Another free training opportunity for auto technicians

Ever since the publication of last Sunday's column, hundreds of interested new registrants have registered to partake in the 2013 Free Lagos seminar for auto technicians and enthusiasts scheduled for mid-November. It will be themed, "Fuel Basics and Fundamentals of the EVAP System."
It's worth reiterating that interested participants only need to text in their names to (and promise to come with a copy ofSUNDAY PUNCHas the "gate fee") 08080806686. Please, text your name only once. Do not text it again if you have done it before. Also, do not use your number to register for your friend.
REACTIONS TO AUTOMEDICS
Please, does the smoking of a car indicate its expiration and how long can I still use it before replacement? Thanks. Giwa Oyebola, 08023296xxx
Smoking of an engine is an indication of worn out part/s in the internal part of the engine. Sometimes, lack of maintenance will cause or contribute to the part/s failing. Such parts are the "oil ring, PCV, valve guide and seals." But if you keep an eye on the oil level, change it when it is due for change with MSP added to the lubricant, you might still use it for years.
I ride a Mazda 626 2000 model. The code: TSC Off is showing on its dashboard as well as indicator light for handbrake even when the handbrake is released. At times, when I start the car, these lights and the ABS come on and off on their own. The vehicle uses a manual gear. What do you think is wrong? Thank you. Kolade Adebayo
I believe there is a problem with one of the wheel sensors that controls the ABS and TCS. Run a scan on the ABS system, the result will guide the technician on which wheel needs to be worked on.
Sir, we are about to buy box body truck for haulage purpose, but it is a right hand drive. Is it advisable for us to convert it to left hand? I will like to know if there can be any problem in future. Besides, do you do this type of conversion on trucks? If yes, like how much will it cost so I can take an informed decision. Thanks, Adebowale Dairo, adebodairo@ yahoo.com
We do not do conversion in any of our workshops. But the answer is yes it can be converted. If it is well done, you should not have any problem, but if at all any problem will surface, it will be from the electrical wiring, steering and suspension system.
Sir, I want to ask some questions regarding to problems I am recently encountering with Toyota Camry, 2000 model. Let me know when it convenient to chat with you.0818 1173xxx
I am not in the country, but you can send the question which will be answered in the next edition.
I drive a 2002 Accord and it developed a problem. When in drive, the car would not move until I throttle to between five and six. It would then jerk and move well. The check engine light is not on and my local mechanic is saying I should replace it. Please, what do you suggest? Oluwatobi Adediran, Regulatory and People Services KPMG Advisory Services, 07045382xxx
The problem you are facing is with transmission. Check the fluid level and also let your technician look at the shift solenoids on the transmission for performance. You don't need to replace anything, but running a scan on the transmission is not a bad idea.
Sir, kindly enlighten us- the Honda car users, about how to prevent the ball joint from constantly pulling off from the Shaft area. I have had this pitiable experience two times in the last one month and I have noticed that it is a common problem. 08066417xxx
The problem is with the design of the ball joint and also the condition of our road network. But using the so-calledTokunboparts could cause the same problem, if the condition of the parts is questionable.
I am a regular reader of 'automobile' column in SUNDAY PUNCH. I bought a Nissan Primera 2001 model in May 2013. The car came with one key (for ignition only) and remote sensor (to open doors/boot). The doors and boot don't have key holes and the remote is not performing well. I have repaired it thrice. Now, I want to make a duplicate key/remote sensor. Do you do such and how much will it cost me? Thanks. Olaniyi. Abeokuta, 07034588xxx
You need to contact our parts department on www.automedicsafrica.com
I drive a Kia Rio 2007 model. The timing belt cuts and its valves bent. My mechanic changed the bent valves, gasket and put a new timing belt. Mrs. Makinde, 08033600xxx
I did not receive the complete text.
I drive a 4matic Benz. The vehicle's battery ran down and I borrowed a friend's battery. I returned it borrowed another one. But after this, I noticed that my vehicle's winder, horn and radio have all stop working. Please what do you think is the problem? Jona Gwarinpa, 08038380xxx
It is possible you could have caused an electrical short in the process of swapping the battery. Check the fuse that controls all the circuit you mentioned and replace them.
Good day sir. Please, I recently bought Toyota Sienna 2000 model. Each time I put on its A/C, the temperature rises. I will then park the car for about an hour and when I start it, blue smoke comes out of it.
I don't know what this could mean? But my mechanic said it could be due to weakness of its ring or oil valve seal weakness. Please, I need your advice on what to do. Ade, Port Harcourt, 08037418txxx
Your mechanic is absolutely right. But I will advise him to lay more emphasis on the valve seals.
My Nissan Car break port emits air but the break is still active. Fidelis, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos. 08181661xxx
A: If the brake booster is leaking air, it's just a matter of time before you need more force on the brake pedal to stop the car. Fix the leak or replace the part.
Thank you sir for the wonderful service you render to humanity through this column. May the good lord continue to lift your head up. I drive Acura RL 1997 model car. The check light came up and I took the car for scanning. The following codes came out: P1205 and P1399. What do they mean? 08183101xxx
P1205 is Fuel System Failure which will cause No. 5 cylinder to misfire.
Possible causes: Ignition spark-check primary and secondary ignition, check fuel system, fuel pressure and injector, check for vacuum leaks and check engine mechanical condition.
P1399: When a misfire occurs, engine speed will fluctuate. If the engine speed fluctuates enough to cause the Crankshaft Position sensor signal to vary, the Engine Control Module can determine that a misfire is occurring. Possible causes: Valve clearance out of range, Blocked EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) Passages.
I must thank you for all solutions you have been proffering to motorists. I drive a Toyota Camry (Orobo). It has 5S-FE engine. Whenever I open the vehicle's air cleaner hose, I notice that there are some deposits of black oil in the throttle body. What could be the cause? 08051477xxx
The cause of the oil deposit in the air cleaner hose is due to a faulty PCV valve, too much oil in the engine or worn oil ring causing excessive blow-by in the engine.
I drive a Marcopolo bus, Grand Viale. We built the engine three times within six weeks. At first, our mechanic claimed that the fault was caused by fake parts. He was asked to buy new parts but the same problem of oil leakage still persists. What do we do? Fatayi, 08131673xxx
Anytime an engine is rebuilt you have to allow a break-in period, which will allow all the parts to set and seat. And the only way to achieve this is by letting the mechanic run the engine for some time with minimal load on it. During the break-in period there is tendency of oil shortage.
I drive a Geely car (CK model). My battery sign has been showing on my dash board. Please what do you think is responsible for this? 0812 945 9xxx
When battery sign is showing on your dashboard it is an indication of faulty charging system. Take it for a charging system check up.