Initially, I was consulted about a windshield wiper malfunction. While operating the wipers at high speed during heavy rain, they stopped at the turning point (when the wiper arm was in its most upright position). I received a report that only the motor sound continued sadly while the wipers wouldn't move. Unlike Japanese cars where important safety equipment like … [Read more...] about How to solve ‘Code error’ on Alfa Romeo MiTo ~ Recovering from the anti-theft passcode error on the original car audio system (Alfa Romeo MiTo) ~
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
The Inherent Structural Vulnerabilities of Italian Cars (Wiper Malfunction, Alfa 147 Selespeed)
Shortly after the rainy season began, I received a call from an Alfa 147 late-model owner reporting that the driver's side wiper was wobbling and behaving erratically. I advised them to bring the car in when the weather improved and proceeded to research wiper linkage issues online. Vehicle details: 2006 GH-937AB Twin Spark 2.0L Selespeed, mileage: 72,000 km It … [Read more...] about The Inherent Structural Vulnerabilities of Italian Cars (Wiper Malfunction, Alfa 147 Selespeed)
Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures (Part 2)
In an engine where metal parts rub against each other, it's impossible to completely avoid metal wear. Engine oil circulating inside plays a crucial role in reducing direct metal-to-metal contact and minimizing wear. The most significant wear occurs during cold starts. It takes at least a few seconds for the oil pump to circulate oil throughout the engine and stabilize … [Read more...] about Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures (Part 2)
Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures
In an era where 0W-XX engine oils prioritizing fuel efficiency are becoming mainstream, we recently serviced a vehicle with the following specifications in its manual: 0W16 for turbocharged engines and 0W8 for naturally aspirated engines! The manual recommends using specified brands to maintain optimal performance. A footnote mentioned that 0W20 could be used if the … [Read more...] about Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures
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)
The Melancholy of Camshaft Rotation Phase Deviation (DBA-JH1 Honda N-WGN)
A Honda N-WGN brought in for its 24-month inspection (Japanese vehicle inspection) had its engine warning light (and, by design, the Vehicle Stability Assist warning light) illuminated since it was purchased as a used car about two years ago. This condition would not pass the current periodic inspection. There were signs that the vehicle had been used in areas where … [Read more...] about The Melancholy of Camshaft Rotation Phase Deviation (DBA-JH1 Honda N-WGN)
Danger! A Hissing Sound from the Engine Bay… (Suzuki Alto DBA-HA24S during Regular Inspection)
A Suzuki Alto was brought in for shaken (the legally mandated periodic inspection in Japan). This model of Alto has aged, and this particular vehicle was in for its 18th regular inspection. It had reached a stage where a more thorough inspection was necessary. Specifications: 2005 model, DBA-HA24S, K6A engine, 4AT, odometer reading 79,000 km While listening to the … [Read more...] about Danger! A Hissing Sound from the Engine Bay… (Suzuki Alto DBA-HA24S during Regular Inspection)
A Common Issue? Loose Shift Lever Rendering Vehicle Inoperable (DBA-L175S Daihatsu Move)
Certain Daihatsu models have been experiencing cases where shift operation suddenly becomes impossible. The issue stems from the deterioration and disintegration of the plastic component connecting the shift lever to the transmission wire cable on the shift lever side, resulting in a physical disconnection. Specifications: 2007 model, DBA-L175S, KF-VE engine, 4AT, … [Read more...] about A Common Issue? Loose Shift Lever Rendering Vehicle Inoperable (DBA-L175S Daihatsu Move)
