Common car problems and solutions

 

1.    What to do when vehicle engine not starting?

It is frustrating when your car won't start. There are many things that can go wrong with your car, but no need to worry there is a solution for almost every problem. 

Of course, you can call your local automobile mechanic or towing service and have your car towed to a local repair shop, but if you want to do yourselves then it is required to know the reason and rectify it by following the steps.

 

Step 1:-         Watch the dashboard/ instrument panel while turning your ignition key in ON position. The signs come on your vehicle instrumentss panel you can judge where the problem comes approximately.

Step 2:-         To know the signals and it’s meaning read the user manual.

a.    The engine cranks very slow and won't start

This also might be caused by weak or discharged battery.

 Another reason, the engine could have an internal mechanical problem (e.g., lack of oil, very old engine oil, etc.).

Step 3:-         Check starter motor for crank sound, and hydraulic lock in the cylinder head.

 

b.             if you are cranking your engine and nothing is happening,  follow step by step checking and rectify it if possible.

Step 4:-         Check ignition key by turning it. if its ok

Step 5:-         Check battery terminals connection for looseness, corrosions, and thick wire connected. If all are correct.

Step 6:-         Check for battery charge. If it shows under charge the battery is faulty.

Step 7:-         Check the starter motor for connection and electric supply reaching to starter motor. This will also cause the starter motor to crank very slow. The starter motor armature bushings wear out and the starter armature rubs against the field coils inside the starter motor. If this is the case, the starter motor will need to be rebuilt or replaced.

 

c.     The engine cranks progressively slower, and not just clicks

If the engine cranks slower and slower until it just clicks, means the starter motor doesn't have enough power to turn over the engine. This problem should be fairly easy to diagnose,

Step 8:-         as there are just one cables (positive and negative cables   earth ) to deliver the electric current from the battery to the starter motor. Once again, a very weak battery is the most common problem in this case. A bad starter motor also can cause this issue. And of course, a poor connection or corrosion at the battery terminals or bad battery cables can also cause these symptoms. If the battery is very old,

Step 9:-         replace the battery with a new battery. It is not very expensive.

d.    Jump-starting a car

A jump start is a way of starting a car with a weak battery using a power from a good battery in another vehicle. You will need jumper cables and another car with a good battery, and it's a fairly quick procedure.

 

Two cables of minimum 6mm thikness of suitable length. Connect positive (+) to (+) and negative (-) to (-) and give a crank to start and it is done.

Otherwise 

Step 10:-       you should check your owner's manual for the right way to do this in your vehicle, because different cars have different locations of the connection points. It's important to connect the jumper cables the right way, so check the instructions in your owner's manual carefully. If you don't have an owner's manual, many car manufacturers offer to download an electronic copy from their websites. Read here:  

Be careful, a person I know had to scrap his car after he accidentally mixed the positive and negative cables while jump-starting his car; this caused extensive damage to his vehicle's electrical system. 

Search here for assistance

Step 11:-       still you want to help your selves at your own risk you can connect  your car’s battery with other good battery or other cars battery with pair of jumper wires. While connecting care must be taken the polarity of car’s battery connected the same polarity of the other battery.

Step 12:-       now crank your car and start it.

Step 13:-       disconnect the jumper wires and locate your car to nearest garage to rectify it.

 

e.             If engine are being cranked without hesitating on turning the ignition key. That means your battery, connection and starter motor is correct. Now check.

Step 14:-       Check the fuel in fuel tank. How will you check, remind when you have filled the fuel or check fuel guage or  indicator on dashboard. 

Step 15:-       Check fuel level indicator on dashboard refill it if no fuel in the tank.

Step 16:-       Check fuel pipe line for leakage or blockage.

Step 17:-       Check fuel filter for blocking

Step 18:-       Check fuel pump. It is turning on when you turn on the ignition key. A sound should come at fuel pump as you turn the key in on position. If it is fine the go ahead.

 

f.      Ignition problems

Step 19:-       Check for sparks at the plugs using a spare plug in the HT lead. Hold it against the engine block and rocking the engine with key. Make sure the points are opened by removing the distributor cap then rocking the car in gear. If the ignition system is wet dry off excess water. Spray with water repellent if you have some. If the engine stops dead.

Step 20:-       the chances are that the fuse (if one is fitted) protecting the ignition coil has blown. If the ignition light will not come on but most of the electrics work this is almost certainly the problem. You can substitute a fuse of the correct size from another, less vital component and carry on.

Step 21:-       But check first that the failure was not caused by a short circuit — a bare connector, for example — and insulate any suspect wires or connections with tape. Check also that the engine's earth strap has not become disconnected or split, as this will give similar symptoms.

Step 22:-       In wet weather, a worsening misfire which eventually stops the engine is usually because of damp getting into the ignition components Dry the HT leads and the inside of the distributor cap thoroughly. If you have any water-resistant spray with you, give the parts a liberal coating once you have reassembled them.

 

Step 23:-       Check your silencer for any restriction.

Step 24:-       check your air cleaner inlet and filter for any restriction.

Still if you could not help your selves search for help                                                             

 

2.    What to do when engine stop at ideal speed of engine.

           Do not puzzled, relax. It is very irritating problem when engine stalked in idling that means at traffic signal, on gear shifting. There may many reasons making you irritating. Drive to a nearest vehicle garage or search here for help search for help.

If you want to help your self follow the steps.          

Step 1:- cornered your vehicle to a side. Switched off the vehicle. Turn the ignition key at off position. Relax for a few second and again turn the key at on position again relax for 30 seconds. Now crank the engine to start and let it run for 30 sec.s. move the vehicle while accelerating.

 

If your problem still not solved

Step:- 2         clean your air filter by tapping and rotating on a hard object. If it is very old or dirty replace it with new one. You can buy it on a auto parts shop or purchase here.

 

Step:- 3         Clean fuel filter in kirosine or petrol and fit it back. If it is very old or blocked replace it.

 

Step 4:-         If these all not work there may be a problem in idile speed setting, sensors, ECM or in ideal speed system. Visit nearest workshop or search here.

 

3.    What to do when over heating indication comes?

There may be many causes for over heating of engine. Some important are

(a)  Driving at high speed in low gear.

(b)  Parking brake is on while driving.

(c)  Malfunctioning in brake system.

(d)  Coolant level is low or dirty in radiator.

(e)  Dirty or blocked Radiator.

(f)    Faulty thermostat.

Here we discuss what to do when over heating signals is coming on dash board. Never- never open the radiator cap when engine is hot.

Step 1:-         stop the vehicle at suitable place along the road and switch off the engine. And wait for a while, open the bonnet and find out the causes of over heating.

Step 2:-         check for any leakage in radiator hoses, Parking brake, coolant level and your driving gear. Rectify the fault if any if you can.

Step 3:-         start the engine and pour the clean water on the radiator to cool the coolant and the engine until the over heating signal goes off. Never throw the water on engine, it damages the engine parts.

Step 4:-         wait for some time till engine cools. Now top up the radiator with coolant or clean water.

Step 5:-         still if you could not help your selves search hear to find a technician or garage near about.

 

4.             How to check engine oil?

The checking of Engine oil is consists of checking of oil level and checking of engine  oil condition.

Step 1:-         open the bonnet of your vehicle and locate the oil level gauge. It may be at engine block in accessible side.

Step 2:-         the oil gauge may be threaded or just push fit, take out the filler gauge with help of your finger. Check the oil level, it should be between minimum and maximum level.

Step 3:-         top up the lube oil with specified grade of oil till the correct level.

Step 4:-         for checking of Oil condition comprises the viscosity (thickness) the cleanliness of oil and usage period. It is difficult to carry out the checks at your own without a oil lab. Still you can come to know the condition of your engine oil approximately. 

Step 5:-         take some oil on your finger and wipe it with other finger. If the oil does not leave a black spot on the finger the oil is clean. A black spots indicates dirty engine oil. It must be renewed.

Step 6:-         for checking of viscosity at your own just remind the time when you changed your engine oil. The manufacturers always recommend the grade of oil to be used and period for renewal. Follow the user manuals and renew the engine oil on specified kilometers  and on period.

Step 7:-         still if you could not help your selves search hear to find a technician or garage near about.

 

5.             How to top up radiator?

while working with radiator when engine is hot the precaution may be adhere. Don’t open the radiator cap when engine is hot.

Step 1:-         When engine is cool watch on the transparent compassionate tank fitted near radiator. If the coolant level is bellow the minimum level the radiator tank is required to be filled up.

Step 2:-         Open the cap of compassionate tank and filled the coolant bellow the maximum level. Put on the cap on the tank.

 In case there is no compassionate tank.

Step 3 :-        Remove the radiator cap and start the engine and warm it until thermostat opens.

Step 4:-         fill up the radiator up to the neck with specified coolant or clean water.

Step 5:-         Fit the cap and switch off the engine. Check for any leaks at hoses joint when engine is at normal working tempreture.

6.             How to flush your radiator your selves?

the maintenance of your cooling system is required to prolong the engine and radiator life. The flushing of radiator is required periodically other wise scaling and accumulation of sediments in radiator will took pace and your radiator will clogged. The steps may be adhered to flush your radiator by your selves.

Step 1:-         Start the engine run it unless the engine gets warm.

Step 2:-         Drain the coolant in a container by opening drain plug existed in bottom of the radiator. 

Step 3 :-        Disconnect the bottom hose from engine by slaking the jubilee clip screw. Fit the drain plug on its place.

There two types of radiator flushing

i.      Setu flushing :          

Step 4:-         pour the clean water from the neck of radiator and let it flow from outlet of radiator (bottom) until clean water is coming from bottom of the radiator.

 

i.      Reverse flushing:

Step 5:-         arrange long hose or flexible hose and connect to its outlet of radiator (bottom) brings it above the level of the radiator neck.

Step 6:-         Pour the clean water in the connected hose and let it come out from the radiator neck. If you have a blower, blow the water from connected hose to its neck with pressure until clean water is coming out.

Step 7:-         Disconnect the hose and drain plug to drain completely.

Step 8:-         Connect the hoses, tighten the jubilee clip and fit the drain plug.

Step 9:-         Now fill the radiator with new coolant / clean water if it is two years old or dirty or discolored otherwise fill the same.

Step 10:-       Fit the radiator cap. Start the engine, warm it on and check for any leaking if any rectify it.

 

7.             How to check fan belt/ V/drive belt tightness?

The correct tightness of drive belts is necessary for proper driving of alternator, AC compressor, water pump and other equipments. When a whistle sound is coming on accelerating the engine the one cause may be loose belts.

Step 1:-         open the bonnet and locate your belts.

Step 2:-         press the belt with your with 5-10 kg pressure. If there is flexibility of more than 10-15 mm the belt is loose.

 

8.             How to adjust the belt tightness?

 

Find the causes of looseness it may be long use of the belt, extra load on the belt or loose pulley mounting. Find it and correct it by following steps.

Step 1:-         Loosen the alternator/ ideal pulley/ other driving pulley mounting bolt. It can be found by watching carefully the belt driving system. It may vary in deferent manufacturer.

Step 2:-         Pull the   alternator/ ideal pulley/ other driving pulley out side by help of a rod.

Step 3:-         tighten the mounting bolt while pulling out ward. The tightness may vary on various vehicle but it may be 10-15 mm flexible on 10 kg pressure.

 

9.             How to minimise tyres wearing?

By proper caring and maintenance the life of tyre can be increased. Follow the under mention tips to prolong the tyre life.

Step 1:-         Maintain the correct tyre pressure as per the types of tyre or manufacturer’s specification. Low pressure and high pressure both are harm your tyre, comfort and fuel efficiency.

Step 2:-         Don’t park the vehicle for long at one place or in sun or in oily place or in watery place.

Step 3:-         Periodically change positions of tyre to its each other.

Step 4:-         Keep proper toe in (inclination of front wheel inward at front)  of front wheel as per manufacturer specification. Improper toe in causes un even tyre wear.

Step 5:-         Camber angle (inclination of front wheel out ward at top)  of wheel is very important. It should be maintained as per specification. Improper camber causes side wear of tyres.

Step 6:-         Wheel wobbling, bearing play also play a role in tyre wearing. It should be checked.

Step 7:-         over loading and road condition also lessen your tyre life just keep in mind.

10.        How to top up the brake fluid level?

Brake fluid is used in hydraulic brake system. If your vehicle is having hydraulic brake system then it needs to care brake fluid level. Maximum car/ vehicles are having brake fluid level indication, watch it regularly. If there is no indication in your car/ vehicle, find out the brake fluid container it may be under the bonnet near the brake paddle. Max and Min mark is available on the container. If the level of fluid is bellow the MIN mark.

Step 1:-         Remove the cap and Fill the container with brake fluid of specified grade up to the mark.

Step 2:-         Refit the cap.

Step 3:-         let never be empty the brake fluid container. It causes air in brake fluid line and faulty brake. If you observe any fault for assistance or to locate near by garage to rectify it.

11.         How to do maintenance of battery of my vehicle?

Maintenance of battery is very important as it is prime starter of your vehicle. All small and medium vehicles have 12 volt of various amps battery to feed the power to starter motor to start the engine and to other electric equipments. Mostly the battery is sulphuric acid battery filled with H2SO4 1250 and water.

·       Never top up the battery with Acid 1250. Always top up with distilled water.

·       Keep your battery cleaned, dry and corrosion free.

·       Use p7 grease on the terminals of battery.

·       Don’t give long crank (more than 30 sec) to start the engine. Give at least One minute gap on each cranking.

·       Always jump (connecting a strong battery to poor battery to start the engine) with battery of same voltage and with same polarity.

·       Don’t leave the discharged battery for long. If your vehicle is not in use, charge the battery periodically.

·       Don’t over charge the battery.

·       Clean the vent plug regularly. It is a small hole in refill plug on top of the battery.

 

12.        How to top up battery?

The acid level in your battery is very important. It should be 1cm above the Zink plates in your battery. It can be found by inspecting through refill cap on the top of battery.

Step 1:-         clean the top of the battery with a clean cloth.

Step 2:-         Remove the all refill caps and see the electrolytes level.

Step 3:-         Top up with distilled water 1-2 cm above the plates.

Step 4:-         Clean the battery and refit the cap.

13.        How to know the wiper blade is defective?

You can see if the lip of wiper blade has many cracks or became hard it is to be replaced. You can not find any defect in wiper blade and it is not wiped properly the wiper blades needs to be replaced.

 

14.  How to replace your battery?

If your car’s battery too old and does not hold the charge (not giving full power to rotate the starter motor) replace the battery with new one.

Step 1:-         find out the rating of battery (voltage and ampere hour of the battery). You can refer user’s manual or see the battery already fitted in your car.

Step 2:-         purchase a new battery of same ratting and get it full charge by vendor/shopkeeper. You can assure the charge with a volt meter or sphecometer .

Step 3:-         locate the old battery in your car, locate it’s mounting and clean the battery.

Care must be taken while connecting/ disconnecting / working with battery in a vehicle no conductor material (any metal) should connect from terminals to body.

Step 4:-         disconnect the battery negative (-) first in order. Unmount the battery from vehicle.

Step 5:-         place the new battery, connect the battery positive (+) first in order.

Step 6:-         tighten the mounting. Check the connection, mounting and clean it. Now put ignition switch in on position. Check the indicators in dashboard, if all are well turn the ignition key to start the vehicle.

 

15. How to replace your wheel?

When a wheel of your car gets punctured you have to replace it with stepaney wheel. There one must care car Stepaney wheel for air pressure regularly. If you’re your wheel is not correct or you are seeking assistance Search here.

Step 1:-         corner your vehicle at a road side at spacious place. Put the hand brakes in on position.

Step 2:-         Locate the jack and tools in your car and take it out. A jack and wheel brace and some necessary tools are provided by car manufacturer at the time of purchase. The locations of these are varying on manufacturer but it might be located under the seats or sides of leg space.

Step 3:-         choke the other wheel if possible. Loosen the hub bolt of punctured wheel with wheel brace (a wrench for wheel) and put the jack under chassis to uplift the punctured wheel. Position of jack is always marked on the chassis locate it. If it is not there put the jack nearest to the wheel under the side member of the chassis and jack it up.

Step 4:-         remove the wheel by slackening the hub bolt and fit the stepney wheel in same way. Care must be taken that a protruded lug on hub flanges inline with a hole on rim of the wheel.

Step 5:-         tighten the hub bolt with wheel brace (a wheel wrench) and UN jack the vehicle.

Step 6:-         retighten the wheel with 20 to 30 kg pressure on wheel brace for car and for heavy vehicle 60-70 kg on wheel brace.

Step 7:-         UN choke the vehicle and drive it to nearest garage to get repaired the wheel and replaced it.

 

16. How to refill your lube oil (engine lubricating oil)?

Refilling of engine oil is required when the oil completed its life or become diluted. The life of lube oil is recommended by vehicle manufacturer refer user manuals. How ever it is 1 year or 10000 KM which are completed earlier.

Step 1:-         purchase specified grade of oil and recommended quantity. It is mentioned in user’s manual.

Step 1:-         collect required tools (a container to collect old oil, a spanner for drain plug, a funnel to pour the new oil, and muslin to clean)

Step 2:-         start the engine run it at ideal speed for 5 minutes to warm it. Warming of oil is required for proper flowing and draining out.

Step 3:-         locate the drain plug it may be under the engine in oil sump. Locate the oil filling cap it also might be found upper side the engine. There may be a written mark or oil pouring mark (drop mark).

Step 4:-         put a container under the drain plug and loosen the drain plug and remove it. Loosen the oil filling cap it helps to drain the oil properly. Drain the oil till last drop.

Step 5:-         fit the drain plug and tighten it. Remove the filling cap and pour the oil with the help of a funnel. Care must be taken the quantity of oil is required to pour in the engine.

Step 6:-         fit the filler cap on the neck and tighten it. Clean the engine and the place.

Step 7:-         dispose the waste oil properly. Don’t throw it on the ground or in drainage or other place. Store the waste oil it may be purchased by vendors or other institutes for recirculation or give it to garage, they have contacts to institutes for collecting the waste oil to be disposed.

Step 8:-         start the engine, check the oil pressure and any leakage. Run for 5-10 minutes at ideal speed. Now it ready to move.

Still you could not help your selves search here for assistance.

          

17. How to change your lube oil filter?

Lube oil filter is as important as oil. It should be replaced with new one on changing of oil.

Step 1:-         purchase the suitable oil filter for your car recommended by manufacturer.

Step 2:-         locate oil filter it may be in Single and two in quantity. The oil filter can be found one of either side of the engine.

Step 3:-         a tools for filter opening is required or try it with your hand to unthread it. Turn it in anti clock wise to remove it.

Step 4:-         take new filter, fill the fresh lube oil approx half of it. The filling can be done in 2-3 steps because it takes time to fill in filters. A rubber washer is fitted at the top of the filter. Apply some oil on the rubber washer and position on its grove.

Step 5:-         position the new filter with oil on it place and turn it in clock wise direction to tighten it. Tighten it with hand with full force.

Step 6:-         clean the oil from engine. Start the engine check oil pressure and any leakage.

Still you could not help your selves search here for assistance.

 

18. How to replace your car’s air filer?

Air filter is fitted to supply the clean air to the engine. It may be of two type (a) dry air filter (b) wet and wire mesh air filter. Wet and wire mesh air filter does not require replacing very frequently. It may be washed in kerosene oil or in petrol. In case of dry air filter it is replaced with new as per recommendation of vehicle manufacturer. Yet the dry air filter element may be changed on completion of 2 years or 20000 km of running.

Step 1:-         for dry air fileter element- buy a new Air Filter filter element as per manufacturer specification.

Step 2:-         locate the air filter if you have a little knowledge of automobile engine you can locate it very easily. It is connected with induction manifold. Or locate it with the help of user’s manual.

Step 3:-         slacken the cover mounting nuts and remove it, remove the cover with rubber washer.

Step 4:-         remove the elements/ element by unthread the element holding nut.

Step 5:-         fit the new element in same way as old one was fitted, tighten the nut securing the element.

Step 6:-         place the rubber washer on the grove of cover or in grove of filter assembly. Fit the cover and tighten the holding nut or secure the clip. It may be vary as per manufacturer and model of vehicle.

Step 7:-         clean the compartment from where it sucks the air.

Still you could not help your selves search here for assistance