Juzi, I had taken a rare drive to town - huko Easy Coach to drop a luggage (I don’t like the hassle of town, so afadhali matatu tu when I can - najua tuko wengi).
Anyway, getting to Easy Coach, the car jerks once like those mulmulwas in movies when they are dying, and stops right at the gate. Zuri bus drivers are not the most considerate. I was also kinda shocked because there was no warning and I’ve never had issues with the jalopy before. After a few tries, it agrees to turn on and I go park and finish my business.
Then I drive out and take Moi Avenue. At the Nairobi Sports House, it starts jerking again when we stop for the traffic lights. Another embarrassing 10 minutes of kanges and kanjus shouting at me. I call up a motoring guru and he tells me it could be the ignition coils, so I should rev the engine so that they can iginite. I do so, and, it looks like it’s working.
I drive without hustle all the way to Ojijo Road. Right before Parklands Sports Club, I take that chum that comes outta Muthithi Road. It jerks again, and stops, right in the middle of the narrow karoad. Impatient, and adequately shouting kanges (Westlands Matatus that use the route), help me push to the side.
I was now stranded proper. The tip was not working. Intriguingly, the car was working on reverse… just not forwards. I even considered reversing all the way to a safe place. I feared the worst - GearBox issues.
So, I called my mech to come rescue me (Infama and flatbeds are for BMWs). He coaxed the car, driving like a snail, and it made the trip all the way to Rhapta Road. Wise guy.
Long story short - the issue was that the Oxygen Sensor had roasted. He replaced it and the car is feeling great now. I have read a lot about it… and I would advise you have yours checked. It’s a serviacable part that needs to be replaced over time.
Lest you face the wrath of irate Nairobians or a heart attack. Or both.