If symptoms persist, seek computer diagnosis check-up

Qn: I own a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado short chassis 1997 model ZX with a 2.7 litre petrol engine. I am experiencing delay in acceleration especially at low gear. Whenever I step on the accelerator, it delays to pick up speed. It is worse when I want to join a main road from a junction. What could be the problem? I replaced the air and fuel filters, but the problem is still there. What could really be wrong with my vehicle?
Godfrey Opiro

Ans: In case your car has exceeded 100,000kms you need to replace your long-life fuel filter. Your air cleaner element and spark plugs should also be in tip-top condition as these three elements are primary for the performance of your engine ignition system.

Once these items are renewed and your poor engine response persists you will need a computer diagnosis to establish whether your engine mass air flow sensor needs to be replaced. Your car should be fine if all these items are sorted out.

I have Toyota Corolla 100 saloon with automatic transmission, 1993 model and although the engine seems to perform well, the car keeps on stopping by itself, losing acceleration after driving for some time or between traffic jams as one breaks every now and then. It restarts immediately afterwards without any problem. I have tried everything and even changed/bought a new oil filter to no avail. What can be the problem?
Mary

Your car’s frequent engine stalling in traffic suggests that it has low idling revolutions. The Corolla 100 engine should idle at about 800 revolutions per minute (rpm) when drive is not engaged. When you engage drive (D), it will drop slightly to between 700-800 rpm depending on the accessories you are using such as lights or air conditioning.

Ask your mechanic to check your ignition system with emphasis to the condition of: air cleaner element, spark plugs and fuel filter. On the condition of the throttle chamber, - check whether it is filled with soot or whether the throttle valve moves freely. Lastly, the technician should confirm that there is no leakage of vacuum along the air intake chamber or any of the engine vacuum hoses.

I drive a Nissan Avenir, 1996 model PNW10, automatic transmission, engine SR20 2.0L twin cam. It has a problem with the transmission, started after an engine wash. It has a button next to the gear lever that has ‘power’, ‘A/T’ and ‘hold’ modes. Each time I press it into the ‘A/T’ mode, it instead operates like it is in ‘power’ mode, at high revs and delaying gear change. So, I have to drive using the ‘hold’ mode with very little pulling power. I don’t know what that does to my transmission. Kind regards,
Fahd.

Have you recently renewed your automatic transmission fluid? If not, it would be good to draw a sample of the transmission fluid and establish its colour, viscosity and whether it has any gearbox debris. If the transmission fluid condition is good, you need to establish whether there is damage to your automatic transmission valve body (electro hydraulic shift body) or any of the shift solenoids in it.

You will also need to establish whether the automatic transmission control unit was not affected during the engine wash or any other incidents. A computer diagnosis of the gearbox will quickly pin point the electrical fault and save you time and money.

I drive a 2001 Mercedes ML270 CDI, it has developed an irritating fault with the rear left passenger door. When I lock the car with the central locking system, the door lock does not engage.
Instead it rapidly bounces up and down several times and makes a rattling noise. Can this lock be fixed or I need to replace it with a new one?
Kenneth K
Your Mercedes left hand door latch mechanism has failed. This latch has mechanical as well as electrical components. The mechanical bits lock the door or open it while the electrical system links the central locking and other functions like super locking or two stage opening. These parts are durable but subject to wear and tear over time, it is not easy to repair them or find replacement parts for the broken ones. Consider replacing this faulty latch with a new one from the Mercedes Benz dealer.

Should you fail to find or afford a new replacement latch you can buy a good quality one available with used car dealers.

My Toyota Noah has a screeching noise in the engine when I accelerate. This happens especially when I start or accelerate the engine early in the morning. However, when the engine warms up this noise reduces or seems to disappear. Is it something I should worry about.
Celia Tumushabe.

You need to check and replace one of your accessory pulley belts. These belts use the engine drive to run the alternator, steering pump, water pump as well as the air conditioning compressor pump. Due to wear, they start to slip and make that sort of noise. When they finally tear, one or all of the accessories mentioned will stop running. You need to check and confirm which of the belts shows signs of wear like cracked ribs. That will be the faulty one, replace it with a genuine one and you will be safe.

I bought an old Volkswagen Vento with a sound engine and body. I am looking for some spare parts and need to give the interior a new look. The problem is most mechanics and spare parts dealers do not handle European cars. What is your advice?
Caleb.
It would be useful to know the mileage of your Vento. You will need to be very keen on replacement of regular maintenance parts to avoid the expensive sudden breakdown of multiple parts.
Check or service your gearbox oil with Dexron II synthetic oil. Replace your long life fuel filter before it blocks fuel supply.
Regular reliable maintenance parts for your Vento are available at Euro parts price shop in Mengo and Bosch parts dealer Eurocity in industrial area.
Body parts can be found with the used parts dealers in Ndeeba area. There are good upholstery and interior refurbishing outfits in Wandegeya area, you will need to scout for them.
You will manage to restore that car if you are determined. Good luck and keep in touch for further advice.