What is wrong with my fifth gear?

Hi Paul,
I have a big problem with my Toyota Ipsum 1998 model. For a long time now, the fifth gear fails to engage even when I am driving at 80kph on the highway. I have changed the gearbox oil but the problem persists. My mechanic cannot find the exact cause. What could this be and how can it be resolved?
John

John, your Ipsum gearbox may not have a problem. It has a four speed gearbox and that is not expected to shift to the fifth gear. However, to get the fifth gear experience, you can switch on the Over drive (O/D) when cruising at highway speeds in excess of 80kph. O/D will work like the fifth gear reducing your engine revolutions while it improves fuel economy. When you next drive on the highway, do let us know if it works for you.

Dear Paul
I have a Mazda Tribute, power cc1988 year of manufacture 2001, it just stopped moving abruptly and the mechanic told me its computer had got spoilt and the coils had a short circuit. I inquired from different spare parts dealers and that particular computer for my car is not available. The particulars of the computer are here below as per the mechanic’ descriptions :- Engine No.TA-EPEW-102233 part no wKH2. Beside, I visited another motor garage and I was advised to change the engine and the gearbox from Mazda to Toyata because Mazda spare parts are not available in Uganda and even the mechanics here do not have the technical knowhow of Mazda. What can I do, I need your help or do you know any mechanic or any garage which has specialties in Mazda?
Molly

Dear Molly,
I can understand your frustration. The Tribute like all the other Mazda vehicles has no official spare parts dealer in Uganda. The available Mazda parts dealers hold inconsistent stocks of service parts like generic oil filters and spark plugs. Your only reliable option is to order the parts you need from Japan, United Kingdom or South Africa where the Mazda brand is stronger and parts availability of parts is better. I know some friends who have ordered parts online for their Mazda vehicles. The tricky part is your mechanic should be able to give you a clearer parts description such as a part number which a dealer will use to identify the correct parts you need. I guess this is where the challenge or disconnect is and what makes your mechanic recommend that you replace the Mazda engine with a Toyota one. If you can call me I will advise in detail what options you could pursue to solve the problem.

Dear Paul,
I have a Toyota corolla sedan AE110 1500cc, model 1999.
I would like to know how many kilometres does one litre of petrol cover. What is the fuel tank capacity? Thank you.
James

James, under ideal conditions the official fuel economy statistics available for your Corolla Ae110 are about 11 kilometres per litre when driving in city traffic and between 15-16 kilometres per litre on highway traffic. These fuel economy figures are subject to the engine tuning or maintenance condition (engine oil, spark plugs and filter condition), over loading, condition of tyres, driving style (aggressive or gentle).

Ask the mechanic
By Paul Kaganzi
0772316145
send sms: mycar (space) your comments and questions to 6933, or email them to [email protected]