Letter to parents, proprietors about the school bus
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| Kunle shonaike |
phenomenon in any society. Sociological because it connects
(and “connects” is the logistical verb here) the safety of a child’s
home, through the public space, with the parentally presumed
safety of that child’s school. Somebody once opined that,
“there’s no greater collective futuristic asset of a country other
than the net-worth of the value of the lives of its schoolchildren.”
This letter (because of the invaluable net-worth [emotional and
material] of daily users of the school bus and their seeming
helplessness in the decision making process on the matter) is
directed to the persons who are naturally (parents) and
contractually (school proprietors) bound to watch out for the
kids on the subject.
I have, in recent years, noticed that most proprietors (and/or the
logistical companies to which some of them outsource the
school bus’ contract) make sure that most of the vehicles
committed to this purpose are either very good or are in good
aesthetic condition. After all, they know that most parents,
especially those on the high end of the tuition paying ladder, will
not like to see their children and wards in any contraption below
their socio-economic ladder.
So, in most of the middle-class areas that I know, the school
buses are usually in neat, air-conditioned conditions. But the
same cannot be said of some of the school buses I see in places
like my natal area, Mushin Olosha, in Lagos. While in the latter, I
really feel for the children, because of the usually dilapidated
condition of the vehicles and their discernible health and safety
minuses.
However, the children’s safety situation in the well-heeled areas
also gives me cause for concern. Not because of the physical
condition of the buses, but because of the mental health
condition of the drivers. The wife of a friend, who recently
started a school in a bona fide middle-class neighbourhood,
asked me what she should look out for in the fleet of new buses
she just acquired as school buses. I told her that I was more
concerned with the drivers’ mental health state than the physical
condition of the new vehicles.
I recommended a special tracking device for the vehicles which,
apart from instantly identifying the location of a vehicle, records
the operational conditions of the major systems (engine,
transmission, fuel level, etc), and which also digitally tracks
behavioural driving pattern of the vehicle. I also recommended a
small handheld breathalyser to her with which the drivers are
randomly and unexpectedly tested for the alcoholic content in
their blood.
These extra-automotive safety gadgets and contraptions will
also be graphically introduced in the class which is dedicated to
fleet managers and Small Medium Enterprises, and parent-
teacher associations’ aficionados and proprietors can register
for the one-day free seminar by texting “schoolbus” and their
names to 08080806686.
REACTIONS TO AUTOMEDICS
Is there any remedy for the noise coming from the back axle of a
Sport Utility Vehicle? Anonymous
It depends on the type of noise and damage done to the parts
internally. If it is a bearing noise it can be replaced, same with
some of the moving parts inside the axle.
I’m planning to buy a 1991 Infiniti Q45. Is it a good car? Are the
parts available, and is it advisable I go for it? Olumide
I believe it is a good car made by Nissan, but the problem with it
is that there are not too many of it in the market; so the parts
are a little bit expensive at the moment.
I use a Mazda MPV 2000 model. I just discovered recently that its
engine oil was at a minimum. Which oil should I use to top it?
Anonymous
I believe the oil specs will either be on the oil cap or the dipstick,
whatever grade that was used in servicing it last, can be used to
top it up.
I am a fan of Automedics. I’ve owned a Honda Accord 2005 model
(EOD) for about two years now. I have been battling with its jerking
motions, which usually occur on two occasions: 1. While
attempting to move from rest and 2. While on high speed like
80km/hr or above and starts decelerating. The second jerking
occurs almost while it is about going back to rest. Henry
My advice is for you to run a scan on the powertrain system of
the vehicle; the fault could be from the engine fuel/ignition
system or from the transmission. But the scan result will guide
you in the right direction.
I drive a Toyota 4Runner 2005 model. The coil of the compressor
for the A/C was changed last week. Since then, the dashboard has
been indicating: VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, CHECK. Prior to that, the sign
‘!’ has not gone off. What are these indicators saying? Thanks. Biyi
The only way to find out why all the warning indicators are still
on is to run a scan on the vehicle. The result will help on how to
go about fixing the faults.
I have a 2007 Honda CRV. I just discovered that the A/C was not
cooling. I was told to refill the gas which I did. But surprisingly, it
didn’t last two weeks before it stopped cooling again. I went back
to the man who refilled the gas for me, he told me that it must have
been leaking somewhere, and that I have to take the car to Ladipo.
Please, do you handle A/C services? Can I bring the car to your
workshop? I saw your e-mail address online. Thanks. Anonymous
Yes we do A/C service but at the moment our A/C workstation
is not working. But I will suggest your technician should search
for leaks on the system; most especially the evaporator.
I wish to appeal for your assistance in making a choice of one of
the under listed vehicles in terms of durability, ruggedness and
efficiency: Volvo XC90 Jeep (2006 model); Nissan Pathfinder Jeep
(2007 model) and Lexus Jeep (2005 model. Please kindly give your
expert opinion on which of these is better and most economical,
maintenance wise. Thank you. Jacob
My advice will be in this order; Lexus, Nissan, Volvo.
Thank you for the good work you are doing every week on this
page. I drive a Isuzu Trooper 1999 model and I am currently using
Mobil Super Oil to service it. Kindly tell me the recommended oil to
use because the oil cap has no information. Thanks. Manny.
The recommended engine oil is 5W-30
The following are the results I obtained after the diagnosis of my
ML 320 vehicle; PO 442 evaporative emission system leak detected
(small leak), PO 173 Fuel trim (bank 2), PO 300 Random / multiple
cylinder misfire, PO 301 Cylinder 1 misfire and PO 302 Cylinder 2
misfire. What do the codes stand for and what do I have to do?
Thanks. Anonymous
Below are the interpretations of the codes. You can also use the
same interpretation for the P0301 and P0302. The P0442 code
means that the control module has detected a small leak in the
Evaporative Emission (EVAP). Loose fuel tank filler cap is the
most common cause that triggers the P0442 code. The Engine
Control Module (ECM) tests the Evaporative Emission (EVAP)
system for the following conditions:
— Large and small leaks — Excess vacuum — Purge flow during
non-commanded conditions — Fuel Level and Fuel Pressure
sensor fault — EVAP Purge and Vent Valve
faults. The ECM
monitors the Fuel Tank Pressure sensor in order to determine
the level of vacuum/pressure in the EVAP system. The ECM
commands both the EVAP Purge Solenoid and the EVAP Vent
Valve ON when the conditions are met in order to apply an
engine vacuum to the EVAP system. The ECM commands the
EVAP Purge Solenoid OFF once the system has reached a
predetermined level of vacuum. This test verifies if a vacuum
can be achieved in the EVAP system. Failure to develop a
vacuum may be caused by a large leak or a restriction.
Possible causes: Missing or loose fuel cap – Incorrect fuel filler
cap used – Fuel filler cap remains open or fails to close –
Foreign matter caught in fuel filler cap – EVAP canister or fuel
tank leaks – EVAP system hose leaking – Fuel tank leaking.
P0173: Dirty air filter of faulty air flow sensor are common
causes for the P0173 code of the problem. With the air/fuel
mixture ratio self-learning control, the actual mixture ratio can
be brought closely to the theoretical mixture ratio based on the
mixture ratio feedback signal from the heated oxygen sensors 1.
The Engine Control Module calculates the necessary
compensation to correct the offset between the actual and the
theoretical ratios.
In case the amount of the compensation value is extremely large
(The actual mixture ratio is too lean.), the ECM judges the
condition as the fuel injection system malfunction and light up
the MIL (2 trip detection logic).
Possible causes: Intake air leaks — Faulty front heated oxygen
sensor — Ignition misfiring — Faulty fuel injectors — Exhaust gas
leaks — Incorrect fuel pressure — Lack of fuel — Faulty Mass Air
Flow sensor — Incorrect Positive Crankcase Ventilation hose
connection.
The P0300 code means that a cylinder(s) is misfiring or is
randomly misfiring. Start by checking for intake leaks, intake
gaskets are common causes of multi-cylinder misfiring. If no
leak are found the next step is to replace the spark plugs. If the
problem persist more tests needs to be done to diagnose
problem, see “Possible Causes: Faulty spark plug (s) – Faulty
ignition coil (s) – Clogged or faulty fuel injector (s) – Intake air
leak – Fuel injectors harness is open or shorted – Fuel Injectors
circuit poor electrical connection – ignition coils harness is open
or shorted – ignition coils circuit poor electrical connection –
insufficient cylinders compression – incorrect fuel pressure
I drive a Toyota Highlander 2001 Model. Recently, I noticed ‘ABS’
showing on the dashboard. On having the car scanned, the result
shows CO273. What do you think should be done to correct the
problem? I did the scanning myself. Anonymous.
C0273 Toyota – open or short circuit in ABS motor relay Circuit.
Possible causes: ABS motor relay – ABS motor relay circuit and
it could also be the ABS unit itself.
Please help me to explain what could be wrong with my Toyota 1.8
2002 model. Most times, the vehicle does not pick and I have to put
it in drive and press the accelerator. Anonymous
I have a feeling the fault could be with the transmission.
Possible clogged/dirty valve -body and transmission filter. If you
don’t have pump failure then servicing the transmission might
solve the problem.
I have problems with my Toyota Camry car. How do we change its
battery? Most of the mechanics I know are inexperienced.
Oyeniran.
You need to get a good electrician that understands how to
replace or change battery.
I drive a Mercedes Benz E320 1998 model bought in 2008. Each
time the vehicle’s air conditioner gas leaks out, the EC red light
comes on to protect the compressor. But it often requires computer
clear out at a cost. As a practising central air conditioner engineer
with many years of experience, I consider it a wrong design. Is it
not practically possible to replace the EC facility with a suction
pressure-electric switch? I think this will switch off the compressor
when the suction pressure is dangerously low and close simply
when the leak is repaired and it is filled with gas. Thanks.
Gbadebo.
My advice will be to fix the leak permanently so you don’t have
the problem every time the system leaks out. The system was
designed to safeguard the A/C system.
I serviced my Pathfinder jeep 2001 model with Mobil . Please,
which is the specific recommended oil from the manufacturer?
Thank you in anticipation. Tutu
5W-30 is the recommended specification.
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