₦airaland Forum

Saving space for more pics.

This ones came of the 2008 Acura RL that I mentioned.

I have noticed a particular trend in the removal and stealing of Catalytic Converters from motor vehicles that are being repaired or parked on display for sale at the car dealers. I have also noticed that this trend has also gone as far as the entry ports like Tin Can Island as well as Cotonou ports.

Being a mechanical engineer and auto technician with training from the UK, it’s hard to believe that unscrupulous elements are removing a vital component that ensures the smooth running of a car engine as well as helping in keeping our environment safe from the Global Warming and saving the planet from an impending disaster.

Since the beginning of this year I have observed that several cars that have come into my workshop here in Abuja have either had the catalytic converter stolen here in Nigeria or removed at the ports. Three of the cars had come directly from Cotonou and have never been to the workshop for any repairs as testified by their owners. One of them, an Acura RL 2008 model had all the catalysts removed and stuffed with burnt out tyre wires. The engine knocked completely as the car was being driven to Abuja.

A catalytic converter is a vehicle emissions control device which converts toxic byproducts of combustion in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine to less toxic substances by way of catalyzed chemical reactions. The specific reactions vary with the type of catalyst installed. Most present-day vehicles that run on petrol are fitted with a “three-way” catalytic converter, so named because it converts the three main pollutants in automobile exhaust fumes: Carbon monoxide, Unburned hydrocarbon and Oxides of nitrogen. The first two undergo catalytic combustion and the last is reduced back to nitrogen.

Many vehicles have a close-coupled catalytic converter located near the engine's exhaust manifold and a secondary converter on the down stream exhaust pipe usually located underneath the car. The unit close to the exhaust manifold heats up quickly and helps in reducing cold-engine emissions by burning off hydrocarbons from the extra-rich mixture used to start a cold engine.

The most plausible reason why your car’s catalytic converter is constantly being targeted by thieves is because the catalyst is made up of a mix of precious metals.

Platinum is the most active catalyst and is widely used in the manufacture of the catalytic converter including Palladium and Rhodium. Copper, Cerium, Manganese and Nickel are also used.

These are very expensive precious metals and are very highly sought in the metal black markets around the world. The average price for the content of a catalytic converter in the metal black market ranges from N2k to N10k. Replacing them could cost between N10k to N150k depending on your car model.

These thieves cleverly remove the converter and completely gut out the honeycomb catalyst element and then replace the emptied shell on the car. This would normally cause a noticeable droning sound as the exhaust blows through the hollowed out catalytic converter which also serves as muffler. Their solution to this problem is to plug up the exhaust pipe with wire nettings from burnt out tyres or simply leave it as it is. It’s possible that you may be driving around in your car without noticing this.

If a catalytic converter is removed, the consequences could possibly lead to: Poor engine performance, Higher fuel consumption MPG, Higher toxic exhaust emissions, Check engine light staying on due to P0420 code and other related codes being detected by the on-board computer.

If your car needs to spend more than a day at the workshop, ensure that your catalytic converter is there before you leave. If you are set to buy a tokunbo car, also check to see if the cat is there.

You can start by checking if yours has been removed by listening to the hollow sound of the exhaust when you rev the car engine. Have the cars put on a lube service pit or raised and examine if there are weldings on the catalytic converter housing. Also gently tap to hear out for hollow sounds. Better still; have it removed for a more thorough physical examination.

Below are pictures that I took.

Car-Doctor.

081-22711058/ 081-62907680

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delaw4u: tanx car doctor
i have this issue again when i put my car into drive the body is shaking my mechanic says its the exhaust that caused it please i need ur advice

More info pls.

What car is this?
What job was done on it recently?


Car-Doctor.

lawalta: Car Doctor,
Please help.
I need help. I have a Kia Rio 2008 (first user) bought from Kia in Nigeria in 2009. still at a mileage just below 30000, I have discovered it jerks, the gear appears not to change automatically as it should. When the car was just about 2 years old and below 15,000. I first noticed the problem, I took it to Kia, since it was still under warranty, it spent about 2 weeks with them, they were unable to detect any issue. I took back my car, since my wife was to start using it for school runs..(that did not happen anyway). I have used a code reader on it before (it detected only one fault, P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal). I have not being able to source that in Nigeria. My wife does not complain (I suppose, because it is her first car, but anytime, I drive the car... It just does not seem right). I took it to a mechanic in Agidimgbi just this past weekend, he drove the car for a bit, and suggested that we need to change the Valve Body, and change some sensors, that he will need to have the car for 2 days, that it will cost me N100k to fix... that the Gear is still good... I dont know what to do... I dont think, I can cough out N100k now... I called Kia about a new Gear, I was told it will cost me N1.6m... I explained, that I bought the car for N1.8m in 2009... how can the Gear be more costly than the Car...? What do I do?

P0717 KIA

P0717 KIA - Input Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Possible causes

- Faulty Transmission Speed Sensor
- Transmission Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted
- Transmission Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

When is the code detected?

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0717 is detected when TCM or ECM receives no signal from the sensor.

Possible symptoms

- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
- Possible shifting problems

The input speed sensor detects the primary pulley revolution speed and sends a signal to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Engine Control Module (ECM).

Check the Transmission Speed Sensor to see if its properly connected and if it is, then it may be faulty. If the gearbox is completely damaged, I would recommend that you change it completely.

Have you tried sourcing the gearbox from Ladipo? I don't know how much a used Tokunbo unit will cost but its worth the effort in trying to find out. Trying to repair it may be uneconomical in the long run.


Car-Doctor.

romityl: My car a manual transmission does not engage gear1 except it nt on motion same ting with gear 3 and gear 5 I dnt realy knw what the matter is it became worst after I changed my upper clutch 2days ago de car has become so disgusting a toyota..

Have you checked your manual gearbox oil yet? Gears 1,3 and 5 could be on the upper chamber of the gearbox where there may not be enough oil to lubricate the synchromesh gears. As you can see that the odd numbers are the ones affected.

Car-Doctor.

Boy2boy: Make Toyota
Model Corrola XLi
Year 2004
Engine size 1.6L
Mileage 8,943.6km


The issue is that it jerks whenever I try to move faster irrespective of gear positn (manual). I got it scanned and I obtained the following trouble codes;
P0325
P1300
P1305
P35
P00

P0325 - engine misfire or circuit problem. Probable cause - Bank 1/single sensor) the Knock sensor 1 is faulty and needs to be replaced. There's wiring short/fault in the sensor.
P1300 - igniter circuit malfunctn.
Other codes don't show result. All accordin to wOBD software with ELM327.
All car's gurus in d house should pls help o.
Thanks all.

I would advise that you clear these codes first and repeat a drive cycle before carrying out a secondary scan.

if you are in Abuja, bring the car to our workshop and I would scan it and help you out with this issue.


Car-Doctor.

This traffic jam still here?

Lawalemi: My Toyota Corolla 2003 sound system (CD Player & Radio) did not come on while the two cell phone charges too refused to power on. Please what could be wrong and what do I need to do?
08036056449

Check your fuses. Simple.

Car-Doctor.

Sunymoore: I found this interesting every time a car is rated. So I said to my self, let me try also with our local cars here, and What I got was 9 seconds. Then I concluded that it's not bad, since bugatti Veron is 2.5 seconds.
So is anybody curious here and also tried it, if so let's share the fun.

0 to 60 what?

KMPH or MPH?


Car-doctor.

rottenegg: Good job Dr but most of us in Lagos would like to know if you can suggest any good mech here for us? my 07 civic d drive indicator just started blinking last night and i'm scared to even turn the car on. i don't know any mech here and i stay at 1004. can anyone help from the house?

Unfortunately we are based in Abuja. Try Automedics or Automaze in Oregun.

Carry out a scan first and post the results here.

Car-Doctor.

delaw4u: Hello car doct
Where do I get the atf for my 03 vw passat and what fluid can I use for the power steering?

YOU can get Golf ATF from any of your local car parts store but I don't know where you are. We are in Abuja though and its quite readily available here. Best equivalent is Dexron 3 from a good manufacturer like Mobil or Oando.

Use Abro or Holt for your power steering.

Car-Doctor.

ReLaTE: Does a faulty brainbox affects gearbox coz my gear is nt selecting well and I was adviced to change my Ecu.

It can but it depends on what type of car that you are using. What's the model and make of your car sir?

Car-Doctor.

awolols: Hey doc. I was scared to death tonight cos I thought my 08 accord would not getme home. Drove down a slope as usual rpm went up but this time VSA and ABS lights came on. Thereafter gears selects only 1. If it manages to go to 2 its with a vigorous jerk. The D light is also blinking. What do you think is the problem?

Did you have work done on your wheels such as brake pad or disc change, suspension work, tyres, etc.? I hope your ABS sensors have not been damaged.

Carry out a full diagnostic scan including the ABS system. lets know what the results are.

Car-Doctor.

Silay: Pls I need to change the ATF for my Nissan Pathfinder 1999/2000 Model. Whats the best ATF for this type of vehincel.

Nissan Matic D or J.


Car-Doctor.

delaw4u: Hello car doctor
wish engine oil can I use to service my volkswagen passat 2003 1.8T engine, and the transmission fluids plus the coolant urgent responces
I need to services my car and where can I get the engine oil the manual says 5W-40 for the engine oil whre do I get or any similar engine oil
Thanks

Mobil 1 should be ok for your car. Make sure that you buy from a Mobil Station because there is a lot of fakes around.

Car-Doctor.

ceetee: Hi. Pls I'm a novice my avalon ATF guage is on minimum &requires genuine toyota ws atf . Where can I get it or its equivalent(total or Mobil) in Abuja. Do u reccommend Mobil 1 synthetic ATF.
It is advisable to top-up with a different brand or do a complete flush? Never changed the ATF before . Thanks

The gearbox in your car is very sensitive to the type of ATF being used in it. The wrong one can severely damage your gearbox. Always use the recommended Toyota WS.

They are readily available here in Abuja but BEWARE of fakes.

Car-Doctor.

[quote author=dan_dollar]Car doctor,
Please wats your opinion on adding additives to honda auto transmission like the lubguard auto transmission fluid protectant? Any adverse effect?[/quote]I don't know what year of manufacture that your Honda is but I still wont advice you to add any additive to your normal gear oil. Always stick to manufacturer's recommendations. It will save you a lot of wahala in the long run.

Car-Doctor.

younglawya: Hello sir
Do you have an office in lagos? If yes where?

Sorry, We are based in Abuja.

Car-Doctor.

kaykay27: Hi,
Please for a 2004 Jetta, what kind of ATF would you recommend?
Used Holts when I changed the gear but I noticed it slips when temperature is high.
Thanks.

Use any good quality synthetic Dexron 3. Avoid Abro and Holt. There's quite a few fake Seahorse ATF in circulation now as Seahorse Dexron 3 is getting quite popular. BEWARE!!!!

Car-Doctor.

urchmanx: Do you fix Mercedes transmission if yes kindly send me your contact I will love to have some talk with you.

We service and repair all modern cars and Mercedes is one of our specialties. Our numbers are below.

Autobrite.

Car-Doctor.

stray800: nyc one doc,read through ur trend and just understood d probs with my car civic 01,it has been cutting off while in motion and had the fuel pump changed several times until yesterday while it cut off in motion yesterday came by ur trend while trying to look for a solution on line,wld have to send for the ATF z1 gear oil from abuja cos what they av here is a red can going and was adviced to go for oando but kicked against the idea apart from ur well researched and documented forum created to assist novice like me,its same on line when i checked on line,thanks so much,keep up ur good work.

Thanks bro. You are always welcome.

Car-Doctor.

[quote author=dan_dollar]Why is my gear stick usually hard to shift from park to reverse, especially in the mornings, but at times moves freely?
Is it normal?[/quote]Check your gear selector spindle at the gearbox. It may be rusty and in need of lubrication. Also check for free movement of the gear selector linkages or cable.

Car-Doctor.

Uncle odi: Car d0ct0r, I just acquired a US used 2004 h0nda. After abt 0ne m0nth, I started hearing an extra s0und when I am in m0ti0n. This s0und usually s0unds like the engine when y0u are driving but 0n A̷̷̴̐͠ higher pitch. I d0nt knw h0w t0 explain this: 0k- imagine y0u are driving a 504 at midnight when the radi0 stati0ns are 0ffline and y0u turn 0n ur radi0, y0u will suddenly n0tice that the radi0 is pr0ducing a s0und c0ming fr0m ur level 0f accelerati0n if y0u match brake it st0ps. That is the kind 0f s0und I hear fr0m my engine when I drive with my radi0 0ff. S0 what c0uld ßε̲̣ the pr0blem?

Car radio interference originates usually in the ignition system, the charging circuit or among electrical accessories. There are several checks you can carry out to trace the source of the interference.

Interference is either radiated - that is, picked up by the aerial - or conducted to the set by its own wiring. Before looking for the source, make sure that the set itself is properly earthed to the car's metal bodywork. Examine the aerial mounting to ensure that it has clean, firm contact with the underside of the bodywork to provide a satisfactory earth connection.

Some interference is fairly easy to identify. A rapid crackling, or a ticking noise, that intensifies with engine speed almost certainly is conducted, from the ignition system - the most common source of interference. The crackling usually originates from the high-tension (HT) side and the ticking from the low-tension (LT) parts.

An alternator that is not fitted with a suppressor will produce a whining sound, rising in pitch as the engine speed increases.

Interference from electrical components such as windscreen wipers, fan heater and direction indicators can be identified immediately. The noise will disappear when the component is switched off.


Car-Doctor.

jcshols: Guys,pls whch ATF can I use for 407 V6?

Carlube Synthetic Dexron 6.

Cuzz: My golf 3 doesnt select gear One again and whenever I put it on drive it wont move bt rather be making noise as i press the trottle,other gears are all ok. Is my gear Box dead?

Your gear 1 clutch fibres are probably burnt. It may require a gearbox overhaul or replacement but have it scanned first.

Car-Doctor.

stanlo300: My Toyota 2004 Camry only select gear 1,2 and 3 only.my mechanic said is electrical fault.pls I need us help

Get your car tranny scanned first.

Car-Doctor.

kulikuli45: I drive a 2007 Camry v6. I recently changed the shaft and since then, the transmission has been having difficulty engaging reverse. Sometimes, it will engage and disengage immediately, while at other tines, it will work well. What could be responsible? Pls advise/assist. Thanks.

Your mechanic probably removed the drive shaft while the gearbox was still hot.

VERY DANGEROUS PROCEDURE.

Its a common mistake that mechanics make. If the drive shaft is removed while the gearbox is hot, cool air gets into the gearbox through the shaft hole rapidly cooling the inside of the gearbox. This causes the temperature sensitive metal components inside the gearbox to contract faster than it normally would. This phenomenon could distort or warp the valve body constricting the space that the plunger valves travel in. The consequences is that transmission fluid would not flow as designed to and valves would not open or shut properly to allow the engagement of gears or the smooth transmission of torque to the wheels.

You might be looking at a new gearbox or an extensive overhaul.

Car-Doctor.

Check to see if your anti-roll bar has been removed or still in position. Some stooopid mechanics remove the stabilizer bar in the belief that it doesn't serve any particular function and I've seen it so many times.

The stabilizer bar is a part of an automobile suspension that helps reduce the body roll of a vehicle during fast cornering or over uneven roads. It connects the left and right wheels together through short lever arms linked by a torsion spring bar. A stabilizer bar increases the suspension's roll stiffness—its resistance to roll in turns, independent of its spring rate in the vertical direction.

A stabilizer bar is intended to force each side of the vehicle to lower, or rise, to similar heights, to reduce the sideways tilting (roll) of the vehicle on curves, sharp corners, or large bumps. With the bar removed, a vehicle's wheels can tilt away by much larger distances causing the car to swerve away from the line of travel.



Car-Doctor.

Koncept: House please i solicit for any helpful info on an average/estimate cost of fixing height control problem on Land Rover Discovery 3 SE (2007model) and the best way to go about it, as i'm planning to buying it off from someone. Also, i would appreciate advice on a possible good price for me to bid the said vehicle as it has covered about 45,000km, body is still okay as well as engine, but for the height control system which i would have to fix after purchasing it. Thanks all.

Hmmm.

It could be anything from N100 to N100,000+ to fix. It depends on the component causing the fault.

A blown fuse
Faulty EAS compressor
Faulty ride height sensors
Faulty bellows (Balloons)
Faulty control module

Carry out a scan first.

Car-Doctor

dsunmade: I have had this problem with my Toyota Avensis 1998 1.6 l manual transmission car for over 3 years with no solution. Every time I drive through a puddle at speed and splash water on the engine, the car jerks and refuses to accelerate for some minutes. I then have to drive slowly and avoid stomping on my throttle. After about 10 minutes, the car is back to normal. If I park it in that state of jerking, in a few hours or by the next morning, it is back to normal.
One day, I made the mistake of stomping on the throttle causing the engine to become over flooded.
Have asked several mechanics and rewires. No one seems to have a clue.

Its obvious that the ignition system gets in contact with water. Water vapour could easily affect your ignition coil or HT leads conductivity. That's why when it dries out, it starts working ok. Make sure that your engine electrical components are water tight and sealed. Don't forget to check the connectors too.

Car-Doctor.

mitwitdot: Please house I drive a manual 1.6 liter 2006 nissan sunny which has served well for 7 years (bought new) recently I hear a very noisy hum when 8 Irive above 75km/hr. I can hardly stand the noise if I engage the fifth gear. I understand manual tyranny are built to last foreever, do I have to change mine? The car has jus clocked about 105000 km.

Change your gearbox. You probably ran it at some stage without enough EP manual transmission oil. No point in overhauling it cos the manual gearbox is not expensive to replace. Last one we changed was around N15k.

Car-Doctor