Japanese Cars

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… 続きを読む

11/15/2024

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… 続きを読む

11/4/2024

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… 続きを読む

1/4/2024

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,… 続きを読む

11/26/2023

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… 続きを読む

10/3/2023

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… 続きを読む

9/7/2023

Solving a Years-Long Air Conditioning Problem (Subaru Sambar TV2 Cooling Fan Motor Malfunction)

I first received a consultation about an ineffective air conditioning system exactly three years ago. Although Subaru's in-house production of… 続きを読む

8/17/2023

Reflections on Japanese Car Design Philosophy After Completing a Clutch Replacement on the Enchanting Lightweight MT Daihatsu Mira

In the tough work of car maintenance, which leaves hands covered in oil, arms full of scratches, and requires long… 続きを読む

7/2/2023

Well-tuned light-weight car is really fun (Daihatsu Esse DBA-L235S KF-VE)

Customers who used to ride in Alfa Romeo say that Daihatsu Esse is very enjoyable after replacing the shock absorber… 続きを読む

2/9/2020

Cause and repair of Power sliding door does not open (Toyota Raum CBA-NCZ20)

Toyota's compact car raum has a power sliding door. Owner opens and closes the power door many times a day.This… 続きを読む

1/11/2020