Suzuki's mild hybrid system primarily consists of an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator, an alternator with motor function) and a lithium-ion battery. Its main feature is the ability to improve environmental performance efficiently while keeping costs down by adding relatively small electric parts to existing engines. It is particularly effective in improving fuel economy … [Read more...] about Can You Replace Suzuki Hybrid ISG Belt Without Special Tools? (Spacia DAA-MK53S)
Japanese Cars
When Engine Vibration Becomes Noticeable (Toyota iQ DBA-KGJ10)
When idling at a stop with the transmission in D (Drive) position, the engine vibration transmits throughout the entire vehicle body and is very uncomfortable. I noticed that shifting to N (Neutral) somewhat reduces the vibration, but having to shift from D to N every time I stop at a traffic light is cumbersome and stressful. This was the complaint when I first … [Read more...] about When Engine Vibration Becomes Noticeable (Toyota iQ DBA-KGJ10)
Headlight Bulb Replacement for a Kei Car That Requires This Much Disassembly (Daihatsu Copen L880K)
I received a request from another auto shop to replace the high beam bulb for a Daihatsu Copen. When a request comes from another shop, it usually means the job is difficult, but this time it exceeded my expectations. This job was to replace the high beam bulb, but it required removing the entire headlight unit. While headlight unit removal in many cases only requires … [Read more...] about Headlight Bulb Replacement for a Kei Car That Requires This Much Disassembly (Daihatsu Copen L880K)
Tackling Power Sliding Door Repairs (Toyota Sienta CBA-NCP81G)
Although sliding doors for cars didn't originate in Japan, they've become especially popular in Japanese family cars like minivans, developing a unique culture and practicality. The widespread adoption of sliding doors in passenger vehicles, especially family-oriented cars, began in the 1980s. This trend was particularly prominent in Japan, where manufacturers started … [Read more...] about Tackling Power Sliding Door Repairs (Toyota Sienta CBA-NCP81G)
Reflections on Changes with Time and Aging After Major Maintenance of the Jimny Sierra (JB43W Transmission & Clutch Replacement)
A customer who owns a Jimny Sierra reported noise coming from a specific gear (especially 4th gear), so I first drained the oil to assess the internal condition, and found a large amount of metal powder attached to the drain bolt's magnet. 2015 model ABA-JB43W M13A 5MT PT4WD Mileage: 196,000km It's almost certain that a bearing in the 4th gear inside the transmission … [Read more...] about Reflections on Changes with Time and Aging After Major Maintenance of the Jimny Sierra (JB43W Transmission & Clutch Replacement)
Unexpected Injector Failure in Toyota Vehicles!? Mysterious Engine Malfunction and Correct Diagnostic Procedures – [Case Study Explanation] 1NZ-FE Engine P0304 Error Code – Investigating the True Cause of No.4 Cylinder Misfire
At the beginning of 2025, I received a call (consultation) from a fellow professional. They had sold a 10-year-old vehicle with less than 70,000 kilometers, assuming it would be reliable since Toyota has an image of never breaking down. However, six months after delivery, the engine warning light came on, along with noticeable engine problems (especially vibration during … [Read more...] about Unexpected Injector Failure in Toyota Vehicles!? Mysterious Engine Malfunction and Correct Diagnostic Procedures – [Case Study Explanation] 1NZ-FE Engine P0304 Error Code – Investigating the True Cause of No.4 Cylinder Misfire
250,000 km High-Mileage Light Truck Refrigerated Vehicle DA16T: Coolant Leak Reveals Critical Points to Watch — Practical Explanation of the Importance of Pre-operation Inspections and Good Maintainability
The refrigerated light truck now in its 8th year is about to reach 250,000 kilometers in mileage. It drives approximately 30,000 kilometers annually, mainly in urban areas with extremely frequent stop-and-go traffic. The fact that it has operated almost trouble-free up to this point is undoubtedly due to the driver's careful attention to the vehicle. This time, I … [Read more...] about 250,000 km High-Mileage Light Truck Refrigerated Vehicle DA16T: Coolant Leak Reveals Critical Points to Watch — Practical Explanation of the Importance of Pre-operation Inspections and Good Maintainability
The 5.5-Hour Myth: Repairing Oil Leaks on an Early KF Engine Daihatsu Hijet
The EF-type engine, Daihatsu's renowned 3-cylinder timing belt engine for light vehicles, has almost disappeared from the market. This is unsurprising, as 19 years have passed since it was replaced by the next-generation KF-type engine, featuring a timing chain and lightweight all-aluminum construction. While the KF engine's production run is becoming longer than the EF's, … [Read more...] about The 5.5-Hour Myth: Repairing Oil Leaks on an Early KF Engine Daihatsu Hijet
Air Conditioner Repair in Scorching Heat: Replacing the Evaporator in a Palette MK21S and Memories of a Showa-era Gas Charger
This summer's relentless heat wave led to a record number of air conditioning repairs. Even properly functioning AC systems in larger-volume kei cars tend to struggle with cooling capacity, and even minor malfunctions can make the AC seem completely ineffective. Vehicle Details: 2009 DBA-MK21S K6A engine with CVT Mileage: 110,000km Suzuki kei cars from this era … [Read more...] about Air Conditioner Repair in Scorching Heat: Replacing the Evaporator in a Palette MK21S and Memories of a Showa-era Gas Charger
An Unexpected Cause of Recurring Cooling System Issues (Subaru Sambar TV2 Overheating)
A Subaru Sambar, which had undergone repairs for cooling system issues (cooling fan malfunction) spanning several years, had been running without problems for five months after replacing the smaller cooling fan motor, as mentioned in a previous article. This resolved both air conditioning and engine cooling issues. Vehicle details: 2010 EBD-TV2 EN07 5MT, mileage: 79,000 … [Read more...] about An Unexpected Cause of Recurring Cooling System Issues (Subaru Sambar TV2 Overheating)
