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Car Talk / Re: Maintenance Tips On Cars. by Gantautos(m): 2:54am On Feb 12, 2020
I think their is some debris inside your engine that needs to be flushed out. Try to see a mechanic soon so it doesn't cause unnecessary damage to your engine.
donshegzy:
Hello house. Thanks for recommending GAZZUZ for the Mobil Oil.

I noticed that while driving, my RX330 2006 gives off a rattling sound like stones in a plastic jar whenever I veer right.

What do you think could be the cause of this noise?
Car Talk / Re: Maintenance Tips On Cars. by Gantautos(m): 2:50am On Feb 12, 2020
Just wanted to ask if anyone knows of a good and cheap OBD scanner to buy
GAZZUZZ:
What is OBD-II?

On-Board Diagnostic systems are in most cars and light trucks on the road today. During the '70s and early 1980's manufacturers started using electronic means to control engine functions and diagnose engine problems. This was primarily to meet EPA emission standards. Through the years on-board diagnostic systems have become more sophisticated. OBD-II, a new standard introduced in the mid-'90s, provides almost complete engine control and also monitors parts of the chassis, body and accessory devices, as well as the diagnostic control network of the car.


Where'd it come from?

To combat its smog problem in the LA basin, the State of California started requiring emission control systems on 1966 model cars. The federal government extended these controls nationwide in 1968.

Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1970 and established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This started a series of graduated emission standards and requirements for maintenance of vehicles for extended periods of time. To meet these standards, manufacturers turned to electronically controlled fuel feed and ignition systems. Sensors measured engine performance and adjusted the systems to provide minimum pollution. These sensors were also accessed to provide early diagnostic assistance.

At first there were few standards and each manufacturer had their own systems and signals. In 1988, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) set a standard connector plug and set of diagnostic test signals. The EPA adapted most of their standards from the SAE on-board diagnostic programs and recommendations. OBD-II is an expanded set of standards and practices developed by SAE and adopted by the EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) for implementation by January 1, 1996.


Why do we need it?

The Environmental Protection Agency has been charged with reducing "mobile emissions" from cars and trucks and given the power to require manufacturers to build cars which meet increasingly stiff emissions standards. The manufacturers must further maintain the emission standards of the cars for the useful life of the vehicle. OBD-II provides a universal inspection and diagnosis method to be sure the car is performing to OEM standards. While there is argument as to the exact standards and methodology employed, the fact is there is a need to reduce vehicle emitted pollution levels in our cities, and we have to live with these requirements.


Does my car have OBD-II?

All cars built since January 1, 1996 have OBD-II systems. Manufacturers started incorporating OBD-II in various models as early as 1994. Some early OBD-II cars were not 100% compliant.

There are five basic OBD-II protocols in use, each with minor variations on the communication pattern between the on-board diagnostic computer and the scanner console or tool. While there have been some manufacturer changes between protocols in the past few years, as a rule of thumb, Chrysler products and all European and most Asian imports use ISO 9141 circuitry or KWP2000. GM cars and light trucks use SAE J1850 VPW (Variable Pulse Width Modulation), and Fords use SAE J1850 PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) communication patterns. CAN is the newest protocol added to the OBD-II specification, and it is mandated for all 2008 and newer model years.

You may also tell which protocol is used on a specific automobile by examining the connector socket carefully. If the dash connector has a pin in the #7 position and no pin at #2 or #10, then the car has the ISO 9141 protocol or KWP2000. If no pin is present in the #7 position, the car uses an SAE protocol. If there are pins in positions #7 and #2 and/or #10, the car may use the ISO protocol. The CAN protocol uses pins #6 and #14.

While there are OBD-II electrical connection protocols, the command set is fixed according to the SAE J1979 standard.


How do we measure OBD-II output?

Pre-OBD-II cars had connectors in various positions under the dashboard and under the hood. All OBD-II cars have a connector located in the passenger compartment easily accessible from the driver's seat. Check under the dash or behind or near the ashtray. A cable is plugged into the OBD-II J1962 connector and connected to AutoTap or another scan tool. AutoTap is available in PC/laptop. Other scantools on the market range from simple hand-held meters that display trouble codes, up to a large console computer-based unit costing thousands of dollars.


What good does it do to measure OBD-II output?

OBD-II signals are most often sought in response to a "Check Engine Light" appearing on the dashboard or driveability problems experienced with the vehicle. The data provided by OBD-II can often pinpoint the specific component that has malfunctioned, saving substantial time and cost compared to guess-and-replace repairs. Scanning OBD-II signals can also provide valuable information on the condition of a used car purchase.


Tell me about that "Check Engine Light".

The service industry calls the Check Engine light on your dash an "MIL" or Malfunction Indicator Light. It shows three different types of signals. Occasional flashes show momentary malfunctions. It stays on if the problem is of a more serious nature, affecting the emissions output or safety of the vehicle. A constantly flashing MIL is a sign of a major problem which can cause serious damage if the engine is not stopped immediately. In all cases a "freeze frame" of all sensor readings at the time is recorded in the central computer of the vehicle.

Hard failure signals caused by serious problems will cause the MIL to stay on any time the car is running until the problem is repaired and the MIL reset. Intermittent failures cause the MIL to light momentarily and they often go out before the problem is located. The freeze frame of the car's condition captured in the computer at the time of the malfunction can be very valuable in diagnosing these intermittent problems. However, in some cases if the car completes three driving cycles without a re-occurrence of the problem, the freeze frame will be erased.

OBD-II and your car's health

Because of their investment in the equipment required, most repair shops charge a fee, some-times substantial, to attach the scanning equipment and diagnose problems using the OBD-II system signals. Home mechanics and small shop technicians have been restricted from working with these signals by the cost and technical complexity of the equipment. With the introduction of more economical and user friendly scanning devices, it is now practical for almost anyone to access OBD-II signals and use them for their own testing and repairs.

Scanners vary greatly in their complexity. The best connect easily and use software to quickly and automatically call up the OBD-II information. A system connecting to a laptop or desktop computer provides expanded memory for data and a graphing utility.


Proprietary Sensor Readings

Though not part of the EPA's OBD II standard, the diagnostic read-outs used by dealership technicians are also read through the OBD II connector. These service codes show you such things as knock sensor operation, FI pulse width, ignition voltage, individual cylinder misfires, transmission shift points and ABS brake condition.  There can be over 300 readings available, depending on the vehicle manufacturer and model. Vehicles vary in the readings they will support. Scanners vary widely in the number of these signals that they can read.  Some show just the basic OBD or OBD II signals, others show the full range of service codes.


OBD-II and performance tuning

While the vast number of drivers want nothing more than dependable, economical transportation, many of us are looking to OBD-II for extra performance. Earlier on-board computer systems had chips that could be replaced to adjust engine parameters for extra speed and power. While the OBD-II systems are sealed and do not allow chip replacement, they do provide a real time data acquisition system that is useful to tuners.

Power loaders can actually reprogram the performance parameters of the OBD-II system to accommodate performance options. At the current time the number of models they can service is limited, but the range is being extended. Be sure the person doing your reprogramming keeps the car in compliance with EPA emission standards. As aftermarket manufacturers develop additional solutions, we will add their information to our links.

http://www.obdii.com
Car Talk / Re: Most Common Engine Problems by Gantautos(m): 8:12pm On Feb 03, 2020
Lucid1:



Thanks Gee, I'll try the bolded first. Thanks again
You are welcome
Car Talk / Re: Most Common Engine Problems by Gantautos(m): 3:16am On Feb 03, 2020
The reason might just be as simple as your engine idle been to low to fully power the AC because when a Car AC is turned on, it puts a a lot of load on the engine which powers the compressor. So during the period when the AC is on, the engine is put under a load by the AC system. Then the car’s computer automatically attempts to compensate for that by adjusting the idle.

Another reason might be during AC use, If there is carbon buildup within any part of the system, including the idle air control valve, throttle body, or possibly even the EGR valve, it can cause surging. The car’s computer essentially miscalculates the amount of power necessary, and ends up overshooting, leading to a surging or unstable engine.

Thirdly, any problem with the AC system can also exacerbate or worsen this condition. For instance, if the system is low on refrigerant, the compressor will kick on more often, causing the surging to increase in frequency (if not in intensity). These conditions are:
1. Low refrigerant in the AC system
2. Failing AC compressor
3. Bad AC cycling switch
4. Overfilled AC system.

So have your mechanic increase your car idle speed first and observe if their is a positive change before you look at other options listed above.
Lucid1:
Why does AC make my engine unstable?

The AC works well but it seems to be weighing down on the engine. What's up with that? Corolla 2006

1 Like

Car Talk / Re: 5 Best Car Blogs In Nigeria by Gantautos(m): 5:50pm On Feb 02, 2020
Try www.gantautos.com.ng
carlova:
Here are the 5 top car blogs in Nigeria. This list is compiled based on interface, image quality and content quality.

[url]WWW.AUTOJOSH.COM[/url]: This is a blog anyone will fall in love with at first sight. Its clean layout, sharp graphics and educative content makes it an easy sell. The most amazing thing about this blog is they seem to understand where the shoe pinches prospective and existing car owners in Nigeria as they constantly create contents that entertains whilst educating every Nigerian.

It is also impressive that they published articles which exposes the scams employed by Nigerian car dealers to swindle car buyers. Other services they render is as follows: Free VIN check, car diagnostics scan, vehicle import through USA auctions and a portal for checking the Nigeria Customs import duty for over 5,000 cars in Nigeria.

[url]WWW.AUTOMEDICSAFRICA.COM[/url]: Automedics is undoubtedly a force to recon with in the automobile industry as they represent a one stop platform for all your car needs. Their blog is focused on the mechanical and technical aspect of cars as they have a fully dedicated auto repair shop at LTV 8 Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos with specialists for virtually all car brands.

They also provide services like car scan, auto consultancy and repair as well as online and in-class training for prospective auto repair specialists. Furthermore, some of their articles are published in the newspapers and some their training facilitators give brief automobile tips on the radio. Automedics is over qualified to be the number one car blog, however, inconsistent updates to their blog has brought them to the second spot.

[url]WWW.NAIJACARLOVERS.COM[/url]: This blog is respected as one of the first in Nigeria as they commenced blogging since 2014. The brain behind Naijacarlovers is Mr Adrian Egonu who has gathered so much experience and has become well connected in the automobile arena. With over 1,100 posts, this blog has the highest number of posts in the automobile blogging sphere.

If you are interested in foreign car news with a rich blend of local content, this blog will not disappoint you. They also have a robust Facebook group where you can get more car news from Naija Car Lovers as well as other 232,000 members of the group. Their news are centered around happenings in the automobile industry that relates to our day to day lives.

[url]WWW.AUTOFACTORNG..COM.NG[/url]: The concept of AutofactorNG is to provide all automotive shopping needs 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. They have variety of items for sale which ranges from car parts and accessories to batteries and additives.

Based on the nature of their business, their blog is focused on vehicle maintenance, driving and safety tips.

[url]WWW.SUPERCARSOFNIGERIA..COM.NG[/url]: The name of this car blog probably speaks for itself as the Chief Publisher is obviously in love with aesthetics. This is an excellent platform for Nigerians who want to see the high-end exotic and sport cars. A click on their Instagram page will leave you speechless as lavish cars are displayed like pure water.

We are currently in 2016 but Super Car of Nigeria has started talking about 2017 cars. Some of these cars are still in the production stage while some others are already on our Nigerian roads. The fascinating thing is that this blog gives Nigerians a glimpse of these cars on Nigerian roads which informs the outside world how buoyant we are as a nation whilst motivating upcoming Nigerians that we shall all get there.

Cc
Lalasticlala
Ishilove
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Obinoscopy
Car Talk / Re: Most Common Engine Problems by Gantautos(m): 3:06am On Feb 02, 2020
The reason might just be as simple as your engine idle been to low to fully power the AC because when a Car AC is turned on, it puts a a lot of load on the engine which powers the compressor. So during the period when the AC is on, the engine is put under a load by the AC system. Then the car’s computer automatically attempts to compensate for that by adjusting the idle.

Another reason might be during AC use, If there is carbon buildup within any part of the system, including the idle air control valve, throttle body, or possibly even the EGR valve, it can cause surging. The car’s computer essentially miscalculates the amount of power necessary, and ends up overshooting, leading to a surging or unstable engine.

Thirdly, any problem with the AC system can also exacerbate or worsen this condition. For instance, if the system is low on refrigerant, the compressor will kick on more often, causing the surging to increase in frequency (if not in intensity). These conditions are:
1. Low refrigerant in the AC system
2. Failing AC compressor
3. Bad AC cycling switch
4. Overfilled AC system.

So have your mechanic increase your car idle speed first and observe if their is a positive change before you look at other options listed above.

1 Like 1 Share

Car Talk / Most Common Engine Problems by Gantautos(m): 10:50pm On Feb 01, 2020
The engine as we all know is the heart of any functioning vehicle. The aspect of looking after and running a vehicle is something that can't be compromised. Taking care of your engine is a must to ensure that the engine is healthy and runs smoothly.

Engine failures may cause your car to stop for good. As long as it is maintained well, you don’t need to be tensed. If your engine develops a fault, it is always not easy diagnosing the fault and could be even harder to repair.

Not all engine problems are serious and can be remedied relatively quickly, but all of them can cause engine breakdowns and, in the worst-case scenarios, require a brand-new engine.

Take a look at some of the most common engine problems:

Poor Lubrication

The engines comprises of so many moving parts and it is very vital that those part are lubricated. A lack of lubrication of the the moving parts will cause unnecessary friction inside the engine, leading to overheating and worse still, the engine seizing up. Make sure that you get your vehicle periodically serviced, which includes a regular oil change to keep quantities at an appropriate level.


Damaged Oxygen Sensors

Oxygen sensors are one very important component on a modern vehicle's engine management system. Oxygen sensors are responsible for monitoring the air fuel mixture of the engine. The readings from the oxygen sensors affect important engine functions such as timing and air fuel mixture. An inaccurate oxygen sensor is dangerous not only for your engine but for the rest of the car too. If the sensor does not give your car the right data about how much oxygen remains in the exhaust and how much fuel is in the petrol/diesel tank, you run the risk of inefficiencies with your driving, wasting lots of money in the long run.

Symptoms of a Faulty oxygen sensor are:

Decreased engine performance
Decreased fuel efficiency
Rough idle
Engine misfires

A faulty oxygen sensor, usually sets off a check engine light; specifying which sensor on what bank has failed.


Failing oil pump

The failure of an oil pump is extremely serious for the lifespan of any engine. If an oil pump fails it will almost certainly starve the engine of necessary lubrication. Always ensure that the engine oil you use in your engine is of a genuine viscosity, making it light enough to flow fast through the pump.

Bad Catalytic Converter

The Catalytic converter is a component that is mounted in the exhaust pipe that warms up the exhaust to an operating temperature of 260-649 degrees Celsius to convert the dirt in the exhaust to water vapour and carbon dioxide. The Catalyst inside comprises of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium or palladium. Failure of the catalyst to burn off the unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust; an unpleasant odour can occur and a rough run or misfire maybe felt. A bad catalytic Converter may trigger a check engine light.

Inadequate fuel and air compression

Poor compression of both fuel and air inside a car engine is a recipe for disaster. The most common reasons for poor engine combustion is due to broken valve seals, holes within cylinders and overused piston rings, forcing air to leak out.


Faulty Ignition Coil

Ignition coils are components that transform low voltage electrical power 12 volts D.C. to high voltage current to about 50,000 volts D.C. or more. Electrical signals are received by the spark plugs from the ignition coil through the vehicle's computer and then the sparks generated by the spark plugs ignites the fuel and air mixture in the engine that enables the engine to start and run.

Ignition coil gives a sign it is failing when no spark is present to ignite the air and fuel mixture, causing a misfire. A faulty ignition coil causes the engine to stall or idle abruptly and can damage the engine or catalytic converter.


Failing Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are designed to ignite the compressed fuel in the engine of your car. An aged spark plug creates a weak ignition and can stop an engine from turning over i.e. misfiring. This is another issue that results in inefficient fuel economy and can also cause serious long-term damage to the engine.

Oil deposits and debris

Dirty oil has the propensity to leave deposits and debris on engine fittings such as intake valves and spark plugs, not to mention combustion chambers. As part of a periodic service at your local garage, they will regularly clean your engine’s oil filters to avoid debris becoming lodged within your vehicle’s bearings.

Bad Thermostat

A thermostat is part of the cooling system that regulates the temperature of the coolants in the engine. The thermostat is a metal valve that has a temperature sensor built in. it can either be closed or open. When the thermostat is closed, it keeps the coolant in the engine. When the engine gets to a predetermined temperature; the thermostat opens allowing coolant to circulate.

So, the circulation of coolant prevents the engine from overheating, and if the thermostat fails to open, the engine will overheat. If the thermostat fails to close, the engine may never reach the optimal operating operating temperature (about 104 degrees Celsius). The Thermostat is one of the most common component in the cooling system to fail, causing the car to overheat.

Engine problems are always around the corner and you should always carry out regularly maintenance to keep your vehicle in optimal working condition.

Learn More from the source below:
Source: https://gantautos.com.ng/2020/02/01/most-common-engine-problems/

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Car Talk / History And All You Need To Know About The Toyota Camry by Gantautos(m): 12:51am On Feb 01, 2020
The Toyota Camry has outsold every other sedan in the world for over 18 years in a row. It's proven as addictive as any popular Netflix series, and people continue to rely on this reliable performer year after year. The Camry evolved extensively over its 37 years. From its arrival in 1983 until today, we've seen every iteration of a Camry short of a stretch limo. The second generation Camry added a wagon. In 1994, a coupe model was launched to increase sporty-appeal. In 1999, the Camry dropped its roof and let loose with the convertible Camry Solara. Today you'll find the Camry name competing in NASCAR, or roaming the streets adorned with TRD badges and packing a whooping 301-hp. Here's a closer look at how this all too familiar vehicle changed throughout its existence.

1983–1986: First Generation (V10)
Launched late in the 1983 model year, the Camry served as a replacement for the Corona. That compact sedan, along with its smaller sibling, the Corolla, had helped Toyota become the top-selling import brand in the United States in the mid-1970s. Toyota used a new name, Camry—derived from the Japanese word kanmuri, meaning “crown”—to differentiate this new front-wheel-drive four-door sedan from the rear-wheel-drive model it replaced. The company considered its newest creation its first true entry into the compact-car segment, positioning the Camry against vehicles such as the Chevrolet Citation, Ford Tempo, Chrysler’s K-cars, and, of course, the Honda Accord that would go on to become the Camry’s closest rival.

Available in both sedan and liftback body styles, the first-generation Toyota Camry measures 175.6 inches long (for some perspective, that’s 16.5 inches shorter than today’s Camry XLE). It was initially offered with a 2.0-liter fuel-injected single-overhead-cam inline-four engine producing 92 horsepower, mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. A turbo-diesel was added later in the model’s run, but was only a small percentage of total sales. More spacious than the Corona, the Camry quickly gained a hold in the U.S. market, winning over buyers with its comfortable ride and trouble-free reliability.

1987–1991: Second Generation (V20)
Four short years after the first Camry was introduced, Toyota launched a second-generation model for 1987.In 1988, Toyota opened a new production facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, to build Camrys for the North American market. The new model boasted more interior space and more variety in the lineup. Although its wheelbase is the same as the first-generation Camry’s, the new car is longer and wider and has a larger trunk. Its more rounded lines also make for better aerodynamics, although the rectilinear three-box-sedan profile remained. A new wagon spinoff used the same 16-valve 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the sedan; its new engine offered 20 more horsepower than before, for a total of 112 hp.

1992–1996: Third Generation (XV10)
The third-generation Camry that launched for 1992 marked a turning point in the car’s history. For the first time, the American Camry was differentiated from global markets’ versions and used a new wide-body configuration that elevated it from the compact class to the mid-size category. About six inches longer and two inches wider than before, it offered more interior space to go along with its more stylish, curved body lines. The sedan and wagon variants offered two new, more powerful engines: a 2.2-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V-6.

In 1994, Toyota launched a two-door Camry coupe. With the same overall dimensions as the sedan (other than its 0.2-inch-shorter height), it used the same four-cylinder and V-6 engines and was intended as a sportier choice, especially in the racier SE V-6 trim level that was also offered for the sedan. The Camry also received a lighter aluminum-block V-6 with 188 horsepower and improved fuel economy.

1997–2001: Fourth Generation (XV20)
The fourth-generation Camry became even more U.S.-centric as Toyota’s Ann Arbor, Michigan, engineering facility was responsible for half of the car’s development. The automaker’s Japan home base picked up the other half of the engineering load. Larger than before, with a two-inch wheelbase stretch, this Camry was nonetheless slightly lighter and less expensive than its predecessor. The two engines, a 2.2-liter inline-four and a 3.0-liter V-6, carried over but with a bit more power for totals of 133 and 194 horsepower.

Solara Flares
Reflecting trends in the mid-size segment, the wagon version was dropped for the U.S. market, and the coupe took a hiatus for 1997 and 1998 until the Camry Solara two-door picked up where it left off for the 1999 model year. With its new name and more clearly differentiated styling, the new coupe looked less staid but otherwise shared its mechanicals with the Camry sedan. For 2000, the Solara gained a topless variant. The four-seat convertible set its sights on the popular droptop version of the Chrysler Sebring.

See more detailed history from the source below
Source: http://gantautos.com.ng/2020/01/28/toyota-camry-facts-history-and-all-you-need-to-know/

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