Vehicles, in an economy like Nigeria’s that mainly depends on its network of bad roads, are as essential to individuals as they are to businesses. Like a customer once asked me rhetorically: “Kunle, what can one do in Nigeria without a car?” This is why it’s important for individuals and, particularly, companies to have a strategy that can help them get value out of the automobiles in their fleets.
Modern vehicles are designed to help you help them. The irony is, the vehicle knows what’s wrong with it and wishes to tell you how to solve the problem, but instead of working with the in-built technology of the vehicle, many of us take our vehicles to auto mechanic workshops who attempt to speculatively solve problems that already have their answers in the vehicle’s Electronic Computer Unit (“Brain-Box”, as most semi-literate Nigerian mechanics call it)!
This is why I believe that even when a company out-sources its fleet maintenance account to a reputable auto maintenance/repair workshop, it’s imperative for that company’s fleet manager or senior drivers (in charge of the logistics department) to have some basic knowledge of how to diagnose any of the brands of vehicles in his employer’s fleet, and be able to effectively use a basic diagnostic tool, with the electronic copies of the brands’ workshop manuals to ascertain the integrity of any work claimed to have been done on the automobiles.
The advantages of this sort of basic functional knowledge, which can be acquired in about five working days, are numerous: one, problems can be discovered before deteriorating into far more financially exacting state; two, vehicular assets’ down time will be drastically reduced; and, three, in the few instances when vehicles have to go for major maintenance/repair overhaul, relevant officers of the company will be in position to vet the quality of work done before the work is agreed as completed.
We, Automedics, in collaboration with the visionary leadership of the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (a statutory agency that all corporate and commercial drivers practicing in Lagos must be trained and certified by), under its chief executive officer, Ayodeji Peter Oyedokun, are drawing up a five day training package that will conjoin the agency’s statutorily mandatory training with a value-adding automotive technical literacy training that’ll make their employers get the literal mileage out of their vehicles.
REACTIONS TO AUTOMEDICS
Hello Mr. Shonaike. I enjoy reading ‘Automedics’ in SUDAY PUNCH and on twitter. Thank you for the good work. I drive a Toyota Corolla 2003 model. I noticed that anytime I start the engine and drive immediately it makes this noisy sound for about five minutes, however if I leave it to warm for at least 10 minutes before I drive it, the sound doesn’t occur. I would like to run a scan on the car at your workshop but my fear is your charges. I do hope that I would be able to afford it.
Again can the workshops at Ijora and Akoka handle this or should I just drive straight to the LTV complex? Thank you. talktotricia2001@yahoo.com
Any of the shops can handle all types of diagnoses. But the noise I believe could be related to lifters noise, due to sludge build-up in the engine.
Where can I get automedics service in my area (Akoka-Bariga). Thank you. 2348027629xxx
We have a location inside Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka.
Dear Kunle, thanks for the wonderful job of enlightenment and deliverance from ignorance. I drive a Toyota Corolla 2005 model automatic gear which has permanently displayed check engine sign on the dashboard. Secondly there is a few seconds delay when you engage the reverse gear and at times it engages after a light pressure on the accelerator. I ran a scan at my mechanic workshop here in Ibadan and this is the result. Error code P0741, Torque converter CKT Performance or Stuck off. Kindly explain the meaning of this and how to go about repair. Many Thanks. babatopeakinwande@yahoo.com
P0741. The torque converter clutch solenoid valve is activated, with the gear in D4, by the Transmission Control Module (TCM) in response to signals sent from the vehicle speed and the Engine Control Module (ECM). Lock-up piston operation will then be controlled. When the torque converter clutch solenoid valve is activated, the torque converter lock-up clutch will engage creating a 1 to 1 RPM ratio between the transmission input shaft and the rotational speed of the torque converter.
Lock-up operation, however, is prohibited when A/T fluid temperature is too low.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed (less than 2/8) in lock-up condition, the engine speed should not change abruptly. If there is a big jump in engine speed, there is no lock-up.
Possible causes
Low transmission fluid level, dirty transmission fluid and aulty torque converter clutch solenoid valve. Torque converter clutch solenoid valve harness or connectors. Torque converter clutch solenoid valve circuit is open or shorted transmission internal mechanical problem.
I just bought a Mazda MPV 2000 model two months ago. Recently I discovered that it’s not engaging the reverse gear. My mechanic said the whole gear has a problem. He said it’s either I buy a new gear or repair the existing one. 2347056776xxx
Please, run a scan on the transmission before you repair or replace any parts.
I have a 2007 Super charge Range Rover. After changing the brake pads (front and back) for almost three months, the dashboard is still showing change brake pad sign, which is very disturbing and scary. Kindly help me out. 2348034763xxx
The pads’ wear sensors should have been replaced when the new pads were installed.
I bought a 2004 Toyota RAV 4 last month. I changed the oil, oil filter and pump but, the sign ‘service engine’ is showing on the dashboard. Please what should I do as I don’t want the mechanic to add to the problem? 2348033260xxx
The light has nothing to do with normal service, what you need to do is to run a scan on the engine and transmission.
I have just stumbled across your column and found it very valuable. Please, is it a must that we remove the car thermostat as soon as we buy it? 2348032313xxx
You do not need to remove the thermostat unless it is faulty. You can go online to our website www.automedicsafrica.com and read more about it.
I am a lover of your page of SUNDAY PUNCH. I started with your article of “Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense” which was based on the issue of thermostat. I was in your office at LTV to make enquiries on Vehicle Diagnostic Training and I was well attended to. The issue is in the area of cost. I am a retiree but doing some little supplies. I need your assistance on a little reduction. Thank you. Remi, 2348025099xxx
You can talk to Mr Gbola Oba about this issue.
Dear Kunle, I recently bought a Mercedez Benz E320 4matic, and the gear was not selecting. I serviced the gear but the problem persisted. I was advised to run a scan which I did. The code I got was 024 and 120.Kindly help with the meaning. Thanks Kunle 2347055549xxx
Code 024; Left adjustable camshaft timing solenoid (Y49/1), open or short circuit (119 only).
I am in need of the website address of Toyota Corolla car Company. I need to download free digital copy of my Toyota Corolla manual. Olu Abolude. 2348030419xxx
All you need to do is to google it, you can get it from different sites.
I want to know if it is possible to install air conditioner in my Golf 1999 model which has 1.6 litre engine? Will it affect the engine performance? Thank you. Olanrewaju Eboda, lanre.eboda@gmail.com
If the installation is done right it will not affect the engine.
I drive a Nissan Z350 sport convertible. I want to change the tarpaulin roof. Please where can I get good service? Innocent, 2348035870xxx
You need a good upholstery shop to do it or you can order for a replacement roof.
I drive Mazda mpv automatic. What is the meaning of TCS OFF, which shows in my dash board? I also want to know when to engage gears 3 and 2 as I only use the D-drive gear always. Thank you. 2347036345xxx
TCS means “Traction Control System”. You are better off to use the D-drive when you’re moving. The manual drive gears (1, 2 and 3) are only for someone who knows how to use it.
I drive a Honda Accord 2002 model (Baby boy). Since I bought it, it does not pick swiftly or respond to the accelerator pedal until after about 30 seconds or one minute. When the air conditioner is on, it even gets worse. I have tried all manners of repair to no avail. How can one download digital copy of original vehicle manual? Thanks. Akin. 2348028221xxx
I don’t believe what you need is the owner’s manual. What you need is to run a scan on the engine and transmission, the result will guide you on what to do.
Sir, I want to find out why any problem affecting my 2001 Toyota Camry is not appearing on the dash board? Thank you. Titus. 2348023077xxx
You may have a problem with your instrument cluster if nothing comes on because it is the only thing that warns you of any impending danger or problem.
Hello Kunle, thank’s for been a pride to my generation. Where is your workshop in Abuja and the phone number to call? Gabriel Nwadike, Abuja.
The Automedics Autocare Abuja location will soon come online inside the Nipco Filling Station.