Ask the mechanic: Why does my Ipsum fail to start?

Paul, I have had my Toyota Ipsum for a year and a half without any trouble. This week I have failed to start it twice set. My neighbour had to help me jump start the car and suggested that my battery may be spoilt. How can I tell if my battery is dead and how could I avoid getting stranded ? Joseph Karuhanga.

Hello Joseph, a car battery is a storage device which supplies electric power to start the engine and power electric accessories. The battery is charged by an alternator which is run by the car engine. There are wet type batteries with serviceable sulfuric acid or lead and deep cycle dry cell batteries with long life maintenance free gel led electrolyte. A car battery can discharge either because of a breakdown of the charging system (alternator), due to poor maintenance or ageing of the battery. When you have a weak or bad battery, your car will hesitate to crank (turn the engine) or not crank at all. A quick inspection of the battery terminals should confirm if they are not loose or dirty with corrosion build up. A faulty alternator or charging system can prevent your car battery from charging fully. When the alternator fails, a red fault light with the image of a battery will display on the dashboard. You can tell during routine service inspection if the car battery is bad by checking that the electrolyte volume has not decreased. If the electrolyte has reduced it should be topped up with good mixed acid or de ionised water as deemed necessary. A hydrometer can be used to assess the charge status of each cell in the battery in comparison with the recommended values on a chart.

Why does my Suzuki’s engine fail to start?

Dear Paul,
I am a regular reader of Ask the Mechanic. I own a Suzuki Escudo and have driven it for the last nine years without any problem until recently when the engine started failing to start. I changed the battery and spark plugs, the fuel filter and the fuel pump but drove for half a kilometer, the engine stopped. What could be the problem with my car? Milton Acuba

Hello Mr Acuba, thank you for appreciating the column. Hard engine start for Suzuki and all other cars with modern electronic fuel injection systems can be affected by any of the factors that affect the ignition system such as the spark plugs, ignition high tension leads, ignition coil, the crank shaft position sensor, fuel delivery system, the air intake system which includes the air filter and throttle potentiometer. Ask your mechanic to examine the condition of the high tension leads (or ignition coils) for damage. A computer diagnosis should be carried out to determine whether the crank shaft position sensor is faulty.

Does a new BMW X6 2012 need brake fluid service?

Hello Paul, I drive a BMW X6 2012 model. I replaced the brake pads two months ago, however, the message centre now indicates that it needs brake fluid service. I thought it is premature to do that service because this car looks new. When I read online I noted that special equipment is needed to carry out the brake fluid service. What is your opinion? Kenneth Kiiza.

Hello Kenneth, brake fluid plays the useful role of providing hydraulic pressure for the car brake system. Other important functions of brake fluid include: lubricating and cooling the hot metallic components of the brake system.

Dear Paul,
I would like to know about angel eyes and demon eyes headlights kits. Can I install them on my 1999 Subaru Forester? How much would each cost approximately? David Gumisiriza

Hello David, ‘Angel eyes’ and ‘demon eyes’ head light kits are accessories that are retrofitted and sold as after market parts to make your car look more cutting edge, despite the age. In some countries these lights are banned because they contravene the highway lighting rules especially the red demon lights. The Angel eyes are often associated with dazzling or glare of oncoming traffic.
These lights are applicable to any vehicle including your Subaru. Angel eyes’ which make more practical and styling sense are better. However, need to find a reputable product. You could get yourself a set between Shs600,00 to 800,000.

Paul Kaganzi (0772316145)