Virtual Mechanic

PURPOSE
The thermo fan fuse prevents the wiring or the motor from melting from a short circuit.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Fuses don’t just blow for no reason at all, they blow when they are overloaded.  If a fuse is blowing as soon as you put it in, you need to have an auto electrician check it out.  It shows that there is a definite short in the system causing the fuse to blow.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Replacing a ceramic or glass fuse is inexpensive.  A good idea is to carry a few spare fuses in your vehicle.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
It is usually a 15-20 amp fuse.  If you try a 25 amp fuse and it blows go no further but remember if you have air conditioning turn it on as it may switch on an additional fan and drive at least 60Kms.  This will also keep the engine cool.

PURPOSE
The temperature sender unit is a vital component designed to measure the water.  As the water temperature varies so does the value of the resistance inside the temperature sender thus sending a different reading to the light or gauge.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The temperature sender, whether it be connected to a light or gauge, must have a secure terminal attached to it fitted with a temperature warning light.  The light should appear when the ignition is turned on.  If fitted with a gauge the gauge should start on cold when the ignition is turned on and gradually move to another value to around normal position.  Again, temperature gauges and lights must be listened to and rectified if they continue to come on or climb up the needle.  If the needle climbs up high it’s time to turn the vehicle off.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
A temperature sender unit sending the value to a gauge may be costly to replace.  The temperature sender gauge type may cost $30.00-$80.00 and a temperature sender sending the value to a light may cost around $20.00-$30.00.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
It is not a good idea to disconnect a temperature sender as it will save a lot of time and money when this warning device is required to turn on or give you the correct value of the water temperature.  If in doubt, see your local auto electrician.

PURPOSE
The temperature gauge is designed to let you know what is happening in the cooling system.  To let you know in advance if something is wrong.  The gauge should always start on the cold when the engine is first started, then climb to a normal operating temperature after running for about 30 minutes.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Gauges must be seen at all times.  They must move from one value, being cold, to another value, being hot.  If the gauge stays on cold or doesn’t move then this is a warning sign.  Get it checked ASAP.  The same applies if the gauge stays on hot or just in the middle.  If a gauge climbs 3/4 of the way the engine should be switched off and then wait for at least 30 minutes before checking the water.  Every minute of driving a vehicle on high may add a $100.00 to the repair of the cooling system.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Temperature gauges can be expensive.  The wreckers is an option.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
No temporary repair for the temperature gauge.

PURPOSE
The starter motor relay is designed to switch a 12 volt power supply from the ignition to the starter motor solenoid.  The starter motor relay may also be fitted to an older vehicle with a possible voltage loss on this 12 volt supply.  A starter motor relay is a high current switch that may malfunction after 5-10 years in operation.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
A starter motor relay if fitted as an after market item may malfunction if the wiring connected to it is not soldered correctly or the relay itself is not of good quality.  Relays are only as good as the power connected to them, the connections and the relay itself must be of good quality.  A clicking starter motor may be the cause of a faulty relay.  Bridging the starter motor may determine this as being a faulty relay, faulty wiring or an intermittent problem with the inhibitor switch.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
A standard relay will cost around $25.00.  Consult with your local auto electrician about fitting a relay as he might have the relays made up with the wiring, ready to install onto the starter motor.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
If you are stranded on the road and the relay decides to malfunction, bypassing the relay or bridging the starter motor might be the only way to start the engine enabling you to get home.

PURPOSE
The starter motor is designed to crank the engine until it starts.  This is performed with a pinion gear which is connected to a fly wheel or a ring gear at the rear of the motor.  A starter motor will require somewhere between 50-100 cranking AMPS to be energised and crank the motor.  The start motor should last for at least 5-10 years but unfortunately they don’t.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
A starter motor may start to create a high pitch when cranking.  This is an indication that the ring gear is wearing out and needs to be attended to ASAP.  Common problems with a starter motor component are breakdowns or a non start.  Starter motors have components that make it reconditionable most of the time.  A click is also another indication that the starter motor is failing to connect inside the internal mechanisms.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Starters motors usually cost between $150.00-$200.00.  A reduction type starter motor may cost from $150.00-$300.00 depending on the repairs.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
Starter motors can be repaired.  Find a very good auto electrician as some will just replace the bare essentials while others will replace it completely.  The option here is if the starter motor can be replaced with a new item for an extra $30.-$50.00 take the replacement option.  As a new unit will come with a guarantee from the manufacturer.  A reconditioned starter motor is only good provided that the auto electrician is reliable.

PURPOSE
The fuel pump fuse is designed to operate within a specification of between 10-15 amps and will break when it’s overloaded.  A fuel pump fuse continuing to break is not the fault of the fuse but is designed to protect the wiring looms in the fuel pump circuit.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
A breaking fuel pump fuse could be an indication that it is being overload.  This may also happen when running out of fuel.  A fuse breaking more than once a year is a fuse letting you know that it is being overloaded and must be attended to.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
the fuel pump fuse costs only 50 cents but the cause may be a short circuit in the wiring of the fuel pump.  This may require the services of a good auto electrician.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
If  you’re on the road and the fuse has blown it is usually 15 amps.  At your risk you may try 20 amps but this is only a temporary repair as the wiring may overheat costing you more than just a pump.  If the 20 amp fuse blows, protect the wiring and call a tow truck.  It’s a bigger problem than just a temporary repair.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

Ask the average battery purchaser this question and most would say that a battery is simply the source of power necessary to start the engine of every motor driven vehicle.  Since most purchases are unplanned for, consumers usually have little knowledge or understanding about one of the most vital components of an automobile – the very essence of its electrical power.

With the increased demand of today’s technologically advanced cars, a basic understanding of the automotive battery, how it works and how to maintain it to ensure maximum performance and safety has become more important than ever.

The automotive storage battery falls under the category of a secondary battery.  Secondary batteries are rechargeable, unlike a primary battery which is not rechargeable and used to power devices such as flashlights and transistor radios.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom

Batteries what are they ?

Appears as “spotted” deposits on the firing tip of the insulator and often occurs after a long delayed tune-up. By-products of combustion may loosen suddenly when normal combustion temperatures are restored. During hard acceleration these materials shed from the piston crown or valve heads, and are thrown against the hot insulator surface.

More information On Basic Car Maintenance CD Rom
Information supplied by Champion Sparkplugs ©2009

A clean, white insulator firing tip and/or excessive electrode erosion indicates this spark plug condition. k This is often caused by overadvanced ignition, timing, poor engine cooling system efficiency (scale, stoppages, low level), a very lean air/fuel mixture, or a leaking intake manifold. When these conditions prevail, even a plug of the correct heat range will overheat.

More information On Basic Car Maintenance CD Rom
Information supplied by Champion Sparkplugs ©2009

This form of abnormal combustion has fractured the insulator core nose of the plug. The explosion that occurs in this situation apples extreme pressures on internal engine components. Prime causes include ignition time advanced too far, lean air/fuel mixtures, and insufficient octane rating of the gasoline.

More information On Basic Car Maintenance CD Rom
Information supplied by Champion Sparkplugs ©2009