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Wednesday, December 02, 2009

auto dealer said that they would fix anything wrong with it.



I just bought a 2002 Saturn L300 in July and the auto dealer said that they would fix anything wrong with it. My Problem is that when I am getting onto the highway it don't want to shift into 2nd gear. I cant check the trans fluid so I am not sure if it's low or that it may be in the trans it's self. I am supposed to take my car back Thursday and I would like someone else opinion and not just the repair shops opinion saying I drive my car like a race car. The place I bought it from in Lansing (RPM) said that they would fix what ever is wrong but when I took my car back to them they are giving me the runaround and I took the mechanic for a ride to show him what it was doing I took my car onto the highway when It gets to 2nd gear it just starts winding out till I let off the gas. The Mechanic says I drove it like a race car. I have had a few cars and worked on most of them and I have never had a car do this so I knew it was something wrong. It has a sealed trans and no dipstick and I don't have a hoist to lift it up. You have to lift it up on a hoist to check it.

Response 1) If this is an automatic transmission, it could be as simple as a VSS (vehicle speed sensor) or a failed shift solenoid. Neither are too expensive part wise so I wouldn't think the dealer would give you much guff over it. Besides, a deal is a deal and they said thy would fix it....... no worries.

Response 2) 1. Why can't you check the trans fluid?


2. Perhaps your Prndl is off

I drive an old Dodge Dakota and the prndl is off by one step. Drive is in neutral, 2 is drive etc. The little floss sized string has stretched over the years.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Windshield fogging inside on a 1996 Dodge Caravan



My daughter has a 1996 Dodge Caravan. When it is cold out and she turns the heater or defroster on the windshield fogs up on the inside. I told her I think it's is caused by a leak in the heater core. Anyone else with any other ideas? Thanks


Response:
This depends on IF the van has an operational Air Conditioning System. This "Fog" is caused from Air Density changes. When you first start it up and turn on the Defroster(hence the name) it also turns on the A/C Compressor. Pop the hood and watch the compressor clutch. Especially these past few days. But this SHOULD evaporate within a couple minutes unlike Anti-Freeze.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

1996 Jeep Cherokee won't start



My Jeep has a new battery and starter. The fusible link and alternator are also good but the damn thing will not start. All fuses and relays are good too. When I turn the key I get nothing, no sounds what so ever. Anyone have an idea of what it could be? we can however start the car by "shorting out" the starter from underneath the car but that is the only way we can get it to start.
http://www.freeautomechanic.com/nostart.html
Response:

Ignition switch
Neutral / park switch if the unit has automatic trans.
OR
Clutch depressed switch if manual transmission.



simple test. Run a wire from the positive battery post to the alternator output *that red wire on the back of the alternator). Try starting the Jeep. If it starts you've blown a fuse link. If not you've got other problems. With the Key on in the Run position does ANYTHING work?? Radio, Gauges???
 
Just because an item has been Replaced does not ensure that it is NOT Defective. No Power to any electrical with the Key on is a Prime example of a Wiring problem. Usually a Fusible Link on the Starter. Fusible Links look like a wire and may look fine to the eye however, like a fuse be burnt under the protective coat. This is why I asked if you have power with the key on to your accesories. If NO power simply run a wire to the Alt from the Pos on the battery and leave the key and radio on. If the radio starts as soon as the battery is connected then you have a Blown Fuse Link. Skipping steps lead you astray.
If you have power to the accesories then is it an Automatic Trans or Stick? If it's a stick check tyhe clutch Depression Switch on the top of the Clutch Pedal. Hint it's that plastic thing that has 2 wires and moves with the Clutch Pedal. If it Automatic, wiggle the shifter in Neutral while holding the key on the start position. This checks the Neutral Safty Switch.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

1991 corsica throttle position sensor



I was told this sensor is bad. Would it make the car stall and not start? But start 10 min. later? Cad doesn't want to speed up very well at all. Any ideas?


Response:
Could be. Any Codes? It could also be any number of other things or a combonation of things including a plugged Cat Converter. Without Codes your guessing. Heres how to get the codes: http://www.freeautomechanic.com/diagnostictroblecodes5.html
 

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Some Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency



The world is now clamored by the great problem in fuel. With oil prices increasing on a regular basis, the problem in fuel has become a great global concern. This has left many car owners in such a sullen mood; most especially those who own muscle cars and sports cars whose engines are so powerful that they devour a tank-full of gas in an instant. This has caused tremendous effects on people, and because of this, a new trend has arisen.

More and more people are now in search for fuel efficient cars. While in the past, car enthusiasts pride on how fast their cars can go and how huge their engines are, nowadays, better mileage and fuel efficiency has become everyone’s priority. Saving fuel is a difficult feat. But since transport is a necessity, how can you save fuel while still enjoying the car? What things can you do to be able to make sure that your car burn fuel very efficiently?

* Its good policy to know how fuel efficient your car is so keep tabs on how much fuel you put in your car each time you fill up at the pump and compare that to the mileage you are getting. This way, if there is a drop in previous fuel efficiency you can then consult your mechanic and tackle the issue early on.

You can also consider putting additives into your gas tank. There are several brands of additives now available in the market and some of them claim to successfully increase a car’s fuel efficiency up to ten and twenty percent. These additives are non toxic and non-fossil based and will give your car a longer driving potential, since it will make your car more fuel efficient.

* Check the Read Entire Article

Monday, November 09, 2009

1992 Chevy G20 Van won't restart after it gets to operating temperature



My van starts fine, drive it about 10 miles and the  check engine light comes on. After I shut it off, it takes forever to start again. I have already replaced fuel filter, fuel pump relay, and throttle body sensor. What else can it be? I'm tired of throwing parts at it.

See Response >

Saturday, November 07, 2009

I have a noise in the front end of my '03 Dodge Caravan



Started with a thud on right front if even hit a small bump in the road, and continually got worse. Now there is a rattle to accompany the thud, sounds like dice in a wooden box rattling around. Tires wear bad. Have had it in three times, mechanics cannot find anything to blame it on to fix. Very irritating noises especially when traveling down the highway. Starts feeling like it is thuding on my last nerve. Approx 72K on speedometer. Any ideas that I can send the mechanics on the right road to fix.

Response:
Check your Struts. That is ...... Read Entire Article

Thursday, November 05, 2009

How do i get to the spark plugs on my 1996 Buick Century 3.1 Engine



How do I roll the engine forward to acess the back spark plugs? It has one brace on front, I took it off and tried to roll the moter with a pry bar. Didnt budge. Do i need to jack the car? Something else I need to remove? Would appregiate any ideas. Thanks

Response:

The easy way is to start the car and SLOWLY move. Have a second person use a heavy duty muffler clamp u bolt through where the dog bone connects. Then shut off the engine the backside is raised so you can axcess the 3 spark plugs.

Response:

There is a special tool you can borrow for free from autozone that connect where the dog bone is and you put car in neutral ans just tighten up the center bolt pulling the engine forward in a safe manner.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Online Car Repair & Maintenance



Just how important is car repair and Maintenance? Do we really need to spend money on our cars? Can't we just put gas in it and drive it forever? The answer to these questions can best be answered with another question. How long do you want to be able to drive your car?

Without proper maintenance your cars life may be short lived. Sure, if you are just going to trade it back in at the end of your 36,000 mile warranty you can just put gas in it and drive it. But with today's economy there isn't to many people buying new cars. So I guess we are going to need to be able to rely on that car for a good while yet and that's where proper car repairs and maintenance can help insure reliability for a long time.

The basics are simple: change the oil regularly, rotate your tires, check your fluids and filters. How often should you do this? Mary says her dad told her that he heard from a friend that you only need to change your oil every 7,000 miles. Well, Lets refer to the above question, How long do you want to be able to drive your car? You can change the oil every 7,000 miles but the engine probably won't last much longer than 120,000 miles before the sludge costs you an engine ($5000.00). You should change your oil every 3,000 miles to insure proper engine lubrication and not worry about the engine for up to 500,000 miles. But, Mary said he owners manual said she could wait longer....  That may be true, but lets think for a minute. The owners manual comes from the manufacturer who is only going to warranty the engine for a short period of time. After that your on your own and the manufacturer only makes money if you have to buy another car..... I think you get the idea. When you have your oil change is perfect time to rotate the tires and check your fluids. Car Maintenance can and will save you money in the long run and help your car deliver many years of reliable driving.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

2001 Chrysler Intrepid battery light on



I went to a mechanic a month ago and replace the alternator because my battery light came on.  After about one month, the battery light came on again.  I went to the same mechanic and he said that the oxygen senor is faulty.  If I unplugged one oxygen sensor and I did not fix that one oxygen sensor. Will the car still run and won’t shut down?  What are the problems that the car might cause?

Response:

the battery light coming on has nothing to do with an oxygen sensor. I would suggest going to a different shop and having it retested.
An Oxygen sensor has nothing to do with the battery light. If you unplug an oxygen sensor it will still run but have bad gas mileage and the check engine light will come on.