Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by iUnique

What type of lorry should I rent?

iUnique — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 02:38:24 +0800

Good morning.
I'm planning on renting a lorry for moving out interstate (Johor -> Selangor)

however, I've got some big items to be carried along:
1 queen mattress + bed
1 small fridge (not the minibar) - W 1.8ft x H 4.8ft x D 2ft
1 small washing machine -W 1.7ft x H 3.1ft x D 1.8ft
1 kapcai motorcycle
no cabinets nor wardrobes

others will be just medium-sized containers

so, what size of lorry should I get?
3tonnes?

for ~280km journey (with tolls), how much it'll cost?
(from Lalamove, price shown was ~RM700 with a helper)

refresher Accounting Course?

iUnique — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 08:54:44 +0800

good morning.
I have a family member which currently stay-at-home mother for years.
she had a degree in accounting, but her accounting knowledge kinda rusty at the moment

I would like to assist her to return to the workforce.
she plans on getting hired for SMEs, not some big MNC etc.
more of generating small income to assist her husband.

is there any refresher course available for Accounting?

L380 Yoga Dead Screen?

iUnique — Sat, 18 May 2024 12:41:10 +0800

good morning.
currently using L380 Yoga since 2020

(bought 2nd Hand, I think it was from Education Market, based on Windows for Education Stick on the back)

I think the Thinkpad's screen died today.
the laptop boot up, I can hear the Windows boot up chime,
but the screen still black.
backlight does turn on.

tried resetting, nothing. same black screen.
tried plugin into TV though HDMI, TV shows output, but main display still black.

does this mean the screen already at its end-of-life?

questions regarding engine oil & coolant fluid

iUnique — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 14:24:27 +0800

good evening fellow forumers.

currently I'm driving an ACR50W Year 2006 Toyota Estima, clocked at 304k km
and I've been taken care of it (and also my father, whose was the previous driver)

I had issues that the engine oil starts to run low at 4.5k km after each oil change
- I will get the warning (I assume is low on engine oil - the text is in Japanese, and I don't write/read Japanese) whenever I make a sudden brake (assuming, the oil level fluctuation triggers the alarm)
- my mechanic told me for the long-term solution is for engine overhaul, and for the short-term solution is top-up the engine oil

my question is about the engine oil.
currently the engine (2AZ-FE) runs on Shell (I forgot the product name, but I know that it's fully synthetic) 10W-30
as for top-up - does it mandatory to use the same brand? or it is safe to use same fully synthetic (from reputable brands) 10W-30?

and as for reputable brands, I know Shell, Castrol. is there any recommendation? (I am planning on using this till the end of time)
before using Shell, it was running on Mannol 5W-30 (no issues so far. mechanic changed to Shell as the Shell that he had in stock that time)

recently I had the Water Pump replaced (with new one) as the previous one leaked.
mechanic top-up the coolant, but half-tank only.
but he instructed me to top-up with mineral water till the full-level mark
it's advisable to do that?
or need to fully fill (till the full-level mark) with specifically coolant only?

mixed different oil thickness as topup

iUnique — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:46:50 +0800

hello & good morning.

I'm using an Estima ACR50 2006 Model, which using a 2AZ-FE.
it currently already run near 5000km since last service (clocked at 290000km),
and I frequently get a low engine oil alarm occasionally - whenever braked suddenly/ make a sudden turn

I have asked my mechanic previously,
he mentioned that the engine may due for overhaul - as the sealant may worn-out causing some oil leak/evaporates

as his temporary solution, he suggests for top-up oil if the low-engine-oil alarm comes back.

currently the main oil flowing is 5W30, he suggested for top-up wil 5W40 of the same brand - Mannol (both is fully synthetic)

it is advisable to mix different oil thickness?

[WTA] Android Car Player Bluetooth Issue

iUnique — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 04:30:28 +0800

good morning.

I got an issue with my Android Car Player which I recently have it installed to ACR50.

The Player installed I think it is using a modded OS of Android 10
- on System Settings it is mentioned Android 11 (but from Inware it mentions Android 10)
- got password to access Developer Options - luckily got people share the password

The Player also I think is a generic player with own branding put onto.
Installefd to my car is TSA-branded
When I went to the shop for purchase + install, then I noticed that the owner of the place has the same initials

The issue is with the Bluetooth connectivity with other devices.
My Mi11TPro does connect wwithout issue.

But I got issue to get it connected with other devices.
As my car doesn't have steering control, I bought a Bluetooth Controller to control the Media/ Volume while driving
- the contoller mentioned that it supported Android 4.4 and above
- it doesn't mention the Bluetooth version though
- my phone detected this controller, but my Car Player does not

From the Car Player POV,
the Bluetooth Status Icon does present on the Status Bar.

But, there's no Bluetooth Settings can be seen from Android's Settings App

I can only access Bluetooth Settings from a Bluetooth App inside the App Drawer

So, I installed Inware just to get further info regarding the device's Bluetooth.
To my suprise, the Bluetooth is disabled!
Despite having the Bluetooth Status Icon present on the Status Bar
(I also don't know how to disable it in the first place)

I tried digging into the Factory Settings of the device.
From its Bluetooth Settings, I only got IC6 and IC8 only (I don't know what they do - tried switching back and forth, nothing happen)

Any advices?
I just want to be able to control the media from the steering wheel only.

[WTA] Power Steering Issue?

iUnique — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 13:27:34 +0800

good afternoon.
I would like to have a second opinion regarding my daily driver Estima ACR50

for the past 2years (if not mistaken - not really focusing on the issue much),
I've heard knocking sound from the steering column, sometimes from front tyres.
Sometimes I also feel the steering shaking whenever I hit bumpers/ irregular roads.
- almost silent when dring on highways
- no problem handling the vehicle

I've complained to my regularly-visited mechanic (previous his team did the CVT ex-change),
he told me that the issue is from the power steering motor, which it's bearing might be loose.
I've ask for quotation (to plan for it later), but he said that it's kinda expensive & there's no need to change for now.

when I searched at Shopee, the motor costs around RM500 (for me, still manageable)
- if including the service charge, it may cost me total of RM800-900, I think

steering rack already changed by previous driver at 80k km (currently clocked at 289k km)

here I'm asking:
1. is there possible of another parts that's wearing out?
2. how may I know when it's time to compulsorily change without having to put myself into danger (I mostly travel long distance with this Estima - 300km. I don't want to have trouble during travel as my family will be traveling along)
3. as for power steering motor change, how much does it will cost, and how long does it take? (during the CVT change, need 3weeks)

[WTA] Mold Smell in house

iUnique — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 03:20:19 +0800

good morning.

I got issue with mold smell during heavy rain season.
When the weather is hot, no moldy smell.

I'm currently renting a house (terrace house - roughly 15+ years old).
Prevous tenant also had informed me (prior moving in) regarding the moldy smell.

Upon moving in, I had informed the agent regarding the issue, he said nothing to worry about.

After sometime, I see the mold slightly growing (maybe due to water tap loosen out - changed already),
but the mold never fully gone away

I tried wash it away with chlorine solution + isoprophyl alcohol, doesn't totally remove the issue.

I'm planning on continue renting till 2024 (waiting for own unit to finish),
what can I do at the moment? at least to ease the smell

(I don't think the agent will help me much - or either will hire lousy contractor to do the job)

are these condensatiion?

iUnique — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 09:57:29 +0800

I,m currently re-using my old MBP 13" mid-2009 for light office works.

this MBP was stored in storage (luggage bag) for about >5years
last I inspected it on 2016, everything was still well and good.

but when I re-inspected recently,
I find these

I tried wipe it out, nothing happens.
After some internet searching, some suggest that it is condensation under the glass panel.

do any of you experience this?
and how do you handle this?

as to change the panel, not really confident enough for DIY.
or, is there any physical shops (near Setia Alam/ Meru/ Batu Pahat) that able to offer such service?

it's time for tyre change immediately?

iUnique — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 22:27:36 +0800

hello guys.
i just noticed of my 2018 tires start showing this changes.
thread still got depth
it's the time I need to change them immediately?
(kinda short budget at the moment)

as for tyre change,
can anyone suggest me a more cost-efficient replacement for PS4?
previously I brought a set-of-two PS4 China-Made, Year 2020 for RM600 each (from Batu Pahat)

currently driving 2006 Estima
usually crusing at 100-120kmH only (rarely go till 160kmH, unless got someone poked)
- looking for comfort & good grip (rarely for speeding)

thanks for advices & suggestions

about 360 camera system

iUnique — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 19:49:45 +0800

does this part of the camera has achieved its End Of Life (EOL)

being using it since 2010 flawlessly.
just notice this 1st time after doing my HID to LED projector conversion.

does the conversion can lead to this?

it seems like it loses the color processing, and the speed of processing.

if it needs to be changed, can I change that particular unit only,
or the whole system needs to be changed (cost saving measure)

can the CVT broke down again?

iUnique — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 11:11:42 +0800

hi,
I’m currently driving an 2006 Model Year Estima. ACR50
currently clocked at 260k+ km.

last Sept. 2020,
I got a CVT brokedown (sudden jerky movement can worsen up to temporary power loss when changing speed - low to high & vice versa)
- initially tried with oil treatment, nothing works
- my mechanic said it’s due to the Transmission Control Module (TCM)

so, my mechanic changed it with another CVT from half-cut Estima (model year 2016, clocked at 80k km)

everything went well and good until Jan 2021 (about 4months use - daily driver to work + long distance driving monthly)

I experience same symptoms as before, but not much recurrent as before.
I had experience once the temporary power loss when moving from a stop.

Thus, I have several questions:
1. the TCM is included withing the CVT module right? if the whole CVT changed, the TCM also changed, right?
2. could be this is another CVT brokedown? (yeah, the mechanic said it was from a 80k km vehicle. could be tampered odometer?)
3. could the previous malfunctioned CVT damaged the driveshaft, the later on affects the new module?

thanks in advance

several Qs regarding Estima ACR50

iUnique — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 22:00:29 +0800

hi!

I just taking care of my father's Estima as it's underutilised.
previously all the services & spare parts are done/brought from Semambu, Kuantan.

right now, I'm in Batu Pahat (working).

my questions are:
1. anyone can recommend any workshops that specialised in Toyota Recond Models?

2.
I just changed my wiper blade.
I noticed that the one I brought (silicone) does not has plastic cover on top of the blade
- making the blade look naked (my bad )
the shop I brought the blade said that there are option with the cover.
but unfortunately N/A at the moment.
and it costs RM80.

it's standard price for the blades (like stock) cost around RM80?
I tried searched for them at Shopee, but seems like the one available are the same like I already bought.

does the stock blades still being sold?

3.
my father did tell me that the front passanger side of the headlamp previously had issues with condensation.
he had them changed last year, with a used one.

when I washed it myself, I had condensation developed
(I washed it right after I turned off the engine + it's quite chilly. again my bad )

I tried parking it under the sun (jemur).
the condensation does reduce, but not completely dissapeared.

what's the best action?
a. find a workshop to clean it? any recommendation? (I'm new to Batu Pahat. just 1year here working)
b. change the headlamp? can I change 1 side onely? (this may be my least preference - budget constrain)

* previously a Myvi Driver.
** my Dad quite busy. he usually had the car issues solved when he visit a workshop (Lim Tayar when at KL & Atoyot when at Kuantan)

recommendation for aircond

iUnique — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 08:52:51 +0800

currently I'm a small house.
the master bedroom already installed an aircond, but an old one.
sucks bill like hell (daily use for 5hrs costs me RM200).
Mivea brand, require abour 15mins to feel the chill after turning on.

thus, planning on replacing it.
asking recommendation for brand/model which is most economical.
however, I have limited budget, best if can get less than <RM1000, but can stretch only till RM1200

unifi 30Mbps with playTV Lite

iUnique — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 15:27:53 +0800

I just subscribe to unifi 30Mbps Unlimited.
(I wanted Maxis Fibre, but due to no ports available, had to turn to TM)

I thought I will be paying RM89+ (+GST) monthly,
but I was wrong, my total bill is RM 119 (89 + 30, without GST)
the extra RM30 is for the playTV.

during my survey, I did ask the staffs at TMpoint, they never mentioned about playTV.
in the website also not mention regarding playTV.
(damn, got scammed)

does anyone succeeded asking TM to omit the charges for playTV (in case you haven't use it at all)?

recommended brands for wall fan

iUnique — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 14:19:12 +0800

just move into a rental house.
already serviced the ceiling fan, but still hot.

planning on adding a wall fan.

any recommended brands?
aim for price <rm170, with good durability & reliability

transition to Android

iUnique — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 08:42:06 +0800

currently using iPhone 6S+, on iOS12.

planning on migrating to Android OS, but has some concerns.

1. how to export/sync contacts from iOS Contacts to Android?
- some of my contacts has pictures
- some of the contacts has custom labels for the contact details

* I have tried the “download from iCloud then import to Google Contacts” method, no pictures are included

** any suggestion for contact sync for both OS? (planning on keeping the iPhone after transition)

2. alternative for FaceTime?
- heard of Google Duo, it is good? (no friends using it)

3. alternative for Find My Friends?
- I let my wife to know my whereabouts

Apple Service Provider

iUnique — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:05:01 +0800

currently using iPad mini 2 (WiFi only version, 64GB),
I bought the refurbished one.

when I bought it in 2016, it was on iOS9 and able to be updated till iOS11 without issues.
but when I updated to iOS12, I got stuck to the activation screen.

restore from DFU-mode tried, no avail.
tried normal restore, no avail.
tried using 3rd-party tools (3u Tools), no avail.

iTunes?
this error message.
[attachmentid=10205773]

this iPad don't even got any SIM slots to begin with.

I asked Apple Support forum, they suggested to call Apple.
I can't make a call due to my tight schedule.

from the Support page, Apple did mention about Repair/Service Centers.
anyone knows one from Shah Alam/Klang area?
planning to dropby whenever got the moment.

thanks.

is this the normal spark plug cover?

iUnique — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 11:39:01 +0800

currently using a used 1st Gen Persona.
I just realised the spark plug cover just using a cloth? (picture attached)

need advices from the pros. total noob here.
it is safe? (the car doing well for the past 3 years)

(this car already serviced at Proton Authorised Center multiple times, but none of the mechanics inform me regarding this)

Android TV Box. need advice. 1st time user.

iUnique — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 21:42:02 +0800

I’m currently planning to get an Android TV Box for my living room TV (previously using NJOI).
- I need more channels

but, I have several questions
1. it is one-off purchase? I bought for the box, whataver I get from the box stays online without subscriptions?
2. if question (1) has a “yes” answer, where can I get it?
3. no need VPN right?
4. if I am going to move elsewhere, the box is still usable right, without the need to re-setup? (in-case change of ISP)