Tata Indica - List Of Problems

[Ferrari1976]

Hi All,

Thanks all for providing a forum to know our cars better!!

I have been using a Tata Indica for over 5 years and the car has clocked 75000 KM. Recently I have been observing a few issues (listed below). Any insight on how to get the issues resolved will be of great help. Unfortunately TASC is of no help (they can't even clean the cars, forget repairning them).
1_ Hot Start - Car does not star when it is hot, even after just driving for 15 mins.
2_ Excessing Black Smoke
3_ Lack of accelearion, even when the car is being reved up at high RPM, this is very noticiable on a slope, even the cyclists pass me now a days!!


Please let me know if these are normal issues. I don't want to loose my car!!

Please also let me know if you are aware of any good mechanic in Pune who can fix these!!

Regards,
Ferrari1976

[rkbharat]

All these are normal probelms:

Get the catalytic converter cleaned and air filter cleaned.

We had good amount of dicscussion on the Indica User group on Hot Start in Indica problem: refer to following threads:
Yahoo! Groups
Yahoo! Groups
Yahoo! Groups
Yahoo! Groups

[tsk1979]

You will probably need
1. New starter motor. do not go to TASC, they may swindle you. Go to Lucas TVS guys. Before replacement ask them to check if the starter motor is okay. The starter motor on the indica lasts max 70K kms in most cases. Anything beyond is a bonus
2. Cat con cleaning and air filter cleaning will take care of black smoke. Did you get the intake manifold cleaned? In dusty conditions you need to clean it every 10K kms. A visual inspection of the hose after the filter will tell you if your intake manifold is dirty.
3. You mean your engine revs rise without increase in speed? If thats the case you have a clutch slippage problem. New clutch plates are needed. Do you have any burning smell coming on steep slopes?

[anonymous]

I am also facing starting problem with my Indica.
My car (2004 DLS) has done 74k so far. The problem has recently came up. In the morning, it doesn't want to start. I have to keep the ignition on for sometime over and over again and after 4/5 try, it starts and black smoke comes out. After this during the day, it doesn't matter if the car is kept off for 5-6 hours, whenever I start it, it starts in one go, no black smoke, nothing.
What could be the reason for this and what can be done to solve this?

[tsk1979]

Your glow plugs are gone. So in cold weather your car won't start. As it gets colder, the starting will be tougher.
Its a 5 minute repair job and complexity involved is same as than of installing a spark plug.

[anonymous]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Your glow plugs are gone. So in cold weather your car won't start. As it gets colder, the starting will be tougher.
Its a 5 minute repair job and complexity involved is same as than of installing a spark plug.

Thanks Tanvir,
I was expecting your answer as you seem to be an expert in Indica. Why not apply for "Indica Specialist Consultant" job in Tata.
So where in Noida, I should get it done? From TASS or do you prefer any other place?

[tsk1979]

If the problem is indeed glowplugs, then its a simple thing. Yours is a 2004 car. So if you took extended warranty, you will be entitled to a free change.
So go to any of the authorized workshops.
They will try to deny extended warranty, but you have to open your book and show them that glow plugs are covered.

If you did not take extended warranty, in that case go to Sector 16 Auto engineers. Tell them the morning start problem and ask them to check the glowplugs. If they find the plugs faulty, go to one of the big shops, and ask for original parts.
Most shopkeepers will ask this question when you ask for a spare part.
"Local or original".
In this case get the original.

[rkbharat]

indeed faulty glow plug. you get it from good spare shop. Beru or Mico cost around 180 per plug. If you get it replaced from local mechanic. Make sure they remove the existing plug with patience. Sometimes while removing in hurry, they can kill the grooves. in that case have to take the car to lathe.

In case they are jammed, just spary WD40 or Zorrix 88 and leave for a day.

Originally Posted by anonymous

I am also facing starting problem with my Indica.
My car (2004 DLS) has done 74k so far. The problem has recently came up. In the morning, it doesn't want to start. I have to keep the ignition on for sometime over and over again and after 4/5 try, it starts and black smoke comes out. After this during the day, it doesn't matter if the car is kept off for 5-6 hours, whenever I start it, it starts in one go, no black smoke, nothing.
What could be the reason for this and what can be done to solve this?

[tsk1979]

To put TASC in perspective they charge 1350 for 4 plugs. This is for a job that takes lesser expertise than changing spark plugs.

[Ferrari1976]

Thanks guys.

I have my car with the mechanic anf have informed him on what needs to be done. Lets hope it works as it used to!!

Regards.

[anonymous]

Today when I tried to start the car in the morning, it just would not start. I tried it for sometime but no luck. Finally I called TASC and asked for breakdown vechile to sent but it was not available. The guy suggested to pour hot water on the glow plug and try again. I tried and it worked. The engine cranked like normal. This point of time, I thought why waste money on changing the plug, when I know what to do in this case but soon changed my mind and took the car to TASC. There all 4 plugs were changed and it costed me around 1700 Rs. Now the car starts like it used to start before.
Will try it tomorrow morning to confirm if everything is fine.

[tsk1979]

the same plugs cost 800rs if changed from outside.
Was your car under extended warranty? If so then this should be free

[anonymous]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

the same plugs cost 800rs if changed from outside.
Was your car under extended warranty? If so then this should be free

The car was not covered under extended warranty.
I couldn't goto the place, you mentioned before because I had to come to the office, so I was skeptical about leaving the car with any such place, so this is why left the car at TASC and got it back at 6 PM
Though I had to pay 900 Rs extra for this.

[tsk1979]

The glow plug change job takes around 6-7 minutes.

[rkbharat]

Originally Posted by anonymous

There all 4 plugs were changed and it costed me around 1700 Rs. Now the car starts like it used to start before.
Will try it tomorrow morning to confirm if everything is fine.

Good that you got it replaced, else you would have ended up paying for more. Hot water is just a temporary solution and should be done in worst case. giving heater 4-5 times also helps is this case.

Was all four glow plug faulty.? 1700 is too much. I guess these kind of job can be done outside TASC. Just need to buy genuine plugs.

Originally Posted by tsk1979

The glow plug change job takes around 6-7 minutes.

very true, max 10 minutes job.