Driver's memo

12.1.1 Checks on the vehicle before driving

The driver shall check the following before each trip.

OUTSIDE THE CAR:

1. General condition and appearance of the car.
2. State of wheels and tires, and also state of tightening of wheel nuts (bolts). It is recommended to check the tire pressure (including the spare wheel tire).
3. Check for leakage of fuel and fluids (it is necessary to consider that on the cars that are equipped with system of air conditioning, there can be traces of the liquid that are created by condensate. This is not malfunction).
4. Condition of wipers (especially in winter). It is necessary to exclude freezing of wiper blades, because it can lead to damage of a windscreen and the mechanism of wipers.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT:

1. Engine oil level. In addition, check its technical condition, inspect all engine connections for engine oil and coolant leaks.
2. Transmission oil level. Inspect all engine connections for transmission oil leaks.
3. Level of brake fluid in the expansion tank. If necessary, refill the brake fluid to the required level, make sure there are no visible brake fluid leaks. Depending on the design of the hydraulic drive, the expansion tank may be common for the brake system and clutch (carsтwith manual transmission). But there also may be two tanks - one for the brake system and one for the clutch.
4. Level of fluid in an expansion tank of the system of engine cooling.
5. Level of fluid in the windscreen washer tank.
6. Technical condition of the supporting equipment drive belt, as well as its tension (check manually by pressing the belt between the generator pulley and the water pump with your thumb).

12.1.2 Engine starting

ENGINE WAS STARTED, IT IS WORKING PROPERLY

1. Before starting the engine, it is necessary to establish the selector lever of a transmission (automatic) in position "P" or position "N" in case if transmission is mechanical.
2. It is necessary to check the working capacity of the vacuum booster of brake system. Press the brake pedal and start the engine. In case if with the brake pedal moving slightly under the force of the foot - this will mean that the vacuum booster is functioning normally. In case if at start the brake pedal did not move, it is recommended to contact the service station for more detailed diagnostics of the car.
3. Modern cars are equipped with electronic control units (ECU), therefore at start-up there is no need to keep the accelerator pedal pressed. The electronics will automatically increase engine speed for faster warm-up, then will lower it to normal idle speed.
4. At start-up some alarms of separate systems of the car light up. At this moment selfdiagnostics of these systems is performed. After some seconds alarms have to go out. In case if any signaling indicator does not go out, it is necessary to consult the section "Car Operation" given in this manual or contact the service station.
5. In the winter for cars with a manual transmission in order to simplify engine start it is necessary to press a clutch pedal. In case of a diesel engine the car may be equipped with a pre-heating system. This system is switched on automatically before engine start, and a special signaling indicator lights up. Engine can be started after that.
6. After successful start of the engine it is desirable to open a hood and to look over all basic elements of the engine in order to be convinced of leaks on the main connections (cylinder heads, sump and engine block, a transmission and the engine) and brake fluids in the expansion tanks. In case if it is necessary refill them to the required level.
7. It is necessary to check the operation of all elements of the lighting system:
   1. headlights (low beam/high beam/fog lights);
   2. turn indicators and their repeaters (front and rear);
   3. rear brake lights, rear fog lights and car reversing lights.

ENGINE DOES NOT START, CRANKSHAFT DOES NOT ROTATE

1. Check the battery pack charge level.
2. Check that the wiring terminals are properly connected to the battery pack. Additionally, check the wiring terminals for oxidation (clean the terminals if necessary).
3. Check the connection of high-voltage wires of spark plugs, check a wire/wires of the coil/ignition coils.
4. Check the starting system fuses.
5. Check the connection of electric wiring to a starter of starting system.
6. Check a technical condition of spark plugs.
7. Check ignition system fuses.
8. Using a density gage, measure the density of the electrolyte in each bank of the battery (see chapter "Engine Electrical Equipment").
9. Using a voltmeter, measure the voltage at the terminals of the battery pack.
10. Check the technical condition of the starter.

ENGINE DOES NOT START, CRANKSHAFT ROTATES

1. Check the fuel level in the fuel tank. Be careful and cautious, because some models are equipped with electric fuel pumps, that are lubricated with its own fuel. Thus, in case of full fuel consumption the pump will run "dry", which can lead to its breakdown. Besides that, it is necessary to consider that the lamp of the signaling device of low level of fuel lights up if there are 5-8 liters of fuel in a tank.
2. Check that the wiring terminals are properly connected to the battery pack. Also check the wiring terminals for oxidation (clean the terminals if necessary). In case if the terminals are oxidized, the crankshaft may turn very slowly and stop.
3. A situation is possible when the engine "picks up" (starts, rotates a few turns and stops). The cause may be air suction in one of the elements of the intake system. Air suction is possible from the following interfaces of elements of system of intake:
   1. place of fastening of a throttle valve body to an air duct (towards an intake manifold);
   2. place of fastening of an air duct to an intake manifold;
   3. connection of intake manifold with the cylinder head;
   4. suction is possible on some cars because of loose fastening of the sensor of temperature of intake air.
4. Check the state of engine control system sensors. Modern engine control systems are equipped with many sensors that read information about certain parameters of a mechanism or system and send signals to the electronic control unit (ECU/ECM/PCM) - all this is done for optimization and improving the engine performance. But there are sensors that in case of failure will indirectly affect work (fuel consumption will change and / or power will decrease, there will be any interruptions in work, etc.). Thus, the engine will continue working. «CHECK ENGINE»signalingindicator will light up on the instrument panel. In addition, there are several basic sensors, in case of failure of which the engine will not start, namely:
   1. Excess oxygen sensor (lambda probe).
      On modern cars it is installed before and after the catalytic converter.
   2. Crankshaft position sensor.
      It is installed either in the front part of the engine, or in back, over a flywheel.
   3. Mass air flow sensor. It is installed in the air duct of the intake system in front of the

      throttle valve.

5. In the winter (during the first morning start after a night in the garage or on a parking lot) it is possible that the crankshaft will rotate very slowly, not enough to start the engine. Freezing

   of the battery pack may be the reason. In order to warm up the battery pack, it is necessary to turn on the high beam of the headlights for 1-2 minutes, then try to start the engine again. In case if the engine does not start, check for possible causes above. On cars with a diesel engine, the possible cause may be the formation of paraffin plugs in the fuel lines and fuel channels (such a violation is typical for cars that are idle for a long time in an unheated parking lot).

6. In case if the car was standing in the open parking lot at night in the winter, the difficult start is possible due to thickening of engine and transmission oils.

ENGINE STARTS, BUT WORKS WITH INTERRUPTIONS

1. Malfunctioning of the fuel system. Causes of this malfunction may be a malfunction of the fuel pump (high pressure fuel pump - for diesel engines), air inside of fuel lines, contamination of fuel injector nozzles, heavy soot on the injector nozzles (diesel engines). All the work that are related to fuel system elements shall be performed at specialized service stations.
2. Air suction in one of the elements of the intake system may be the reason. Air suction is possible from the following connections of elements of intake system:
   1. place of fastening of a throttle valve body to an air duct (towards an intake manifold);
   2. place of fastening of an air duct to an intake manifold;
   3. connection of intake manifold with cylinder head.

3а. Ignition system malfunctions (gasoline engines only). At the same time works that are connected with elements of ignition system shall be done at specialized service stations. You can check the       following on your own:

1. correct connection of high-voltage wires: they shall be mounted tightly on the tips of the spark plugs and on the ignition coils;
2. technical condition of spark plugs and conformity of the established spark plugs to technical requirements of the automaker You can also use the soot or deposits on the spark plug electrodes for determining which engine malfunctions have occurred;

Note
There are two main types of spark plugs: hot and cold.

3. check the quality of the fuel to be filled.

3b. Fault in the operation of the HPFP (high pressure fuel pump), which is associated with a shift in the start and change in the duration of the fuel injection. The reason may be the displacement of  the drive sprockets of this pump (provided that the pump was removed and installed) relative to the drive chain or belt.

4. Wrong installation of phases of gas distribution. At the same time operation of the engine can proceed, but with the increased fuel consumption and big loss of power. There are many reasons          that can lead to such a fault, but there are two main ones:

1. while replacing the drive chain/timing belt (gas distributing mechanism) there was a phase shift;
2. malfunctions of the engine electronic control unit (ECU).

Note
It is recommended to eliminate the specified malfunctions on a service station.

5. Wrong ignition advance angle setting (see chapter 4 "Engine"). In case if the ignition advance angle was shifted to a later value, engine interruptions may be accompanied by cracks in the car's exhaust system, as well as the presence of black smoke from the exhaust pipe. In this case, the engine shall be stopped as soon as possible, because unburned fuel inside the cylinders will burn out in the catalytic converter, which can lead to its failure. In case if, on the other hand, the intake manifold claps during engine interruptions at idle speed, this indicates a shift of the angle to the zone of earlier ignition. Failure to set the ignition advance angle can have serious consequences that can result from overloading of individual engine components, assemblies and systems.
6. Malfunctions in the charging system. At the same time after engine start the signaling indicator of lack of charging of the battery pack will light up on the instrument panel in the passenger compartment. In this case, it is necessary to check the points of connection of the wiring to the generator. In case if the wiring is connected properly, then contact the service station to determine the cause of the fault.
7. In case if there is a gray smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe when the engine is running, the cause may be engine oil entering the cylinders (through valve bushings or piston rings). This causes soot on the pistons, spark plugs and injectors, causing the engine to start work with interruptions. In this case, it is necessary to contact the service station in order to perform repair works.

For diesel engines

In case if black smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe and the engine runs with interruptions, the cause may be a leaky closure of the injector nozzle with a valve, which leads to fuel leaks into the cylinder.

  8. Engine malfunction may occur due to reduced compression inside one or more engine cylinders.

12.1.3 Start of movement

THE CAR STARTED MOVING WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS

1. It is necessary to fasten a seat belt before driving a car.
2. Always try to start smoothly, because as long as the car has a minimum speed, the load on all elements of the transmission and chassis is maximum. In order to eliminate premature wear, it is necessary to do the following:
   1. do not press the accelerator pedal sharply for cars with automatic transmission;
   2. in case of the car with a manual transmission, do not drop the clutch pedal abruptly, do not hold the clutch pedal for a long time when starting to drive;
   3. in case if the car is front-wheel drive, do not make a sharp start with the steering wheels completely turned, this can damage the anther and/or CV joint (hinged joint of equal angular velocities), unnecessarily overloading it;
   4. in case of the beginning of movement uphill, it is recommended to use a parking brake (in separate cases on modern cars systems of the help at start driving uphill are installed).

JERKS AT THE BEGINNING OF CAR MOVEMENT

1. Malfunctions of the fuel system and air intake system.
2. Clutch failure (manual transmission). In case if the clutch slips during the start of movement, it indicates its excessive wear or violation of the adjustments of free and working stroke of the clutch pedal. When the clutch slips, the characteristic smell of the friction materials of the driven clutch disc is possible (this odor can also appear with a proper operating clutch, if you keep the clutch pedal half pressed for a long time during the start of movement).
3. Violation of gas distribution phase installation (see above). In this case, the “CHECK ENGINE” signal indication can light on.
4. Malfunction of cardan transmission as a whole, its increased wear (cars with a mechanical transmission and the drive on both axes or only on back). Repairs shall be performed exclusively at the service station. In this case, there may be no jerks, but at the beginning of the movement a deaf metal knock (mostly two blows), and then with each gear change will be heard.
5. Malfunction in the engine control system or in a transmission control system (cars with an automatic transmission). In this case, the “CHECK ENGINE” signaling indicator may light on and/or a message may appear on the on-board computer screen (in case if the vehicle is equipped with an on-board computer). Immediately contact the service station.
6. Knocking inside of engine cylinders (applies only to gasoline engines). Poor quality of fuel is the main reason of knocking. At the same time from the engine the characteristic metal knock will be heard. It is necessary to change the place of constant refueling of the car or to switch to better quality fuel. Permanent knocking is very harmful to the engine. It can lead to breakage or violation of the geometric parameters of the connecting rod-piston group and crankshaft. Thus, do not procrastinate with  finding out the cause of this malfunction in operation and eliminate it as soon as possible. 

However, it is necessary to consider also the fact that at the beginning or during movement at sharp opening of a throttle valve for the maximum acceleration emergence of detonation knocks for 1-2 seconds is possible. Though, this is not a malfunction. In this case, the reason is a sharp change in the angle of advance of the ignition (towards the earlier one) for improving the operating processes of the engine and complete combustion of fuel.

12.1.4 While driving

1. When driving, always pay attention to the instrument panel and the signaling indicators.
2. It is also necessary to pay attention to the behavior of the car when driving in a straight line, in turns, when accelerating and braking, because most serious faults and malfunctions (which cannot be determined on a standing car or while starting driving) manifest themselves only during driving. Malfunctions in the operation of the transmission can result in jerks while driving. Faults in the settings or malfunctions of the chassis are manifested in the form of knocks and in the deterioration of the car's handling.

CAR JERKS WHILE DRIVING

1. Malfunctions of the fuel system operation.
2. Malfunctions of the ignition system operation.
3. Air intake in the engine intake system. At the same time there is a sharp drop in engine power, no traction during the occurrence of jerks.
4. Malfunctions of the operation of the electronic transmission control system (cars with automatic transmission). It is necessary to contact the service station for system diagnostics.
5. Malfunctions of the electronic engine management system. It is necessary to contact the service station for system diagnostics.

CAR JERKS WHILE BRAKING

1. In this case, the cause may be warping of the brake disc (-s). Thus, it is necessary to contact the service station for repair as soon as possible.

Note
Most likely, the service station staff will offer two options for troubleshooting, namely: - grooving followed by grinding of brake discs/brake drums to the repair size; - complete replacement of a brake disk. The first solution is less expensive, but it has one major drawback - the brake pads and brake disc must burnish. This will take some time, during which you will feel small jerks when braking. The second option eliminates the disadvantage of the first one, but it is more expensive.

2. Poor tightening of bolts/nuts of fastening of wheels.
3. Dirt or icing on the car's brakes. In case of icing, it is necessary to press the brake pedal several times in order to warm up the brake mechanisms while driving at low speed.