Search Auto-Repair-Questions

Thursday, July 31, 2008

my 2006 ford escape 2.3 litre 4x4 light flashes 8 times... what does it mean?

The light flashing 8 time means that the computer is getting invalid wheel speed information. This could be mismatched tires (2 new tires on one axle with 2 old tires on the other) or even 2 different size tires. Or could even be a bad wheel speed sensor. You need to get somebody with a scan tool to see if they can pull the codes for you. A parts house normally will do this for free.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Automotive Scan Tools - Code Reader

Professional garage technicians know well that there are a number of different great scanners available. For example, there are some great scanners that are designed to scan for air bag and ABS codes. OTC makes a great air bag and ABS scanner that can diagnose and clear all air bag, ABS, and even engine codes. When a car problem occurs, the first step is to trouble shoot the related system. Then, perform simple tests that can lead you to the cause of the malfunction and the repairs needed to correct the problem. Sometimes You need the right test equipment. There are many different automotive SCAN TOOLS to choose from. Select one that meets your needs. More Scan Tools.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

car sometimes jerks when put into reverse

QUESTION: I have a 1998 Saturn SL2 Sedan with automatic transmission- 48,000 miles. The car sometimes jerks when put into reverse- In the last three weeks or so, it sometimes slips a little going from neutral into first gear, and sometimes when i hit about 50 mph. I've checked the transmission fluid, it's not discolored and the level is fine. What do you suggest I do? Transmission fluid and filter change? Can a transmission be serviced without costing a fortune? I don't know a good mechanic in my area and don't want to get ripped off. could you please advise what steps you think I should take? I already checked transmission fluid level. ANSWER: I'm not sure what you mean by slipping when you go from neutral into first gear. Does it take excessive time to go into gear? If you are telling me that it slips at 50 and the fluid is full and clean then I must tell you that it is probably not going to be fixed by doing a service. I would seek out a good transmission specialist and have him diagnose it. I hate to tell you that even tho the fluid looks full and clean it sounds like an internal transmission problem. Sometimes they can be repaired by just removing the valve body, but prepare for the worst. An overhaul is probably needed.

Monday, July 28, 2008

2007 Cadillac CTS - Fluid Leak - Recal

If you are experiencing a fluid leak at the rear axle area of your vehicle you may want to check into this recall as it may be covered and the repair cost would be free.
Recall # 07V589000 - POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
Recall Date: DEC 20, 2007 Model Affected: 2007 CADILLAC CTS Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK. Consequence: A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM. Potential Units Affected: 275936 Notes: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 07204

Sunday, July 27, 2008

How do I take off the clutch fan assembly on a 1996 GMC Jimmy

Question:
How do I take off the clutch fan assembly on a 1996 GMC Jimmy. I have tried to remove the nut from the water pump and I can't keep the pulley still. What do I need to do?
Answer:
Put the Belt back on until you break the Bolts loose. This will help hold the Pulley in place while you break the Bolts loose.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

2001 olds 4.0l codes p0101,p0121,p0171,p0174,p0300

P0101 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance P0121 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance Problem P0171 System too Lean (Bank 1) P0174 System too Lean (Bank 2) P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected More than likely these are all related to a failed MAF Sensor and when you have it removed(since it is connected to the throttle body) clean the inside of the throttle body around the butterfly. This should take care of your problems. The codes will need to be reset after the repairs are made to get the check engine light to go out.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Chevrolet Silverado - clicking noise coming from the passenger side vent.

Question: 1994 Chevrolet Silverado (5.7 Liter) 258,000 miles...runs awesome, but I have a clicking noise coming from the passenger side vent. My thought is that it must be a limit switch that could possibly be connected to the damper door. The clicking occurs when placing the ignition into the position prior to starting and then again when turning the ignition off. The clicking last approx. 15-20 seconds. While running the AC and switching to the max the clicking also occurs. Answer; This is an electronic Actuator, usually for the Hot/Cold Blend Door. The gears are stripped out so it makes the clicking noise because it is trying to return to its start position and can't as it is stripped. Have the Actuator replaced and the noise will be gone. You can keep diving it this way without fear of causing further damage.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

How much should I expect to pay to replace the fuel pump

Question:
How much should I expect to pay to replace the fuel pump on my 2004 suburban Z71 ?
Answer:
Use $100/hr labor rate which is what most dealerships are getting. If you can find the parts cheaper or you go to an independant, obviously you will save money. I can only go on what I have in front of me. The labor to replace the pump without any diagnostic charge would be: 3.2 hours without the tank shield, 3.3 hours w/ the shield. The part number I show for the pump is 88966963 for the flex fuel version at $402.58. So you're looking at $722 or $733 plus tax. Shop around and I'm sure you can find the pump cheaper.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

how do i know when my clutch is going out - Toyota Tercel

Question:
I have a 1993 Toyota Tercel, how do I know when my clutch is going out. and about how much will it cost to replace it?
Answer:
If you try to accelerate in 3rd or 4th gear the engine will rev and there will be a burning smell. If the clutch pedal is grabbing high it is usually not good. The clutch kit is about $150 to $175 in the after market. You are looking at about 5 to 6 hours labor, times your local rate usually about $80 to $110 an hour.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The dealership accidentally flushed my 2006 Escape Hybrid transmission

Question:
The dealership accidentally flushed my 2006 Escape Hybrid transmission. I''m not sure they used the correct Mercon. What do you suggest I do to determine if they did for sure.
Already Tried: Dealer lied about service at first, don't trust them. I'm concerned the service they performed will cause long term damage to the CVTas it is not supposed to be serviced. Not sure they used right Mercon
Answer:
The correct Mercon, Mercon V is red, so you can check the fluid color. Mercon CVT is blue. Also check the repair order, it should list type of fluid used-Mercon V or Mercon CVT.

Things to do to Keep Your Car in Top Running Condition

Top 10 Most Important Things to do to Keep Your Car in Top Running Condition :

1. Battery - fully charged and no corrosion 2. Fluid Levels - oil, coolant, brake, power steering, washer fluid 3. Tires - Tread depth, wear pattern, inflation 4. Brakes - pad life, rotors, noise 5. Fuel - filters, injectors, proper octane 6. Belts and Hoses - soft, worn, cracked, rotten 7. Spark Plugs - engine tune up, how often 8. Alternator - checking and testing 9. Lubrication - Grease fitting, wheel bearings, ball joints 10. Maintenance - intervals and schedules

Top 5 Automotive Related Myths:

1. Vegetable Oil vs. Diesel Fuel 2. High Octane Fuel Is Better 3. Tire Pressure Affects Your Fuel Mileage 4. Arrow Dynamics 5. Hybrid - Cost Effective

Monday, July 21, 2008

2003 suzuki xl7, O2senser problem, service engine soon

Question: I have a 2003 Suzuki xl7, O2senser problem, service engine soon light came on, it read #1, o2sensor circuit, no activity, bank 1 sensor 1 po#134 mod$0i #2 po134 o2 sensor no activity, bank 1 sensor 1, able to clear, but it comes back on in about 30 to 40 miles Answer: Not much diagnosing can be done without having a scan tool that can read the data from the oxygen sensor but, the oxygen sensor is more than likely not responding to the oxygen content in the exhaust and the only repair is to replace it but first make sure all fuses and the oxygen sensor relay is good, you can just swap the relay with another on, also unplug the sensor and make sure you have 12v and ground going to it, if so replace the sensor. the number 1 oxygen sensor is the one before the catalytic converter.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

2007 SATURN OUTLOOK - Air bag Recall

Recall ID # 07V062000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE - Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE Potential Units Affected: 13032 Recall Date: FEB 21, 2007 Model Affected: 2007 SATURN OUTLOOK Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM), WHICH CONTROLS THE FUNCTION OF FRONT AIR BAGS, MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT AIR BAGS MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL CRASH. ALSO, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY FAIL TO PROVIDE WARNING THAT THE SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE. Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THIS CONDITION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS IN THE FRONT SEAT. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SDM COMPUTER MODULE. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GMC AT 1-866-966-9463 OR SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876. Notes: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 07043

Saturday, July 19, 2008

The A/C blower motor remains on after the climate controller Off button is pressed

Question: I have a 1994 Buick Park Avenue Ultra. The A/C blower motor remains on after the climate controller Off button is pressed. It also remains on after the ignition switch is turned off. Please advise as to what the problem is. Answer: Your problem is very common and is either a faulty blower relay or a blower fan control module. I would replace the relay first as it would be the easiest and most cost effective diagnosis. If my memory serves me correct the relay is near the firewall under the hood it should be marked on the cover. Check that first. You could switch it out with another relay under the hood and see if it fixes it.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Been in a car accident? - Advocate Auto Claims helps car accident victims

Have you been in a car accident that wasn't your fault. You can re-coup the diminished value of your vehicle up to four years from when the accident happened. If your vehicle has been wrecked and repaired, it has lost value. This loss in value is called Diminished Value. Why should you have to do without when the car accident wasn't your fault in the first place. That's right, you shouldn't and now with the help of Advocate Auto Claims you can get a FREE diminished value estimate. For example: Lets say a car is worth $24,000 and carries no accident history, then lets take the same car after a well done repair job, then car is now worth $20,000. This would mean you are owed to $4,000! Advocate Auto Claims has been processing automotive insurance claims for over 10 years through its affiliate company. We successfully handle thousands of Diminished Value claims each and every year. Our licensed staff and management team have extensive experience in the insurance claims adjusting industry. Even if you've been paid to repair your car, Diminished Value can still be claimed.

98 Escort and drives great except when coming to a stop

Question: I have a 98 Escort and drives great except when coming to a stop and it will just about shake the fillings out of your teeth. My only remedy so far is to put it in neutral when i have to come to a stop. Does anyone know what could be the problem? Doesn't miss-fire and no other problems other than the shaking. Already Tried: Replaced spark plugs, oil, oil filter, air filter, had the front rotors turned, balanced and rotated the tires. Answer: It could be that the exhaust system is in a bind, and it is vibrating because it is not able to move freely. To remedy this would require loosening all points of the exhaust mounting and the connection to the exhaust manifold, then while loose the engine is rocked back and forth and allowed to settle (it works better if the engine mounts are also loosened to allow the engine to settle into a natural position where it is not bound up either). This process is called "neutralizing" the engine and exhaust. If the shaking is still present, it may help to replace the motor mounts. But there will always be some amount of vibration at idle on a four cylinder. Some cars are more prone to vibration than others, because the body of the car can sometimes resonate in tune with the frequency of the normal engine vibration. Compare the feel to another Escort with the same body style and engine to get an idea what is normal.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Hybrid Tiger Trucks - Dallas, Texas

While other manufacturers are outsourcing to China, Tiger Truck LLC in Dallas is going the other way. The company has acquired a 250,000 square foot facility in Jasper, Texas to assemble off-road trucks based on designs from China’s Changan Automobile Group.
Currently, Tiger Truck imports gasoline and electric trucks from China and modifies them into hybrid and FFV versions at its Dallas facility. The first actual "made in USA" Tiger Truck units will be delivered in early 2008.
The company’s series hybrids feature a 1.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 58 horsepower. This Changan-built engine’s sole job is to keep the truck’s batteries charged via a generator. The Tiger Truck’s electric motor is powered by six 12-volt lead-acid batteries. The FFV version is the first in its class to receive EPA approval for its E85-compliant engine. Hybrid and FFV power plants are available in several models. These include two- and five-passenger crew cab pickups plus passenger, cargo, and high-volume vans.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Car Rentals - Always Low Prices

Advantage car rental can be your number one choice when looking to rent a car for your next vacation or day trip. Their web site is extremely easy to understand and navigate. You will find the vehicle selections, the pick up locations and drop off locations in an easy 1, 2, 3 step procedure. Need a convertible? No problem, in fact you can receive a 50% discount if you choose a Luxury or Convertible rental car. Car rental start at just $20.99 per day. Take Advantage and Save Money with These Great Deals! The summer is heating up and Advantage is now offering the hottest cars in the coolest locations. From Las Vegas to Chicago you'll always find a car to rent for less than you'd expect. For this week Advantage offers these "Got to Drive" specials in the following cities. At these rates you can't afford not to Take Advantage.

Water collects on the interior floor when the air conditioner is used

  1. Air conditioner evaporator drain hose is blocked. Clear the drain hose where it exits the passenger compartment.
  2. Air conditioner evaporator drain hose is disconnected. Secure the drain hose to the evaporator drainage tray under the dashboard.

Troubleshooting your Air Conditioning System

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Hybrid-Only Repair Shop - San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO -- The nation's first auto repair shop specializing in hybrids has opened in the city's trendy SOMA district. Luscious Garage, owned by mechanic Carolyn Coquillette, is part of a small but growing movement. A number of independent mechanics nationwide are now servicing hybrids, but Coquillette's shop is the first aiming to build its core business around hybrids.
"There's a critical mass of hybrids in the Bay Area, enough to support a shop like this," she said. "You could have opened it three years ago but there wouldn't have been enough cars, and I don't think enough public interest to really have fueled it."

Monday, July 14, 2008

my car will cut out while driving in all gears at all rpms

Question: I have a 1994 mustang gt 5.0L 302, my car will cut out while driving in all gears at all rpms and when i push the clutch in it will rev itself to over 2k rpms and wont drop till i tap the throttle then when it drops it will only drop to 1500 then will drop to normal when i am stopped idling for 15-20 seconds. Already Tried: I cleaned the idle air control motor Answer: This high Idle is a classic description of a vacuum leak. Most common place for the leak is the PCV valve hose located at the back of the engine under the upper intake manifold.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Problem: A/C compressor - pump oil and refrigerant all over the engine

Question: Got a great one for the curious professional. 1971 GMC C2500 Kustom; 3/4 ton pickup; 2-whl drive; automatic transmisson; 402cc engine. Problem: A/C compressor. System inop. Event#1 - replace comp/receiver-dryer/evaporator coil. Pull a vacuum and charge - cools fine down to 36 degrees. 10 hours into operation some clutch seal or gasket fails and distributes pump oil and refrigerant all over the engine compartment. In fact the clutch assembly basically exploded. Okay, return the warranteed part and start over. Again, install goes well - cools to high 30''s but after 10-15hrs of operation the compressor begins to throw a mix of oil and refrigerant across the engine hood and compartment. Can''t really identify from where it originates. By now we involve a shop - what''s up? They say on GM only there is an adjustment (pressure) somewhere within the system that has to be dialed down when converting from r12 to r134a - makes sense - too Answer: I have seen this before. The oil that is spraying everywhere is coming from the pressure relief valve located on the compressor. It is supposed to do this when the pressure is too high to avoid the compressor from actually blowing up. The problem you are having is a failed high pressure switch. Yes it is that simple. On the high side of the system there is a high pressure switch and it is supposed to shut off the compressor when the pressure gets to a certain point and then once it drops, it allows the compressor to kick back in. P.S. there is no adjustment for dialing down the pressure. Just replace the high pressure switch and all will be fine.

Reliable internet service with no long-term contracts

Charter internet will allow visitors to buy high speed internet with speeds as fast as up to 5Mbps for only 14.99/month. Prices this low are rare for Internet connections at this speed. This is also a limited offer that expires on July 31. Charter is also giving away a $25 Shell Gas Gift card when an order is purchased online from this page. And finally, the whole deal is free of risk because there is a 30 day window for cancellation. * Get the fastest and most reliable Internet speeds available- Get speeds up to 5Mbps to surf up to 90X faster than 56kbps dial- up and 3X as fast as 1.5Mbps DSL! * Automatic protection from viruses, hackers and spam - Charter High-Speed Security SuiteÆ has the fastest response to new virus threats and best virus detection. * 10 e-mail accounts - enough for the whole family plus 20MB of Web space. * Download in seconds, not minutes plus a reliable always-on, always-fast connection. * Exclusive content on charter.net- get your news, weather, local movie listings and more! Sponsored by Charter

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Chevrolet Volt - Electric Plug-in Hybrid

The Chevy Volt, due out in 2010, is an Electric Plug-in that will run entirely on electricity. One nice added feature to the Chevy Volt that was not implemented on the old Chevy EV-1 is its small on board gasoline engine that can recharge the battery without plugging it in. This added feature will insure your ability to get home and not be stuck dead in the middle of some unforeseen bumper to bumper traffic. The Chevy Volt is said to go 40 miles before the auxiliary generator is needed to charge the battery.

Not yet confirmed, but Chevy also intends to deliver the Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid. The Vue Plug-in won't be as revolutionary as the Volt, but it will probably cost a lot less. (The Volt is expected to cost about $40,000.) For starters, the Vue Plug-in will be an enhancement to an existing vehicle, the Vue Two-mode Hybrid that's expected to go on sale next year. As planned, the Vue Plug-in will be a parallel hybrid. That means that, like a regular Toyota Prius or Ford Escape Hybrid, it will be powered by a gasoline engine with significant assistance from electric motors Starting with a full charge, GM expects to have an electric-only range of about 10 miles. GM expects overall fuel economy twice that of any current SUV.

Friday, July 11, 2008

having a problem with water getting into my gas

Question:
I have a 1985 Chevrolet Corvette, ever since i bought the car i have been having a problem with water getting into my gas tank and then the car not starting. This is not a condensation issue, because i get more water than you think. And its not a gas issue, because I get the best of the best gas, at Exxon-Mobil-Hess, do you have any idea why water is getting into my gas tank?
Answer: Aside from the obvious hole rusted in the top of the tank, there is only 1 of 2 ways water could enter it... first... bypassing the gasket for the fuel tank sending unit... secondly, if the gas cap isn't sealing properly against the filler tube. allowing water that builds up in the trough, around the filler tube, to leak into the tank.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

WHAT COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING - 2002 Toyota Prius

Recall ID # 06V266000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - Recall Date:JUL 19, 2006 Model Affected:2002 TOYOTA PRIUS Summary:ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER MOLDING OF THE RESIN BODY OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENOR INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK, ENGINE OIL MAY PENETRATE THE SEAL AND ENTER THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY ATTACHED TO THE LOCKING TAB OF THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. Consequence:ENGINE OIL INSIDE THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE EXPANSION DUE TO THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE AND COULD DEFORM THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE CONNECTOR MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING AND NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Remedy:DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331. Potential Units Affected:34771 Notes:TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. 60G

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Toyota Corolla 1999 and I have trouble to start engine

Question: I have Toyota Corolla 1999 and I have trouble to start engine. When I turn key on I listen only one click from from starter and nothing. After that I turn key on once again and the engine start normally. It is happen any time when is engine cold or hot. sometimes take me 15 min. to start engine. Battery is new and checked for load, amp.. , salesperson checked start motor - said it is OK. ( 9,5 V ) at that time car started without any problems. I checked crankshaft sensor ( Ohm ). By Haynes book it''s OK. Should I perform some another tests!? or what is problem? Answer: This is a very common problem. You are having intermittent starter issues. What happens is you get poor contact inside the starter, usually due to worn starter brushes. This causes an intermittent no start. Vehicle may click one time for 20 minutes and then start fine. You can verify this by probing the signal wire (small single wire) on the back of the starter with a test light when the vehicle is giving you this no-start problem. Probe the wire with a test light and ground the alligator clip. Now have someone turn the key and see if the test light lights up. If it lights up, but does not start, you know that you are getting signal to the starter and you are having a problem with the starter itself. (NOTE: BE CAREFUL WHEN PROBING THE SIGNAL WIRE BECAUSE THE ENGINE MAY START. YOU WILL HAVE YOUR HANDS DOWN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT!! REMEMBER THAT THIS IS AN INTERMITTEN ISSUE, SO EVEN IF IT DOES NOT START 100 TIMES IN A ROW, IT MIGHT START THE NEXT TIME. PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOUR HANDS/BODY IS CLEAR OF ANY MOVING PARTS IN CASE THE ENGINE STARTS.) The brushes are held by the brush holder (#5 in diagram). You can take the starter apart, but I would recommend replacing the starter if you are not a skilled technician.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

car is shaking badly when I brake

Question: My car is shaking badly when I brake...especially braking on hills. My guess is that my rotors are bad. I have a 1998 4-cyl. Toyota Camry and I would like to know how much I should expect to pay if the rotors need to be replaced. Answer: Rotors installed would be around $100.00 and the Brake pads installed with premium pads would run around $130.00. So parts and labor around $230.00 +tax for complete job. Keep in mind some shops charge a shop supplies fee...

Monday, July 07, 2008

when accelerating the battery power dosent stay on as long as it used to

Question:
I have a Toyota Prius 2003 model when accelerating the battery power doesn't stay on as long as it used to. If going up a hill it used to kick in and help pull then going down or decelerating it would charge the bat. it is wanting to stay in charging mode longer than it used to. Where I was getting 55 mpg it is now down to 48 mpg. I have checked with a couple of dealers and all they can tell me is the numbers on the diagnostic comes up right so nothing is wrong. If I keep the accelerator moving just a we bit going up hill the electric will stay in, almost like the potentionometer is losing contact, can anyone help, or does anyone know what kicks in the electric motor is it electronic or a vacuum switch
Answer:
There was a bulletin regarding the pedal sensor/potentiometer. There are no vacuum switches involved...only sophisticated Nippondenso Control Modules.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Lost power and wouldn't go faster than 50 mph.

Question: I have a 2000 Ford Mustang 6 cylinder. Twice it has lost power and wouldn't go faster than 50 mph. It then starts running correctly. It has been in two different shops and I've been told nothing is wrong. Any ideas on the problem? Already Tried: Replaced the fuel filter, ran diagnostics and no errors reported Answer: It is possible that your fuel pump may be not pumping enough pressure when it gets hot or when doing this concern. What you need to do first is get a fuel pressure reading if possible when this occurs. This will tell a lot about what is going on. If you find that the fuel pressure is low, below 30 psi and does not rise as you snap the throttle, your fuel pump is not operating properly. If it does OK, I might suggest taking it to the dealer, I know it cost a little more but they have a better scan tool to look at all pids, sensors and injectors and ect., and can see what is going on. If they can't make it do it at that time, they can install a ,what we call a flight recorder, and when the problem happens, you mash a button and it will record data and they can see what went on.

Police Holsters - Get the Gear

Ever wondered where you could get all the cool police uniform clothes and gear. Well, LA Police Gear has got you covered. Search from Blackhawk holsters pants to the best flashlights in the world, to vests and more. You'll find Tactical revolution holsters, training barrels, double mag pouches and even if you are at an APO or FPO address they can still ship to you. Check it out. We are talking about some serious military gear that is available on this website. What website you might ask, I am talking about lapolicegear.com. You can find a great selection of Bates boots and more. More than 70% of the law enforcement professionals in North America have chosen to carry Safariland Holsters. You can even get GSA Approved shirts and pants. Don't forget about the foot wear that every body needs.

Friday, July 04, 2008

Toyota Prius Hybrid Brake Noise 2004-07

Some 2004-07 Toyota Prius hybrids may produce an annoying squeaking sound when the brake pedal is applied or released. Toyota says the noise is most audible when the key is in the Ready mode with the vehicle not moving. It seems that a defective brake actuator assembly is the likely culprit.
Before condemning the actuator, however, try bleeding the brake system. If the noise goes away, you’re done with the fix. If the noise remains after getting out that last belch of air, replace the brake actuator with an upgraded unit, Part No. 44500-47090.

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Best gas mileage vehicles - top 10 in U.S.

America has been broadsided with the $4 gallon and Americans are answering back with buying more fuel efficient vehicles. The Ford F-150 used to be the number one selling vehicle for the past 17 years but not anymore. In May of 2008 that all changed. Now Honda and Toyota has surpassed the mark and have sold more Civics and Corollas than the F-150.
This is a sign to the manufactures and they are taking measures by putting more efforts into creating new Hybrids and spending more on Research for the future "Gas Savers". There strategy so far has been to make the vehicle with less weight and Hybrid Technology .
The following is a list of the Top 10 most fuel efficient vehicles in the U.S. compiled by Car and Driver :

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

GMC Yukon with dual zone AC

Question:
I have a 1999 GMC Yukon with dual zone AC - leak in freon dist lines to rear unit - Does GM sell both line sets that that allow me to convert to standard front only system ?
Answer:
You would have to change the accumulator and the liquid lines to keep the system in the front and all the parts are available for this from your local dealer.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER

Question: I have a 2006 Mini Cooper and my engine will not turn over. I go to start my car and it just makes a clicking sound. Whats wrong? Answer: The battery has gone dead and does not have enough power to engage the starter and crank the engine or the lights were left on and drained the battery. Have the battery checked for voltage, should be a little more than 12 volts, and have a load test done to the battery. Quick checks you can make are, check the battery terminals for extreme corrosion and check that they are tight. Since this is fairly new, not so likely.