Fixing common car problems

 

I want to find out the implication of using gasoline along with fuel in my bus and where exactly to fix it. I had heard someone say it is good to use gas on my Vanagon bus. Right now, the bus is in good condition. Azeez Adeagbo

I believe what you are asking is whether it is okay to use liquefied petroleum gas and gasoline in your vehicle. Yes, it is possible if you can get the right conversion kit.

My car suddenly started making an occasional grinding sound. When I put the engine off, it didn’t start anymore. The mechanic checked it out and found out the exhaust was blocked and the filaments were responsible. The exhaust was removed and cleared, reinstalled without one of the filaments, and now the car is beginning to smoke. I am so devastated because I have never really used this car and now it is emitting (white) smoke.

I believe what caused the white smoke is the exhaust blockage, which caused pressure blowback into the engine and possibly blew the valve stem seal and also burnt the piston ring into the piston. As a result, the engine is now smoking. The only alternative you have is to replace the engine or rebuild it.

Please, I need the right oil specification for my car.

I need to have the year and model of your vehicle and possibly the engine size.

My car overheats when the air conditioner is switched on. It happens only in the afternoon when the temperature is high. The A/C works fine without overheating in the mornings/evenings.

You have a radiator fan that is not performing optimally. You need a technician to check the condition of the radiator fans.

I got this two codes: P0455, P0441. Please, kindly help with interpretation. Thanks.

P0455: This diagnosis detects leaks in the Evaporative Emission System (EVAP) purge line using engine intake manifold vacuum. If pressure does not increase, the Engine Control Module (ECM) will check for leaks in the line between the fuel tank and EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve under the following vacuum test condition.

The vacuum cut valve bypass valve is opened to clear the line between the fuel tank and the EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve. The EVAP canister vent control valve will then be closed to shut the EVAP purge line off. The EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve is opened to depressurise the EVAP purge line using intake manifold vacuum. After this depressurisation is implemented, the EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve will be closed.

This code is detected when EVAP control system has a very large leak such as fuel filler cap falling off or EVAP control system not operating properly.

Possible causes: Missing or loose fuel cap, incorrect fuel filler cap used, fuel filler cap remains open or fails to close, foreign matter caught in fuel filler cap, EVAP canister or fuel tank leaks, EVAP system hose leaking, or fuel tank leaking.

The P0455 is a very common code, because the code is set off if the gas cap is loose or missing. Start by tightening the gas cap and clearing the code. In most cases, the code can be cleared by disconnecting the car battery for about 30 minutes.

P0441: The ECM tests the EVAP system for the following conditions: Large and small leaks, excess vacuum, purge flow during non-commanded conditions, fuel level and fuel pressure sensor faults, EVAP purge and vent valve faults.

The ECM monitors the fuel tank pressure sensor in order to determine the level of vacuum/pressure in the EVAP system. The ECM commands both the EVAP purge solenoid and the EVAP vent valve ‘on’ when the conditions are met in order to apply an engine vacuum to the EVAP system. The ECM commands the EVAP purge solenoid ‘off’ once the system has reached a predetermined level of vacuum. This test verifies if a vacuum can be achieved in the EVAP system. Failure to develop a vacuum may be caused by a large leak or a restriction.

The code is detected when pressure in charcoal canister and fuel tank does not drop during purge control (two-trip detection logic).

Possible causes: Missing fuel cap, incorrect fuel filler cap used, fuel filler cap remains open or fails to close, foreign matter caught in fuel filler cap, or incorrect fuel tank vacuum relief valve.

My car ‘carries hand.’ Since I bought it as a fairly used vehicle in 2009, it always does that. I’ve changed the tyres a lot.

I believe you mean it pulls the steering wheel. You will need a good alignment technician to diagnose the reason why it pulls to the side.

(1) The engine knocked. What sort of engine should I buy? The traders in Ladipo are telling me a 2.4-litre engine is same as that of 3.0 litres and a Sienna engine can work with the car. (2) What are the implications of a car not having a thermostat in the engine? (3) The car was overheating and I was told to change to a double-cell radiator, but occasionally, I see the temperature rise slightly above the midpoint. I did disagree with changing the radiator to a double-cell because I knew it had nothing to do with the weather as they were suggesting. (4) On sudden application of the brakes, at any time in motion, the car subsequently refuses to select the last gear, causing a rise in the RPM. Best regards, Yinka

The right engine for your van is a 3.0-litre engine. The implication of not having thermostats in your engine is high fuel consumption, and a double-cell radiator will also increase the volume of coolant you’ll be putting in the cooling system, which will also increase the fuel consumption. My advice is to run a scan on the transmission. The result will guide you on what to do.

I bought the car not long ago and the rev of the car doesn’t go beyond 4000 RMP.

An average engine will not rev more 4,000 RPM, unless it is a high-performance engine.

I just bought a tokunbo (second-hand) Sharan and I have a challenge with it. I noticed the engine oil dries up or leaks as I keep on using the car. From my investigation, I discovered I had to convert the radiator fan to direct so that as the engine is ignited, the fan would start working immediately. By doing so, the oil drying reduced, but the fan noise would become high as it works. I hope this direct working of the fan will not cause any problem. What precaution do I have to take?

The radiator has nothing to do with the engine oil drying. Your engine oil dries up due to other factors like worn oil ring, worn engine and worn valve stem seal/s. Directing the fan will also have an effect on the engine in terms of high fuel consumption.

I use a 2008 Toyota Highlander. Recently, while trying to reverse, the ‘check VSC’ sign appeared on the dash board. I then took it to a repairer, who ran a scan and thereafter told me there was nothing wrong with it. He said it was the plug, which l changed, and one of the stabilisers. He thereafter used something to remove the light, and after three days, the lights came on again. I went back to him and I was told not to worry that it happens to every car brought into the country. But l am still worried, which is why I am bringing it to your attention as an expert. What do l do next? I live in Benin City (Edo State). Please, help me. God bless you. Mrs. Amulley

I disagree with the assumption that it happens to every vehicle brought into Nigeria. If your vehicle has the wheel sensor built into the hub, you might have to replace the hub for the light to go off.