This June experienced record-breaking heat waves. For aging vehicles with high mileage, the harsh season arrived more than a month earlier than usual. A Daihatsu Tanto equipped with the legendary timing belt EF engine suffered from sudden stalling and inability to restart. 2006 Model CBA-L350S EF-VE 4AT Mileage: 105,000km The cause was a short circuit in the … [Read more...] about Investigating the Cause of Dripping Coolant Leaks – L350S Daihatsu Tanto with EF-VE Engine –
Japanese Cars
Is Door Mirror Repair Impossible? – Taking on the Challenge of Replacing Inner Parts of HE22S Suzuki Lapin’s Door Mirror –
"The electric folding door mirror motor suddenly wouldn't stop. Even after stopping and restarting the engine, the folding motor kept running continuously." This was the message from a customer who was very troubled by the situation. It seems that due to a malfunction in the gear mechanism inside the door mirror, it doesn't stop at the end of the mirror opening/closing … [Read more...] about Is Door Mirror Repair Impossible? – Taking on the Challenge of Replacing Inner Parts of HE22S Suzuki Lapin’s Door Mirror –
Is Early First Replacement Best? Convinced After Seeing the Extracted Gear Oil (Subaru Impreza G4 DBA-GJ2)
This is a statutory inspection of an Impreza G4 with extremely low mileage, over 8 years old. 2013 model DBA-GJ2 FB16 CVT with 9,000km mileage The owner requested an inspection focusing on lubricants, as the vehicle will be driven more frequently in the future. First, I opened the hood to visually inspect the fluids. The first thing that caught my attention was the … [Read more...] about Is Early First Replacement Best? Convinced After Seeing the Extracted Gear Oil (Subaru Impreza G4 DBA-GJ2)
OEM Parts with Delayed Supply of Consumable Components (During Inspection and Maintenance of DBA-L275S Daihatsu Mira)
When thinking about vehicle inspection and maintenance, some of you may remember having to leave your car at a repair shop for 7-10 days over 30 years ago. Recently, with improvements in various vehicle performances including durability of parts, it's not uncommon for inspection and maintenance to be completed on the same day for newer vehicles. However, depending on … [Read more...] about OEM Parts with Delayed Supply of Consumable Components (During Inspection and Maintenance of DBA-L275S Daihatsu Mira)
Why Are Ball Joint Dust Boots Strictly Inspected? (Daihatsu Mira DBA-L275S)
In the mandatory vehicle inspection, there is an inspection item described as "cracks and damage to dust boots of ball joints in steering rods and arms." Ball joints have a structure similar to human joints and are essential components at the pivot points of steering and suspension systems. Ball joints are mainly lubricated with grease and are covered with rubber dust … [Read more...] about Why Are Ball Joint Dust Boots Strictly Inspected? (Daihatsu Mira DBA-L275S)
Toyota’s 300,000 km Problem – The Odometer that Stops at 299,999 km on the SCP10 Vitz and Vehicle Inspection
I wrote an article about a year ago explaining that while it's not uncommon for vehicles to exceed 300,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, some Toyota vehicles from certain model years stop at 299,999 km due to odometer specifications. The owner who was eagerly awaiting the 300,000 km milestone focused on the odometer to not miss this special moment, but no matter how … [Read more...] about Toyota’s 300,000 km Problem – The Odometer that Stops at 299,999 km on the SCP10 Vitz and Vehicle Inspection
Causes and Solutions for Occasional Engine Warning Light (Mazda Demio DBA-DE3FS)
We received a third-generation Demio with an occasionally illuminating engine warning light. From the Familia to the current Mazda2, Mazda's lightweight vehicles have always featured remarkably mild and straightforward rear-end behavior. I always find it interesting to see how this consistent tuning is inherited within the manufacturer whenever I drive a Mazda lightweight … [Read more...] about Causes and Solutions for Occasional Engine Warning Light (Mazda Demio DBA-DE3FS)
What Happens When Engine Mounts Are Used for Over 300,000 km? (Toyota Vitz UA-SCP10)
Typically, when engine mounts (engine mounting insulators) deteriorate, uncomfortable vibrations occur during idling, or loud "thud" sounds are heard during initial acceleration, making it impossible to leave them unattended. Toyota's first-generation Vitz, which never had its engine mounts replaced and never exhibited such discomfort, has approached a mileage of 320,000 … [Read more...] about What Happens When Engine Mounts Are Used for Over 300,000 km? (Toyota Vitz UA-SCP10)
Motorcycle Scooter Issues and Engine Overhaul (Honda Live Dio ZX Specification AF34 Frame + AF35 Engine)
It was about 12 years ago when powerful 2-stroke scooters were no longer produced due to manufacturers' self-regulation, and they were gradually becoming less common on the streets. I had an opportunity to receive multiple malfunctioning Live Dio models (the last model equipped with a 2-stroke engine), and I gradually worked on combining their functioning parts into one unit … [Read more...] about Motorcycle Scooter Issues and Engine Overhaul (Honda Live Dio ZX Specification AF34 Frame + AF35 Engine)
Thoughts After Completing a Jimny’s Kingpin Bearing Replacement (ABA-JB43W Jimny Sierra Regular Maintenance)
As you know, the Jimny is a genuine cross-country 4WD with front and rear rigid axles and a ladder frame structure, despite its small body size. Since the basic structure is authentic, various modification parts are commercially available to seek even greater off-road performance, and it's not uncommon for owners to perform maintenance themselves. This time, we received a … [Read more...] about Thoughts After Completing a Jimny’s Kingpin Bearing Replacement (ABA-JB43W Jimny Sierra Regular Maintenance)
