Safety precautions while servicing
H. Kishie Singh

THERE are an increasing multi-number of cars with M.P.F.I(multi-point or multi-port fuel injection) engines. This is the fuel management system that has replaced the carburettors. They need very little maintenance and at the same time they need special care as they are very sensitive.

The following are some safety precautions that should be followed while servicing cars with advanced electronics.

The engine should not be hot while washing. This means that you should wait a while before washing the engine.In any case, a jet of water under pressure should not be sprayed all over the engine. This is not recommended. Compressed air should be used to blow away dust. If there is any dust and road grime, it should be washed away gently with a mug of hot water, soap and a sponge. These new breed of engines do not spring leaks as was so common in the cars of yesteryear—read Amby or Fiat. Make sure the ignition is switched off while cleaning and washing engine.

Do not push start the car. The car has electronic sensors that are activated by the battery as soon as you switch on the ignition. If the battery is low, these sensors won’t function.Push starting won’t help — you have reversed the order, putting the cart before the horse. This will cause malfunctions and may lead to costly repairs. Use jumper cables to start an MPFI engine.

The ignition should also be switched off while carrying out any work on the engine. Do not remove sensors or coupling while the ignition is on.

Do not pump the accelerator while starting. This habit is a hangover from our carburettor day. Today the sensor does the work for you.

Do not attempt to install central locking or music systems in addition to what the manufacturer has given you. This means stripping some of the wires to make new connections. It could lead to a short circuit. Definitely it will effect your warranty.

The manufacturer also warns of fitting air-conditioning systems in a car that comes without the A/C.The wiring harness has no provision for these fitments. Again,the danger of a short circuit looms large—not as sure as nullifying the warranty?

All this means that the safest bet is to take your car back to the dealer for any maintenance or repairs. These mechanics are trained to deal with hi-tech engines. The roadside mechanic is simply not informed enough about the new engines.

You may have noticed that the tool kit that comes with your car today has been reduced to a wheel brace, a jack and rod. This means that the days of screwdriver technology are over. The roadside mechanic equipped with a channi-hathora(chisel and hammer) is redundant. He is the least equipped, physically and mentally, to deal with a Mercedes, Skoda, Toyota, or any of the new cars that are on our streets today.

Like a pet, be kind to your car. Take it to an authorised dealer.

Happy motoring!