Update on the
White One
The white one had to go for the scheduled 170K service. Two days before it was taken in, the engine had erratic acceleration, took longer cranks to start-up along with the check engine light and the injection system light glowing continuously on the cluster. We added it along with the other points in the checklist and conveyed it to the SA.
The brake pads and rotors needed a replacement. We asked them to go ahead.
The shock bump stops had cracked. We okay-ed that too.
The shocks had no resistance to compression. We agreed for replacing that too.
Shock replacement being carried out.
Then they got to diagnosing the engine ignition system related fault. After a lot of swapping of sensors, cleaning and re-clipping the wiring connectors, checking the wiring for cracks etc. they said the flywheel seems to be faulty and will have to remove the gearbox to inspect it. We were reluctant but agreed.
They shared a pic of a seeping crank case main oil seal. We agreed for replacement since they were only charging for part cost not for labour as it was part of the diagnosis.
They replaced the flywheel and took a test drive and concluded that the problem was solved. We believed them and asked them to check the clutch plate. They said it doesn't need a replacement but also offered a labour free replacement now, since it was part of the diagnostics process of this engine fault. We went ahead with that too since it was a logically correct preventive maintenance to do. Some consolation for shelling out 43k for a new flywheel, we thought.
Picture of the original clutch and flywheel after 170K km.
While testing the vehicle for final delivery the problem re-occurd and they communicate the same. They remove the new flywheel and re-install the original one since the problem definitely lay elsewhere. They checked the sensors and wiring once again and suggestd ordering a new ECM (engine control module) which is to be specifically ordered against this vehicle's VIN. That part is on order / in transit.
The good part is that the car has had a minor overhaul with the following work done:
- New Brakes (Pads and Rotors) ~ INR 10,000/-
- New Transmission Oil ~ INR 1,400/-
- New crank main seal ~ INR 2,000/-
- New Clutch (Friction+Pressure plate and Release bearing) ~ INR 14,500/-
- New clutch cum brake fluid ~ INR 250/-
- New front suspension ~ INR 8,800/-
- New mud flaps ~ INR 750/-
- New Oil and filters
- 3 Year RSA ~ INR 2500/-
As on date, we took the car back after the 170 k service with two jobs remaining.
a) Radio switching on and off on its own.
b) Engine / Ignition (ECM related) fault.
Once these are attended, the car will be back on the road with a new feel to it. Kind of a mid life revival.
My ECM related knowledge is being enhanced on
this thread. Lets see what happens next...