Unit-4

Driving
1. Traffic rules and regulation:
Adherence to traffic rules and regulations is the cornerstone of responsible driving. These rules,
encompassing speed limits, right of way, and signaling, serve as the framework for a safe and
organized road environment. By following these regulations, drivers contribute to the prevention of
accidents and the smooth flow of traffic. It entails understanding and respecting the rules set forth
by authorities, promoting a culture of safety and cooperation on the roads.

2. Traffic signs and symbols:

Traffic signs and symbols are the visual language of the road, conveying crucial information to
drivers. Regulatory signs instruct on laws, warning signs alert to potential hazards, and
informational signs provide details about services or destinations. Understanding and responding to
these visual cues are integral to safe navigation. Whether it's recognizing a stop sign, yielding to
pedestrians, or following directional signs, drivers rely on these symbols to make informed and
timely decisions while on the road.

3. Plain driving:
Plain driving refers to navigating on flat terrain without significant elevation changes. It offers a
relatively straightforward driving experience, allowing for a steady speed and reduced complexity in
maneuvers. Drivers in plain driving conditions focus on maintaining optimal speeds, following traffic
rules, and enjoying a smoother ride. Although less challenging than hilly terrains, plain driving
requires attentiveness and adherence to road norms to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

4. Night driving:
Night driving introduces unique challenges due to reduced visibility. Proper use of headlights,
adherence to speed limits, and heightened awareness become crucial. Drivers must navigate roads
relying on their vehicle's illumination and be cautious of potential hazards. Managing glare, staying
alert to road signs, and adopting defensive driving practices are essential for a safe night driving
experience.

5. Hill driving:
Hill driving demands specific skills in managing inclines and declines. Controlled acceleration, engine
braking on descents, and choosing appropriate gears are key aspects. Drivers must be mindful of the
road grade, use lower gears for uphill climbs, and exercise caution during downhill descents. Hill
driving necessitates a heightened level of control and awareness to ensure both the vehicle's and
passengers' safety.

6. City driving:
City driving involves navigating through urban environments with frequent stops, traffic signals, and
diverse road users. Drivers need to adapt to changes in traffic flow, practice defensive driving, and
remain vigilant in crowded conditions. Maneuvering through intersections, adhering to speed limits,
and anticipating frequent stops characterize city driving. Patience and awareness are crucial for
negotiating the complexities of urban traffic.
 7. Reverse:
Reversing a vehicle requires careful attention to mirrors, blind spots, and a controlled speed.
Whether backing out of a parking space or navigating tight spaces, drivers must exercise caution.
Turning one's head to ensure a clear path, using mirrors effectively, and being aware of pedestrians
or obstacles behind the vehicle are essential for safe reverse driving.

8. Parking:
Parking involves more than finding a vacant space. It requires adherence to parking regulations,
consideration for other drivers, and precision in maneuvering. Whether parallel parking on a busy
street or parking in designated areas, drivers must exhibit control, awareness, and compliance with
local parking rules. Properly engaging the handbrake on inclines and being mindful of surrounding
vehicles contribute to responsible parking practices .

Unit-5
Motor Vehicle Act and Rules

The motor vehicle act and rules was enacted in Nepal by the name “Motor Vehicles and Transport
Management Rules, 2054 “ in 2054 B.S. for the Management and operation of all types of motor vehicles
running in the country. Some of the Provision of the Act is described below:

1. Provisions relating to registration of motor vehicles:

 The Motor Vehicles Act mandates the registration of all motor vehicles before they can be
legally operated on public roads.
 It outlines the process for obtaining a registration certificate, including the submission of
necessary documents and payment of fees.
 The Act specifies the format and content of the registration certificate, which contains
details about the vehicle and its owner.

2. Classification, Standards, and Capacity of Public Motor Vehicles:

 The Act classifies motor vehicles based on their use, such as transport vehicles, private
vehicles, etc.
 It sets standards for vehicle design, construction, and emissions to ensure safety and
environmental compliance.
 The Act also specifies the seating capacity and other criteria for public transport vehicles like
buses and taxis.

3. Provisions Relating to Driving License:

 The Motor Vehicles Act lays down the procedures for obtaining a driving license.
 It defines the eligibility criteria, such as age and educational qualifications, for different
categories of licenses.
 The Act includes provisions for learner's licenses, driving tests, and the renewal of licenses.
4. Provisions Relating to Conductor License:
 For public transport vehicles like buses, conductors are required to have a valid conductor
license.
 The Act outlines the process for obtaining a conductor license, including any necessary
training or examinations.

5. Transport Management:
 The Act provides for the regulation and management of transport services, both public and
private.
 It empowers authorities to issue permits for the operation of transport vehicles and
specifies the conditions for such permits.
 The Act may include provisions for route planning, fare structures, and other aspects of
transport management.

6. Provisions Relating to Insurance:

 The Motor Vehicles Act mandates that all vehicles must be insured against third-party
liabilities.
 It specifies the types of insurance policies required and the obligations of vehicle owners to
maintain valid insurance coverage.

7. Operation of Training Centre, Factory, and Workshop:

 The Act may include provisions regarding the establishment and operation of training
centers for drivers and conductors.
 It might outline safety standards for vehicle maintenance in workshops and factories.

8. Provision Related to Environmental Protection:

 The Act may include provisions related to vehicle emissions and environmental standards.
 It could mandate adherence to emission norms and the use of environmentally friendly
technologies to reduce the environmental impact of motor vehicles.
Effective (brake) Characteristics of Engine
Brake mean effective pressure
Brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) is an average value of the pressure inside the cylinder
and if it is applied uniformly from TDC to BDC instead of the power stroke then the engine will
produce the same amount of brake power as an actual engine. The brake mean effective
pressure is the ratio of work done by the engine during power stroke to the engine
displacement.
Pbm = Work per power stroke/Vd
The brake mean effective pressure shows the ability of the engine to generate the maximum
brake power which is also known as Effective braked power based on the engine displacement
volume.
The BMEP says the amount of brake power generated per unit volume of engine displacement
thus it becomes criteria to compare the different engines irrespective of the size and number
of cylinders.
Mechanical losses
The mechanical losses of an engine are understood as those which reduce the gross indicated-
to-brake power ratio. These are the pumping losses, the friction losses and the energy used to
drive engine accessories.
Pumping losses
The pumping losses are considered in the indicated cycle by calculating the net indicated
power; therefore, the optimization of the pumping work is closely related with the indicated
cycle optimization, for instance, by using variable valve timing. Therefore, this work is focused
on the mechanical losses which lead to energy degradation from the net indicated power to
the brake power.
Friction losses
The friction level depends on the contact surfaces and lubricating oil properties. Some of the
techniques used to reduce the friction are the use of smooth surfaces , high oil temperature ,
low viscosity oil and the optimization of components design such as reducing sizes and weights
of the piston, bearings and camshaft elements, better refinement of the piston rings surface,
decreasing the sealing force of the rings , using cam roller followers, decreasing the loads of
valve springs and substituting multiple belts for conventional V-belts. All these changes are
restricted by the engine operating requirements and the materials resistance, e.g., lower rings
sealing forces reduce the friction between them and liner but can increase the blow-by
leakage and the flow of oil from the crankcase to the combustion chamber.
Auxiliary systems
The auxiliary systems of the engine are those necessary to the appropriate and safe engine
operation, i.e., cooling, lubricating and injection systems. The coolant, oil and fuel pumps are
usually driven by the engine crankshaft; thus, the improvement of these components is key to
increase the engine mechanical efficiency. The mechanically activated pumps have been
designed to comply with high power requirements, which makes them inefficient at low power
operating conditions. The new auxiliary systems incorporate electric pumps, variable flow
pumps, electric valves, and optimized circuits among others.
Diagnosis of Petrol and Diesel Engine
 Diagnosis of Engine Management system (EMS) petrol and diesel

EMS stands for engine management system, consisting of a wide range of electronic and
electrical components such as sensors, relays, actuators, and engine control unit (ECU).
They work together to provide the engine management system with vital data
parameters. These are essential for governing various engine functions effectively.
Furthermore, modern-day engine technologies incorporate the EMS.

1. Sensors

Sensors play an important role in automotives. These enable greater degrees of

vehicle automation and futuristic designs. Sensors monitor vehicle engines, fuel
consumption and emissions, along with aiding and protecting drivers and
passengers. These allow car manufacturers to launch cars that are safer, more
fuel efficient and comfortable to drive.

• Ignition Switch
• Throttle Position Sensor
• Accelerator pedal position Sensor
• Vehicle Speed Sensor
• Manifold Air Pressure Sensor
• Intake Air mass flow Sensor
• Intake Air Temperature Sensor
• Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
• Engine oil Pressure Sensor
• Crank Position Sensor
• Cam Position Sensor
• Knock Sensor
• Battery Voltage Sensor
• Oxygen (Lambda) Sensor

2. Actuators

Actuators work behind the scenes in vehicles to convert energy into a physical
action or force. They perform a variety of performance and convenience functions,
from controlling the throttle to directing airflow in the climate control system, and
operating power seats and liftgates.
 • Ignition Circuit / Spark Plug
• Idling Air Control Valve
• Throttle Control motor
• Injectors
• O2 Sensors heaters
• Canister Purge Solenoid Valve
• Idle Speed Actuator
• EGR Valve
• Evaporative Emission Control System
• Catalytic Convertor
• Relays & Amplifiers
➢ VVT-I
➢ Fuel Pump
➢ Radiator Fan
➢ Alternator
➢ A/C

3. Electronic Control Unit (Processor)

The Engine Control unit is a central part of the engine management system,
virtually the ‘Brain’ of the Engine. It Plays a vital role in collecting, analyzing,
Processing, and executing the data it receives from various sub-system.
Furthermore, and ECU comprises a computer that uses a microchip to process the
inputs from multiple engine sensors in real-time.
 Diagnosis of Advance Electrical and Electronic System

Body Control Module (BCM)

A BCM is defined as a computer component in a vehicle that operates, regulates and
checks the vehicle's electronic devices. When vehicles first began coming equipped
with electronic devices, there existed a separate module for every device. The Body
Control Module (BCM) could be considered a central organizational module for your
vehicle. It streamlines the manufacturing and troubleshooting aspects of electronic
modules by housing the modules into one, central unit instead of each function having
its own device. It also coordinates the operating functions of many non-engine related
ancillary items as well as security features. If your BCM begins to malfunction, you will
notice a negative effect on the operation of the various parts that the Body Control
Module commands.
The BCM can be described as the module responsible for most of the non-drivetrain
functions. These include:
• Headlights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, etc.
• Interior lights
• Instrument cluster lights
• Radio or infotainment system
• Power windows
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Heating and climate control (including air conditioning)
• Alarms and immobilizers
• etc.

Issue due to not properly functioning BCM (Body control Module)

1. Electronics, such as keyless entries and windshield wipers are no longer

working properly. If the communication between the ignition switch or the
keyless entries and the body control module got an issue, the bad BCM can
cause a car not to start.
2. Flashing dashboard lights and incorrect dashboard lights. For instance, you
found that your engine light that should work is not working anymore. It can
also be the opposite. The light is on though it should not be.
 3. Watch out for the high-speed shake. When your car suddenly becomes slightly
unstable, or it misfires once your car runs faster than the usual, it means the
body control module is not communicating or synchronizing various systems
within.
4. Poor acceleration is also a symptom. When your acceleration is not smooth,
your car may also experience BCM failure.
5. Fuse trouble can also take place. If the fuse is in trouble, it signifies the BCM is
not working properly anymore.

REPAIRING OF BODY CONTROL MODULE

Most of the time, a damaged BCM will have to be replaced and can’t be repaired. Water,
vibration, heat and age can all contribute to a module failing, which, depending on the
placement of the unit in your vehicle, can be difficult to avoid. The BCM is typically located
under the dash or behind a kick panel so there will be some minor interior disassembly
involved. Once the BCM is located it is usually held in place with a few screws. Physically
replacing the BCM is only part of the repair though. Many newer vehicles require modules
to be programmed whenever they are replaced. The module needs to be connected to a
special diagnostic tool to allow for it to be synchronized with the systems in your vehicle.
While the tools needed to program a BCM are usually expensive, they are not a dealer-
only item.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

Anti-Lock Brakes or ABS is a safety anti-skid braking system that comes installed in
vehicles like cars, buses, trucks, and motorcycles. It prevents the vehicle from locking up
in case of emergency braking, thus allowing the vehicle to maintain a tractive force
between the road & the vehicle. It allows the driver to have a good grip over their vehicle
during accidents, emergency, panic or harsh braking conditions. The main aim of the anti-
lock braking system or ABS is to stop the car from skidding when the driver applies sharp
brakes. When you apply brakes hard while driving at a high speed, the wheels of your car
could be locked. This locking of the wheel causes the car to lose adhesion and you can
drop the charge of the steering. However, with the help of ABS, you will not have to face
this situation anymore.
Malfunctions of ABS

1.Low Brake Fluid

Brake fluids are directly involved with controlling the braking pressure in an ABS. There is
a brake fluid reservoir which holds the fluid of the anti-lock braking system. And in the
cases of a leak, this reservoir helps in dropping the fluid levels, thus causing the ABS light
to illuminate the dashboard.

2.ABS Light

You see your ABS light turn on when you first start your car. The reason why it turns on is
that the main computer is testing the system to make sure it’s working properly. Once the
system passes the test, the light turns off. If the ABS light turns on at any other time, you
could a problem with the main computer or there could be an ABS system malfunction.
Some system lights turn on and off because of a short.

3.ABS Sensors

The ABS sensors are located on the brakes, and they can get pretty dirty. As road grime
builds up on the sensors, they begin to malfunction. The malfunctions send error codes
to the main computer which, in turn, illuminates the ABS dashboard warning light.
Cleaning the sensors solves the problem. If the sensors are so dirty that they cannot be
cleaned, you’ll have to have the ABS sensors replaced.

4. Faulty or Damaged Wiring

The ABS wiring can also trigger a dashboard warning or total system failure. The wiring
that controls the anti-lock brake system is susceptible to damage, wear, and tear that
leaves the wires exposed. This can be dangerous. ABS wiring can also be disconnected
by vehicle vibration. This can cause the ABS system to malfunction or fail dangerously
just when you need it to prevent your vehicle from skidding.

5. ABS Controller

Finally, the ABS controller monitors the wheels to determine how fast they are turning.
This allows the controller to engage the ABS system when needed based on your wheel
rotation; the more wheel rotations the faster you are driving. If the controller malfunctions
or dies completely, your vehicle’s anti-lock brake system will fail, which is never a good
thing, especially if you’re driving on wet roads.
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

1. Check the Power

One of the most common complaints homeowners have is that their AC won’t turn on at
all. It’s not making any sound and it’s not blowing any air. Before you panic, check to make
sure you’re not dealing with a simple power issue. You could have a blown fuse or a
tripped circuit breaker. Or you could be dealing with some loose or broken wires. Once
you fix the power issues, your system should resume working normally again.

2. Check Your Thermostat

Another reason your AC might not be turning on when it should be that you have an issue
with your thermostat. Try turning it down to the lowest setting and see if this causes the
AC to kick back on. If not, you probably need to recalibrate or replace your thermostat.

3. Check Your Refrigerant

If the air isn’t as cool as it should be or it has a “sticky” feeling, your system could be low
on refrigerant. This is what’s responsible for pulling heat and humidity from the air. It’s
the lifeblood of your HVAC system. If you check the refrigerant and notice that it’s low,
you might get some temporary relief by topping it off, but this is a temporary solution.
Low refrigerant is often caused by a leak, which needs to be repaired by a professional.
If your system has multiple leaks, then it likely needs to be replaced.

4. Check Your Condenser Coil

The condenser coil has a very important job. It’s responsible for pushing the heat that’s
removed from the air out of your home and into the outdoors. Since it’s part of your
outdoor unit, it’s exposed to the elements, including dirt and soot.When dirt and debris
collect in the coils, this heat can’t transfer as efficiently as it should. It Should be Cleaned
Properly.
5. Check the Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil on your HVAC unit contains refrigerant that absorbs heat. Diminished
airflow can cause a layer of ice to form on it. This leads to warm air (or no air) coming
from your air supply registers. To fix the immediate issue, turn off your AC system and
wait for the coils to thaw out. This could take as long as 24 hours. There are several things
that can cause restricted airflow, including low refrigerant, dirty air filters, or problems
with your ductwork.

6. Look for Drainage Difficulties

When your AC system removes moisture from the air, it’s funneled through a drain line
and into a pan, which then goes to a drain. If part of this system is clogged, the water can
back up and damage your HVAC system. Left untreated, this can also lead to water leaks
that can cause damage to your home and your belongings.

7. Check Your Fans

Your HVAC system is equipped with a fan that blows the indoor air over the evaporator
coils and another one that blows air over the condenser. If your AC is making a lot of
noise, the fans could be to blame. In this case, you could be dealing with deteriorating
bearings, worn belts, or even just debris. Start by locating the fan to see if there’s any
noticeable dirt or debris on it. You can also tighten the blade to ensure that this isn’t
what’s causing the noise and straighten the blades if necessary. You may also try adding
some lubrication.

8. Check the Ductwork

This brings us to our next troubleshooting recommendation – check your ductwork. The
ductwork in your home carries airflow throughout your home. If your AC isn’t keeping up
or some rooms are warm while others are cool, then your ducts could be to blame.
Immobilizer System

An engine immobilizer system (or car immobilizer) is a great piece of electronic security
technology which is basically a vehicle theft deterrent. Its purpose is to prevent a vehicle
from being hot-wired and stolen by a thief who doesn’t have a key to start the engine.
Research studies have proven there are 40% fewer car thefts since immobilizers were
introduced into cars. The car keys that car dealerships distribute now are basically key
fobs or smart keys. That is why the base of the key contains buttons to lock and unlock
car doors, open the trunk, or sometimes even remotely start the vehicle.

Symptoms of an Engine Immobilizer System Malfunction

1. Unlocking Problems

When you use your key to attempt to unlock the doors of your vehicle remotely, the doors
don’t unlock. Unfortunately, many modern-day vehicles don’t have keyholes on the
outside of the doors, so you cannot open them manually with your key. This means if you
lock the doors from the inside and then close the doors, you won’t be able to get back
into your car because your key won’t be able to unlock the doors. At this point, you’d have
to call a locksmith to unlock the door.

2. Locking Problems
Like the last symptom, you probably won’t be able to lock your doors with your smart key
if you cannot unlock them either. Without a working smart key or key fob, the only way
you can lock your doors is if you lock them from the inside as the doors are open and
then you close the doors. The problem with this is that you risk the chance of leaving your
car keys in the vehicle with no way to get them out.

3. Engine Does Not Start

A common symptom of a problem with your engine immobilizer is that your vehicle does
not start at all. If it weren’t for the problems with the locking mechanisms, there could be
a wide variety of reasons why your engine does not start. But if you experience those
problems and have an engine that doesn’t try to start, then you clearly have a problem
with either your immobilizer or the smart key itself.
4. Key in Ignition Does Not Turn
If your key fob has a physical key that you must insert into the ignition and turn and it
doesn’t budge, you may have a problem with the transponder chip inside the key fob base.
For some reason it’s not sending the security code to the car immobilizer. Before ordering
a replacement key, make sure you’re using the correct key fob for the car. Just because
your spouse drives the same make of car doesn’t mean her key fob will work in yours.

5. Car Alarm Problems

Since the immobilizer is the main security feature of your vehicle, that means your factory
car alarm system won’t work if the immobilizer is faulty.

Center Door Locking (CDL)

Vehicle Central locking has the sole purpose of locking or unlocking all the doors in the
car at the same time, via a remote or when the driver door locks. It is a convenience
feature, as well as a safety and security feature. It helps to increase the safety and
security of the car by cautioning the driver through warning lights indicated at places like
the speedometer if the car door is open. This happens through sophisticated
contemporary computer systems integrated into the mechanism of central locking. As
for security, it prevents car theft, through an alarm that is interlinked with the central car
lock system that further reduces the chance of larceny. It also acts as a convenient
feature for the driver to take control of all the locks of doors of the car, or when the driver
is outside the car, he/she can lock or unlock all the doors at a click of a button on the key
fob.

Reasons car central locking system isn’t working

A central locking systems problems are quite easy to diagnose as compared to other
components of a car, primarily owing to its simple functioning. Most of the time - a central
car locking system won’t working due to - a faulty solenoid or blown fuse. But apart from
these two reasons there could be more problems like internal wiring issues or a faulty
actuator. The problem could even lie in the key fob itself - example a drained-out battery.
Improper functioning of a central locking mechanism might also be due to a dead car
battery, as the system needs the power from it to work.
Supplementary Restraint System (SRS)

An SRS (Supplement Restraint System) is a restraint system in a vehicle that acts in

addition to a seatbelt. Airbags are the most common example of an SRS. The systems
are often highly sophisticated, with electrical components that help them function
properly. For the airbags to deploy properly, precision timing during a collision is vital. All
the SRS components cannot be damaged. They must be always in good working order
for the communication from the collision sensors to the airbags to provide that “just in
time” deployment. The wire harnesses and connectors of the SRS cannot be damaged
and unfortunately, they cannot be repaired. They must be replaced to ensure the electrical
circuit’s continuity and performance and most of all, provide the safety our owners
expect.

Components of SRS

• Airbag module: The module or modules contain the airbag and inflator
assembly.
• Airbag sensors: Most vehicles have multiple sensors to measure the conditions
leading up to a potential collision. When an accident occurs, the sensors relay
that situation to the SRS module to deploy the airbags.
• Clock spring: This cable allows the steering wheel to turn without causing a
break in the electrical contact to the airbag module.
• SRS module: This computer is responsible for overseeing the airbag system.

Here are the most common causes of the SRS light:

1. Seat Belt Latch Failure

The SRS contains sensors that monitor when the seat belts are fastened. If something
has gotten into the buckle, it could be interfering with the connection. To repair the
problem, clean out the seat belt buckle of foreign objects. If you don’t see anything, spray
into the buckle with compressed air.
2. Defective Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor

If someone is sitting in the front seat, there is a sensor that alerts the SRS system. It not
only tells the sensor that someone is there, but it also reads weight. If there is an adult in
the seat, the passenger airbag will be ready to protect the occupant. However, when the
sensor doesn’t work right, it can cause the SRS light to come on.

3. Corrosion

Water damage can quickly lead to corrosion inside your vehicle. If this occurs among the
SRS components, it can spell disaster. Not only can it cause the warning light to go on,
but it can also affect the functionality of the system. The only way to fix this problem is
to thoroughly inspect all of the components for corrosion. Anything that is affected needs
to be replaced.

4. Bad Clock spring

This electrical connector is located inside the steering wheel. Its primary function is to
maintain a connection with the SRS computer, even while the wheel is turning. However,
this part regularly suffers from a lot of abuse. If it stops working, the driver’s side airbag
might not deploy during an accident. You will also get a warning with the SRS light alerting
you to the situation.

5. Dead SRS Computer Battery Backup

The SRS computer needs a backup battery to retain the data it receives. This battery
continues working even when the vehicle is off. If the battery is low on power or dead, it
can cause the SRS light to go on. The only way to repair this situation is to install a new
battery.
6. Previous Accident

Your SRS light might go on after an accident if the airbags did not deploy. When a collision
occurs, the system was likely triggered through the crash sensors. However, if something
malfunctioned, causing your airbags to fail, a fault will be sent to the computer. The result
is the SRS light telling you that the computer needs to be reset.

7. Faulty SRS Computer

Over time, all electrical components fail. The SRS computer is no different and is not
immune to malfunctioning. Heat, excessive vibration, age and water damage can all lead
to its demise. If the SRS light comes on because of a dead computer, the only repair is a
replacement.

Instrument cluster

An instrument cluster is the collection of gauges, dials and lights right above the steering
wheel that tell you what’s going on in your vehicle. Generally, your car’s instrument
cluster will last the lifetime of the car and you’ll never have a problem with any of
them. However, when one of them fail, you’ll have a problem that ranges from mildly
annoying (the engine lights up and doesn’t turn off) to inconvenient (the
gas gauge doesn’t register) to dangerous (the oil indicator doesn’t work)

Causes of Instrument Cluster Problems

1. Computer Faults
For some vehicles, one wire can have two signals that cause weird behavior. It comes
from the computer not correctly functioning, which may be due to corrupted software or
a hardware problem.

2. Loose Connectors
Connectors that are either loose or have come unplugged are easy to fix and are part of
what you need to check when doing a simple circuit trace. If this happens to cause your
instrument cluster problem, make sure to disconnect the car battery, plug the connectors
back together, fix loose ones, and reconnect the battery. Your instrument panel should
come back to life shortly after.
3. Bad Sensors
In most cases, only one or two gauges in your instrument cluster do not work. When this
occurs, you would probably trace the problem to a bad sensor. The type of sensor that
most commonly goes bad is the speedometer sensor. Symptoms include speedometer
and cruise control glitches, power loss, and check engine light activation.

4. Overloaded Circuit
A faulty voltage regulator, which sends power to the instrument panel in most current
vehicles, may be responsible for what causes the instrument cluster to stop working.
When this is defective, your digital dash may not entirely stop working. However, your
gauges will read extremely high/low, act up, or become erratic. Even jumpstarting your
vehicle or switching out the battery can cause an electrical spike that can lead to, say, a
speedometer going berserk.

5. Wiring Problems
Should your voltage regulator work just fine, then chances are the issue is caused by a
fault with wiring – one of the two causes leading to a fully non-working instrument panel.
Any capable mechanic should be able to rectify this. Otherwise, go to a professional who
can perform an in-depth circuit trace on your vehicle and pinpoint where the fault is.

6. Grounding Issue
A grounding issue one of the last things any vehicle owner would suspect that’s causing
the instrument cluster to stop working. However, if you have already looked into all the
before causes, this may be the culprit. A grounding issue affects your dash lights, gauges,
and indicators.

7. Defective Instrument Cluster

If you have exhausted all the necessary tests and cannot identify anything wrong with
wiring or sensors, you are just unfortunate to receive a vehicle with a lemon dash. Some
electronic instrument clusters don’t have separate gauges that receive independent
inputs from individual senders. You may need to replace it in this case.
Electrical Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)

A vehicle comprising an electric power assist steering (EPAS) system, wherein the EPAS
system can receive a detected value of steering wheel torque and wherein the EPAS
system is operable to improve the accuracy of the detected value of steering wheel
torque by compensating for a weight imbalance present in the steering wheel by the
electric power source.

SIGNS THAT THE POWER STEERING IS ENCOUNTERING A PROBLEM:

The power steering system can encounter an issue due to regular, ongoing wear and tear,
age of parts, or an auto accident. It’s important to keep your eyes out for any of the
warning signs of premature wear of the power steering system so that you can address
the issue before it worsens. Here are the two most common warning signs that your
power steering requires servicing:

• Difficult to turn wheel/stiff wheel

• Check-engine light comes on

Often when the electric power steering goes out, the first thing drivers notice is the
drivability of the vehicle. Usually, it becomes especially difficult to turn the car or
maneuver it with ease, and it becomes nearly impossible to control. Furthermore, the
check engine light may come on if the power steering issue is related to the control
module or an electrical issue. It is essential to follow up with these warning signs as soon
as possible to limit the damage done to your car and to ensure your safety.

HOW TO CARE FOR THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM

This wonderful development in automotive design is relatively new, and it is quite
complex. The power steering system is composed various parts that all need to be
inspected and serviced at some point in your vehicle’s life cycle. These are just a few of
the parts included in your power steering system:

• Control unit
• Fluid pump
• Hoses
• Hydraulic fluid
All these components require ongoing maintenance, the guidelines of which can be found
in your owner’s manual. Here’s what you can do to keep these parts in good working order
from now on:

• Inspect and replace the fluid pump- This hydraulic pump’s function is to ensure
that the hydraulic fluid flows through the power steering system. When the pump
begins not working properly, it can cause the system to “dry out,” causing parts to
wear quickly and the power steering to fail. Eventually the pump will need to be
replaced, so it’s important to follow your maintenance schedule.

• Keep hydraulic fluid in good quality and full- Hydraulic power steering fluid is
essential to the function of the overall system. Power steering fluid needs to be
kept in good condition and at the appropriate level consistently. If you notice any
leaks or fluid contamination, it’s critical to bring your car to an automotive
specialist right away.

• Inspect and replace hoses as needed or preventively- The hoses that transport
the power steering fluid through the system can become compromised and
corroded over time, leading to cracks and power steering fluid loss. Extreme hot
and cold temperatures can significantly increase the wear process for these
hoses.

• Follow through with addressing any signs of trouble or failure- If you notice that
your car is steering inconsistently, roughly, or too tightly, there could be a problem
with the power steering system. The best thing you can do is follow up with these
issues immediately with an automotive shop you trust.