When should I service my 320i?

After replacement of the faulty seals, your mechanic should proceed to bleed the system and evacuate any accumulated vacuum. A good mechanic will be familiar with the lengthy bleeding routine. Thereafter you will be able to enjoy a normal operation of your brakes.

Qn: I have a 1997 Ford Escort. I have replaced the fuel pump and the fuel filter as well as the fuel pump relay switch. The car still won’t start. Can someone please help? Mustafa Kizito

Ans. You need to check or replace your engine crankshaft position sensor. This sensor is used in combination with a similar camshaft position sensor to monitor the relationship between the pistons and valves in the engine.

This is particularly important in engines with variable valve timing. This method is also used to “synchronise” a four stroke engine upon starting, allowing the management system to know when to inject the fuel.

QN.I have a 1996 Nissan Almera, why does the airbag light keep flashing? Nothing has happened, what causes this? Haruna Kibirango
Ans. The flashing airbag (SRS) light means there is a fault in the SRS system. The most likely cause of a fault in this system is the interruption of power supply.
This can be due to the breakdown of the circuit when the steering SRS contact piece is damaged or when thee is failure of the car battery. A computer diagnosis will confirm which components of the system have broken down.

QN. My 2004 Nissan Altima 2.5cc idles in parking only. The idle sensor has been replaced with a new one but it still idles only when it is in parking. What would the problem be? Mustafa Kizito

Ans. If your Nissan engine stalls when you load the engine by shifting to drive, you need to check its ignition system. Confirm that the air intake system is not leaking vacuum.
Check and clean the throttle unit which tends to get clogged with soot, also check or replace your fuel and air filters. Your problem will be sorted out.

QN. Do you know where to find an alternator splash shield for a 1991 Golf cabriolet 1.8cc.The one that protects the belt?
Solomon Mukasa

Ans. A 1991 Volkswagen Golf 1.8cc engine splash shield can be bought off the internet from trusted Volkswagen parts dealers if you have a credit card. The original manufactured equipment is made of a tough but lighter polyutherane material which is easy to fit and does not sag like the locally fabricated metallic one.

QN. My 2002 Land Rover Freelander engine turns over but won’t start after it was involved in a minor collision at the driver’s side front fender. It now acts like the fuel pump is not coming on. Mukisa

Ans. You need to locate and reset your Freelander’s safety inertia fuel shut off switch. This safety device is designed to shut the fuel pump off in the event of an accident, but can sometimes be triggered by a pothole or even by sudden braking. This sensor is located on the left hand side at the back of the engine bay. It has a soft ‘spring-back’ switch which you press once to reset the fuel shut off system. Your car engine will start once you reset this device.