Why is it that the light flashing the engine symbol is on and off?

1. I have a Toyota Duet and First, thank for you the car updates that keep me engaged and informed about cars and their problems. Qn one: my car mounting and the oil filter are exactly above each other and there is barely space in between them. Every time I drive on a rough road, the oil filter cracks hence dripping out the engine oil. How can I stop or fix this problem?
2: On my dashboard, a light flashing the engine symbol comes on and off. What do you think is the problem?
3: My steering wheel keeps vibrating but this depends on the gear pad position. If in reverse gear mode, it vibrates a lot. If in neutral, it vibrates moderately. I am sometimes confused with the idling. Do you think there is something wrong that needs correction?
Emma

Ans 1.You need to buy the correct size genuine Toyota oil filter for your Duet. The after-market oil filter has a longer cartridge which will keep getting damaged whenever you drive on off road terrain.

Ans 2: The flashing symbol is the ‘check engine’ fault lamp. It is your computer announcing the presence of an engine emission fault. There are several components in the emission system, that are prone to failure to mileage factors. They include spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, throttle potentiometer or damaged vacuum lines. There are sensors that fail on an engine such as the oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensor, idle air control valve that may disrupt the emission system. You need physical inspection or electronic diagnosis to determine what is faulty.

Ans 3: The vibrating steering when you load the engine with different gears may confirm that your engine performance is reduced hence the low idling revolutions which cause the car engine to shake. You need to examine the throttle potentiometer valve and make sure it moves freely and is not restricted by soot. Check the other factors mentioned.

I own a 2007 Nissan Murano and it drives well. A few days ago I noticed that its windscreen wiper washer system is not pumping water for both the front and rear windscreens. Is there a quick fix solution you can suggest or do I have to run to the Nissan dealer right away?
Derek Kabanda.

Before you panic to dash to the dealer there are checks you can carry out to identify what is wrong with the system. First you need to locate the window washer fluid reservoir which is under the bonnet and confirm that it is not empty or leaking due to a torn or loose delivery hose. There are two delivery hoses for the front and rear windscreens. Once the reservoir is filled with washer fluid and you are certain there no leaks, ask someone to operate the window washer switch and check whether the washer jets are blocked as you listen or observe whether the pump, located under this reservoir works.

In case the pump does not work, check its 10 Amp fuse located in the fuse box behind the passenger head light. If the fuse is burnt replace it with one of the spare 10 Amp fuses in the fuse box or buy one from the nearest electrical shop. Should your fuse be intact,- then you need a technician to test the circuit (wire harness and socket) that delivers power to the washer pump in case the socket is loose or one of the wires is broken. The same test will confirm if the switch gear is faulty or not.

My Toyota Hilux 3.0 D with 170,000km has recently developed poor clutch performance only three months after we replaced the clutch plate. The transmission shakes when I shift gears or balance acceleration and clutch when going uphill. What do you suggest we should do?
Julius Kakembo.

You ought to have replaced the complete clutch kit for your Toyota, at such a high mileage. The clutch kit includes: the clutch plate, clutch pressure and release bearing. These three components work in tandem and hence tend to suffer the same wear and tear. The clutch plate uses frictional pressure to link the engine drive at the flywheel with the transmission and wheels. The clutch pressure responds to a series of bearings and springs which are foot actuated to release the clutch plate. This engages or disengages the drive at the flywheel to the transmission surface on a clutch pressure. Therefore replacing only the clutch plate leaves you with a bad clutch pressure which will affect the performance of the new plate. You have to replace the complete clutch kit.

I really find your articles on car maintenance very interesting and helpful. Could you please tell me about the Benz C200, fuel consumption, its main problems, and at what I can price get a used one but in good shape. I really fancy Benz cars and I want to own one.
Edmund

The Mercedes Benz C200 comes in three generations the 1994-2000 W202, the 2000-2006 W203 and the current W204. The most popular Mercedes C200 in Uganda is the petrol engine W202. Its fuel consumption is about 12.5 kms per litre. The Mercedes Benz C200 has average engine performance. While it does not accelerate like a Ferrari sports car it is fast enough on our highways. Maintenance is easier for this Mercedes model in Uganda because it is popular and has many independent parts sellers and used body parts sellers. The ground clearance is reasonable and handling and road holding on our Ugandan highways is acceptable, thanks to the kind of suspension it has. Safety features like airbags and anti-locking brakes are available while modern upholstery and reasonable legroom will guarantee a comfortable ride.

The price for a used 1997- 1998 model in the bonded warehouse is Shs18m while one that has been used in Uganda for two years or more will go for Shs10m. An inspection of the vehicle prior purchase is crucial as your choice of the C200 may need costly parts replacements after 100,000 kilometres.