Upskilling the roadside mechanics

Nov 30, 2023

Kunle Shonaike

Kindly share this story:

There is a massive shortage of skilled technicians in our automotive maintenance/repair industry. The drain that the shortfall of competent hands causes our economy annually is enormous. We are still the country where the most viable mode of transportation is vehicular; therefore, to have automotive assets not run at optimal capacity because of the large dearth of skills is one of the functional reasons why productivity is low in society.

We, taking cognisance of the urgent need to systematically combat the culture of ignorance out there, have decided to democratise, simplify and vernacularise the dissemination of the trickiest body of knowledge in contemporary automotive mechatronics: the computing and electronics subjects; specifically auto-diagnosis and the technical literacy to read and decipher the workshop manuals of auto manufacturers.

Tell your mechanic to click the link below and download this App to help them unravel auto-diagnosis. We’re soon deploying the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and Arabic supplements of the text, audio and video files: https://automedics.ciphernet.net/automedics.apk

Once download has finished, if prompted, click on settings and then allow App to install from unknown sources. Then click on install; Then click on open; login details with case-sensitive characters; username: admin; password: admin. Click e-learning, then my course.

Feedback

Possible symptoms

Engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

Engine hard to start

Rough or erratic idle speed

Possible causes

Dirty throttle body

Electric throttle control actuator misadjusted or damaged

Faulty electric throttle control actuator

Intake air leak

Poor electrical connection to the intake air control valve

P0508: Idle air control system circuit low

The engine control module controls the engine idle speed to a specified level through the fine adjustment of the air, which is let into the intake manifold, by operating the electric throttle control actuator. The operating of the throttle valve is varied to allow for optimum control of the engine idling speed. The ECM calculates the actual engine speed from signals of crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor.

The ECM controls the electric throttle control actuator so that the engine speed coincides with the target value memorised in the ECM. The target engine speed is the lowest speed at which the engine can operate steadily. The optimum value stored in the ECM is determined by taking into consideration various engine conditions, such as during warming up, deceleration, and engine load (air conditioner, power steering and cooling fan operation, etc.)

Note: If there are no intake leaks, clean throttle body, adjust engine idle and erase engine code. If the code comes back you may have to replace the electric throttle control actuator (motor) to repair the problem.

Possible symptoms

Engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

Engine hard to start

Rough or erratic idle speed

Possible causes

Dirty throttle body

Electric throttle control actuator misadjusted or damaged

Faulty Electric throttle control actuator

Intake air leak

Poor electrical connection to the intake air control valve

P0509: Idle air control system circuit high

The engine control module controls the engine idle speed to a specified level through the fine adjustment of the air, which is let into the intake manifold, by operating the electric throttle control actuator. The operating of the throttle valve is varied to allow for optimum control of the engine idling speed. The ECM calculates the actual engine speed from signals of crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor.

The ECM controls the electric throttle control actuator so that the engine speed coincides with the target value memorized in the ECM. The target engine speed is the lowest speed at which the engine can operate steadily. The optimum value stored in the ECM is determined by taking into consideration various engine conditions, such as during warming up, deceleration, and engine load (air conditioner, power steering and cooling fan operation, etc.)

Note: If there are no intake leaks, clean throttle body, adjust engine idle and erase engine code. If the code comes back you may have to replace the electric throttle control actuator to repair the problem.

Possible symptoms

Engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

Engine hard to start

Rough or erratic idle speed

Possible causes

Dirty throttle body

Electric throttle control actuator misadjusted or damaged

Faulty electric throttle control actuator

Intake air leak

Poor electrical connection to the intake air control valve

P0510: Closed throttle position switch malfunction

A closed throttle position switch and wide open TPS are built into the throttle position sensor unit on most vehicles, on older vehicles the TPS is a separate unit. The wide open throttle position switch is used only for A/T control. When the throttle valve is in the closed position, the closed throttle position switch sends a voltage signal to the engine control module. The ECM only uses this signal to open or close the EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve when the throttle position sensor is malfunctioning.

Note: Adjusting the throttle position switch may take care of the problem, if the problem persists the TPS may need to be replaced.

When is the code detected?

Malfunction is detected when battery voltage from the closed throttle position switch is sent to ECM with the throttle valve opened.

Possible symptoms

Engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

Engine idle problems

Possible hard to start

Possible shifting problems

Possible causes

Throttle position switch adjustment

Faulty throttle position switch

Throttle position switch harness open or shorted

Throttle position switch circuit poor electrical connection

Help, P0202. P0943, what exactly do I need to do/change? Kia Rio 2014. Anonymous.

This is the interpretation of the codes you sent.

P0202 KIA – injector circuit open-cylinder 2, engine control module checks the injectors circuit resistance and monitors the voltage drop during normal operation. The ECM will trigger the P0202 code when the resistance or voltage drop at the injector 2 is out of specifications.

When is the code detected?

The P0202 is set if the engine control module detects a low or high voltage drop or resistance at the injector 2.

Possible symptoms

Engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

Lack/loss of power

The engine may be harder to start

Engine hesitation

Possible causes

Faulty fuel injector 2

Fuel injector 2 harness is open or shorted

Fuel injector 2 circuit poor electrical connection

P0943: Hydraulic pressure unit cycling period too short

Line pressure is electronically controlled by the transmission control system and is measured by the line pressure sensor. The desired line pressure is continuously being compared to the actual line pressure and is regulated by electronically changing the duty cycle of the pressure control solenoid. The transmission control system calculates the desired line pressure based on inputs from the transmission and engine. A calculated torque input to the transmission is used as the primary input to the desired line pressure calculation and is called torque based line pressure. The transmission control module monitors the hydraulic pressure sensor. The TCM sets the OBDII code when the hydraulic pressure sensor is not to factory specifications.

Possible symptoms

Engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

Delay of shifting

Possible causes

Low transmission fluid level

Shift lever position

Plugged transmission filter

Faulty transmission oil pump

I have a KIA optima keyless 2014. It complains: check steering wheel lock system; and the steering wheel is locked but won't start. It will only display check steering wheel lock system. Please, what can I do? Anonymous.

This is the TSB released on this vehicle.

The fault should be rectified by the dealership you bought the car from.

The problem: In affected Kia Optima vehicles, a condition may exist where drivers may feel a "notchy" or "slipping" condition when turning the steering wheel. This is due to either a software glitch in the Optima's electronic steering system or a faulty power steering motor assembly.

Vehicles affected by this service bulletin:

See more service bulletins

Corrective action: Kia dealers will diagnose the condition to determine if the fault lies with the software or electronic steering motor assembly. If it's the software, the system will be updated; if the motor is faulty, it will be replaced.

Warranty information: This service bulletin is being performed free of charge under the Kia new car or extended warranty, whichever applies at the time of service.

What owners should do: Call your local Kia dealer with your vehicle's identification number to determine if your Optima is involved in this service bulletin. You can call Kia at 800-333-4542 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 888-327-4236. Reference TSB No. CHA060.

I have a Volkswagen Tuareg. I just changed the pump, but I noticed that if I put fuel and it's above the red line on the gauge anytime I put my leg on the brake, the car goes off, but if it's around the reserve on the gauge, it will drive without stopping. Anonymous.

I believe the problem is from the installation of the new pump you changed. Let them remove the pump and re-install it properly, and the problem will be resolved.

I am using Toyota Camry 1999 model. I changed the complete two gear boxes within two weeks with the same problem. The gear teeth and the housing will break. The new mechanic said the cause of it is that the front shocks absorbers are too high and the shafts are being forced to the shaft cup. My uncle said I should get new complete engine and gear.

Please what can I do, buying complete engine and gear or gear box and sock? Please help me. Kolawole.

I will advise you ask them to check the alignment of the sub-frame the engine and transmission are sitting on. Also make sure the car hasn't been involved in any accident that might have affected the chassis/frame of the vehicle that causes the power train system to be warped whilst sitting on the sub-frame, which will affect the way the axle sits inside the transmission.

I am a prospective corps member but not yet posted; just concluded my degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Federal University of Abeokuta. I am looking forward to doing my place of primary assignment as an enrolment for mechatronics. I need more information about the fee and duration of the programme. Also, I will need a request letter from your company to submit to the National Youth Service Corps. Anonymous.

You can contact our director in charge of IT, Mr Abass, on 0816 690 2287

My car works for some minutes and stops. What is wrong? Anonymous.

You did not give enough information about your vehicle or the problem you have with it.

Please I need your candid advice. Is there no adverse effect replacing a 13-pin gear for 10pin gear and is it true that 10-pin is better and that 13-pin is irreparable? Please if 13-pin gear is reparable, can you refer me to a good gear master as it seems my mechanic has damaged my 13-pin gear box. I would like to know the price range of 13-pin and 10-pin gear box. Anonymous.

What they meant to say is about the pin connection of the transmission to the TCU. Also if you did not use the right transmission, the operation of the transmission will be affected because the TCU will not recognise the transmission to shift properly, because of the missing pin connection.

I drive Toyota Sienna 2007 which I have been using for four years now. My mechanics have been using the regular engine oil for me. Only last weekend, I saw written on the oil cap 5W-30 which I believe is the oil specs to be used. Can I still change to use this 5w-30 grade of oil? Anonymous.

Yes you can change back to the specified oil, but you need to make sure the old engine oil did not cause any internal damage to the engine.

I have a VW 2007 Jetta; the tranmission is faulty as a result the car jerks from time to time. Do you fix transmission related problems at your auto shops?Also my vehicle AC is not cooling as it should be. Anonymous.

My advice would be to run a scan on the power-train system of the vehicle first because VW is very funny about not doing re-adaptation on it. Just using the scanner to do re-adaptation on it might solve the problem.

I need original bearings for my Kia Cerato 2008 model.

You can call our parts department for the information you want +234 705 346 9918

Please advise me on what may have gone wrong with my Toyota Camry 2000 tiny light. In the morning, the speedometer will come up normal and work perfectly; but when parked and the sun is hot, I start noticing that it will not come up and it will not change gear immediately but later. Still, the speedometer will not come up but when parked under a tree and not under the sun, the speedometer will work perfectly.

Please what might have been the cause of this problem? Anonymous.

I believe the problem has to do with electrical connections under the dashboard. The problem, I believe, has to do with loose connection which tends to lead high resistance when the vehicle is on or running. A good electrician will start the troubleshooting behind cluster.

My Toyota Camry 1997 model has a problem of speed reduction anytime it's travelling uphill no matter how low the hill is. I have done every possible servicing and changed the fuel pump. I want to know if it's a gear problem or an engine problem and the solution. Anonymous.

Let your mechanic check the engine timing, I believe it's off.

Copyright PUNCH.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]