Sounds like a transmission overhaul required

Q1: My Honda Civic ES 2.0 i VTEC (A) has a gearbox problem.

At slow speed, the D drive indicator starts to blink and it will not change gear even if I accelerate the car. I have to slow down the car before it starts to change gear.

There is also a sucking sound from the gearbox during a traffic crawl.

M. Matthew
Kuala Lumpur

You have to bring the car to the Honda dealership to diagnose for electrical/electronic faults in the gearbox.

If the problem is in the mechanical or hydraulic system, it means your gearbox must be overhauled.


Q2: I drive a 2008 Toyota Hilux 2.5 diesel turbo.

There is a whining sound similar to that made by a mosquito from the engine when it is driven at between 1,500rpm and 2,200 rpm when accelerating through 30kph to 45kph.

The present mileage is about 45,000km only.

What could be causing the strange sound?

4WD Owner
Kuala Lumpur

A whining sound is usually caused by rotating components of your engine.

It could be caused by bearings. There are many engine accessories that are equiped with bearings like the alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor, power steering and the turbocharger.

You can determine which one causes the whining noise by using a conventional stethoscope. Or get a long hose and put to your ear and the other end to the various components mentioned.

But the best thing to do is to send your car to a Toyota service centre so that a professional technician can diagnose and service your car properly.


Q3: I'm driving a Nissan Sentra B14 year 1996 5-speed manual.

I have noticed that my car's tachometer is showing high engine speed while driving at normal speed.

For example at 80kph, i am getting 2,800rpm.  If 100kph, it is 3,200rpm and at 120kph, it  is 3,600rpm.

Is this a problem or do I need to do an ECU diagnosis?

The tachometer is still in good condition and I send my my car for regular service..

Henry Lee
Kulim

A speedometer error usually occurs when changes are done on wheels such as when changing the wheels or tyres from a higher aspect ratio to a lower aspect ratio.

The change in the total diameter of the tyres will result in higher rpm from a tachometer whilst showing a low speedometer reading.