AAA CAR DOCTOR JOHN PAUL 10/26/2001

October Chat Auto Show

VWGuy
John,What is the best way to remove a bumper sticker from a car?

John Paul
VWGUY, Use a hairdryer to soften the glue and gently peal the corner away. Once you get a hold of the sticker pull it at a 180 degree angle to itself. This method helps release the glue

Cole Slaugh
The light indicating that my driver's side door is open is always "on". Yet, the door locks and gives every indication that it is in fact shut. I even checked the rubber accordian thingy that the door shuts against and it seems fine. Is it an electrical problem? What should I look for? Thanks.

John Paul
Cole Slaugh, check all the switches--it could be a broken wire connecting the switch. Some newer cars use a "logic" control. Sort of a computer for the light system--these can be a little harder to diagnose

zman
Paul, i change the oil and filter in my truck every 3000 miles and change air and fuel filters myself however everytime I go back to the dealer he wants to perform a 50,000 mile check-up to the tune of $400......!!?? Am I being taken for a ride ?

John Paul
zman, follow your owners manual and do what is required at 50K. You don't need to go to the dealer for this service only get it done--do it yourself and save any part receipts. Some dealers will recomend their own version of 50K service and may be over maintaining your vehicle.

RoadsterGuy
Have you had a chance to see/drive the new MINI? If so, any thoughts?

John Paul
RoadsterGuy I have seen it, sat it in, but no test drives yet. It looks very good and MINI has just shown the Cooper S with 163 HP at the Tokyo motor show. Look for the car to arrive in select BMW showrooms in the spring. There will be a Mini at the New England Auto Show

hondaBL
I have 93 honda accord when i trun the heat on middle to full my temp gague goes down to 0 and i get cold air, I trun heat off it goes back to normal after sveral min.????

John Paul
hondaBL You need to do several things. A complete check of the cooling system and heating system. Next check for a faulty cylinder head gasket. Then check the actual operation of the temperature gauge

Phil
I have a 1993 Audi 100CS Quattro Wagon. In the warm weather when the AC ius running we get water leaking from under the dash board. The water is most prevalent when taking a right turn. I imagine the problem is that the evaporator drain is clogged. I have not been able to locate the drain though. Can you help me locate it?Thanks.

John Paul
Phil You need to get the car up in the air. You should find a rubber hose about 4 inches long. It is at the right side (passenger side)of the bulkhead(firewall) Clean the hose and you should be fine

Cole Slaugh
Where are the "switches", JP? I'm not much of a grease monkey. I don't know my piston from my tailpipe, Doc.

John Paul
Cole Slaugh The switches are under the rubber covers. Gently remove the cover to check the operation of the jamb switches. If you are looking for a repair shop to do the work go to the automotive section the aaa.com web site

VW Natick
One of my 1999 Jetta headlights keeps going on and off. Any ideas?

John Paul
VW Natick Volkwagens seem to go through alot of headlights. I would try a different brand. Make sure you check the headlight connection there have been some problems with the connectors

RotorHead
John, will Mazda have it's new Rx-8 model at the show?

John Paul
RotorHead, It don't believe the RX8 will be at the show

MARSAR
Paul,.. I commute around 75 miles to and from work and am need of a good commuters car that is fairly cheap... A co-worker of mine who has roughly the same commute drives a 97- Hyundai Accent and he swears by it... I always hear bad things about Hyundai's and was wondering your thoughts...

John Paul
MARSAR, Hyundai are not bad cars. But are unforgiving if you skip the maintenence needed. for something a little more trouble free look at a honda civic, nissan sentra even look at a ford escort

bumper
When is the Saturn Vue, comming out and will there be one at the auto show.

John Paul
bumper, The Vue will be at the show and should go on sale early December

tk
What do you think of the 2002 Ford Explorer?

John Paul
tk The 2002 Ford explorer is very well done and a great family vehicle. Great for carrying kids to soccer practice trips to the home improvement store. The Explorer also has some great safety features including adjustable foot pedal that allow comfortable and safe seating for drivers of almost any size. the Explorer also meets LEV clean air standards

WhichOne?
John, I am thinking about 2002 Camry LEV6, can you share your thoughts between Camry and Altima? It seems both offer the room/performance.

John Paul
The Camry is just about perfect. The Altima is much improved but I like the Camry better it offers more room and legendary quality

heytj
Do you think the 0% financing will be sticking around?

John Paul
heytj 0% will stay around for maybe another month. Keep in mind if you generate too many 4th quarter sales it will impact first quater next year and that affects the stockholder income

phil
Whats our opinion of the Jeep Libertys?

John Paul
phil The jeep Liberty is actually a pretty nice vehicle. It is not designed for serious off-roading. The 3.7 liter engine does a good job and the design is quite appealing

MikeC
Hello! I love the new Xterra! Is there anything negative that I should know?

John Paul
MikeC The Xterra seems to be holding up real well, with very few problems.