₦airaland Forum

based on what i always read here, the most claimed faulty part is the ECU and the Fuel Pump

we have talked about the ECU/ aka Brain Box

today am going to talk about the Fuel Pump, always blamed for failing the car when the actual problem would be something else

the Fuel injection of a car is not that simple, you can not blame the pump without even checking the fuel pressure and the fuel pressure regulator working properly

each car has its own specic fuel pressure measurement measured in psi and this is controlled by the fuel pressure regulator

in simple terms never changed it without checking the pressure and checking whether that the pressure regulator is working properly

if your mechanics says the pump is weak ask him/her what measurement did s/he get and ask him/her the recommended from manufacturer


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9QlOiovQxM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kub3q1-YNZA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeMtqf-sfEo

Ikenna351: Very helpful.

The writer said Euro spec cars have only their headlights and/or rear side light off with DRL. But the writer forgot that all Peugeots (if am not mistaken) with Daylight Running Lights have headlights, front side lights and rear park lights on too.


Ikenna

any new car manufactured from 2008 and onwards now have DRL they can be in two working pattern

1 they turn on the moment you turn your key to postion number one but they shouldnt be bright like the main head lights and they switch off the moment you turn on the side lights or headlights

2 they turn on the moment you turn your key to postion number one but they shouldnt be bright like the main head lights AND they become a bit dim when you turn of the headlights from a distance it looks like only the headlights are on but when you look closer you will see that the head and DRL are on but they are on the same density of brightness .

with tints at the back you can the dvd player and also the player can be zip up like in the second picture

finished installing headrest dvd players there are independant from the fron dvd player and both can plays independantly

Installed headrest dvd players today, left with hooking the power to them and thinking twice whether to hook the audio output to radio at the front. Will get my power from the radio connection let my positive run under need the carpet and pop out from under the two front seat and then connection to players from there
Pictures will follow soon

NOIBMUUL: Please guys, I need your help on this one.

The TIMER of my car engine is JUMPING. What could be responsible? My VW Passat (2000 model) with manual transmission has developed this problem. Please what could be responsible and what is the solution?

Thanks

Do you mean timing belt ?

Dis Guy: ^^ no practical driving test in nigeria- just get a tutor,get a note from him/her and apply for a licence, or just get a car and drive

there's only one licence category- no learner permit or anything like that-

https://www.nairaland.com/1136736/how-did-learn-drive

am i missing something here ?

when you say apply in your terms what do you mean

in my terms it means two things based on two counntries in zimbabwe you sit for a theory test to pass and your are given a leaners licence with that you are allowed to drive supervised by someone who has a licence already, with that leaners licence your got two options, go to a driving school or be taught by friends relative etc, whenever you are ready then go for a practical test drive, you book with relevent government authority then you go for test with government offical s/he marks your driving based on instructions given during the driving, if you pass thats when your get your licence the leaners licence is valid for a certain period unfortunately i have forgot the periods

here in UK you 1st apply for the leaners licence, from there, just like zimbabwe you are allowed to drive supervised a by someone who has a full licence already but who had the licence for 3 years and more, you must pass the theory test 1st for you to be able to book the practical test (the theory test is valid for 2 years if two years passes without you passing the practical test you have to sit for the theory again to be able to take a practical road test) practical test is booked with the relevent government authority, takes your for test drive if you pass you become full licenced driver

sultaan: Yeah the "graduate" word is a little to strong, he just went through driving school, but in a place where people graduate from Sunday School we'll let this one fly.

I don't know why a driving school will not get you through obtaining your license that should be your final exam!

Now if you did everything and have your license, you are good to go. All you need now is experience which comes over time not miles you want to drive like fast and furious that is a different driving course

so he is trying to say he got a leaners licence and wants to practise more to gain confident and experience for the practical driving test ?

johnny2013: Yes, exactly. This is what he meant. His explanation is that the thermostat help heat up their car engine over there by switching off so that the engine does not freeze because of snow, that in Nigeria where we constantly have hot weather, the fan needs to be constantly working..
I appropriate you all. If there is any further thing to inform me about, let me know please.
Thanks alot

he is wrong

anti freeze or coolant is that one that prevents freezing

am in UK on a bad practise you can ignore your mixture radio of your coolant in summer becoz temperatures dont freeze during the night and morning but in winter you have to make sure that your coolant/anti freeze has the correction ratio mix (if there is more water it is likely to freeze with low temperatures) therefor your motor would hard to start in the morning

this got nothing to do with radiator fan or thermostat

the job of the thermostat is to trap water inside the engine untill it reaches operating temperature that help in burning fuel effieciently giving you more mileage per gallon so if you take the thermostat the engine will never reach temperatures that helps in burning fuel effieciently therefore you gas mileage is low

in simple terms a wet cloth that has a mixture of water and kerosene needs more heat to be light and compared a one that has kerosene only so in cars if the engine is cold it will use more fuel since the walls of the engine are cold and are not helping in burning the fuel but if the temperature is maintained by the thermostat (85 - 96 depending on each car) the walls of the engine are hot and helping in burning the fuel therefore less fuel is needed becoz even with smalliest amount fuel is able to burn since the hot walls of the engine are hot

it is ther job of the anti freeze/coolant to stop freezing of coolant in the car

Ola def2: don't try to ridicule me, ur post shows u're not even a Nigerian so you are far from understanding what I mean , pls back off! , I need some kind of positive comment from my brothers in lagos and those that have en route V I, ikoyi, lekki, aja very well ' , did I mention zimbabwe

please dont read between the lines

read the whole post and you will understand what i have said

i talked of two systems that i know, all you needed was to explain how your system works in nigeria

Ola def2: Help! I Want to Improve My Driving Skills -
I've already graduated from drivers school I've even acquired my drivers license is just my new job that won't allow me to have access to veichle but I will like to hookup with anybody living around lagos that can be taking me out every weekend with his or her own car, I wouldn't mind even if its going to attract some extra pay!
Thanks
Let hear from you.

i dont know how things work in nigeria but matters is being tested and pass the relevent government authourity to say you are now a full licenced to drive a car

as far a i know you dont graudate from a driving school but they teach how to drive, when you are confident and your instructor is confident with you then your book your driving test where you get passed or failed by the government authority

unless if you are saying you just passed getting your learners licence, like back home in zimbabwe you sit for a theory test to have the leaners licence whereas here you UK you just apply for leaners licence and you get the leaners licence and start learning to drive but to get a full licence you sit for a theory test without that test you can not book a practical, if you pass the practical test then you are full licence holder

i assume that you a leaner driver trying to gain confidence and experience

all you need is a breal when doing a long journey stop and work at the service station etc

just like in any work you take 10 - 2 hours break the same rules apply to driving

there is the little video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avbk42I9QAI&feature=youtu.be

lomomike: Zim drill, pls upload a pix or a video of that CR-V pls. I'm dying to see that car.

ok i will take a video and pictures.


Video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avbk42I9QAI&feature=youtu.be

i call my call the bus, honda cr v

changed rear brakes shoes
changed front drops links
changed plugs
changed gearbox and diff oil
tinted the rear window (limo tint)
installed a rear view camera
installed parking sensor
installed a remote start
installed two types of day light running 1st set run around the edge of headlights like the ones from new audis (they turn on when key is in 1st position and switch off if i turn on sidelights or headlights) these are all LEDs
2nd set are inside the bottom part of the bumper (they turn on together with sides lights) they stay on even when i switch on headlights

upgraded my stereo, speakers added a sub woofer
left with putting Exenon HID conversion kit

but it wont stop here

abokinama: Please I need contact for somebody that knows how to resolve such issues. The car is for my dad in ph. The fuses were severely tampered with, with rewire, etc, now car wont start. Local electricians say its "brainbox". I dont trust them. Just need some competent electrician to confirm before I go searching for another brainbox. Appreciate the help.

you to tell us what was the actual problem with car before the fuses were tempered with

also we need to know which fuses bay did he temper with on average cars have two fuse bays engine and the one inside the all those need to be checked

after that go to relays

but a simple scan would also narrow your problem

hermes_progidy: Nairalanders I need your help o.. save me before Lagos mechanics kill me

I have an Audi A4 six cylinder sedan (i bought this car in 2011) shortly after i bought the car, it started giving me the following problems

- the car's speedometer ends at 260km/h but my car cannot go beyond 160km/h
- If i go beyond 120 km/h the car starts to overheat
- the latest problem now is that the overheating has gone so bad that the engine cannot run for 2 mins (idle) without overheating.

I have changed engine, fans, radiator, thermostat, spark plugs, sensors etc.. Summarily, i have spent a fortune trying to put this car to what it should be. I love this car, and i never flex am reach (pls don't suggest i sell it )

What could be causing these problems? can anyone refer me to any credible diagnostic center (because those ones sef don follow wack my money ) or have you had a similar experience? please let me know.

be clear on this

I have changed engine, fans, radiator, thermostat, spark plugs, sensors etc..

do you mean you have changed the engine or you mean you changed the engine's fan radiator, thermostat, spark plugs

Siena: From what the OP's posted, the new fuel delivery unit's fine. The gauge reads fine when the float arm is lifted and released manually, when the unit is out of the tank. So it's a float fouling issue.

the check the angle of float compare it with the old one

mxxpunkxx!:
Just changed my fuel pump after it failed. Had to get the complete unit
I have gas at half-tank full, but right now, the fuel gauge on the dashboard is showing Zero (empty with the light on)
Had to call an auto-electrician, who brought it out and tested it by moving the floater up and down
It was registering on the dashboard, but when we fixed it back inside the tank and cover it, it wont register any reading.
OK, I topped with 20 litres of gas just to be sure, the same thing.
But when we bring it outside the fuel tank and test it, it works perfectly.
Just confused.

ask your auto electrican to do this put back the old pump and see if it gauges reads fine if it does it tells you twon things 1 the wires from the pump connection to the dashboard gauge are fine 2 the new pump fuel gauge is faulty

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.

they might be bearings on the wheels

a damaged plug can cause that, etc the list is endless

start by checking the plugs, then the coil pack/s, the leads if it has them

also scan the car

and also change the mechanic when they say the engine is weak what do they mean and also as them what causes the engine to be weak ?

every car has an idle speed and am sure it should be below 1 aka 1000 rpm but it doesnt mean it is the same for every car same idle at 650 some at 700 etc

Siena: ^^^Zim, I would leave your reverse camera hooked up to your reverse light switch, which is how it should be. Having the display permanently displaying images whilst driving will provide an unwelcome (and dare I say dangerous) distraction.

Very different to your rear view mirror.

it wouldnt be permanently ON forgot to say that new 12 volts feed will have a switch on the dashboard, for it to be on the switch should be ON

Siena: I've always seen Nigerians as being really sharp, but reading this...

After replacing the ECU 4 times, and no results, what does that tell you?

There are different scenarios here:

01) The replacement ECU's look physically the same, but have different part numbers (non-compatible).
02) The replacement ECU's are ALL faulty (not very likely).
03) The non-start issue is external to the ECU.
04) The replacement ECU's ALL have immobilisers that need re-coding to the ignition key of the recipient car.
05) The "mechanic" doesn't know his own ársehole from a hole in the ground (most likely).

I would suggest you your friend gets his car to a REAL qualified gararge to get your his car diagnosed properly, rather than keep throwing parts at it. Pay good money, and sort this out. Stop cutting corners, and using phoney mechanics to destroy your car, just because they're cheap.

I marvel at the way engines are swapped (usually with a much older one from a different manufacturer) just because some moronic "mechanic" is too thick, lazy and brain-dead to diagnose a simple fault.

I'm willing to bet the non-start issue is NOTHING to do with the ECU, or your mechanic is just throwing random ECU's at it. Just because ECU's look the same, doesn't make them compatible in ANY way.

i was talking about it with a nija friend yesterday, most mechanic in africa are scarred or lazy to move with times as in getting to know car's electronically by getting the simplest OBDII tools and being able to identify the problem as electronic or mechanically which will be easy to refer an electronic issue to an auto electrician and him/her being able to refer a mechanical issue to mechanic

i have learnt that those who are supposed to be auto electricians are butchers they damage the original wiring of the car hence the name REWIRE most things a butchered because they dont understand electronics and dont bothered to learn or be guided by a tool OBDII etc

yesterday i installed a reverse camera on honda 1998 cr v it only turns ON when i put the car into reverse, the display unit clips on top the rear view mirror and now works as my rear mirror and reverse display unit, when the screen is off am able to use it as the rear view mirror. am thinking of changing how it turns on as for now it only turns on when i put thee car into reverse, i want it to turn on when i want without putting the car into reverse so i will get 12volts from any 12v positive that turns live when i put ignition into position 1 and wire that cable to camera and disconnet the power source from the reverse light source. i will able to switch on even when am driving in forward gears and also am thinking of putting another camera in the front by either the right or left corner of the bumper, the display unit can take two inputs, if the display would take 3 inputs i was going to put 3 cameras two at the front by the bumper corners and one at the back

i love playing around with car electronic gadgets

bestman09: Pls HELP! The brain box of my freind's Mitsubishi space wagon GDI is damaged and the car can not start and his mechanic is suggesting buying a new engine bc no brain box seems to work with the car. Please, how can this car be fixed without resorting to buying of a new engine? Four (4) different brain box has been tried but no one worked

we need the year and engine size of the car

when says it seems to work what do mean its either it works or not

most likely you are being conned (if it seems to work with another car than means your mechanic is rubbish what cant he pick up the fault than changing the whole engine)

1st change your mechanic
2nd get your car scanned
3rd then get a rough conclusion from the scan

mafioso47: Good morning House, please I would like professional Views on the possible causes of Car Brain Box Failure.
I drive a '99 Mercedes Benz ML320. Yesterday, the vehicle refused to start, when it started eventually, pressing the accelerator was having No effect on the engine . Was told the Brain Box has Burnt due to Reasons I totally don't know about. A mechanic said it could cost up to #100,000 to replace it which is rather too expensive.!!

scan your car 1st

hwo did s/he determine that the ecu is dead when they never scanned the car ?

Teextoo: The technician is now telling me that the brain box can't be repaired, that it flashed while the mechanic tried to start the ignition with water inside. Please, is there any hope at all on repairs cos the price that they are calling for a new one is not funny at all.
@Zim, are you a technician? If Γ̲̣̣̥ε̲̣̣̣̥§, drop your number, I will give U̶̲̥̅̊ a call.

repairing can be done but usually it is waste of money and time, based on uk working patterns (charged per hours spent working on it x hour rate)

it is always better to get another one as long that ecu is not coded to the key usually if there are 2 ecus one in the car and one in the engine bay. the engine bay one is not coded to the key but the one inside the car

but it might differ from car to car & models to models etc

Teextoo: No be ECU be brain box again? When my mechanic removed it and turned it upside down, water came out of it. @Zim, I will also appreciate it if you can give specific sensor names because the error code that came out during the scanning is for ECU according to my mechanic.

depending on car and make

sometime you just need that ecu replaced and the ecu inside the car is the one which is coded to your key

Teextoo: Hello guys
Please I need your help. A car wash operator poured water into my 2008 corolla ecu while washing the engine and my car has refused to start. My mechanic took the ECU to repair people and they said that the IC is broken, that it has to be replaced. My dad told me that ECU becomes problematic when opened for any reason at all.
I want to know the possibility of my ECU repairs being perfect or should I go for a new one and like how much will the new one cost?
Thanks

are you sure the problem is on the ECU there are few sensors in the engine bay that can be sensitive to water