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Cars > Past Chats
AAA CAR DOCTOR
JOHN PAUL
3/7/2003 |
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March Chat
Winter car chat
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On March 7, 2003 at 12 p.m. . . .
John Paul (Moderator)
11:55AM The Car Doctor is in to help you and your car make it through the rest of winter
alexg
12:04PM Two Questions John, I have a 91 Saab 900 and my mechanic just replaced the harmonic balance. What is that??? And for some reason i keep getting oil in my antifreeze resevior. can you explain what might cause that to happen. ive had it flushed, but it didnt work.
John Paul (Moderator)
12:06PM alexg the balancer takes away some of the normal engine vibrations--it is usually two large steel/iron disc with a rubber insulator between them. the oil issue is a bigger problem. If it is engine oil this could be a crack in the engine block. What ever the case this will be very expensive
banker
12:06PM how does one keep rodentia from nesting in the engine?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:08PM banker, An age old question. Rodents like the heat of the engine, short of using a bait trap or perhaps one of those electronic gizmos check the car often and shoo away whatever is living there
rick
12:08PM John — I have a 98 VW Jetta and my question is two-fold: One : when my car reaches approz 63/64 miles per hour my car hums loudly and then after that it seems okay... Two: How come after I get my oil changed my "check engine" light goes on and doesn't turn off for several days? Thanks
John Paul (Moderator)
12:11PM cathyp25, the humming could be a loose muffler heat shield, not a danger but still have it looked at. The 97/98 jetta had a lot of check engine light issues. mostly tied to the fuel system and EVAP system. Once the light goes on bring the car back to the repair shop and have them scan the comouter this should pin poin the problem
John Paul (Moderator)
12:11PM Rick look at cathyp25 answer
cathyp25
12:12PM I own a used 2000 Toyota Camry. A few weeks ago, the oil system completely malfunctioned, destroying my engine. Apparently, the oil was gelling up and not making it into the engine. Toyota replaced the oil system and parts of the engine. But now, I still smell oil burning constantly and after a particularly long drive, the car started jerking back and forth. What do you think the problem is?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:14PM Cathyp, it sounds like the engine may have an oil leak, perhaps as the reassembled the engine there was a gasket that didn't seal properly. The jerking could also be a result of sloppy workmanship. Once it is fixed change the oil every 3-4000 miles or at least 3 times per year
noise problem
12:14PM I have been having a springing noise come from my front drivers side tire. I took it to the dealership to have them look at it. They said they did not hear it and that it was normal to have sounds since my brakes were close to needing replacement. Is this true or should I get a second opinion? My car is a 2000 Altima with just over 40K miles.
Arty
12:17PM Hi. How cold does it have to get before I really need to add gas-line antifreeze to my tank? Is it really needed, and does it really work?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:17PM noise problem, you need to have someone identify the noise it could be a result of a coil spring shifting around. Brakes usually grind or squeal. Have a good technician take the car for a ride with you in it to point out the problem.
John Paul (Moderator)
12:18PM Arty, if you keep your gas tank full you really don't need gas line antifreeze. Additionally todays gas has alcohol in it which acts like antifreeze
carlady
12:19PM I have a 96 grand marquis and my rear view mirror fell off. Any easy solution besides having a repair shop put it back on?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:20PM carlady, any autoparts store should have a rearview mirror glue kit. It is easy to use and take only a few minutes to repair. but you do need to use special mirror glue
mycarsucks
12:20PM my front brakes make a knocking noise when I slow down. I had the brake pads replaced a few months ago. Did they mess it up?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:21PM mycarsucks, go back and have the brakes checked. It sounds like they didn't replace the mounting hardware or left something loose
lulu
12:22PM i had a problem about a month ago, where my car would almost stall, light would dim, every time i stopped. then, it would immediately stall when i started it and took my foot off the brake. now my "check engine" light is on. i had a mechanic check the car and it didn't do any of the things it was doing. he gave it a tune up, but the light is still on. do you think it means there is still something wrong, or is it an "idiot" light?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:23PM lulu, The light on means something is wrong. The light and the computer in the car monitor the fuel and electric system. Go someplace where they can properly diagnose the system.
carlady
12:23PM My husband's car makes a strong vibrating noise whenever he turns on theheat in his car. What could be causing this?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:25PM carlady, it could be the heater fan is out of balance or has a broken vane. Also have your mechanic check the air conditioner to see that is operating properly
cynthia
12:25PM Greetings John; I had my car recently fixed, and they changed a belt in the car (I don't remember which one). And now the car screeches/whines whenever I turn it on and accelerate. Could the new belt be tighter than the others and cause the others to slip, or do you think this is happening for some other reason?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:27PM cythia, the noise means the belt is loose. Go back and have it rechecked. If the belt has become glazed it may even need to be replaced
74intlscout
12:27PM The oddest thing. I put a new battery into my truck and all of the sudden it was starting on its own! The keys were not in the ignition. It's been in storage for a few months other than that it was running fine. Thanks!
John Paul (Moderator)
12:29PM 74intlscout, really------it is possible that there is a short in the starter solonoid or the ignition switch.
Rebecca
12:29PM Good Morning! Is there an easy way to fix the window washer fluid dispenser? Mine has stopped working and I am not sure if this is something I can fix or if I should bring it in. Thanks!
John Paul (Moderator)
12:30PM Rebecca, If the lines are clogged up, a little compressed air blown into the lines should solve the problem. If you push the washer button and don't hear any noise it is most likely the washerpump is bad. The repair isn't difficult in most cars
no more dodge
12:31PM i had a transmission overhaul last november. my grand caravan broke down last february with a transmission problem(the drive doesnt work, only the reverse). the dealership doesnt want to cover it under the warranty because they said they only did a rear transmission overhaul. they say my problem right now is front transmission overhaul. i paid $3,000. for the 1st trans. overhaul. now they are charging me another $2,200. are they right or are they just trying to fool me?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:35PM no more dodge, 3000 sound like a complete overhaul to me. Have the car repaired then take them to small claims court.
Tami
12:35PM I have a 94 Chevy Cavalier with a slow coolant leak. My mechanic says I need a new radiator. A friend suggested that I might have a leak somewhere that wouldn't require an entire radiator. How do I know? The mechanic didn't give me any details. Also, the engine temperature swings wildly and it isn't related to driving conditions so the thermostat seems to not be working properly. Maybe that is related to needing a new radiator?? Thanks...
John Paul (Moderator)
12:36PM tami, they repair shop should have been able to pinopoint the leak. At 9 years old it is most likely the radiator.
sparky
12:36PM The windshield wiper fluid dispenser stopped working suddenly on the right side of my car. Can this be fixed?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:37PM sparky, find the rubber hose that feeds that side and use low pressure compressed air and try to "blow" it out. compter keyboard cleaner works great for this
dave
12:38PM I drive a 1999 ford ranger 5 speed and I am new at the stick shift thing. How can I tell from driving if my cflutch is worn. I know Im a bit hard but cant tell if its going on me.
John Paul (Moderator)
12:39PM Dave, king off from a stop in third gear if the engine flare up and doesn't stall the clutch is starting to slip. As the clutch wer the point at which it catches will start to come up
squealer
12:39PM John, I have a '96 Toyota Corolla and I've noticed recently when it's pretty wet outside my car makes a squealing noise, particularly right when I start it and then when excelerating too. Can you tell me what this is? Thanks
John Paul (Moderator)
12:41PM squealer, sounds like a slipping generator belt. Have the belts checked and replaced as necessary. When the belt makes noise the generator is not charging the battery properly
John Paul (Moderator)
12:41PM squealer, sounds like a slipping generator belt. Have the belts checked and replaced as necessary. When the belt makes noise the generator is not charging the battery properly
Sarah F
12:41PM Hi John- I have a 93 Toyota Camry with 150,000 miles. After driving it for 2 hours on the highway at 75mph the car got stuck in 5th gear. I couldn't get it out. I had to get AAA to tow me to a garage. By the time it got the garage it wasn't stuck anymore and they can't find anything wrong with it. I drove it home and it got stuck again in 5th gear. Once again the garage couldn't find anything wrong. I thought it was a transmission problem, but the garage doesn't think this is the case. Do you have any idea what it might be? Thanks, Sarah
John Paul (Moderator)
12:43PM Sarah F, the transmission is going to need to come apart. It sounds like the linkage or gear cluster is binding up. You really won't know unless it is stuck and the garge can inspect it. Blue book/Black Book they both a sources of book values there are at least four other companies that provide valuations.
goose
12:47PM Light squeaking noise coming from rear driver's side on 2000 BMW 740iL. Has 60k miles. Happens on and off when going over bumps. One day you hear it, another day you don't. turning up the stereo doesn't seem to help now that I know it's there and can hear it regardless. Thanks.
John Paul (Moderator)
12:47PM goose, noises are some of the most difficult things to find See if the dealer has a noise locator. It is basically a series of sensors that are mounted around the car and then can be dialed in to find the noise. It could be a bushing or rubber insulator
Fiat
12:47PM John — I have a 93 Infinity G20, How can i know when to have tie rods replaced before they actually break. because when they do my car makes a terrible noise and sometimes stalls out.
John Paul (Moderator)
12:49PM Fiat, Tie rod ends can be checked for wear. Any wear is an indication they need to be replaced. The repair shop will jack up tthe car and shake the wheels from side to side looking for wear.
isuzu97
12:49PM Hi John, I have a 97 Isuzu Rodeo. I think the Alternator failed. If this is the case do I need a new battery too? Its the original battery. Also I have a question about transmission......does a bad reverse clutch (automatic) warrant a new transmission or can it be fixed? The dealer says $3,000 for a new transmission is the only option.
John Paul (Moderator)
12:51PM isuzu97. At 6 year old replace the battery it outlived its usefull life. A faulty revese clutch can be fix but the labor is almost the same as a complete overhaul. You are much better off replacing all the friction parts in the trans. shop around you may find a little better price
kristie
12:51PM my driver's side door is having trouble opening and where the door and body of the car is pushing in, I had it fixd before but it still keeps happening...what could this be from, how can I fix it!
John Paul (Moderator)
12:52PM kristie, email me at jpaul@aaasne.com with year make and model, perhaps there is a recall or update to the door hinge
Longevity
12:52PM I have a '94 Geo Prism with 112k miles on it. It has been maintained well but I need to know how reliable this model is so that I know when to go in for a replacement.
John Paul (Moderator)
12:54PM longevity, the prism is a Toyota Corolla, one of the best compacts made.change the oil often and follow a regular maint. plan and the car should last 200,000 miles
Kathy
12:55PM I have a 1996 Town & Country MiniVan (purchased in July 2001). Last week the belt fell off. We had the car towed and the belt replaced. Two days later it happened again. This time the mechanic replaced the belt and the power steering pump and the tortioner(?). One week later it happened again — this time the belt was shredded into pieces. The mechanic was perplexed. He replaced the belt again and the pump (perhaps it was faulty?). I picked up the car yesterday and am driving around with my fingers crossed. We've used the same mechanic for 15 years and we trust him. Do you have any ideas what else may be causing this problem?
John Paul (Moderator)
12:58PM Kathy, Have the repair shop check that the pulleys are aligned up. If one of the pulleys are out of alignment it will tear up the belt. Any other possibilities would get very expensive. Such as a worn cranshsaft thrust bearing.
John Paul (Moderator)
12:59PM An hour is just about up. If you would like a personal reply to your automotive question email me at jpaul@aaasne.com
Hank
01:00PM What do you think about the Kia Sorento? Is reliability a problem with Kia's?
ktime
01:00PM I have a 1995 Audi Sport Quattro which I just love. But it is very expensive to repair and run. I tried out a a Jetta TDI-diesal this last weekend. It was very loud but I understand they are much quieter than they used to be. How reliable is this engine?
sriley
01:00PM I recently had new rims put on my my 99 Grand Prix GTP, since then the steering wheel shakes noticeably as well as the whole car. It seems to get worse and worse, I just got an alignment thinking that was the problem but the car and steering wheel still vibrate. What is up?
talkshowhost
01:00PM I own a 2000 Toyota tacoma pick up... 4wd.. and I am getting a squealing noise that sounds like its under my seat. It comes and goes,, especially when I take my foot off of the accellerator. When I lean my head out the window it really sounds like it is coming from the back wheels.
Doug
01:00PM The lighting for the HVAC controls has gone out in my 99 VW Jetta. What would be involved in fixing it?
John Paul (Moderator)
01:02PM Hank the Kia Sorento is the best vehicle Kia has built to date. Time will tell how well they hold up-I have road tested it and found it to quite good
John Paul (Moderator)
01:04PM talkshowhost, If the vehicle is put up on a lift and the engine run it should help pinpoint the problem. It may be a worn U-joint in the drive shaft
John Paul (Moderator)
01:05PM Doug you need to pull of the control head and check the bulbs
John Paul (Moderator)
01:06PM sriley, have the wheels rechecked they may not be installed correctly. an alignment will not help.
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