₦airaland Forum

diehard1:
No misfire code seen even the tachometer as I said is steady. The vibration is just when the car is engaged in drive but once it starts moving it's stops. The check engine starts blinking alternately with vsc once vehicle is started.

not all issue will always be reported as code ,if it is very fast and intermittent ,your fault management system will miss it and cannot code it .
there is something that is triggering the misfire which u need to find out why ?that is where the diagnosis come in and this is not a forum talk ,find a recommended technician to do this for your .

diehard1:
2008 Highlander vsc and check engine light flashing. Car vibrates in traffic, but tachometer is stable, 1100rpm at idle. Error code is C1202 , engine control module error.

How does one fix this

Misfire! ,go for diagnosis to investigate the reason for this

Most time,seller of car will secretly offer some incentive to even the " so -called professional technician that want to do inspection so as to certify the car ok with all the obvious fault .
so see another reason even integrity and character of the technician even count apart from competence and also be ready to treat him well to so as to serve u with sincere mind .

livenletlive:
I need a very good mechanic to diagnose and treat my 06 highlander. Car makes humming sound as it gathers speed and will not move sharply. Fuel consumption has increased slightly. I suspect some sensors, but am not sure.
Please recommend a mechanic who knows about highlander very well?

Location ?

AutoMoTech:
first highlighted point makes sense and sure aligns with my line of thought. but i don't fully agree on the second until a test is carried to ascertain that under circuit stress we dont have voltage drop or a higher than expected resistance within that circuit. just for learning sake anyway.

If there were voltage drop issue in this case ,change of alternator will not solve it .Later I will show u the maximum current EPS motor can consume just to demonstrate the fact that EPS motor is a relatively big load .

martinscheng:
thanks alot bro.
well, I have not done any diagnosis on the ride since it was purchased about a year ago. However, I will appreciate it if you could expansiate on the 3 points u mentioned that causes fuel mileage. Just so you know, my fan runs directly. I was advised to remove the Thermostat and run the fan directly when I had severeal issues with overheating shortly after I bought it.

Tackle the fan run direct first but the way you go about is that u need to resolve the hidden overheating first before you can restore the fan to normal and install thermostat or else you will wake up the overheating that has been suppressed all this while .
Get a professional mechanic that can has a cooling system pressure tester to confirm the integrity of the cooling /radiator system before the restoration of the of the fan.
It will be difficult for me to expansiate on other points if you don't understand the fundamental but I have done some justice to some areas before ,u can go Tru this
https://www.nairaland.com/3729134/let-discuss-cooling-system-overheating
Below is the pic of cooling system tester .

AutoMoTech:
The question was why did the low voltage supply from the alternator only affect the ESP and not any other module? I have looked up the code initially and i suggested checking the battery and alternator. So thats resolved. Reason i asked the above question is what if the ESP has a bad ground, or there is a short in the coil windings? Why did no other module throw a code but only the ESP?

Nice observation .All computers ( modules ) are very sensitive to voltage level ie threshold voltage . Threshold voltage in the sense that below a certain range it will shut down . However the threshold differs from modules to modules cos their functions differs .,EPS basic function is to directly drive and actuate steering motor assist for ease of steering function hence so much current is involved than what other actuator for other modules will normally consume .,therefore power level is too important for it function - Mathematically ,power = (Voltage × Current ) so what do u think will happen if the voltage level reduces due to a bad alternator ,power will drop too , which is why that EPS shut down cos it's own threshold has been faulted and other modules might still be surviving ,but I am also sure some modules especially abs and ecu too will start to flash code about " low voltage fault" but might not give up yet .
These is nothing like short or bad ground in this case o only low voltage .

martinscheng:
Dear NL, kindly help with this:
It seem to me that the fuel usage of my Sienna is high. So, I met with a different mechanic who checked my exhaust pipe(for fumes deposits) and advised I change my Air Flow Meter. Well, I'm not convinced.

On what technical basis is that Kazeem asking for change of maf.If there is no technical test or troubleshooting dine then you are dealing with a typical part changer
I will advice you flee from any Kazeem that advise you to change parts and no technical basis for it ,unless you want to waste money buying parts u don't need .
Go and diagnose the issue first .
What usually causes extreme fuel mileage
1. Wrong air fuel mixture stoic - Lean or rich mixture
2. Running the car at low engine temperature- Fan run direct
3.Misfires -bad compression ,coils ,fuel pressure issue, injectors issues,vacuum leaks etc

tensazangetsu20:
Yes the basics is very important but you must also do research before taking on any major issue. Even medical doctors after years of schooling still take to the internet to do basic research. Besides knowledge is ever evolving it's not static. Electrical systems on cars are changing dynamically. Knowledge that was standard in the 90s and 80s are totally useless today.

That is where training coming in to keep abreast of latest trend and add to your foundational knowledge .However, resourcesful and real trainings are not free .I myself go for offline and online courses from time to time to get better but I pay to get the real deal. The ones u see freely online are common knowledge and might be misleading atimes becos to post anything online is free, no censorship from anywhere .So on the internet ,even Satan himself can preach holiness and people will take the source as original.
Then it also depend on the peculiarity of that particular sector ,i was from IT& Elect background before pinching my tent in auto and I discovered there are tons and tons of accurate certified knowledgebase freely given on IT matter however on auto repair sector ,I see a lot of misleading and miseducation and even from the manufacturer charts especially if u want to go Tru the free route but why? The sector has been relegated to the background for artisans before for so long and doesn't have so many thorough bred professionals like we have in other sectors and very recent Introduction of computer controls and electronics in auto is what brought about the technology explosion that we are now seeing recently.The technology( computer control and electronics in auto ) is still at infancy stage and all these mistake are inevitable .
However ,learnin tru "Googling " is still ok for the rookies and DiY as half a bread is still better than nothing at all .

Icon2007:
please my Toyota camry 2007 is emitting blue smoke now, I bought it as tokunbo and it was working well since march. though the car still move well and no abnormal noise coming from it. but the blue smoke is really given me concern. kindly suggest how to go about solving it.

thanks

Just get another engine , unkazeemised all kazeemed systems in your car , adhere to a good maintenance practice and move on .

FIRSTVINE:
I use the same kind of car.

Suggestion:

1. Get the car serviced with mobile super 1000 engine oil (N5k) and change the filter (N1k)
2. If it continue then ring it or buy half engine(200k) instead of buying full engine.

Point 1 -Flogging already dead horse
Point 2 - Embarking on white elephant project
Pure waste of money and resources.

tensazangetsu20:
That's why you have Google and all data and YouTube. It's always good to research and get more information after scanning a car so you don't just go ahead and swap parts. I googled OPS codes and they all pointed to a faulty alternator.

Even with that ,there are still so many mis- information and mis education online on auto matters .There are nothing as reliable as your own foundation knowledge , training(paid) and experience .Even if you must know ,alldata self get some errors.

AutoMoTech:
More importantly thanks for the feedback. Helps us as techs to also grow Nd learn. Wouldnt have thot a faulty alternator would set an open circuit code for the power steering motor. ECU can be a crazy guy atimes shaaaa.
But i still wonder why would it throw a code for the PSP alone and nothing else?
Kingreign autologic autoelectng trygo any ideas?
Quite interesting I must admit. Thanks for d feedback.

Kindly note that it was the EPS (Electronics power steering ) computer that set the code due to not getting up to the enough threshold voltage for proper operation . Alternator has already packed up and battery power will not be sufficient enough to power the EPS .
Note that for every module operation ,the most important source are the feed voltage and good ground,and below par ,it will start to malfunction .
Finally ,stop putting to much emphasize on codes codes cos it can lead you astray atimes ,endeavour to learn how things works electrically cos codes are mere algorithms and no way for algorithms to cover all aspect of a particular system malfunctions accurately ,you need electrical knowledge to make up for all shortcomings of codes . Electrical is still the foundation of whatever you see as codes or computer algorithms.
for nowadays cars o , electrical control the mechanical and without good electrical knowledge you can only be a part changer.
Electrical has taken over !

bimpet08:
Oga. This is too much nah. I don scan now. Help after all the insults.

Search for autoelect .he is in Abuja.

[quote author=bimpet08 post=79870715]I will go for a scan after work. That has been on my mind after what happened. My bad...I thought it could be resolved without scan because they use that as an advantage here in Abuja. To scan alone, 3k/4k[/quote search for autoelect on nairaland ,he is in Abuja

Seems your vacuum hose has been routed incorrectly and loads of kazeemisation has been added ,find a more sensible mechanic to unkazeemised the car first and scan the car and then check your vacuum hose for leaks and wrong routing .

AutoMoTech:
Personally I believe Nigerian used cars are not the problem. The buyers and their kazeema are the issue here. I have seen naija used cars that run even better than the almighty toks. I have sold a naija used car that never gave an issue. If u see am sef U go think say na toks. If you had carried out your due diligence reading up about the said vehicle, knowing its common faults and all, and also taking along a "trustworthy" automobile technician not our dearly beloved borda Kazeem to inspect the ride (for a small fee), you would have saved yourself the stress of having to spend so much on a money draining project. And then you continued with the same kazeem that was just throwing parts at the car without careful system diagnosis.... baba na double triple wahala be that o. But then sorry about your ordeal sir. That kind car for sweet for project o. Autologic coman carry motor o hehehehe

Carry motor Ke ? Heavily Kazeemised motor not supported for repair except for lab purposes

naphunlimited:
For clarity, people are saying that a Honda civic fuel injector can be used on an Honda accord. Please how possible is that?

If they share the same part number ,it can be used but if not ,you will the alter the stoic air fuel mixture by using the injector that is not designed to be used .
Implications : increase fuel consumption , performance issue , erratic misfire .

Next time you want to buy Nigerian used car ,take a recommended professional mechanic with you to perform a thorough inspection for you ,he might charge you a considerable fee but it will save you a lot in the future as average Nigerian car seller will always want to sell problem not car.
Finally ,not all Nigerian used cars are bad but it takes lot of skill and patience to separate the weeds from the wheat

naphunlimited:
I recently bumped into a Honda babyboy user who said that he is using Honda civic fuel injector nozzles.

Please how possible is this, is there any reparcausion on this? Will the conversion make the car faster or slower? Is the conversion a mechanics work or an electricians job?

Please your comments are welcomed.

You statements are confusing .
Honda Accord baby boy is designed to make use of fuel injector system from factory and so what is the said conversion you are referring to there .

It all about the kazeems .
Car abused by kazeem for previous owner , bought, inspected and certified ok by kazeem to the new owner .Car given to kazeem to maintain by new owner and car finally kazeemised for the new owner .
Flee and run for your dear life if you u ever see a kazeem

Perkins1:
Good day Everyone

I'm about to get a car and the mechanic to help me inspect it said I should ask if THE CAR HAS INDOMIE IN THE EXHAUST.!!!! I asked what is its original name?

That if the indomie has been removed, it means I'll spend more on fuel no matter engine size.

Abeg people of God... Which one be indomie for exhaust again?

Don't expect to get a good functional cat in Nigerian used car ,the quality of our fuel and even bad maintenance culture will destroy it .when checking a Nigerian used car ,look for other tangible things ( rust ,sludge ,bad engine , abused wiring ,etc)
it is better to get a good maintained car without cat than vice versa .
Finally if you must know ,cars made specifically for Nigerian market don't come with cat from factory .

baldwin84:
Can d blockage in evap system b d cause of both problem I sighted.

For the second issue ,you need to give more information .
1. How is the idle condition ( rough or smooth )

kaybaba:
My Toyota Rav 4 2000 model start misbehaving a week ago, i have changed fuel pump, replaced Coil, changed Plugs still has the same issue. he stoped at every 5mins, i need to leave it for another 10 to 15mins to cool down. when i start it in the morning it will move at almost 25mins no stop after that he stoped at interval. Eng. pls what is the solution, i am tired.

At the instant the issue occurs ,check for ignition spark signal and if none ,check your crank/ cam sensor

baldwin84:
Great work u are doing here bro...God bless u

I use Mitsubishi lancer 2004, once d fuel get to half tank d car stop working until I put more fuel. I initially thought d fuel gage was giving wrong information as yo whether d tank is empty until I went to fuel station to fill d tank and it could only contain 3k fuel.

Second problem, when I start early in d morning d accelerator will not respond until it do slow for like 2minute.


thanks in advance

Check for blockage in the evap system

To learn more about the theory and practical effect of cooling system on fuel mileage .You can check this thread .
https://www.nairaland.com/3729134/let-discuss-cooling-system-overheating.
There is a practical experiment in that thread to scientifically prove it(Courtesy of autologic R& D team)

gambus007:
What are the implications? Apart from polluting the environment..

Better performance but slightly ( not significant in some model) increased in fuel mileage cos of no effect of no backpressure on the exhaust.

gambus007:
So if the code is out, does that mean the issue is still there? ..

Yes ,real catalyst still absent .

Nefo:
I was about changing the engine. It would have been a huge mistake but thank God I found someone who told me to wait. Timing belts lasts for about 100,000 miles before they are replaced. Many don't know this. I did more research and found out that late timing can cause the fuel ignition process to go off too soon or too late which can heat up the chamber and cause vehicle to overheat. But this can is heightened when others factors are involved. But I am glad that the whole thing has been fixed. Thereby saving me $$$$ on engine replacement.

Timing belt issue causing overheating ?
Anybody that is telling you this is not getting his fact right cos if timing issue wll cause your car to overheat ,then at that extreme case ,you won't be able to use the engine again .

Pissful1:
Hi NL's, My car is 2007 honda accord, my alternator was faulty so i have changed it but only to find out later the car a/c, wiper,head lights and other electrical's are not working.
I have taken the car to an electrician but he could not fix it, i need a very good auto shop within Warri and Effurun

Can you mention all the full list of all accessories that are not working .I might be able to read into the pattern of the fault .

dicksonadams:
I wanted to know if using a 02 space fixed in and how was the fuel economy after installing

O2 spacer only removed P0420 code and dont expect anything else.

Nefo:
Nothing is wrong with the Engine. The previous mechanic that worked on it, didn't do a very good job. I was angry when they engine started acting up but thankfully I later got another mechanic who resolved most of the problems. The timing was not properly set after it was replaced. It did not cut but was replaced as part of maintenance. Car was also overheating for no reason and instead of identifying the fault, the mechanic went to put the fan on direct blow. The mechanic was also running SAE20W50 oil as against SAE5W20. Very fraudulent. It pays to buy engine oil by yourself and have the mechanic change it.

Please can wrongly set timing cause over heating problems.??

No, there no relationship btw wrongly set timing and overheating .
But why the first mechanic even started opening up the engine in th first instance if it doesn't have maintenance issue caused by the owner cos I can see from all the statement that it the mechanic that is carrying all the blames and also I am yet to see a car that is overheating for no reason