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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.