BASIC MECHANICAL PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
- Engine Will Not Start
- Dead or weak battery – Recharge or replace
- Loose or corroded battery terminals – Tighten and clean
- Empty fuel tank – Add fuel
- Faulty starter motor – Inspect or replace
2. Engine Overheating
- Low coolant level – Refill
- Radiator leak – Repair leaks
- Faulty thermostat – Replace
- Broken radiator fan – Repair or replace cooling fan
3. Engine Misfiring
- Worn spark plugs – Replace
- Faulty ignition coil – Replace faulty ignition components
- Dirty fuel injectors – Clean
4. Excessive Fuel Consumption
- Dirty air filter – Clean or replace
- Incorrect tyre pressure – Inflate to correct pressure
- Faulty oxygen sensor – Replace oxygen sensor
5. Engine Oil Leakage
- Loose oil filter – Tighten or replace
- Worn gaskets or seals – Replace
- Cracked oil pan – Repair or replace
6. Battery Not Charging
- Faulty alternator – Replace
- Broken drive belt – Replace
- Loose electrical connections – Tighten
7. Brake Failure or Poor Braking
- Worn brake pads – Replace
- Low brake fluid – Refill
- Air in brake lines – Bleed brake system
8. Vehicle Pulls to One Side
- Uneven tyre pressure – Adjust
- Wheel alignment problem – Perform wheel alignment
- Sticking brake caliper – Repair
9.Strange Noises from Suspension
- Worn shock absorbers – Replace
- Loose suspension components – Tighten suspension parts
- Worn bushings – Replace
10. Clutch Slipping (Manual Transmission)
- Worn clutch plate – Replace
- Oil contamination – Repair oil leaks
- Incorrect clutch adjustment – Adjust
11. Gear Hard to Engage
- Low transmission fluid – Top up
- Worn clutch components – Replace worn parts
- Linkage problems – Adjust gear linkage
12. Excessive Exhaust Smoke
- Blue smoke: burning oil – Repair piston rings or valve seals
- Black smoke: too much fuel – Service fuel system
- White smoke: coolant leak – Repair head gasket
13. Steering Feels Heavy
- Low power steering fluid – Refill
- Faulty power steering pump – Repair or replace
- Under-inflated tyres – Inflate tyres properly
14. Headlights Dim or Not Working
- Weak battery – Recharge or replace
- Faulty alternator – Repair charging system
- Blown fuse – Replace
15. Tyres Wearing Unevenly
- Incorrect wheel alignment – Align wheels
- Incorrect tyre pressure – Maintain correct tyre pressure
- Worn suspension parts – Replace worn suspension parts
16. Engine Knocking
- Low-octane fuel – Use correct fuel
- Carbon buildup – Clean engine
- Incorrect ignition timing – Adjust
17. Rough Idling
- Dirty throttle body – Clean
- Vacuum leak – Repair vacuum hoses
- Faulty idle control valve – Replace idle valve
18. Engine Stalling
- Clogged fuel filter – Replace
- Faulty sensors – Repair
- Low fuel pressure – Check fuel pump
19. Radiator Coolant Loss
- Cracked hose – Replace
- Loose radiator cap – Tighten/replace cap
- Leaking water pump – Replace
20. Alternator Belt Noise (Squealing)
- Loose or worn belt – Adjust or replace
21. Vehicle Vibrates While Driving
- Unbalanced wheels – Balance
- Worn tyres – Replace
- Bent rim – Repair or replace
22. Brake Pedal Feels Spongy
- Air in brake system – Bleed brake lines
- Old brake fluid – Replace
23. Handbrake Not Holding
- Worn brake shoes – Replace
- Loose cable – Adjust or replace
24. Fuel Smell Inside Vehicle
- Leaking fuel hose – Repair fuel line
- Loose fuel cap – Tighten or replace
25. Exhaust System Noise
- Broken exhaust pipe – Weld or replace
- Loose muffler – Tighten mountings
26. Air Conditioner Not Cooling
- Low refrigerant – Recharge
- Faulty compressor – Repair or replace
27. Windscreen Wipers Not Working
- Blown fuse – Replace
- Faulty wiper motor – Replace motor
28. Starter Clicks But Engine Won’t Crank
- Weak battery – Recharge
- Bad starter solenoid – Replace
29. Engine Warning Light On
- Sensor fault – Scan diagnostic codes
- Emission problem – Repair faulty component
30. Vehicle Loses Power When Accelerating
- Clogged air filter – Replace
- Fuel delivery issue – Check fuel system
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED FAULTS AND SOLUTIONS
- Intermediate/Advanced faults often require:
- More experience
- Diagnostic scanners
- Specialized tools (torque wrench, multimeter, pressure tester)
- Advanced mechanical knowledge
- Many of these faults are preventable with:
- Proper maintenance
- Regular fluid checks
- Timely replacement of wear-and-tear components
ENGINE & FUEL SYSTEM
- Engine Overheating (Severe / Recurring) = Blown head gasket, warped cylinder head, radiator blockage
- Solution:
- Pressure test the cooling system
- Replace head gasket
- Machine or replace cylinder head
- Flush radiator
2. Engine Oil Pressure Drops = Worn oil pump, blocked oil passages, worn engine bearings
- Solution:
- Inspect and replace oil pump
- Clean or repair oil galleries
- Replace bearings if necessary
3. Turbocharger Failure (Turbo Cars) = Oil starvation, excessive heat, worn bearings
- Solution:
- Replace turbo
- Check oil supply lines
- Reduce engine overheating
5. Fuel Injector Failure (Diesel / Petrol Direct Injection) = Clogged injector, electrical fault, worn nozzle
- Solution: Clean or replace injectors and test injector wiring
TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAIN
- Automatic Transmission Slipping = Worn clutch packs, low transmission fluid, valve body issues
- Solution:
- Rebuild transmission
- Refill or replace fluid
- Repair or replace valve body
2. Gearbox Grinding (Manual Transmission) = Worn synchro rings, damaged gear teeth, low gearbox oil
- Solution:
- Replace synchro rings
- Repair damaged gears
- Refill or replace transmission oil
3. Differential Noise / Failure = Worn gears, low differential oil
- Solution:
- Replace differential gears
- Refill or replace differential oil
- Inspect and replace bearings
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
- ECU / Engine Management Failure = Software corruption, faulty sensors, damaged ECU
- Solution:
- Reflash or replace ECU
- Replace faulty sensors
- Check wiring harnesses
2. Alternator Charging Failure Despite Replacement = Voltage regulator issue, wiring problem
- Solution:
- Test and replace voltage regulator
- Repair wiring harness
3. ABS / Traction Control Light Stays On = Faulty wheel speed sensors, damaged ABS module
- Solution:
- Replace sensors
- Repair or replace ABS module
SUSPENSION & STEERING
- Power Steering Failure (Hydraulic / Electric) = Faulty pump, fluid leak, broken sensor (EPS systems)
- Solution:
- Replace pump
- Repair leak
- Replace EPS sensor
2. Steering Pull / Vibration After Wheel Alignment = Bent tie rod, worn ball joints, damaged control arms
- Solution:
- Replace bent or worn parts
- Re-align wheels
3. Air Suspension Failure = Leaking air springs, failed compressor, sensor error
- Solution:
- Replace air springs
- Replace compressor
- Repair or replace sensors
BRAKE SYSTEM (ADVANCED ISSUES)
- ABS Pump Failure / Brake Locking = Faulty ABS pump or module, air in hydraulic lines
- Solution:
- Replace ABS module/pump
- Bleed brake system
2. Brake Fade Under Heavy Use = Overheated discs, glazed pads, contaminated brake fluid
- Solution:
- Replace pads and/or discs
- Flush brake fluid
EXHAUST & EMISSION SYSTEMS
- Catalytic Converter Blockage / Failure = Excessive carbon buildup, melted catalyst
- Solution:
- Replace catalytic converter
- Check fuel system for running rich
2. EGR Valve Failure (Excess Emissions / Rough Idle) = Stuck or clogged valve
- Solution: Clean or replace EGR valve
3. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogging = Short trips, poor regeneration, soot buildup
- Solution:
- Forced regeneration
- Replace DPF if damaged
HYBRID / ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) SPECIFIC FAULTS
- Battery Pack Degradation = Age, deep discharge cycles, thermal issues
- Solution: Replace or repair battery modules
2. Electric Motor Failure = Worn bearings, shorted coils, controller failure
- Solution:
- Repair or replace motor
- Check motor controller
3. Regenerative Braking Malfunction = Faulty sensors, software error
- Solution:
- Update software
- Replace sensors
VEHICLE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS
RED WARNING LIGHTS
- Require immediate action, usually indicate a serious fault.
1. Oil Pressure Warning = Low oil pressure
- Stop engine immediately, check oil level, refill if low, do not drive if still on
2. Battery / Charging System = Battery not charging / alternator failure
- Stop safely, check battery and alternator
3. Brake System Warning = Parking brake on or brake fluid low / brake failure
- Release handbrake, check brake fluid, do not drive if brakes fail
4. Engine Temperature Warning = Engine overheating
- Stop safely, allow engine to cool, check coolant
5. Seatbelt Warning = Seatbelt not fastened
- Fasten seatbelt immediately
6. Airbag / SRS Warning = Fault in airbag system
- Service the system; airbags may not deploy
AMBER / YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
- Indicate caution, check system soon, safe to drive short distance.
- Check Engine / Malfunction Indicator (MIL) = Engine management issue
- Scan with OBD-II, fix problem
2. ABS Warning = Anti-lock brake system fault
Brake normally, get ABS serviced
3. Traction Control / ESP = Traction control activated or system fault
- Normal driving is okay, check system if light stays on
4. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) = Low tyre pressure
- Check and inflate tyres to recommended pressure
5. Fuel warning = Low fuel level
- Refuel soon
GREEN/ BLUE / WHITE LIGHTS: INFORMATIONAL
- Indicate system is active.
- High Beam Indicator = Headlights on high beam
- No action needed
- Turn Signal Indicator = Left / right indicator active
- No action needed
- Cruise Control Active = Cruise control engaged
- No action needed
- Headlight / Fog Light On = Lights are on
- No action needed