What is wrong with my engine?

Hi Paul,
Thank you for your column. Very educative. Keep up. I have had a Mitsubishi Chariot 2000, with 2.4 engine for more than two years now. It is just over 33,000km. It has been a reliable and good car so far. It gives me a great drive. No complaints. You don’t realise when you have passed 150km/hr!
Recently, I had a fiasco with the Kiseka boys which I will write about another time. So that others may learn a lesson.
One Sunday afternoon, I went to replace an indicator lamp, which had got broken when my wife was driving. These Kiseka boys with their new tactics of robbery without my knowledge or consent, forcefully untied my front tyres and forcefully did their own diagnosis and repair. I was taken by surprise, caught between a rock and a hard place. I gave in and watched. They said the ball joints at the tie rod ends needed replacement for both tyres. They did their repairs and demanded Shs3m!! I had only Shs100,000 and it was after 7pm. Fortunately, I managed to beat them in their own game and found my freedom. As they say the rest is history. To be told another day. Somehow, the vehicle still drove great or so I thought.
Problem is, after a week of driving, the ABS light started to stay on when you start the engine, say in the morning or after a long time of parking. Something that never was. It will continue to show as long as you drive. But when you stop and switch off the engine and restart it, the ABS light stops showing for as long as you drive. I drive long distances with this vehicle every weekend. It drives great. So, I now have to start the engine, drive a bit with the ABS light on, stop after a short time, switch off the engine, restart it and the ABS goes off, for the rest of the journey. I have not yet seen a mechanic over this problem. What could be the problem and the solution?
Stephen.

Stephen, sorry about your unfortunate experience downtown. ABS - Anti-locking Brake System is an automotive

safety feature which allows a driver to maintain tractive contact with the road surface while braking, to avoid skidding. This system passively improves braking control and reduces braking distance when you brake on wet or slippery road surfaces. This system includes the ABS modulator, an electro hydraulic pump in the engine bay which delivers brake fluid in a rapid pulsating motion to the wheel brake cylinders. The ABS system also includes the wheel speed sensors, which monitor your car’s wheel speeds and relay that information back to the ABS modulator. The persistent ABS fault light means there is a fault with the Anti-lock braking system. A snap computer diagnosis at a garage will quickly reveal which component of the ABS system has failed. In your case, the likely trouble causer is one of the front wheel speed sensors whose connections may have been accidentally damaged or not fitted properly during the road-side repair event. The computer diagnosis will even specifically tell you which wheel sensor has failed or whether it’s the ABS Relay or Modulator. Do share with us what you find out.

Hello Paul,
I drive a Nadia 1999, which has a wonderful speed and performance but my problem with it is the way the engine sounds like a diesel engine yet it’s a petrol engine. What could be wrong with my engine?
Secondly, it has a problem with the ignition and I thought that it was because I banged the tank on a hump while driving but I have failed to get the right fuel pump. Is there any place you can direct me to?
Solomon.

Solomon, your Toyota Nadia’s poor engine performance may be a result of the accidental impact below the fuel tank. This may have affected the fuel pump or fuel delivery lines. You need to ask your mechanic to follow the Toyota fuel line pressure and fuel tank inspection and safety guidelines to establish whether the fuel pump pressure is sufficient or the fuel delivery hoses are properly aligned and not obstructed. Inspection and repair of your Toyota fuel system requires a qualified technician who should adhere to the safety guidelines to avoid accidents.

Dear Sir, I have read several articles on how you have advised people on various types of vehicles. I have never bought a car. But I believe people need to know certain things before arriving at a buying decision.
I kindly request to know something. A friend wants to sell me a Mitsubishi Lancer 2000 1.5L manual. Mileage as of now reads around 62,000km. It was assembled in Kenya Simba Colt. It was purchased in 2000.
Kindly advise me on fuel consumption and spare parts in comparison to Toyota NZE OR Corona.
Stephen Kieti.

Hi Stephen, the 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 Litre and Toyota Corolla 1.6 litre offer excellent performance and fuel economy. Mitsubishi Lancer and Toyota Corolla deliver 100 and 110 engine horse power respectively. Mitsubishi Lancer’s Gasoline Direct Injection combined with a manual transmission, if driven skillfully, will give you an impressive fuel economy result of 17-18 km/ litre or more. On the other hand, the Toyota Corolla’s 1.6 litre engine relies on the Variable Valve Timing system to deliver 16 km/ litre when driven on the highway. The Lancer, which was assembled in Kenya from CKDs (Knock down kits), is built to the standards of Mitsubishi in Japan and rivals the Corolla’s build design, performance and comfort standards. The manual Lancer may be more fun to drive if you are a ‘performance gear head.’ However, if you like laid back passive driving then the Corolla’s automatic transmission will win your heart. Maintenance of both cars in Uganda is comfortable since they both have strong dealerships in town. Toyota will have a better resale value but that should not stop you from driving the Mitsubishi if it catches your fancy.

Ask the mechanic
By Paul Kaganzi
0772316145
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