Failing Fanbelt making noise

Diagnosing and Fixing Noisy Fanbelts: Common Causes and Solutions

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Introduction: Understanding the Importance of a Fanbelt

A fanbelt, also known as a drive belt, is an important component in a car’s engine that helps power various systems such as the alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor. If a fanbelt is making noise, it could be an indication of a problem that needs to be addressed. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of a noisy fanbelt and the solutions to fix them.

Signs of a Failing Fanbelt

The following are some signs that a fanbelt may be failing:

  • Squeaking or squealing noise when the car is started or when the engine is running
  • Chirping or whining noise while the car is in motion
  • Slipping or loose belt, visible by visual inspection
  • Cracks or fraying on the belt surface
  • Loss of power or efficiency
  • Warning lights or messages on the dashboard

Loose Fanbelt: The Cause and Solution for Squealing and Chirping Noises

One common reason for a noisy fanbelt is that it is loose. This can happen if the belt tensioner, which is responsible for keeping the belt tight, is worn or malfunctioning. A loose belt will make a squealing or chirping noise as it moves around on the pulleys. To fix this issue, the belt tensioner should be replaced..

Worn or Damaged Fanbelt: Whining and Screeching Sounds and How to Fix them

Another reason for a noisy fanbelt is that it is worn or damaged. Over time, belts can become frayed or cracked, which can cause them to make a whining or screeching noise. If a belt is found to be damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine and other systems.

Misaligned or Dirty Pulley: How to fix a slipping fanbelt

A misaligned or dirty pulley can also cause a fanbelt to make noise. Pulleys can become misaligned due to a worn or loose bearing, or due to an issue with the belt tensioner. A dirty pulley can cause the belt to slip, which can lead to a squealing noise. To fix this issue, the pulley should be cleaned and realigned, or the bearing should be replaced if necessary.

Other systems causing noise: When the problem is more than just the fanbelt

In some cases, a fanbelt may make noise due to a problem with one of the systems it powers. For example, if the water pump is failing, it may cause the belt to make a whining noise. In this case, the water pump should be replaced to fix the issue.

Conclusion: The importance of addressing a noisy fanbelt

If a fanbelt is making noise, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible. A noisy fanbelt can cause damage to the engine and other systems, and can also lead to a loss of power and efficiency. By being aware of the potential causes of a noisy fanbelt and taking action to address them, car owners can help ensure that their vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently.

 

 

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Damaged Footwell Module BMW

Unlocking the Mystery: Why Your BMW’s Windows and Lights Aren’t Working

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Introduction

If you own a BMW and have noticed that your windows and reverse lights are not working, it’s possible that the issue may be related to a damaged footwell module.

What is the Footwell Module?

The footwell module, also known as the FRM (footwell module) is responsible for controlling various electrical functions in the car, including the reverse lights and power windows. When this module is damaged, it can cause a wide range of issues, including the ones you have mentioned.

What causes damage to the Footwell Module?

The most common cause of damage to the footwell module is water intrusion. This can happen if the car is driven through deep water or if the car is left in a flooded area. The water can seep into the module and cause damage to the electronic components. Another cause of damage to the footwell module is a failure of the internal power supply. This can happen if the module is exposed to high temperatures or if the voltage supply is disrupted.

What can you do if you suspect your Footwell Module is damaged?

If you suspect that your footwell module is damaged, it is important to have it checked out by a professional. A qualified BMW technician will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate course of action. In most cases, if the damage is not severe, the module can be repaired by professionals. If the cause is voltage issues, it can also be repaired. In some cases, the module will need to be replaced in order to restore full functionality to the car.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, if you’re experiencing issues with your BMW’s windows and lights not working, it is likely that the problem is related to a damaged footwell module. It is important to have it checked out by a professional in order to have it fixed and get your car back to working order. Michanic Mobile Mechanics can assist you in sorting out the issue.

Summary

While you might feel that everything is getting more complicated in modern vehicles, these complicated features have huge benefits for your cars’ safety and functionality.

We at Michanic we have experienced BMW mechanics who can identify the problem and solve it for you at the comfort of your home and reasonable prices. Our BMW specialist are available in Gauteng, Cape Town, KZN and Emalahleni for your convenience

 

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Mercedes Benz W204 Electronic Steering Lock

My Mercedes Steering Is Locked And the Car Won’t Start – Steering Lock Warning sign On

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Electronic Steering Lock Or ESL Fault Is Common Issue On Mercedes Benz W204

Most Mercedes Benz vehicles are fitted with an electronic steering locks (ESL). This steering lock module is designed to help you safeguard your car from theft. On AI has reported a trend increase in these faults especially on the W204 Mercedes Benz. The steering lock unit has become a source of frustration for many Mercedes Benz owners as it is costly and can be a huge inconvenience..

If you are experiencing faults with the ESL, i.e ESL is noisy or slow to operate, you should have the unit repaired immediately before you are left with a car you cannot use.

Common Symptoms Of A Faulty ESL (electronic steering lock) Unit

 

• The car won’t start, and the steering doesn’t unlock.
• A Noisy steering lock
• Key turns in Electronic Ignition Switch but the car will not start.
• The dash lights are off when turning key in Electronic Ignition Switch
• Electronic steering lock click or unlock sound cannot be heard when the key is inserted into the ignition.
• The steering wheel does not want to turn, even with the key inserted into EIS.

Is It Safe To Drive With The ESL Warning Light On?

Electronic Steering Lock Warning sign

In most instances, the warning light rarely illuminates while driving the car. In an unlikely event that it comes on while driving the car, you can continue to drive the car. Once you have stopped, you can see if you able to turn the key again and if the light stays on or goes off. As mentioned, when this light comes on, on your Mercedes Benz W204, you should contact a specialist auto electrician to look at it and resolve it

How Much Does It cost To Repair The Electronic Steering Lock.

the cost of repairing or replacing the ESL is somewhere between R22 000 and R25 000 from a dealership. Also note, the steering locks are not readily available in South Africa, so it may take up to 4 weeks to get your car working again. However, do not despair. At Michanic we have specialised auto electricians that are able to fix the issue for a fraction of the price.

Summary

While you might feel that everything is getting more complicated in modern vehicles, these complicated features have huge benefits for your cars’ security.

We at Michanic we have experienced Mercedes Benz mechanics who can identify the problem and solve it for you at the comfort of your home and reasonable prices. Our Mercedes Benz specialist are available in Gauteng, Cape Town, KZN and Emalahleni for your convenience

 

Click here to get an instant online quote for a car service and repairs for your car!

 

Jeep Lightning Bolt symbol

Red Lighting Bolt Symbol On My Jeep Dashboard – (Electronic throttle Control Warning Sign) What Does This Mean?

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Red Lighting Bolt Symbol On My Jeep Dashboard – (Electronic throttle Control Warning Sign) What Does This Mean?

The warning signs on the dashboard can be quite daunting and scary for most drivers. The purpose of warning signs on the dashboard, is to alert you of any issues that your car might have with any of the electronic systems.

Todays’ cars are filled with sensors and control modules to ensure that your car is always safe and runs optimally.

At Michanic, using our AI trend analysis we have noticed that most Jeeps after reaching between 130 000KM and 200 000 KM start to experiences Electronic Throttle Control issues. This red lightning bolt symbol on the dashboard, indicates that there is a problem with Jeeps’ throttle which may be caused by the following:

 

Faulty Throttle Control Sensor (Most Common According To Michanic AI)

Electronic Throttle Sensor

Modern cars have a lot of sensors at everywhere. While this enables all kinds of cool and safety features, the downside of it all is that as soon as one sensor goes wrong, the entire systems can go down. That’s the case with the throttle control sensor, also known as the throttle body position sensor.

This sensor tells the cars’ computer what the throttle body’s current position, so the computer box knows the ideal fuel and timing ratios to adjust everything else too. With a faulty throttle position sensor, the ECU doesn’t know how to time everything, and the red lightning bolt symbol or ETC warning sign will illuminate.

Stuck Throttle Body 

Dirty throtthle Body

A dirty throttle body can sometimes get stuck or damaged and when that is the case, the system might report a ETC fault by illuminating the red lightning bolt symbol on your Jeep dashboard.

A visual and mechanical inspection will help you determine if the throttle body is working the way it should. Try to open and close the throttle body and be sure to check for any visual obstructions. The throttle body should open with minimum effort and should close automatically as soon as you release it.

Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor or Module

electronic accelerator pedal

In addition to the throttle position sensor, the electronic throttle control consists of an accelerator pedal position sensor and an accelerator pedal module. The acceleration pedal position sensor sends the current position of the accelerator pedal to the control module.

The module uses this information to communicate with the throttle position sensor to establish the correct throttle position. If any of these components wear out and break, you’ll end up with a trouble code, and the system won’t work the way it should.

Symptoms Of A Faulty Electronic Throttle Control

While the most obvious sign of a faulty Electronic Throttle Control is a lightning bolt symbol on your Jeep dashboard, sometimes, this may not be the case however you would experience some performance issues such as car losing power or not accelerating at all.

Car Losing Power – Reduced Acceleration

The electronic throttle control tells the throttle body how much to open when you press the accelerator pedal down. But if the controls aren’t working, then you’ll be unable to accelerate the way you should when you press the pedal. The system will rarely fail entirely right away, so you’ll still be able to drive some, but the longer you wait, the worse the problems will get. A slightly reduced acceleration today might turn into a full-blown failure to accelerate when you need to tomorrow.

High Idle or Stalling Engine

Sometimes faulty electronic throttle controls will lead to a throttle body that never closes to a regular idle. Instead, it might only close partially, leading to an excessively high idle. Conversely, the throttle might close too much, either while idling or while driving. If this happens, your engine might stall out since it’s not getting the necessary air to run correctly. If it’s not dying completely, it might sputter as it struggles to stay running. Your engine needs air, so if the throttle is closing too much, you’ll notice.

Can I Drive With the Red Lightning Symbol Or Faulty Electronic Throttle Control?

The short answer is that YES you can drive with a faulty ETC however you shouldn’t. While you can get away with driving with a faulty ETC, for little while, doing this over an extended period, it may end up causing issues and damaging your engine. Driving with this issues can also be of safety concern. Inconsistent acceleration can turn deadly very fast and that is why you should avoid driving while the car display the red lightning bolt symbol on your Jeep.

Finally, electronic throttle controls rarely fail all at once. When you first notice the light, it will likely still work to some degree. But the longer you put off repairs, the more severe the symptoms will become, and the more dangerous it will become to drive your vehicle.

Summary

While you might feel that everything is getting more complicated in modern vehicles, these complicated features have huge benefits. Not only do you get better fuel economy, but you get a more powerful and a more responsive engine.

We at Michanic we have experienced Jeep mechanics who can identify the problem and solve it for you at the comfort of your home and reasonable prices. Our Jeep specialist are available in Gauteng, Cape Town, KZN and Emalahleni for your convenience

 

Click here to get an instant online quote for a car service and repairs for your car!

 

DIY: How To Check Your Engine Oil Level

DIY: How To Check Your Engine Oil Level

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Did you know that most experts recommend checking your engine oil at least once per month?! when was the last time you checked yours? Engine oil is super important as it acts as a lubricant that prevents the engine components of your car from damage cause by friction as they move around. Here’s how to check your engine oil level in 4 simple steps:

1. Turn off the engine

Make sure the engine is cool so you don’t burn yourself and so that the engine oil has settled. Ensure that it has been off for at least 10 minutes and is cool. You’ll also need to make sure that your car is parked on a level surface.

2. Locate the dipstick

Pop open the bonnet, and look for the dipstick. The dipstick is a long rod which goes deep into your engine and usually has a brightly coloured handle.

3. Clean the dipstick

Wipe any oil off the dipstick with a clean cloth or rag.

4. Check the oil level

Stick the clean dipstick back into the tube, and ensure the end reaches the bottom, then pull the dipstick back out again. There will be an upper and lower mark on the dipstick, the oil level should be between these two marks. If it’s below or on the lower mark, you need to top up your oil to risk causing any engine damage. If you engine oil is dirty (dark black) consider replacing it.

Some cars have a digital oil check function in their cars and no longer use dip sticks. Different cars access the oil levels from the dash in different ways. If your car does not have a dip stick, check your car manual to see how to check your engine oil or book a trusted mechanic now to come have a look for you.

 

We understand that your car plays an important part of your daily life, transporting you and your loved ones. Michanic is dedicated to providing the most convenient services for our customers, so if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your car, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email at [email protected], or by phone on 087 803 9000.

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