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Sven Nielsen, Technical Director from MEYLE, says the following difficulties may arise with the Trafic/Vivaro/Primastar X83:

Worn out control arms

Problem:

In these models, it´s not the bushings that fail but the ball joints. They fail prematurely due to heavy load and a high dynamic strain. As consequence, ball joints are often worn out fast because they are mostly small dimensioned.

MEYLE solution:

In our MEYLE-HD control arms we have optimised the ball joints by using a wear-resistant plastic seat and a precision ball pin, lubricated with MEYLE high-tech grease. Thus, the MEYLE-HD track control arms have a longer lifetime.

Worn out ball joints

A few notes about the Nissan Primastar/Vauxhall Vivaro/Renault Trafic:

Engine Oil

For this particularly series of vans, each manufacturer lists differing specifications for engine oil which should be covered by one of a number of Comma products. Do not assume that the vans will all use the same engine oil.

Technicians looking to resolve sudden and excessive brake pedal travel in the early models of Trafic, Vivaro and Primastar X83 should consider that these have experienced braking problems resulting from a detached securing clip on the brake pedal cross shaft.

They have also experienced handbrake problems on vehicles built between 1/2006 and 5/2008. Failure of the handbrake’s intermediate connector can result in the handbrake releasing unintentionally. Technicians looking to trace excessive travel on the handbrake should bear this in mind.

Buying network GroupAuto has bought UAN for an undisclosed sum.

Toyota Prius 1.8-litre – Fuse box issue

Reference number(s): BE-0021T-0212

Fault symptoms: -READY- indicator light does not light.

Error code(s): P3004 / P0AA1

Causes: Faulty electrical function

Remedy: Replace fuse box.

Toyota Prius 1.8-litre – Noises from the engine bay

Reference number(s): EG-0056T-0711

Fault symptoms: Rattling noises from the region of the engine compartment

Environmental condition(s): In cold weather

Causes: Ignition system

Remedy: Perform software update on engine control unit.

Complete electrical failure, caused by corrosion on the high voltage battery pack 28 module cell terminals. Most noticeable if dampness is found in and around the boot load area, possible failure of the tailgate seals. The corrosion can’t be seen unless the battery pack is dissembled.

Later vehicles can suffer from ABS failure – main ABS pump cost £3000.

We receive calls from members requesting information about the safety precautions that need to be taken when carrying out service, repairs in general or body repairs on hybrid vehicles.

Members of the RMI have free access to Hybrid  Awareness Training delivered on site by our own Technical Trainers, please call 0845 305 4230 to enquire about becoming a member of the RMI.

The Toyota Prius had to be recalled because on some vehicles, the connections at the intermediate shaft and sliding yoke section of the steering column became loose. If the recall has been ignored, there is the risk that at some point the steering control of the vehicle will be lost.

However, if any steering control issues are not found to be related to the steering column connections, they may well be caused by worn tie rod or rack ends, which can be easily rectified by replacing the worn items.

Sven Nielsen, Technical Director from MEYLE, says the following difficulties may arise with the Toyota Prius XW20:

Stabiliser links often worn out

Problem:

Intense strain and high surface pressure wear and stress on the ball joint. This causes a premature failure of the ball joint and generates noise at the front axle.

MEYLE-HD solution: Stabiliser link

MEYLE in-house engineers increased the ball pin diameter to 22 mm, in addition to using wear-resistant synthetic ball sockets with high-tech grease. The reduction of the surface pressure ensures a significantly longer lifetime.

When carrying out a service, it is important to clean the oil system with Forté Advanced Formula Motor Flush and the fuel system with Advanced Formula Gas Treatment to maintain the vehicle's efficiency and performance. Using Forté products at regular service intervals will help maintain vehicle performance and reduce exhaust emissions.

A few notes about the Toyota Prius (XW20):

Engine Oil

For this particular vehicle, Toyota list only one or two specifications for engine oil which should be covered by Comma Xtech 5W30.

With a small sump size on this car (3.7-litres), supplying the customer with a top up pack and reminding them that they should be checking the engine oil regularly (see handbook for guidance) might also be prudent here. A quick check before you change might be a good way of reinforcing the importance of top up to the customer. Combined with longer service intervals, a smaller sump size makes checking your oil more critical than ever before.