Davao Oriental State College of Science

and Technology
Banaybanay Campus

“iFIXCaR: ANDROID-BASED VEHICLE TROUBLESHOOTING

AND REPAIR GUIDE WITH AUTOMECHANIC FINDER”

BY
CHARLLY J. DIOLA
RUBY JANE A. DAUGDAUG

SUBMITTED TO:
RUBEN L. QUINDOYOS JR.
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

For the past people way of living, is very different from the recent ways.
Nowadays, almost everyone’s daily routine is using of laptops, computers and
smartphones. On the other hand, technology is rapidly developing from time to
time, it offers people a new and improved state of living. And we are all adapting
for these changes.

There are many vehicles owners and drivers have inadequate knowledge on
detecting and troubleshooting their vehicles problem. The troubleshooting process
involves heuristic and complex series of activities and requires specific skills and
knowledge. Applying troubleshooting and repair guide are imperatives to help
vehicle drivers to at least identify the source of vehicle failure or malfunction,
especially, when the location of the event does not permit immediate help. It
enables the car driver to take the initiative in knowing the car condition and try to
troubleshoot and repair the vehicle. Otherwise, they can locate the nearest repair
shop when they are needed a professional technician.

The advent of modern technology poses a challenge to inexperience auto

drivers and mechanics. Therefore, success rates of a vehicle failure
troubleshooting greatly lie on the expertise of the individual (Gbadamosi, Ajanak
and Ayegbusi, 2017). This reliance can be reduced if vehicle troubleshooting
application is captured. This application will assist vehicle owner in troubleshooting
and repairing vehicle faults at anywhere and any period of time in a rapid manner.

At the present of time when it comes to business industry the android-based

auto repair guide is considered to be one of trends. Specifically, DIYers using this
application. This type of manuals is typically help to those car owners when it
comes to repair their own vehicles specially in the place that far from any repair
shop.
 In this paper, an application was designed for troubleshooting vehicles problem
guideline based on the efficient utilization of the past experiences of the owners.
This system is ought to give a temporary assistance to those users who are in
urgent need of an instant help. This work will assist the vehicle owner and drivers
in speedy finding of vehicular problem in addition to other benefits such as
capturing the knowledge of skilled mechanical technician.

1.1 Rationale of the Study

The trend in the automotive industry is that vehicles are rapidly becoming more
and more complex. Increased requirements on safety and environmental performance
have led to many recent advances, especially in the engine, braking system and exhaust
system. These new systems are increasing in complexity. For example, in addition to
conventional brakes, a car may have an exhaust brake and a hydraulic braking system.
With this trend towards more complex vehicles, it is becoming more difficult, even for an
experienced workshop mechanic, to have an intuitive understanding of a vehicle’s
behavior. Faults may depend on a combination of electrical, logical, mechanical,
thermodynamic, and chemical processes.

In recommending the repair application guide that will respond to drivers who need
vehicle repair assistance are the guidance that commonly exist as it is basically
encountered by the most vehicle owner or driver. The importance of vehicle and the
drivers is the reason why we develop the system. Having an adequate knowledge for
maintaining and repairing your vehicle is more important as it is very helpful for ourselves.

The system provides vehicle repair guidance and best Auto Repair Manual. The
system also provides the nearby location for the drivers who seek vehicle technician. This
work aims to provide an alternative to the human expert method in vehicle troubleshooting
and repair guide for more effectiveness and convenience.
1.2 Purpose and Project Description

The main purpose of this project is to provide an alternative application guidance

for those vehicle drivers/owners for in case of emergency while they have in a long travel.
It will help especially for those drivers are not yet expert in diagnosing failure for their
vehicle. The research study proposes an application that anyone can install to their
android phone for their guide in matter of vehicle failures. It will give some knowledge of
diagnosing vehicle problems.

However, the automotive technician or the vehicle mechanics will receive a SMS
alerts via mobile phone for the following vehicle failures from the driver/owner. So that the
technician will provide quickly a tool to troubleshoot the said vehicle failures.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 General Objectives

The main objective of the research is to develop Vehicle Troubleshooting Guide

Application. The aim of the proposed iFIXCaR is to provide quick and basic guidance to
repair your vehicle’s problem. Additionally, for training purposes, it helps in reducing the
knowledge gap between different individuals in vehicle fault repairing.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

In line with the general objective, this research has a number of specific objectives
which are the following:

 To create an offline application that give the users Auto Repair Manuals and
Essential Auto Repair Tools that needed to repair.

The system gives the user the best Auto Repair Manual through mobile offline
application for their guide in order to troubleshoot, repair and maintain their vehicle
that is specific to their vehicle year and model. Also, it follows the appropriate tools
that needed to repair the said fault of vehicles.
 This application guide is also a training for all people to have a knowledge by
troubleshooting some faults of their vehicles. An application that will guide us
what are the necessary tools are needed and how to perform troubleshooting for
the different defect of vehicles.
 To develop a system that provide the users for the nearest repair shop using
Google Map API.

The key is finding a good auto repair shop that won’t rip you off. This system
will help you to find a good quality and an authorized technician or repair shop. By
using the Application Programming Interface (API), the system has the feature for
vehicle location guide that provides information about the nearest vehicle service
locations in the region and contact details.

 To create a system that allow the user to send SMS via mobile phone.

Troubleshooting the vehicle is required a higher skilled automotive technician

or vehicle mechanics. This application will be able the vehicle user to send a
SMS alert to the authorized technician if it is necessary, if the vehicle fault is not
yet done troubleshooting.

 To create a dynamic application software.

This application allows the user to choose what additional manual they want to
store in their mobile phone from the server database of from other website that
provide manuals (pdf format only).

 To create a system that allow the user to contact another user to ask
assistance.

Upon registration this application requires you to input mobile number, that will
automatically display in the database that allow all user to view if there is any user
of this application in their current location.
1.4 Significance of the Study

This study intends to benefit not only the end users but also the establishment that
will use the application. It will give us more effective knowledge and guidance on how
they perform of repairing some faults of car.

The proposed system will help the following:

Vehicle Owner/Driver- As a vehicle owner or driver, it will help them in order to

troubleshoot and repair their vehicle instead of bringing the vehicle to the shop which is
more expensive.

Students- For those students, especially automotive students, it will help them to
have an idea in advance about vehicle troubleshooting and repair and they can apply
soon on their field study.

Researcher- This will be a useful guide for the future researcher to enhance or
produce a better system that will be useful. It will also help future researchers how to make
a system step by step.

Auto Shop- This will be helpful to all auto shop owner in order to have a more
knowledge and guide and it is an additional reference to troubleshoot and repair the
customer’s vehicle.

1.5 Scope and Limitation of the Study

1.5.1 Scope

This work aimed to design and implement a troubleshooting and repair guide for
vehicle fault diagnosis. The work is motivated by the need to guide vehicle owner and
driver in order to troubleshoot and repair for a various fault of their car. The result of the
work displays interactive guidance thereby making it easier for the user to interact with
the application.

1.5. 2 Limitation

o The system does not have the capability to accept payments online from
the users.
o The system accuracy of the map is outside of the scope of the system as
it is imbedded from google map.
 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND SYSTEM

2.1 Review of Related Literature

Our literature review reveals that troubleshooting and repair guide application is
yet to be applied in troubleshooting vehicle failure. To obtain some guidance that needed
for more knowledge about troubleshooting and to repair the vehicles, the review of related
literature evaluates particular relevant to the study presented.

2.1.1 Haynes Repair Manual

Haynes Automobile Repair covered a wide variety of cars, truck vans and SUV
with Do-it-yourself information. This manual offers maintenance and repair information on
many parts of the vehicle; it includes the tools and equipment to be used to repair your
vehicle. Other areas of coverage include suspension, steering, exhaust, engine cooling,
brakes, trouble codes, window replacement, radio removal, steering column removal,
seat removal, exterior & interior light adjustment, instrument cluster removal, gas tank
removal, engine tune-up, fluid capacities, and specifications and more (John Haynes,
1956)

2.1.2 Chilton’s Repair Manual

Chilton's Repair Manual for Automobiles is intended to teach the user about the
inner workings and repair procedures on a car allowing the user to save money on
necessary repairs. It contains maintenance and tuned-up information involving specific
systems found within the vehicle such as suspension steering, exhaust, engine cooling,
brakes trouble, etc. These manuals will provide reference information to the car owners
who want to understand their vehicles better (Chilton’s Automotive Repair Information)

2.1.3 DIY Automotive Service Manuals

DIY Repair Manuals is a trusted resource for both independent DIYers and corporate
clients that want the necessary reference material on hand to service their own fleet of
automobiles or equipment. These manuals contain step-by-step instructions on how to
diagnose repair and maintain your vehicle. This includes detailed diagrams that will make
it easy to visualize each step of the process. (DIY Manuals)

2.1.4 AA- DIY Car Maintenance

When you don’t have much time or money, knowing how to fix a problem yourself
can be a lifesaver, especially for smaller jobs that won’t take long to sort. Owning a car
means at some point you’ll need to do some maintenance. But it isn’t always necessary
to go to the garage. These will help a user to fix their vehicle problems by their particular
knowledge and by the help of this guide and also it can save a lot of hassle. This DIY car
maintenance contains a thing you can do yourself also has tips for DIY car repair
(Automobile Association Developments Ltd. 2019).

2.1.4 ALLDATAdiy.com

ALLDATA, founded in 1986 and based in Elk Grove, California, is the industry
leader in providing factory repair information utilized by more than 70,000 shops.
ALLDATAdiy.com is a single vehicle access of this same information including all the
diagrams, repair information, and detailed technical service bulletins/recalls for your
vehicle.

ALLDATAdiy.com is easy to use and contains all of the original manufacturers’s repair,
diagnostic and repair procedures. Easy to use navigation and search tools allow you to
quickly get to the info you need to do the job. Hyperlinks insure that you can get to
related info at the push of a button. (ALLDATA 1996-2019)
2.2 Review of related System

2.2 Related System

We decided to develop troubleshooting guide application for vehicles in order for

the driver/owner to have a basic knowledge of diagnosing vehicle failures. We come up
with the development of our system through the help of these various sources that are
relevant to the system. The following system below will help us gather useful and
relevant to build our system through the initiative of this system relevant.

2.2.1 Car Problems and Repairs

Figure 2.2.1 Car Problems and Repair

This app tells you about all the possible problems that could ever occur in a car
providing you with correct and adequate information to handle the problem. With this app
you are able to eliminate guess work and reduce cost incurred by incorrect diagnosis and
focus on the exact problem at the time. Whether you are handling the problem yourself
or getting help you have the right information at your disposal. This app contains
information for all vehicle types. With the various categories and sub categories you are
to find the preferred solution. This is a must have app for all experts and professional
automobile mechanics there giving you an edge in the area of expertise. For all car
owners and users, you are no longer in the dark concerning the maintenance of whatever
vehicle you make use with this app.
2.2.2 RepairPal

Figure 2.2.2 repairpal

RepairPal is the leading provider of auto repair and maintenance information for
consumers. In the report, Jacksonville, Florida, ranked as the best city for car repair,
and Honolulu ranked as the worst. RepairPal is the leading source for car repair, with its
Fair Price Estimator which ensures you never have to overpay for car repair again and its
RepairPal Certified network of trusted shops nationwide that deliver high-quality repairs
with excellent service at guaranteed fair prices. It also includes finding a shop using API
Mapping that will related to our system. In our system, the administrator can add a repair
shop together with the addresses and it will search by the user when they needed a
professional technician for their vehicle problems

.2.2.3 AutoZone

Figure 2.2.3 eManualonline

 AutoZone is actually a better site and contains a great deal more valuable vehicle
information for anyone who’s serious about DIY auto repairs. Unfortunately, AutoZone is
a U.S. based company, so worldwide readers may not find as much value in the site when
it refers to specific parts from AutoZone stores. Given that one drawback, the repair
section of AutoZone is not a sales site and doesn’t try to sell AutoZone parts. When you
register for free at the website, you have access to the entire vehicle repair section. This
section includes an excellent area where you can step through troubleshooting your
vehicle based on sounds, smells and more, and then drill down into the specific behavior
characteristics, and the system attempts to offer you some possible causes.

In addition to this very useful resource, the free membership also grants you
access to the valuable “Vehicle Repair Guides.” These are actual information guides of
the quality you’d find if you ordered vehicle manuals online. These manuals are
completely free of charge and include useful information like wiring schematics and
specific information about the systems for your exact make and model.

When you’re trying to troubleshoot something like a car’s electrical system, there’s
nothing quite as valuable to have as the actual electrical schematics for that exact vehicle.
 Chapter III

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Details of Technologies being Used

3.1.1 PyCharm

PyCharm is a cross platform integrated development environment (IDE) for

Python programmers. It embodies all the tooling a Python programmer needs to
be productive including an excellent programming text editor, syntax highlighting,
code completion, project navigation, database tooling, and project options for web
development.

3.1.2 Django

Django is available as an open-source Web framework, and it uses Python

extensively to create files, settings and data models. It is designed to address two
main challenges: the rigorous requirements of highly experienced Web developers
and the intense deadlines of a newsroom. Django concentrates more on
automating wherever possible and sticking to the "don't repeat yourself" principle.

Django emphasizes the following:

 Pluggability and reusability of components

 Quick development

 The principle of non repetition

3.1.3 PHP

PHP is a script language and interpreter that is freely available. PHP,

originally derived from Personal Home Page Tools, now stands for PHP: Hypertext
Preprocessor which the PHP FAQ describes as “recursive acronym”.
 3.1.4 CSS

Cascading Style Sheets is a style sheet language used for describing the
presentation of document written in a markup language like HTM. It is a
cornerstone technology of the World Wide Web, alongside HTML and JavaScript.
It helps the developers to create a uniform look across the several pages of a
website.

3.1.5 Xampp Server

A windows web development environment helps to identify application and

its functions. It allows you to manipulate web applications with PHP and MySQL
database to manage your database.

3.2 Conceptual Framework

ADMIN USER

MANAGE MANAGE

ACCOUNT ACCOUNT

UPDATE MANUAL VIEW MANUAL

MANAGE LOCATE SHOP

VEHICLE OWNER

DOWNLOAD MANUAL

iFIXCaR DATABASE

Figure 3.1 iFIXCaR Conceptual Framework

 The figure above shows that the system allows the admin to manage account,
vehicle owner and update manual. The vehicle owner can manage account, view manual
and locate shop. The information stored in a database and can be retrieve to respond the
user.

3.3 Software Methodology

The proponent used agile as a method in building up this system. This technique
has a series of steps ordered for the purpose of attaining a much ideal general
construction of the developed system. The following steps are:

Fig. 3.2 Agile Process

Agile methodology is a mindset or way of approaching a project. Instead of

planning and moving towards a delivery or launch date, the agile methodology breaks the
developmental process into iterative steps, allowing for flexibility, testing, and change
throughout the lifecycle of the project.

3.4 Requirements Specification

In developing this android system gathering information should be reliable and

analyzed properly to meet the requirements needed for the development of the system
and it should be done in lined with the desired output.

3.4.1 Manual Perspective

The manual feature viewed by a user provided information in any particular places.
With this system, vehicle owners will be comfortable traveling in long distance especially
to that of an unfamiliar place. When inconvenient roadside emergencies come up along
the way, our manual will help and guide to them to troubleshoot and repair their own
vehicle, when the vehicle problem required a technician our system will also locate auto
repair shops nearby as well as its services. This system incorporates via offline so that
anyone can access even far from highways.

3.4.2 Manual Features

The proponent provided different manual features for users to interact while using
iFIXCaR system.

3.4.2.1 Mapping

IFIXCaR system used Google Map to locate the auto repair shops nearby to the
location point of the vehicle owner.

3.4.2.2 SMS Notification

SMS notification is used via user to notify the auto shop owner who used also this
system to inquire and inform for such particular vehicle problem

3.4.2.3 Manual Update

Manual is uploaded by the admin and viewed by a user’s that help and guide them
in order to troubleshoot and repair for the particular vehicle problem. The user will also
suggest another information that are not stored in our system using by a suggestion box
that send it to the admin. And the admin will update for the following suggested
information.

3.4.3 User Classes and Characteristics

3.4.3.1 Admin

The admin is the one who manage the vehicle information and models. He or she
can view, edit, search, delete and activate or deactivate the shops, manuals and its sub
tools. View user’s profile and can able to add possible services that the shop may have.
The admin also manages the shops addresses.
3.4.3.2 Vehicles owner or Driver

The user can view the manual lists, services and can locate the nearest shop. The
user can either choose and click the manual services depending on their vehicle problem,
also the user can directly click the map provided when professional technician is needed
which place that he/she located. He or she can also recommend new manual services
according to their vehicle problem that are not stated in system.

3.4.4 Operating Environment

The researcher utilized different system development software, tools concepts and
technologies that help develop this system.

3.4.4.1 Software Specification

The proponent used the following software in developing this system.

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE Python
DESKTOP APLLICATION EDITING PhyCharm
TOOL
LOCAL SERVICE XamppServer
DESKTOP APPLICATION EDITING Photoshop
TOOL
DIAGRAM TOOL Smart Draw
IMAGE EDITING Photoshop
WEB FRAMEWORK Django
ANDROID APPLICATION Android Studio
Table 3.1 Software Specification

3.4.5 Design and Implementation Constraints

This system work on any android phone that can install application. The user can
access this system through offline and online if needed, offline is for viewed the manual
freely and the online using by the internet connection is for optional if ever the user need
the help of technician then they used to provide internet connection in order to locate
nearby shop.
3.4.6 User Documentation

In order for the users to be educated, the proponent provided a manual to guide
them what they going to do, including functions and processes.

3.4.7 Other non-fictional requirements

The proponent provided different requirements to make sure that the system has
safety measures and has good quality attributes.

3.4.7.1 Performance Requirements

Requirements Description
The system can be able to handle
PO1 suggestion made by the user and process
and update those suggestions.
Table 3.3 Performance Requirements

The table above shows the requirements with regards to handing user’s
suggestions and accommodates processes as well as its entirety as a functional
system.

3.4.7.2 Operational requirements

Requirements Description

The system is connected to the database

DO1 that contains all information in all

transaction within the system.

The system must have authorized person

DO2 to manage the operation or transaction.

 The system provides username and

DO3 password to prevent the system from

unauthorized access.

Table 3.4 Operational Requirements

3.4.7.3 Other Requirements

Requirements Description

The system is to be developed as android

RO1 application.

The system uses relational database to

RO2 function as a storage of data that would be

used on the system search functionality.

Table 3.5 Other Requirements

3.5 Analysis

This study involved the evaluation or analysis of the impact of such a project. It
involved a combination of a market study as well as an economic analysis. This provides
an investor with knowledge of both the environment of where the project exists and the
expected return on investment that will come from the project.

3.5.1 Technical Feasibility

When it comes to repairing own vehicles, there are many new technologies
that are being used to guide and give some steps and process on how to repair by
your own. These new technologies are cutting down on the cost of repairs and
lengthening the lives of cars on the road. The technological revolution in computers
has enhanced the abilities of individual to diagnose and repair own vehicles.
Troubleshooting and repairing by yourself will remain on the cutting edge by
 instituting the use of computer diagnostic equipment in each individual. The users
will continue to seek new ways to provide a better service through technology.

3.5.2 Operational Feasibility

By implementing the system, it can solve plenty of problems to vehicles

owner and drivers. This system offers reliability and efficiency while upholding
user-friendly state. The user does not have to spend money for seminars and
trainings since the application is very easy to manipulate.

3.6 Design

3.6.1 Use Case Diagram

IFIXCaR: Android-Based Vehicle Troubleshooting and Repair Guide

Locate Shop

View Location

View Manual

ADMIN Upload Manual

USER

Update Manual

Figure 3.3 iFIXCaR Use Case Diagram

In figure 3.3, the user has the access to locate and view shop. User is also can
upload or send manual to the iFIXCaR Administration. The admin will response the user’s
suggestion. Also, the admin has the access to view and manage vehicle users.

3.6.2 Database Design

A database is usually a fundamental component of the information system,

especially in business-oriented systems. Thus, database design is part of system
development. The following picture shows how database design is involved in the system
development.

3.6.2.1 Entity Relationship Diagram

The figure shown below is the system’s entity-relationship diagram (ERD) the connection
of the tables plays a significant role in the system’s database. Each various line in the
diagram above corresponds to the link/relationship of the tables.
3.6.2.2 Data Dictionary

The tables below show the system’s database structure. It shows the description,
characteristic of format of the data and its relationship with each other.

3.6.2.2.1 tbl_admin

FIELD NAME DATA TYPE SIZE KEY DESCRIPTION

admin_id INTEGER Long PK Admin Number

username VARCHAR 45 Username

password VARCHAR 45 Password

name VARCHAR 45 Full name

address VARCHAR 45 address

1-Active 2-
status VARCHAR 45
Inactive

Table 3.7 tbl_admin for iFixCar

3.6.2.2.2

FIELD NAME DATA TYPE SIZE KEY DESCRIPTION

admin_id INTEGER Long PK Admin Number

username VARCHAR 45 Username

Password VARCHAR 45 Password

Table 3.8 tbl_adminlogin for tbl_admin for iFixCar

3.6.2.2.3 tbl_User

FIELD NAME DATA TYPE SIZE KEY DESCRIPTION

User_id INTEGER Long PK user ID

Fullname VARCHAR 45

e-mail VARCHAR 45

address VARCHAR 45

password VARCHAR 45

photo VARCHAR 45

1-Active 2-
status VARCHAR 45
Inactive

Table 3.9 tbl_user for iFixCar

3.6.2.2.4 tbl_repairshop

FIELD NAME DATA TYPE SIZE KEY DESCRIPTION

Shop_id INTEGER Long PK shop ID

address VARCHAR 45

Contact_info VARCHAR 45

1-Active 2-
status VARCHAR 45
Inactive

Table 3.10 tbl_repairshop for iFixCar

3.6.2.2.5 tbl_manual

FIELD NAME DATA TYPE SIZE KEY DESCRIPTION

Manual_id INTEGER Long PK manual ID

vehicleType_id VARCHAR 45 FK

1-Active 2-
status VARCHAR 45
Inactive

Table 3.11 tbl_manual for iFixCar

3.6.2.2.6 tbl_vehicleType

FIELD NAME DATA TYPE SIZE KEY DESCRIPTION

vehicleType_id INTEGER Long PK vehicleType ID

vehicleProblems_id VARCHAR 45 FK

brand VARCHAR 45

model VARCHAR 45

images VARCHAR 45

1-Active 2-
status VARCHAR 45
Inactive

Table 3.12 tbl_vehicleType for iFixCar

3.6.2.2.7 tbl_vehicleProblem

FIELD NAME DATA TYPE SIZE KEY DESCRIPTION

vehicleProblem
vehicleProblem_id INTEGER Long PK
ID
 repairStep_id VARCHAR 45 FK

brand VARCHAR 45

model VARCHAR 45

images VARCHAR 45

1-Active 2-
status VARCHAR 45
Inactive

Table 3.13 tbl_vehicleProblem for iFixCar

3.6.2.2.8 tbl_vehicleStep

FIELD NAME DATA TYPE SIZE KEY DESCRIPTION

repairStep_id INTEGER Long PK vehicleStep ID

repairTool_id VARCHAR 45 FK

repairProcedure VARCHAR long

1-Active 2-
status VARCHAR 45
Inactive

Table 3.14 tbl_vehicleStep for iFixCar

3.6.2.2.9 tbl_RepairTool

FIELD NAME DATA TYPE SIZE KEY DESCRIPTION

repairTool_id INTEGER Long PK repairTool ID

Name VARCHAR 45

Image VARCHAR long

description VARCHAR 45
 1-Active 2-
status VARCHAR 45
Inactive

Table 3.15 tbl_repairTool for iFixCar

3.6.2.2.9 tbl_newManual

FIELD NAME DATA TYPE SIZE KEY DESCRIPTION

request_id INTEGER Long PK request ID

User_id VARCHAR 45 FK

Image VARCHAR long

description VARCHAR 45

1-Active 2-
status VARCHAR 45
Inactive

Table 3.15 tbl_newMaual for iFixCar

3.6.3 GUI Design