₦airaland Forum

@George_D
Except from a manufacturer that compromise quality, and a generally recalled brand/model/year; I do not believe your theory. It all depends on what, how and where you drive.

@Sultaan
That level of reset is worse in the S Class; you have to tell the ECU what level of glass winding is required; you even have to tell the ECU the level of headlamp setting that is full, even the open roof too - not to talk of calibrating the ESP and Airmatics. You simply have to love the car you drive to cope with its maintenance.

@Sultaan
Actually the ECU is also referred to as the Brainbox; and as a computer engineer, reseting the brainbox means simply zeroing the memory of the brainbox (which is what your OBD tools simply reads and interprete) and at this stage; the brainbox has to re-learn your vehicle.

And about flashing - it means mapping or transferring a predetermined data unto a memory space (Not the same as a reset); and in this case I dont know IF its done or what tools you use for that - I only know of manual DIY after a car's brainbox is reset, you start the car, drive slow, then fast.

My advise on the reset is from experience after wasting money on sensors and nuzzles. We need to understand and consider the fact that the poster is not in the States, or even in Lagos - He is in Port Harcourt - Thats why one has to be as practical as possible in suggestions. Its not that easy or inexpensive to handle autos there.

Anyway, its nice to learn about any vehicle one drives; I just successfully reset my S500's ECU but Im trying to get it in Dyno mode so I can work some magic and get the damn ESP and BAS lights off my dash.

I think he should have his brainbox reset or IF there is a spare he should try it out. The former thread was where he decided to buy the new MAF (If he bought the right one, then it should be okay - except he bought a fake which will explain malfunction after a month).

The noise from the in-tank fuel pump is not the start-up priming noise from what he posted above - Its more of a noise at normal engine running. Well, it wont do any harm if he has it checked out though.

@George_D
Thats from one page; even on that one page you will see someone recommending the car. The way you maintain your car and how you drive matters a lot.

Ive read a review where someone said he would have bought a camel than the 2006 VW Touareg, on the same page another called it the best SUV. I think its personal.

Some people have a website seriously criticizing the Hummer H2 - www.fuh2.com - meanwhile on autos.msn.com you will be shocked at some very serious devotion and high recommendations for that brand/model.

But IF one likes a brand/model, then one should be ready for whatever. I bought a Merc that was showing me Airmatic Errors on the dash, and still went ahead because I simply love the model.

@Sbm4real
There is an online club for lexus owners where people discuss various problems and solutions. That was where I got the MAF idea from and quickly did a test and it pointed to it and then I had it changed BUT kept the replaced one.

The brainbox fix took care of the problem for my car at that time.

The fuel pump worked intermittently and had low pressure and after it was changed the vehicle has been very superb. You should have them check yours for pressure - its important. The toks fuel pump usually costs between 4k and 7k. They will only change the pump and still use the original housing assembly and the original filter that is attached to the pump. I am assuming your car/model has only one fuel pump (usually sitting in the tank)

Also try and find out IF your vehicle has a pre-supply fuel pump (usually located under the driver's seat); it messes up the system when its worn out.

One oil-fouled plug in a 4 Cyl and your ride starts rattling and crawling - Two fouled plugs in a V6 and you are still driving.

The difference is clear.

He said he just bought a brand new one a month ago. The thing is that IF he was in Lagos, he would have gone for toks and bought two units - just in case. It might be worth the try getting another one - BUT Im positive it will be worth it having the brainbox checked.


@Siena
Most Japs. have wiring problems traceable to the brainbox. I once changed MAF (For a Lex) - It was a rough idle problem - the problem continued; based on my internet research, I had the nuzzles serviced, changed those sensors at the throttle body and the other end too - the problem continued until I paid some guy 3k to work on the brainbox. The shaking stopped and he placed the original sensors back and the vehicle works very well till now. (I changed the fuel pump for low pressure last month though)

@Sbmreal
Its a wiring problem; which can be frustrating at times BUT is an easy fix with a good auto wiring person (rewire guy). I would advise you to let the same rewire that helped you change the MAF to change/check the brainbox. If you were in Lagos, I would have advised you have it reset.

If you abandon the car and move to the next one, you will still have to face these kind of issues with regular use. From your posts I remember you had a thread up a while back when you talked about changing the MAF with a new one. Please have them check/reset your brainbox OR change it. Most sensor issues trace back to it.

The thing is that even overseas the electric cars are not such a big craze decause of the speed limits (In most models) and the charging thing. In Nigeria, I personally feel its not realistic.

Imagine if you are on 3rd Mainland heading for Ikeja and there is an accident causing you to be there for hours (like the bus fire days back) - If the car runs out of charge there what would you do?? Carry a gen in your trunk all the time?

The "Green" people should look into countries developing electric trains with their tracks routing city-wide and nation-wide. That is one project that will benefit all.

@Adoniss
That comparism will not make any sense until you narrow it down to two specific models and years of both brands; The reason is because there had been changes in shapes, gadgets, builds and technology in those brands over the years - for some, good and others ugly.

Let's know IF you are contemplating on two alternatives and which models and years. You have to be specific to get any good comparism.

@Sultaan
^^^ Very cool move; it gets easier with a thorough knowledge of one's vehicle

@Jokingmary
The fact is that the coolant is a must for vehicles - Only thing is that it should be applied with the right mixture of water after a complete drainage.

@Chanceman
Very good point. Its as if in Nigeria, they sell per people's view or hype of the vehicle.

You can imagine in Ikeja, there is an 08 Hummer H2 ("Brand new") for 18 Million, Its a very sad case (This is a vehicle that the 2010 costs about $62k). Meanwhile the regular price for a 2010 brand new full option Landcruiser is 13.5 - 14Million (which still makes sense).

The same reason why a 2009 brand new S class costs 23Million in Nigeria - Its crazy.

@George_D
Those sensors are easy to detect errors, diagnose, buy and replace in the Nissans and as you can see the actual costs of those sensors are more of peanuts - hence with regular maintenance, Nissan engines last very long. Some brands are terrible to detect the faulty sensors and even get them, hence the recommendation for complete engine change for those brands.

I think it all comes to what works for you; regular maintenance and parts replacement OR long term quietness then the storm.

Like I said, those are peanuts compared to what it will cost to fix just the airmatics in a Mercedes or a Range Rover and the likes and that engine block's cost is nothing compared to what you will bleed for the Toyota counterpart. Take good care of your highlander  

Toyotas have extremely reliable engines BUT offer very uncomfortable driver's experience in some models.

For me as a person the key thing is the comfort and performance I experience when driving; the cost and maintenance will be worth it. The only danger is not having a clue about the car you drive - Your purse will be more important to your mechanic than the vehicle itself

@Jodeci
That's the whole point; its a very limited (and in my view - angled) review. I will rather hear from owners or read up comments from autos.msn.com before buying.

@Aasog and Chelseabmw
There are some Toyota reviews online that will make you run from that brand.

@Chelseabmw
Its not my best brand though BUT one thing to note is that with the OBD inception, the sensors suddenly got too prone to periodic changes BUT the engines last longer than most manufacturers in the same class. Not very rugged body though, as compared to the German (EU) builds.

@Kunle-A
^^^^^^ You are the man!

@The whole house
Please do not believe all of those things you are seeing; People make money from websites, reviews and comments especially from websites where heavy traffic is anticipated. You have no idea which car lot owner, which manufacturer or group is angling and sponsoring that website. We know nairaland, we know opinion debates are constantly on and there is no financed or sponsored angle, you have no idea what's going on with that website.

Toyota for instance was involved (unofficially) in about 3 Youtube reviews where the Landcruiser was framed to be pulling out a "stuck" hummer H2 in the desert, simply because the middle easterners were going wild over the H2.

What you need to do is to ask people who actually own these vehicles and you will be shocked what you will hear - If you are not talking to an actual owner or a group of actual owners, its 0% credibility.

Try autos.msn.com ; there they mandate people who join for comments to state their brand, model, year and months of usage - even on that site, actual owners dispute comments made by others as comments from people who do not own those vehicles.

That site is posting rubbish as far as I am concerned.

@Ireneann
Its still key you get the right mixture of water and coolant for your vehicle. And avoid those coolants that already leaking; typically in blue plastic bottles - they are simply detergent + water.

@Chanceman
I think the issue with the poster tilts more to the authenticity of the vehicles; being production line brand new or arrangement brand new.

But I think that Mercedes Benz pricing in Nigeria is way off the standards out there. Even for brand new ones.

@George_D
This can happen in any vehicle or even worse. The issue actually is how quickly it is taken care of.

@eriko2k2
Sorry about your BMW; for cars like that (and mot cars generally), its better to be concerned with what you a mechanic uses on them, like the engine oil. The mistake most make is to hand the vehicles over for servicing without being involved.

For me, mobility is key and I invest time in finding out the right spares and kits for my rides.

@Blakkboi
I'm sure they saw you and knew you are a very big boi OR you went with your mechanic who signaled to them as you were getting into the shop

@Eros
Its a global thing. The only way governments try to combat these things is to setup committees and try and get regulations in place. BUT with us humans in these committees and enforcement, it all comes down to efficiency and integrity. I'm sure you know the rest

@Sbm4real
Im assuming that the scanner picked the MAF earlier and you changed it, then the MAF error disappeared. IF the scan doesn't bring back the MAF, then it means your MAF is still okay, then change the things the scan tells you is faulty.

I remember I posted earlier on a thread you created back then that "Grade A" MAF costs about 4k to 6k at Ladipo but I guess it was easier for you or your mechanic to buy the new one in PH for 35k.

If the scan does not pick the MAF, then its NOT faulty.

@eriko2k2
The mileage for oil change is an engine/manufacturer's specification and recommendation; its not an EU or like a state/country regulation thing, Its just what a manufacturer recommends for for the user to enjoy a lasting performance from their brand/model of vehicle. most manufacturers recommend 3,500Miles.

Its a Mercedes Benz S500.

@eriko2k2
I use the Mobil1 on my S500 which calculates on my usage of the vehicle to an oil change and servicing in about 6 months (Service A). The fact is that you cannot generalize these things about engine oils in Nigeria. At Mobil for instance, you buy a Gallon for 7,200 IF they are doing the oil change for you and 7,500 if you are taking it away.

The truth is that the standard/top quality of these things are in Nigeria, just like the sub-standards, this is not just a case with Nigeria, you have these issues in other countries too. You can walk into a shop in Ladipo for instance and they offer you a pack of spark plugs for 1,500 and offer you another for 6,500 - most people go for the cheaper one and end up complaining of fake products. Just the same way you walk into a shop or a petrol station and they tell you a particular gallon and make of engine oil is 2,700 and another is 5,500 while another is 7,500.

So you see, Its relative.

@axeman85
Very true.

If Toyota refers you to anyone in Nigeria, they can cover the vehicle (which you had better register and confirm details with them), it will be like buying off the production line. Anything apart from that puts you in the risk country.

Like the Glory people; Thuraya referred my co. to their rep. in Nigeria - Danasat; we called them and their prices were expensive (about 161k for the base model), then we decided to buy from a local dealer at about 105k only to find out that each time we place a call from a remote location in Nigeria to anywhere in the world we were being billed for calls routing from Germany to their base in the east and back to Germany then to our called number (almost billed triple) - they were simply lines programmed for a specialized service to a group in Germany - and the phones were trade-show 2 weeks used.

So its easier at times to contact manufacturers by email or phone to know who to talk to locally and save yourself a lot of stress.

@sbm4real
Sorry, mine is a QX4 Infiniti, but they generally share a wiring platform. You can get a spare MAF to check also, before the row of sensors.

@Blackkboi
You are right BUT he could have been sold a faulty one. If the price range is the same as I generally assume - 4k to 6k, I will suggest he buys two and get a "guaranty" of at least 3 months from the seller.Its better with the folks at Ladipo.

@Siena
If a code is not stored in the ECU memory, then it wont be there each time you start except that problem keeps showing up after being erased by an erase-capable diagnostic tool.

The tool simply communicates with the ECU to read what it has stored in its memory OR when connected and the vehicle is started and in motion, it keeps communicating with the ECU to read new codes per motion stages/phases.

Nissan/Infiniti is prone to sensor issues. Mine at a time started with P0141 - even got that from my own tool before taking it to a shop. They had them erased and on ignition it came right up - the guy told me to drive off and ignore the lights and after 3 weeks they were 7 of those sensor codes and banks highlighted. I had them all changed and finally SES light hasn't come up ever since.

Like I said, its easier when you sort it now and change the sensors highlighted as a precaution to avoid things getting worse. Its just my experience with Nissan/Infiniti

@Blapo
Good point you have there BUT i think it also has to do with the integrity of the dealership and overall responsibility of Toyota. What would Toyota say for instance if you tell them you need to buy a car from them and you are in Lagos, Nigeria? I think that's a good place to start from.

I know AP will ask you to talk to Polo if you want to buy their wristwatch and you are in Nigeria.