days ago when its oil light keeps showing. The light goes off occasionally. He suspected that the vehicle’s oil switch may be the problem. What do I do? 08033100xxx
Quickly do an oil pressure test on the engine. The oil pump might be failing due to sludge build up inside the engine, which could cause the engine connecting rod and crank bearing to fail. But I believe the problem is with the dirt from sludge build-up in the engine. If the pump is okay, flushing the engine can solve the problem.
My 2003 Liberty Renegade came up with these codes – PO300, PO302, PO303, PO304 and PO305. Almost all my cylinders are misfiring yet my nozzles, plug cables and plugs are certified okay. What else should I do as my mechanic is now suspecting the brain box as the culprit? – Akosile Olusola, 08123949xxx
The P0300, P0302, P0303, P0304 and P0305 codes mean that the cylinders are misfiring or are randomly misfiring. Start by checking for intake leaks and if no leakage is found, the next step is to replace the spark plugs on the cylinders. If the problem persists more tests need to be done to diagnose the problem, see “Possible Causes”. Faulty spark plugs, clogged or faulty fuel injectors, faulty ignition coil, fuel injectors harness is open or shorted, fuel injectors circuit poor electrical connection, Ignition coil harness is open or shorted, Ignition coils circuit poor electrical connection, insufficient cylinders compression, incorrect fuel pressure and intake air leak.
I am usually amazed seeing Nigerians paying millions for cars they cannot maintain. Some even fail to insure the cars, claiming they are covered with holy blood. Many people, who should buy a 2.0litre saloon, end up buying SUVs only to complain of high maintenance costs. You may wish to comment on this issue. Usman, agensheku@gmail.com.
We, as a society, must give pride of place to maintenance. Many Nigerians buy technological products that they have not factored good maintenance for.
I drive a 2005 Chevrolet Uplander. Sometimes, it indicates Gas Cap message on the dashboard and also check light on. How do I locate your workshop in Lagos to fix this problem? jidozu@yahoo.com, 08023353xxx. Thanks
Check to make sure the “Gas Cap” is tight and not damaged. If it is damaged please replace it. We have two locations in 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. Also we are adding some other chains of lube and diagnostic centres across Lagos and beyond.
What is the effect of using leaded fuel on modern vehicles that specify usage of unleaded fuel? Layi, 08033379xxx
Leaded fuel has negative effects on a vehicle’s engine and exhaust systems, such as the corrosion of various components, fouling of spark plugs, and contamination of engine oil by corrosive acids.
It has been estimated that using unleaded fuel can extend engine life by 1.5 to 2 times. Unleaded fuel allows for introduction of catalytic converters that will reduce other emissions (e.g. carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons) by up to 90 per cent.
I own a Honda CRV, 1997 model. I notice that the car functions well in the morning whenever I start it with the two fans (radiator and AC) working. But when the engine is in motion, the AC does not work. So, I often put off the AC when I am in traffic. How can I make it work all the time? Thanks. Uche Bethel
The way the fans are working right now is wrong. They are supposed to work intermittently on and off. But when the A/C is on the two fans will run continuously until the A/C is off. The A/C should be working at all times; whether in traffic or not. I believe the gas is low, the compressor is faulty or there is restriction in the system.
A friend is willing to sell a BMW 5 Series to me, is it advisable I purchase the car based on the following factors: fuel economy, spare parts and the notion that BMW overheats when in traffic? Please, kindly refer me to a good BMW mechanic. Ayo Ajanaku, ayotome@yahoo.com
I disagree with the notion that BMW products overheat in traffic. And the spare parts are readily available in the market. Also, the fuel consumption is not bad at all. Ben my partner is a BMW freak. I know he will be happy to read about this.
I saw your column in SUNDAY PUNCH and was very impressed with responses to readers’ questions. I am a woman and I drive a Chevrolet Captiva 2007 model. It has a diesel engine. I took it for servicing and it later started showing oil shortage sign. I took it back. My complaint is that whenever I am in traffic for about two minutes, the car jerks badly. When I intend to move, the acceleration does not respond. I have been to CFAO in Lagos but they were unable to help me. As it is now, nobody has been able to identify the problem. Monica.08133910xxx
The challenge you are facing is with the fuel system, due to the condition of the diesel you get at the fuel station. The dirts normally form into sediments and clog up the strainer/filter and restrict the flow of fuel. And being a diesel engine, it has to maintain a minimum amount of fuel pressure in the system for the engine to be able to produce the power it needs to propel the car. We have two locations in 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 drive a Honda CRV 2007 model. I noticed that the AC stopped cooling sometime ago and started letting out a dusty smell and hot air. My mechanic blew out the air filter and filled the gas. This worked well but after two months it started again. What could be the cause? Thanks. Tope, 08178207876
The cause of the problem is that you have a slow leak in the system; that is why it takes about two months for the problem to resurface again.
I changed the brake pads of my Nissan Xterra 2006 model and ever since, the steering wheel has been shaking and vibrating. What do I do and where is your workshop? Tolulope.
You will probably need to replace the brake disc and pads (better with a new one). We have two locations in 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.
Thanks for your selfless service to motorists. Please, the clutch (pedal) system of my 2001 Rover 618 (manual) is giving me a hell. I have changed the up and down masters and there is no leakage. But each time I park it over-night or for a long time, the pedal will go soft and the gear will not engage. After moving to a reasonable distance, the situation will return after another long park. Kindly advise me on what to do. Godwin, Abuja, 08066554198.
I believe the challenge you have is either you have air trapped in the clutch’s hydraulic system due to improper bleeding or the seals in the master/slave cylinder are faulty allowing fluid to bypass into the other chamber.
I appreciate your efforts towards pleasurable motoring in Lagos with your column in SUNDAY PUNCH. I just bought a Toyota Highlander 2006 model with hybrid engine. I want to find out if your clinic handles such vehicles and possible challenges one can face in using this type of vehicle in Lagos.
Thanks. Yinka Babalola
Yes it can be managed in my workshop. The only challenge is getting the batteries when they fail.
Sir, the steering of my Honda 2002 model shakes each time I am on motion. What do I do? 08086474224
If it shakes at a certain speed, what you need is wheel balancing.
I want your advice. There is a Jaguar 2002 model which can make about 125,000 miles and it sells for $4000 and another Chrysler 300c makes 180,000 miles and cost $8000. Which one do I go for in terms of durability, running cost and serviceability? Thanks, Atobase. integrated_electronics_ltd@yahoo.com
If I have to pick I will go with the Jaguar, but the cost of maintenance for both will be about the same. Under normal circumstances, the Chrysler is supposed to be cheaper to buy and maintain, although I cannot guarantee the mileage. Sometimes, the seller will roll it back to deceive the buyer.
I drive a Mazda MPV auto 2002 model. I changed the transmission oil and drove to Akure. After two days, the brake light, ABS, TCS and double pointer (i: e traffic gating) light were permanently on. The horn also ceased. What do you think is the problem and do you have anyone in Akure I can go to? 07036345016
You are better off running a scan on the ABS/Traction system. The result will guide your technician on what to do. The horn problem is an electrical issue you will need an electrician to check the fault for you.
I read your column on youth skill and empowerment agenda on automedics. I will be glad if you can put me through. I want my child to learn automedics. 08082018219
You or your child can come to our office and talk to Mr Gbola Oba. The address is Lagos Television complex (LTV) Lateef Jakande Rd, Agidingbi, opposite Coca Cola.
Sir, the ABS, TCS and brake light of my Mazda MPV auto is permanently on. My mechanic says the sensor needs replacing but he could not get one to fit in. Please, is he right? If he is, do you have the sensors in your workshop? 08052455079
I believe you need to run a scan on the ABS system before you decide to buy or replace any parts.
I am a passionate follower of your weekly Automedics. As my contribution to your reaction on tinted glass; the minister of police affairs’ exemption of factory fitted tinted glass is in This day of February 25, 2011. I attach a photocopy of the article to the particulars of my SUV. What we are facing is a demonstration of in-consistencies in our system. Thank you for the good work you are doing for Nigerian motorists. Tunde Owoyemi.