When should I service my 320i?

Qn: I have a BMW 320i (2002). Is the car reliable after 100,000km if it has a good maintenance record? Will I have to spend a lot of money to maintain the car for 40,000 kilometres? What are the big issues regarding this car in the long term? Peter Mwebaze

Ans.The BMW 320i (2002) is a reliable car if it has a clean and up to date service history. Most modern car models like this BMW have their first major service at 100,000 kilometres. This includes a renewal of all major lubrication fluids and their filters (where applicable) such as transmission oil, engine oil, fuel filter, differential oil, brake fluid and radiator and engine coolant.

An inspection of all major components and replacement of serviceable parts (where necessary) should be carried out such as: brake pads, air filter, timing belt (your BMW model has a timing chain which is not replaced unless the plastic guides are worn out and become noisy) , spark plugs or glow plugs (for a diesel engine) light bulbs etc.

The suspension and steering linkage parts should be inspected for wear or free play, electrical components and accessories should be tested and replaced where necessary.
The condition of the tyres, wipers, door seals, among other issues should be improved. The engine, transmission, differential housings should be inspected for leakages and the gaskets or oil seals replaced accordingly.

Wheel alignment and tyre balance should be inspected. If this major service is not carried out at 100,000 kilometres yet the mentioned components require attention, then your BMW will be unreliable.
The 100,000 kilometre service is costly and no wonder many first owners of used cars replace it at or just before that mileage. Once this major service is done, the subsequent 40,000 kilometres are for routine maintenance of fast moving items which are affordable.

Qn:Why did my A/C control panel go out when I changed my CD player?
John Mulwana
Ans. During the dismantling and reassembly of the front fascia to replace your radio you must have accidentally tampered with the power supply to the air conditioning control panel. The power supply to your radio must be different as it seems your replacement unit is working and the AC panel is not. Different car models have unique wiring configurations, unless you are a qualified car electrician I will not encourage you to tamper with the wiring.

However, in case the radio replacement activity caused a simple short circuit, you can check your car fuse box for the fuse that breaks power supply to the AC control module. Since you have not told us which car you drive I am not able to tell you which fuse to check.

However, all fuse boxes should have a fuse assignment diagram which will give you coordinates to the correct fuse. Check if it is burnt and replace where necessary. Should the fuse be intact, get in touch with a qualified car electrician.

Qn: I own a 2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4Cyl2.0L. How do I replace the heater/AC blower motor?
Jimmy Oketcho
Ans. Your A/C heater blower motor is located under your vehicle’s instrument panel. The blower motor can be removed and replaced. You will need to disconnect the blower motor connector and remove the retaining screws holding it into place.

Detach the fan retainer clip from the motor shaft that is located in the centre of the blower wheel. You may need to save that piece if you are not replacing the whole motor. Inspect your new motor to ensure nothing is broken and the blades can properly spin. Re-attach the fan retainer clip, the retaining screws, and the connector so you can test your new blower motor out.

Qn: How do I fix low oil pressure in my car? Musa
Ans. The best means to check your engine oil pressure is with a specialist gauge, which tool you are not likely to have at home. However, you can use the most practical available means, the engine oil dipstick.

First ensure that you have parked the car on a level straight surface to be able to get a correct oil level reading. Use the dipstick when the engine is cold for a better reading. Withdraw the dipstick, clean it and insert it back into the housing before removing it for an oil level reading. Should the reading be half way below the top mark and above, then you need between a half to one litre of oil top up to restore sufficient oil pressure.

However, should the oil level reading be far below the half mark you need to find out whether there is an oil leakage around the engine or worse still if the oil loss is in the engine itself.

Qn: Why does my brake pedal stay on the floor sometimes when I am only slowing down?
Cissy
Ans. Your brake pedal should spring back as soon as your foot releases it. There should be enough hydraulic brake fluid pressure in the system to actuate the brake pads as well as push back the pedal.
There must be a leakage of hydraulic oil pressure in the brake system. Ask your mechanic to inspect the brake fluid reservoir to confirm whether the

brake fluid is at the maximum level. Inspect the brake fluid lines to check for a leakage starting at the brake master cylinder to the brake wheel cylinders on each of the four wheels.
An inspection of the slave or wheel brake cylinders involves checking the oil pressure seals on the plungers in each of the cylinders.

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.