FAQs (Questions are presented, exactly how real customers asked them- in their grammers and short-hand)
I drive Toyota Camry 01. D check engine light is on.D result of d scan, p0446 evaporative emission control system vent control circuit malfunction. What do i do?
The problem is most likely to be from the solenoid valve that controls the emission system, check if the solenoid works well, sometimes the solenoid becomes stuck and that will lead to an emission-related problem.
I am Jaiye I used a 1997 Altima presently given me a lot of problem. The fan relay burns freq, I have changed d alternator 4x, the battery x2 the ignition.
Your fan relays burning out frequently means that the ampere of the fans is far greater than the relays could handle, check the ampere of the relays, also when your fans have great resistance while running as a result of bad bearings or bushes this can also cause the problem.
good morning docs. My car stereo has been asking 4 codes since I bought it can u help pls. Thanks. God bless you. Ola
You can use the VIN number or the serial number from the radio which you can obtain from the radio back panel, these are the details the dealer will request from you to get the code.
I use a Honda Accord 2004.After servicing d Nozzle & Injector Mouth.d Fuel consumption has really increased. Steering shakes when the car is on drive & not moving.
Being a 2004 model vehicle what I will advise you is to first do a scan on the vehicle, I am very sure the CHECK ENGINE lamp is on, yes the steering will shake if the idle is too low because the idle control system doesn’t work, but first do a scan.
I drive a Toyota Camry 1999 model I experience difficulty starting in the car. Morning. Ola James
Hard starting in the morning can be attributed to a too lean mixture; this happens most especially when the radiator fans have been directed and the CTS (coolant temperature sensor) has been disconnected, this will not enable the ECU (electronic control unit) to know the right mixture to meter for cold start, you are still advised to scan to know what is actually happening to the vehicle.
Hi pls I use Toyota Avalon 1995 n d tyres are 195\60 R15 but anytime i pass thru a bump d Chasis scratch d bump pls what do i do.4m Hammed (ijaiye)
Nothing is wrong with your tires, the shock absorber springs are probably going weak, but you can fit in 195/65R15 tires to gain some height.
morning docs, Toyota Camry 98, whenever I accelerate very fast, my car makes noise like a power bike, I don’t know what to do, as my mechanic cud not detect it. thanks, Seun
The noise might be from your exhaust system due to the extraction of the catalyst honeycomb, the hollow space left will make it sound very irritating.
morning docs, Toyota Camry 98, American specs, I want to find out why some cars have straight tyres, sum av bow-legged tyres and odas k legged. Thank you. Seun
This is the result of BAD wheel alignment, which could be caused by frame damage from an accident or worn out suspension system, bad camber and caster angles.
mornin docs, toyota camry 98, american specs, i feel my car is consuming too much fuel, hw do i verify dis feelin. Thanks. Hav a 9ce wknd. Seun
If your engine is running under temperature it will consume more fuel, where you have both fans running at the turn of the ignition switch and when the coolant temperature sensor have been disconnected. You can do a scan and check the spark plugs appearance…..WHITE= too lean, BROWN or GREY= okay, BLACK= too rich.
mornin docs,toyota camry 98. Weneva am drivin wit my a/c on,d smoke/odour 4rm d environmt cums inside tru d a/c vent.Is dis normal if no, wats d cause. Seun
You are driving with the AC recycle air button turned to receive air vent from outside or some rubber sealing grommets are missing fom some locations on the vehicle.
Gud Morning Sirs kindly shed more light on IDLE CONTROL SYSTEM.Jeff from Meiran.
The idle control system is the device that controls the idling speed of the engine when it is under any load so that the engine doesn’t STALL.
Please how long can one use a fuel pump before replacement. thanks WALTER Iyana Ipaja.
There is no specific time as to when a fuel pump will pack up, it depends on how dirty your fuel tank is and the voltage across the pump.
I drive toyota camry 97 model, i hear a humming sound each time i turn my steering especially when i’m in traffic. Please advise. WALTER.
Humming or whining while turning the steering wheel is as a result of air bubbles trapped in the pump vanes due to wear, the solution is replacement if there is no visible leakage from the outside.
good morning Mr Kunle,i use a toyota carina 2,i noticed that the i need to fill up the radiator every time especially if i use the AC in traffic.pls advice as i think it’s abnormal.PERPETUA
Yes it is abnormal but I don’t think it is a serious problem that is if the engine doesn’t overheat, the problem is caused by the radiator cap which doesn’t seal properly, when you switch on the AC, temperature increases and the water in the radiator expands, the radiator cap being unable to hold the pressure will allow the water escape into the reservoir and since it isn’t sealing properly the vacuum action that is supposed to return the water upon cooling will be lost.
the docs’ weldone 4 the good job. Pls what could make a steering shaking on even smooth road? Samson
Bad wheel balancing and bad suspension system.
I use a toyota camry 1998. Anytime i match d break a screeching sound will come d back. This is happening after doing d “pekepeke” thing in d car as advised by u. Pls no laugh o. Enjoy ur weekend. Morayo lkorodu
You need to look at your rear brakes, if the rear brake shoes or pads have been replaced recently this can also cause it if the materials used for the brake have high metallic content.
please i drive a Carina 2 automatic.i noticed a light on my dashboard showing OD OFF.kindly explaim what this means and a remedy .thanks a lot.IJEOMA
You probably turned it off yourself, there is a switch on the gear stick on your thumb side, just flip the switch the lamp should go out.
good mng sirs,pls i use Carina 2 automatic.i noticed that each time i put on the AC and the gear is in D,the car vibrates so much and if i allow it,it will go off.my mechanic said the falcon is bad but i need ur advice.Ijeoma Okota
I think your mechanic is just confused and giving you nonexistent words, but I think your problem is the idle control system, it is not increasing the idle speed when it needs to when you add load to the engine, usually the problem might just be a stuck idle control solenoid due to excess carbon build up.
i drive a toyota cam 2003 model, pls doc i want to knw when to service it, what need to be checked . Tanx . Deborah ketu
Depending on the service status and the mileage covered, usually intervals between each lubrication service should not exceed 5000 km.
Awesanya i use a sigma.Does half startn b4.
Now dsn’t start until several crankn den it coms on av 2 let it worm 4 a wile den i can move.
tnk it’s fuel pump?
Yes fuel pump can be responsible that, but first you must do a fuel pump pressure test to confirm if the fuel pump is really bad, pressure less than 4bar is considered not good, other thing to look out for is the coolant temperature sensor.
i drive a toyota camry 1997 model,i just change my back shok absorbar and the ABS light just come up and stays pemently.Bassey from surulere
While working on the shocks, your mechanics have damaged the ABS sensor, impulse ring gear or the wire.
Hi Doc.I have a mercury villager space bus,1999 model, American Spec.”ANTI-LOCK” appears on d dash board when i start d engine&move.What does this mean?.OJO
It means your ABS is not working; you can have it scanned to know what component is faulty.
Bose from Obawole. My Toyota Camry 2002 is showng check engine on d dashboard. My mechanic checkd & said no qualms. I don’t want 2 take chances. What do I do
When a CHECK ENGINE appears it means you have problem on the power train system, this system covers the engine and transmission system, there is no way of knowing what is at fault without doing a scan test.
I use a hilux pickup 2001 model manual gear. Sometimes of recent d car drags on gear 4 befor it picks. Whaz wrong. Uche
Your question is not explicit enough to get a direct answer, your problem could be with the engine or the clutch system.
how would an engine behav if top gasket is burnt due to overheating. Uche
If your cylinder head gasket is roasted you will have water mixing up with the engine oil which will give the oil a milky appearance, or you may have excess pressure building up in the water jackets which will force water out of the radiator cap or any weak spot due to leakage of compression pressure into the water jackets.
I have a carina 2 im havng prm wt my brake 3 mech have wkd on it once i drive 4 long d left tyre wl be very hot im suspectng dey are cheatng me
The brake on that wheel is BINDING and this could be due to rust on the brake caliper piston, restricted brake flexible hose or rusted brake caliper pins.
Dodge Caravan 1998. It consumes fuel, engine works parfect, the mechanic said the catalyst has been removed, engine light on. Pls help. Dayo, from ikorodu
If your CHECK ENGINE light is on, pls have that vehicle scanned that will help in knowing what is wrong with the vehicle.
pls l need a scanner for my chrysler vision 1995/96 model. The engine goes off after a few km and start again after a while. Jerry . lfako
Scanning that vehicle will help a lot, you don’t need to own one except if you are a DIY.
drive mitsubishi space wagon 92 model auto. Gear takes time to change and makes a long noise before changing eventually. tunde ajibawo
That gearbox needs overhaul or outright replacement.
I use Toyota Carina 2 (camry engine 2.0(1990). Of late when i’m in an average hold up or after travelling several kms, when I switch off d engine andwant 2 start again / almost imediately, it always take a longer time b4 d engine will pick, instead it will just be rolling until after abt 2 or 3 mins cool off b4 it’ll start, hence I dont switch off d engine when in any hold up. This has been wastin my fuel. My mechanic seems not havin an answer. Pls what is responsible 4 this fault?I hope 2 hear the response to this question on the tuesday edition of your programme. Bankole
That is an OBD1, you can still scan it, the problem might be from the ignition distributor from the pickup or ignition coil.
GUD MORNING ENGINEERS, IS IT NECCESARY TO CHANGE MY RADIATOR WATER EVERYDAY AND WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF ADDN ADDITIONAL NEW OIL TO THE EXISTING OIL INSIDE THE ENGINE. AKINOLA SAHEED FROM AGBADO IJAYE.
You don’t need to change the water in your radiator every day and why will you be adding oil to you engine frequently? Except if the engine is consuming oil heavily due to worn out piston rings or leakages from seals or gaskets, if oil consumption becomes too heavy overhaul is recommended.
HI ENGINEERS, I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT MEANS BY DIFFERENT GRADE OF OIL WE USE TO SEE IN MARKET, SAE40, SAE20, ETC. AKINOLA SAHEED FROM AGBADO IJAYE.
Engine oils are graded according to their quality, SAE (society of automobile engineers) and API (American petroleum institute)are the two bodies that certify the grades of oils.
when do we think that the suspension or shock absorbers of a toyota carina E are bad? Engr ogunnowo
The suspension system of a vehicle is suspected to be bad when it transmits road shocks to the occupants of the vehicle, or when it oscillates too much (bouncing)and noisy in bumps.
what do you mean by instrument cluster in a car? Michael
The instrument cluster is where all the gauges and warning lamps are located to warn the driver of the vehicle.
The check engine ,maintainance required and brake lamps lights are on on my dash board in my 2001honda baby boy .what does it mean .samuel
The CHECK ENGINE means there is problem within the power train system (you need to scan to know the actual problem) the maintenance required means the engine needs oil service after when the service interval will be reset, and for the brake lamp check the brake fluid level in the hydraulic fluid reservoir.
I HAVE A 94 CAMRY.Pls d car is over heating.I’ve changed d water pump cos it was leaking,d prob. stoped & started after 2wks.Can dirty radiator cos it.Moe
Yes, dirty radiator can cause overheating, when dirt clogs the tubes it restricts the efficient flow of water which leads to overheating.
I bought an Honda accord 2001 mode d stereo when powered displays Code 1. 2. 3 etc it accepts CD but does not play. pls advice Joseph 4rm Ketu.
You need the radio code.
my pwr steering hums when i turn halfway or reverse. What could be wrong?
The steering is building air bubbles due to defective power steering pump.
hi,my chevrolet car can only work for about 3min and it goes off and will not work again unless the engine is cold. fuel pump is ok but my car is’nt.Abiola
Scan the vehicle first before you do anything else, it might be a crank or cam sensor related problem.
Hello sir i use infinity jeep 01. D check engine lite is on despite scanin &service. what is d ideal idle control point 700 or 900 tnks kolapo
You didn’t tell us what the scan result was, I am sure you got some codes telling you where the problem is, if a part is required to be replaced and wasn’t, the light wouldn’t go out until the faulty component is replaced. Anywhere between 700 to 900 rpm is okay depending on manufacturer’s specifications.
God bles u doc. I’ve a toyota sienna 01. Electrician says its beta 2 leave d 2 coolin fans permanently on cos of our weather. Pls advice. Gbenga
Having your two fans running when you turn your ignition switch on practically means you are under heating your engine, and the consequences are that you will burn more fuel because the coolant temperature sensor will be running under an open loop mode, you will also build carbon faster which will deteriorate the working condition of that engine.
I HAVE A 92 PATHFINDER JEEP D A/T OIL TEMP LIGHT HAS BEEN ON 4 A WHILE,I HAVE CHANGED D TRAMISSION FLUID.THX FR MRS OJO.HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK
The AT/Temp oil warning means that your transmission is overheating, the transmission cooler might be restricted or blocked or the filter.
I have a subaru 1999. d steern vibrates when on 80km n above. av done whl balancn n alignmt n still not ok. also it consumes fuel 2 much
What you need is a dynamic wheel balancing, which will detect if you have a rim or tire problem, for the high consumption of fuel you might need to carry out a scan on your vehicle.
THANKS 4 D ANSWER U GAVE 2 MY QUESTION ABOUT MY NISSAN 3. 0 LAUREL AUT. DIGITAL. 6 VALVES. ANY TIME AM IN MOTION IT STOPS D MOMENT I REMOVE MY LEG FROM D ACCELERATOR SECOND. BUT WHEN AM STATIONARY D ENGINE RUNS FINE. SIR WHAT CAN I DO? TKU AND GOD BLESS U. AMEN. ALADE FROM OJOKORO.
The brakes might be BINDING, have all the wheels checked.
My mechanic changed fuel pump, brain box, ic valve (idle control) and coil but my opel astra 94 model still not idling. My mechanic is perplexed now.
I don’t think your mechanic needs to change the ECU (brain box) in the first place, carbon deposits might have clogged the air passages where the idle control solenoid is attached to, he needs to de-carbonize the intake manifold.
is it advisable to use AC on a very long jouney. David frm ogba
Yes you can, every vehicle with factory installed AC have been specially designed with the right size of compressor for any driving condition.
I HAVE A SIENNA 98. PLS IS VIN SAME AS CHASSIS NO. WHERE CAN I FIND D ENGINE NO
JOYCE
Yes, VIN (vehicle identification number) is same as chassis number. Some American specs vehicles don’t come with engine number.
IS IT TRUE DAT CARS WT 2 EXHAUST PIPES TAKES MORE FUEL DAN SINGLE PIPES . THANKS FOR HELPNG OUT – CHUKS LAGOS
That may not be true, but when you see a vehicle with more than one tail pipe it means there is a bigger engine under the hood and naturally bigger engines will consume more fuel than smaller ones.
i have a carina2,89 model,it bring black smoke.if am motionless d red economy light is on,i service injector now dey said i shld change nossle is it normal.femi
Emission of black smoke means your vehicle consumes a lot of fuel, and that is the result of wrong metering of fuel, this could be from your airflow meter, manifold absolute pressure sensor, oxygen sensor or throttle position sensor, your mechanic have to find out the real cause by carrying out some tests.
Gud Morning. Could you pls explain d meaning of these indications on some cars esp Toyota: GLI, XLI, LE, Turbo etc. Thanks. Ola.
ESP means electronic stability program. GLI, XLI and LE are some of the comfort levels that some manufacturers use to define their vehicles. Turbo means an engine that is turbo charged; a turbo charger is an air pump that forces regulated air into the inlet manifold against a naturally aspirated engine to boost volumetric efficiency and power.
Good day, a friend sent to me from USA a 2000 model MAZDA MILLENIUM. The engine’s running was not stable. Some minutes after take-off, most especially if the accelerator is hard pressed, the TCS light will come up on dash board and the next thing that will happen is that the vehicle will begin to jack until it is pulled over and the engine is switched off & re start again. I have taken the to two different scanners with no success. On the advice of my my mechanic the entire engine was replaced yet it was just a little improvement. In addition to the above, the vehicle’s speed is reduced when the A/C is on and the speed increases when the A/C is put off. My specialist brothers over there please i am tired of these trial by error mechanics all over Lagos, i want you to give me the name & address of your W/S so that i can bring the car there for a thorough & genuine professional diagonises. Please help i spent so much money on the car without any benefit derived from it. –KUNLE
You have wrongly replaced your engine there was absolutely nothing wrong with your engine, the problem is with the TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) each time the onboard computer detects a fault in the system it shuts down the acceleration, a proper scan will reveal the real trouble.
I drive Nissan Pathfinder 2000, i discover that the airbag light signal on the dashboard continue to blink & the Service Engine Soon light is on. Pls., what could have gone wrong. Dele
You need to do a scan to know what the real trouble is, with the SRS or airbag light on your airbag will not deploy when an accident occurs, the service engine soon is the same with vehicles with CHECK ENGINE, you need to scan to know the real trouble.
i drive toyota sienna 1999,for quite a while d transmission oil has bin leakin,my mech says he wuld’ve 2 remove d engine &transmision.it’s 8mths old.Ridwan
If the transmission oil leaks from the torque converter area then you don’t have any choice than to take off the gearbox to fix the seal, do that as soon as possible to avoid causing extensive damage to the gearbox.
HI DOC’S THANKS 4 UR GOOD LESSON. I DRIVE AN MPV 1998 MODEL. A CHECK SIGN SHOWS ON THE DASH-BOARD WHENEVER I START THE ENGINE AND IT GOES OFF IMMEDIATELY. BUT TODAY AFTER SOME MINUTES DRIVE THE CHECK SIGN CAME ON PERMANETLY, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN. TUNJI
Have the vehicle scanned to know the details of the problem.
Docs,great work sirs.my corola 91 model starts after the 3rd trial in the mornin and vibrate vigorously for one minute before its stable.Mike.
Your vehicle might be experiencing a lean mixture or failure of the idle control system.
I use a rover 623i. the abs and a yellow bulb like an engine is parmanently on..what shuld i do. bolaji
Your ABS and CHECK ENGINE lights are on, meaning your anti-lock braking system is defective and there is problem in your power train system, have the vehicle scanned to get the full details of the likely problems.
PLS I DRIVE MAZDA 626 89 MODEL INJECTOR IF DRIVE WT SPEED OF 80KM/HR ON REACHING ANY HOLD-UP D CAR WILL NOT RUN ON SLOW . D SLOW RUN INCREASE LESS 1000 RPM WHEN IN GEAR STILL D PROBLEM NOT SOLVED WHATS WRONG & SOLUTION JIDE from agege
I suspect a malfunction in the idle control system, when an engine is revved and allowed to come to rest it should be able to come to a smooth idle speed, this job is performed by the idle control system, also when you add any load to the engine, like the AC, engaging the transmission or putting on the headlamps the idle control system compensates for these loads by increasing the engine speed relative to the added load.
Hi dr may GOD continue 2 protect u all amen.Aside d power train system what else can trigger on d check eng light.pharmacist muritala.
In most brands of cars the CHECK ENGINE lamp covers only the powertrain system, however on some vehicles like Toyota problems with the VSC (vehicle stability control) or TRAC (traction control system)could trigger the CHECK ENGINE.
I use Toyota corola 99 model,the word:”CRUISE”is shown on d dash board.what does it mean?CECILIA
You have switched on the CRUISE CONTROL, the control buttons are on the steering pad, consult your owner’s manual for the proper use of the cruise control functions.
I have Toyota carina E 95Model. My RPM goes up to as high as 4 once i disengaged it from d gear and AC and comes down to 2rpm once on motion. – JOSEPH
The idle speed of your car engine is running rather too high; 4000rpm at startup is very dangerous as you run the risk of bursting that engine, the speed only comes to 2000rpm only when it is under load, pls have the throttle body assembly examine and properly serviced, ensure that the throttle butterfly fully opens and also closes fully when released also check that the throttle cable strands are not loose in the cable housing.
Hi doc pls what are d meaning&or function of d following.
Flat run tyre,
X&I-drive esp on BMWs,4*4,ABS,AWD. Moreso,whats d function of d auxiliary gear&d extra pedal(i mean d pedal close to the body of the car.not d clutch) on my automatc Nissan pathfinder. AZEEZ
X drive is BMW’s term for 4×4, I drive is also BMW’s intelligent drive, a run flat is a material that is fitted to tires to protect against a flat, when your tire punctures the run flat keeps the tire intact to allow you get away from danger, they are fitted mostly on armored or bullet proof vehicles. ESP is the electronic stability program, ABS is anti lock braking system, AWD is all wheel drive. The auxiliary, 4×4 or transfer case distributes power to the four wheels in low or high traction. The extra pedal you described is the parking brakes pedal sometimes referred to as the handbrake.
Gud mornin,i use a nissan quest 2000 model,weneva i put d gear in drive d engin vibrates n wen i aply brake on motion i feel sum vibratns.timmy
Vibrations when you add load to the engine could be as a result of engine misfire and that should put on the CHECK ENGINE lamp ( scan the vehicle) when a vehicle vibrates when you step on the brake pedal while in motion, this could be as a result of WARPED front brake discs (replace).
I USE A GRAND CHEROKEE 92, D CAR JACKS EACH TIME I PUT D GEAR IN DRIVE, ALSO AFTER DRIVIN 4 SOMETIME D ENGINE GOES OFF WHEN I PUT D GEAR IN REVERSE. JACOB
This may be a transmission related problem, the jerk when you engage drive is failure in the intervention signal which is supposed to activate the transmission brake when you are engaging.
My quest,consume fuel n it bring out black smoke,i’ve clean d nozzle n carbrator wit it cleaner,d smoke it stil black n d fuel is fair,help…James
You can’t have nozzles and still have a carburetor, but emission of black smoke is a sign that your vehicle consumes fuel heavily and that should put on the CHECK ENGINE lamp, pls scan that vehicle to get details of the possible faults.
i drive a camry 2000. Lately my temperature guage needle rises almost to d peak when am in traffic n my Ac is on. What can i do. Segun Olasedidun
Check the AC condenser fan it may not be working when the AC is switched on.
my car camry 99/2000 v6, shows check, trac-off n abs on dash board pls advice . Lucky
The ABS sensors or impulse ring gears may be bad, but scan the vehicle to get the real details of the faults.
I drive a 2005 Camry,bought Oct 08. D car has bn showing d msg ‘MAINTENANCE REQUIRED’. D engine is in top form, servicing is regular. My mechanics asked me to ignore, having tried in vain to remove d msg. What could be wrong? Biodun, Ikeja
Your mechanic is supposed to reset the service interval when he serviced the vehicle, pls go to an experienced mechanic to perform the service reset.
U guys are blessing unto Nigerians. Mitsubishi L300 d parkin brake light flashes while on motion after a week d light is steady on ? noise comes frm d tyres.
Your brake pads are worn out; have them replaced immediately to avoid damage to the discs.
I use toyota avolon 95model. Each time i use the AC it fluctuate the engine performance if i park without accelerating. Nuel
The idle control system is malfunctioning; it might just be carbon build up in the idle control solenoid. Service the throttle body assembly.
hi docs. I drive honda accord 93. Whenever i put it in drive, the D4 keeps flashing on the dash board. Whats wrong pls. Dem
That is an indication that there is a gear system malfunction, this could be the shift solenoids which are located outside the gearbox or the gearbox control module (brainbox).
Hi Profs. I use Benz E200 ’01, every morning, i most step on the turtle b4 it will start. I told my mechanic to check the idle solinoid, he said thevehicle is suppose to adjust itself autnmatically, but, i should rather change the ‘earness cable’. HELP!!! Abdullai Ogudu
Being a 2001 model vehicle I will advise that you have it scanned first before you do anything else.
at what milage do i change the belt that drives the power units in my engine. My car is a 2003 Camry. CHARLES BOBMANUEL, APAPA
At every service the belts are supposed to be inspected for crack and crimp, if any visible signs of damage are seen replace immediately.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of front and rear wheel drive? What are the signs that show that engene rings? are due for change? Dr Godson.
Front wheel drives vehicles promotes under steer and has very good road holding, Rear wheel drive have more tendency to over steer. When your vehicle engine begins to smoke heavily that is a sign that the piston rings are worn.
Uncle,gd day,I’ve just bought a Ford Explorer,working fine but I realise dat d Odometer/Message Center light is Off nd is nt showing anything on d dashboard,there4 I can not know hw many kilometers dat has bn covered.Pls help..tnx/Niyi
The instrument cluster is faulty or the connector behind the cluster is not making good contact.
I have a TOYOTA CARINE-E automatic 96model, once on Neutral d rpm goes high 2000rpm & if on gear comes down to 1000rpm. What is d cause? – JOSEPH OWOLABI.
The idle speed has been adjusted too high and the idle control solenoid is not working due to carbon build up or solenoid malfunction.
What are solinoid and 02 censors. What are their functions and where are they located in Camry97. George.
Solenoids are actuators, they convert electrical signal into motion or movement while a sensor is a device that converts non electrical variables to electrical signal, like the o2 sensors that uses the smoke coming out of the exhaust into electrical signal which the control unit can use to process information.
I DRIVE TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2001 MODEL. AT SPEED OF ABOUT 100 THE IS UNSTABLE AND 4 NEW TYRES. JOHNSON JAMES, OGBA, LAGOS.
Instability at high speeds could be caused by steering or suspension system defect, worn out lower or upper control arm bushes or ball joints can cause tremendous instability on high speeds, worn out tie rods and steering bushes can also cause such problems.
Bimbo. I’m about to buy a used M/Benz E Class 2000. All dash board lights are permanently on: Check Engine, Traction, maintenance, etc. Seller says its okay. What do you think?
Pls avoid buying any vehicle with so many warning lamps showing on the instrument cluster, if you must buy it insist on having it scanned and properly inspected for you to know what the cost implication will be when you want it fixed.
Thank you for helping nigerians. Please educate me on V6 Engines. Do they have Peculiar Problems or Overriding Advantages over other engine types?
They don’t have any peculiar problems; the V shape is primarily to reduce bonnet length, engines that are V shaped takes less space in the hood than an inline engine of same numbers of cylinders and same capacity.
I use a toyota avanlon 2005 series i noticed that each time i try to move d car i always feel as if one of d tyre is abt to come apart especially if that tyre climbs a stone.pls advice. Akinsanya a.o,lagos
The suspension system is definitely faulty, pls have it examine before the wheel practically comes off.
ive got a toyota RAV 4 American specks automatic 2003,it goes off after covering a short distance. Then picks up again after some time&it accelerates slowly.
That is a fuel system problem, the fuel strainer filter attached to the fuel pump might have clogged up or the fuel pump pressure has dropped, have your mechanic carry out a fuel system test on the vehicle.
i have landrover discovery, 1998 model, when i start it the noise will be high after ten munites the noise will go down,mechanic said the exhust mofula is bad is it trough, iyke oraguzie
Sorry I don’t really understand what noise you actually mean here, but if your exhaust muffler is bad it is not going to make noise for just ten minutes then stop, what I suspect to be the likely noise is the valve tappets, they have gone bad therefore when you first start the engine before engine oil circulates the valves taps and when engine oil finally circulates to the tappets and they are lifted the noise diminishes.
I drive toyota carina E,94 model. RPM vary b/w 1,200 & 300 wen idle in trafic. Drop to 300 wen I re-started d engine. Pls is it normal.Mr Ben frm Egbeda.
No, this is not normal. the fluctuation gap is too much, the idle control system is faulty, have the system serviced.
i need more explanatn on dis. I chk my car tyres, 35 psi max is writen. Wat d recomended air 2pump. Ishola
Check the vehicle manufacturers’ specifications; you should not exceed 30psi on a tire with 35psi as max pressure.
hi, Pls help me! I need ur advice. I use a nissan sentra 2003 model i bought in january 2009. I started havin over heatin last week and this has remained till now. Some say i should change my radiator cell, some say i should connect the fan directly, some say i should remove the thermortat and many more! What should i do? The fan takes longer time to pick except i on the AC. Pls, help, i don’t want try and error. Thanks. Enitan
If the fans takes longer to come on that could be the problem, if the fans fails to come on at the right time the engine temperature will raise. Check the fan thermostat switch for possible malfunction, also clog on the radiator or AC condenser fins can cause overheating.
I drive an Acura 3.2TL model i notice dat wen i drive at low speed d car is movin 2 d left side even wen holdn d wheel,i did d alignmnt & balancng change d front absorbers still no solutn.Pls help.AYO-DAVIES 4RM AKOKA.
Take the car to a shop with a dynamic wheel balancer and computerized wheel alignment system to correct the problem, most static systems might not be able to correct the fault.
I use toyota carinae 1996.The engine is not running smoothly. It runs and jump intermitently. The mehcanic said it is misfiring and the 16 vaulves should be change. What is misfiring, what caused it and what should be done. Gometi
Misfiring is when a cylinder misses in its firing sequence; there are several reasons why a cylinder will misfire, reasons could range from, bad spark plugs, bad plug leads, ignition coil (DIS system), faulty injector, leaking engine valves etc, your mechanic needs to identify the actual problem and fix it.
i drv a 1994 galant v6 24 valves. D timin belt snapd & d mechanic s talkin about valves bendin. How best do i go about it? Supo.
Your mechanic is right; you must have all the valve sets replaced.
I drive a 1993 toyota camry w automatic gear sys.my reverse has stopped workin,would it require changin d gear or wat could it be.Gbolahan
I think you have the clutches for a planetary gear set burnt, if your mechanic knows how t repair it he can find parts for it and have it repaired.
tnx docs.wat’s d effect of addin 2 much oil 2 power steering.i can c some oil leak thru d hose n on d floor wen i park.do i nid 2 change d hose or what?CHRIS
If you overfill the reservoir it will definitely spill, but why do you have to fill it anyway? It must be leaking, find the source and have it fixed.
GOOD MORNG DOC. I DRIVE COROLA ’97 MODEL. MY IGNITION SINCE 2 DAYS CAN BE TURNED OFF & DE KEY REMOVED WHILE ON D,R UNLIKE B4 DAT IT MUST BE ON P. BLESSING
The ignition key lock has gone bad; consult a key smith for service as soon as possible because the vehicle is no longer secured.
I discover 1 of d spark plug on my car is soaked of oil to the plug probe,what could be wrong I drive HONDA SHUTTLE 97 Model.AKINDELE from Sango Ota.
If the spark plugs are soiled with engine oil that is a sign of piston rings wear and the engine is due for overhaul.
Hello sirs,kudos to you guys.I drive a Mercedes 200.Its consuming too much fuel,emits massive black smoke,slow speed,moves as if its being held back.TOBE
You didn’t tell if the fuel system is carbureted or injected, but whichever it is the fuel metering is too rich, if it is carbureted overfloading is suspected and if it is injected the fuel pressure on the injector line is too much and need to be regulated (K jetronic system)
PLEASE WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TIMING BELT AND TIMING CHAIN? THANKS DELE
Timing belts are made from elastic materials while timing chains are made out of metallic materials.
Hi Docs,I drive Peugeot 406 2001 model. Recently, I hear cranking sound like iron rubbing over iron in the front under the car especially on the rough roads.What can be responsible for this please & what can I do about it? Thanks Ayo
Have the suspension system examined.
is aircon usage tantamount 2 high fuel consumption, 10th digit is t wots d year of manufacture, wen can one chang d timing chain. gentle alex
Any load you add to the engine will increase the fuel consumption. The tenth digit of the VIN or chassis number is the year of manufacture. Follow the manufacturer’s guide on chain replacement or when you cover about 150000km or when you hear the chain rattling noise when you first start the engine, if you allow it to snap it will cause mechanical damages.
Good morning sirs,I drive a toyota corolla 2001 model,when scanned showed P0420 code(catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1 ,and I have replaced the two oxygen sensors with new ones and the code still returned.what else can I do to solve this?thanks Bola
The catalyst is becoming clogged therefore the efficiency is below the threshold, you may be required to have the catalyst replaced.
My kia picanto 2008 mdl. has no water temp. guage. Is that possible? Elliot.
Yes.
talking about emission control.they do it in abeokuta. mine was tested & satified but what i dont know is what they do 2 ppl that fail the test. francis
Thanks for the information.
Nissan sunny 1.4SLX my car takes about 15mins to warm up when engine is cool. Why Docs? ..Cletus 4rm Ikorodu
The fans might have been wired to run directly as soon as you switch on the ignition switch.
Good morning Docs, how do i know d yr of manifacture of a TOKUMBO engine? I dont want to buy d one as old as mine. Pls help. ..Cletus 4rm Ikorodu
Year of manufacture are not engraved on engines.
My name is UFUOMA frm Ibadan,whn I use my headlamp at nite,I push my car 2 start d nxt monin but if I dont use it,d car starts normal witout pushin,pls what is wrong?
The charging system is deficient, have it examined.
wat is d benefit of fuel injector cleaner&wen is d best time 2 use it?is it wen d petrol tank is filled up or low? Kemi
Most manufacturers of fuel treatment or octane boosters will give directions for the usage of their products and its benefits.
GD DAY DOCS, PLS XPLAIN IN DETAILS, WHEN DO I USE MY D2 AND D1 GEARS AND UNDER WOT CIRCUMSTANCES. THANK U. KAYCEE
When you put your gear shift lever to D2 the transmission will not shift past the second shift and when you shift the lever to D1 the gear will not shift past the first gear, you can only use these positions on difficult terrains like when ascending or descending a hill, when towing or when you want to get away from a sandy or muddy surface where you need a lot of traction.
gd day docs,pls wot determines d speed of a car,is it d type of fuel,num of plugs & cylinder,type of transmition? Is dere any car wit W16 engine? tnks. Ken
Engine displacement, transmission type and gear ratio will determine the speed of the car. I have not heard of a W shaped engine, if you have seen one pls take me there to witness it.
Good morning sirs. I drive a Chrysler Neon, Auto, 1997. D security remote is bad & d car won’t start without it. Pls how do i deactivate it manually?
It may not be possible, but on some vehicles if you use the key to lock and unlock the driver side door it deactivates the security system.
Top of d day 2 u doc, i uses mistibush auto. 85 mod.It does not mov unles i apply d gas pedal abov avg.even when is on d motion it does not move
Your question is not explicit enough, what fuel system is employed? Several factors can result to sluggish movement, retarded ignition timing, dirty and malfunctioning carburetor, clogged injectors or bad fuel pump.
Hi docs. My husbnd just got a subaru 4rester 2003 mdl, unrgstd. Wen i lock up afta warmg d securty lite stats blinking contnosly. Is it nomal? Viky.
When you switch off and take the key out of the ignition the red security warning lamp starts to blink to tell you that the system is armed and when you start the car the light goes out and that tells you that the system is unarmed.
Eku ise. I drive a Honda Pliot. Gear stick oftentimes is stiff. And makes a snaping sound when it does moves. Wole
You are parking on an incline, try parking on a flat surface and apply the parking brakes before you shift the gear stick to park.
Do we need a scanner to find out why Dr. Kunle is eating while on air? Or is he an OBD 2? Or maybe his Idle Control Solonoid is faulty! Wole
A cousin of mine was killed by his car while opening his gate. Auto car, he parked, got down. Apparantly gear was in Drive. Kindly educate listeners.
Lexus GS 300 97 model. remove B/terminal takes engine 2days 2 stabilize. Bola
You should have scanned the vehicle while it was malfunctioning to know what went wrong.
Hi Doc., i av a 2003 C230 benz, d key refuse to suck and thereby refuse to start. What shld i do. Ben
You need a specialist with the right equipment to sort the problem.
Hi Docs ,the oil light on my Bmw 535i finally disappear after several warning on my dashboard writting oil PRESS SENSOR Please, what is wrong . Idowu
Check the oil pressure sensor.
there is this noise from my engine that sounds in speakers. It increases slightly with acceleration. What’s responsible. Aworinde- Ijebu ode
Consult an electrician to check out the problem, the interferences might be from suppressors that are sometimes fitted to ignition systems or charging systems, some car stereos come inbuilt with suppressors too.
Nissan maxima ’98 model. If there is a shortage in auto gear oil,does it call 4 servicing or one should only top d ATF,my mech said i nid 2 drain d oil. Femi
The oil is leaking somewhere, check the source.
How do u convert psi to normal vulkaniser presure? HAMID
Vulcanizers don’t have special gauges that are calibrated otherwise.
Gd day docs. I often change my ball joint & do my allaiment almost every wk. It make driving nt intresting. Wat could b responsible. Ahmed
There is something terribly wrong with your suspension system or your mechanic is not been truthful, pls consult an expert.
I drive a Honda Accord car 93 model, I changed my car fan to a bigger one that blows faster will it have any effect on the car. Tunde
Yes, the engine will be underheated and that will increase your fuel consumption and build carbon faster in your engine which will eventually reduce the lifespan of the engine.
hi my bros. d front leg driver’s side of my äold 3sñ Camry is making noise occasionally, tho’ my mech, talkd of ‘Hub’ change, pl advs. God bless
It may not be the hub, pls have the whole front suspension system examined.
auto mech, i just changed my radiator becos of a leak. Now my temp drops below average due to big fans. Will dat affect my fuel consumption? Shola from ikeja
Yes, it will definitely affect your fuel economy.
Gud morning our great engineers.I use Golf3 it came with 14/65/185 rim,too low. Which size of 15 rim do i use.BIODUN.ISOLO.
You can use 195/65R15.
GUD MORNING DOCTOR,I USE GOLF3.THE TEMPERATOR OF MY CAR RISES ABOVE MIDDLE ESPECIALLY WHEN I USE A/C IN HOLDUP.CAN I USE TWO FANS. Thanks. Biodun,isolo.
There is nothing wrong with the temperature, your engine runs very well, don’t do anything else to it otherwise you will create problems for yourself.
Auto medics. Pls at same spot on my way home, my steering feels hard and turn on its own. Is it alignment or the bumpy road. Tope
It might be the contours on the road but to be sure have the steering system examined.
Honda civic 98. Revs up & down on its own when in park, stops when driving or ac turned on. Otherwise driving ok. What can be wrong. Tope
Idle system control malfunction.
Thanks for this wonderful prog.Dr Sonaike, I love your voice. Pls tell me what it means to ‘hotwire’ a car? I am lost for choice b/w a VW Golf mk4 1.8
HOTWIRE may not work in today’s technology; it is a system that car thieves use to start a vehicle, but with today’s transponder and chip technology it will be somehow difficult.
Hi Doc, mitsbish galant, fuel guage not workng, eletrician works on it culdn’t get where d conection 2 d fuel tank is. TOYIN
Find a better electrician to trace the fault.
i drive a 1999 ford explorer sports 4.0 engine efi. D engine went off while on d move. Tried startin it since den but no suces. Mechanics seem not to solve the problem.
Check if the fuel pump works, if it does check if spark gets to the spark plugs, it must be the ignition or injection system malfunction.
case machine pale loader, jst change d rings .if we start it d water in d radiator get out within 5mins ,is it proper .ope frm mowe.
The cylinder head is warped or the cylinder head gasket is not seating properly as a result the compression pressure is leaking into the water jackets.
hi, i drive maxima v6 but not sure of d year its always jack when i’m driving n my mechanic had worked on it but its still jack. Vic frm ipaja.
You didn’t tell us what repairs your mechanic carried out previously, but I think the problem is with the fuel system.