Wheel balancing will sort you out

Qn:I drive a Toyota Noah two wheel drive 1999 model. Problem is the ABS light is on after I recently checked with the mechanic who cleaned the sensors. What could be the problem?
Evans

Ans: Cleaning the anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensors first, is a step in the right direction. Ask your mechanic to physically inspect each sensor and confirm that there is no damaged or broken wheel speed sensor wire.

This is easier done by the diagnostic computer. However, in its absence, a smart technician can test the sensors for continuity to detect a broken circuit. Should this not yield any results you need to test the ABS control unit circuit.

Confirm operation of the ABS relay or circuit breakers by physically inspecting them. Further testing of the ABS modulator requires a computer diagnosis, there are several garages with this equipment in Kampala who can sort you out.

Qn: Do I have to remove the thermostat out of my newly imported Japan used Toyota Mark II 1999 model?
Rojaz

Ans: Contrary to the view of some technicians, all vehicles should have coolant thermostat devices in their engines. The thermostat is a temperature sensitive spring actuated valve which is calibrated to open or close at specific temperatures, to allow or restrict the flow of cold engine coolant fluid from a radiator to the engine.

The engine is designed to run at a specific normal operating temperature beyond which it must be cooled by the cold coolant fluid.
However, the engine must not be cooled below the normal operating range because it will damage the cylinder head and engine block.

The thermostat ensures that the coolant fluid flow is regulated to enhance cooling but avoid damaging your engine. When an engine coolant thermostat is damaged, due to corrosion and delay to renew your coolant fluid, it must be replaced with a new one. A simple test of the thermostat is by dipping it in a bucket of boiling hot water, the spring mechanism should move to open the coolant gate valve. Failure to do so means it has suffered corrosion damage.

The benefits of renewing your radiator coolant every two years include lubrication of your water pump (coolant has glycerin lubricant and anti-corrosive ingredients) and prevention of corrosion of your thermostat, water pump, coolant fluid engine channels and the radiator.

Qn:I drive a Mercedes C200 1997 model with 150,000 kms on the clock. Recently, my engine started misfiring and my regular mechanic replaced the spark plugs, the old ones had engine oil on them. After one week, the problem recurred. The engine is misfiring and spark plugs are wet with oil. Should I get worried, is the engine due for an overhaul?
Bernard Katwesigye

Ans: The oil leaking on your spark plugs is due to the worn out valve cover seals and gasket. Ask your mechanic to unscrew the engine valve cover to access the gasket and seals (around each spark plug) after carefully disengaging the air intake channel right from the air filter housing to the throttle unit.

The mechanic should take care not to damage the delicate breather hose connecting the valve cover to the air intake. You can buy this valve cover gasket and seal kit from all leading Mercedes Benz parts dealers around town. Refit the new seals and that will fix the problem.

Qn:I have a 2002 model Jaguar S type 6 cylinders. When the car starts, the gear lever will shift. I had to force it to get into drive mode. No engine light check. When in drive mode, transmission works fine but my brake lights are not working, is there a connection.
Hanington Muguluma