Foton Commercial Range

The Foton Tunland used a Cummins ISF turbo-diesel engine which should make it a pretty good thing given the Cummins brand’s reputation for durability and reliability. However, some mechanics are critical of the engine for its use of several plastic internal parts that can wear quickly. These are largely to do with the timing gear and tensioners.

Other noted problems include accelerated cylinder wall wear and (of particular interest to you) wear in the con-rod bearings which can start as a tick in the engine.

In any case, diagnosing a new tick or knock in an engine is best left to a diesel specialist who may be familiar with this engine in particular and diesel noises in general. So, logically, that’s where to start. Keep notes of when the noise is at its loudest (cold starts, high speed running etc) as that information will help a technician make a correct diagnosis.

It sounds very much like the vehicle thinks it has an issue with the key. Modern ignition keys send a coded, electronic message to the car’s computer telling it’s okay to start the engine. Without this communication, it’s possible the car won’t start. The background to this is to prevent the car being hotwired and stolen without the key.

The problem could be as simple as a flat battery on the ignition key. Again, a flat battery means no message to the computer and no start. If the battery is not the problem, then you need to dig deeper to see if the car’s body computer is controlling the security system correctly.

If you’re referring to the lower flog lights on the Foton, access can be gained from behind the bumper. Follow the wiring to where it disappears inside the light mount and remove the globes from there.

For the actual headlights, the globes can be replaced, but it’s a bit fiddlier. You need to remove the plastic twist-lock covers at the back of each headlight to gain access to the globes, but to do that you need to remove the battery on one side and the air-box on the other.

Don’t forget, when changing globes, not to touch the glass part with your fingers. This can leave an oily residue (from your skin) on the glass which forms a hot-spot and can lead to the globe failing prematurely.