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Cars > Past Chats
AAA CAR DOCTOR
JOHN PAUL
03/26/2004 |
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March Chat
Problems under
the hood?
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On March 26, 2004 at 1 p.m. . . .
JohnPaul (Moderator)
12:49PM Spring is here, it's time to get your ride ready for summer driving.
BMW7Series
12:56PM John, I have a BMW 7 series...I had difficult with the Rear Wheel Drive in snow, snow tires didn't really help...any suggestions
JohnPaul (Moderator)
12:58PM BMW7 series, BMW have never been great in the snow, snow tire are about all you can hope for. Some snow tires work better than others perhaps something with a more agressive tread may help.
Cougar Gal
12:58PM I love my 94 cougar but every year for the past two years, I need to get my a/c recharged. Granted,this is cheaper then a whole new system but they can't figure out why it loosing the the gas. Suggestions? I want my A/c to last the summer this year.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:01PM Cougar Gal, Finding a small A/C leak can be challenge. Perhaps adding a dye to the refridge, next time may pinpoint the leak. A fairly common leak is at the evaporator--very expensive
olly
01:02PM I had a 2003 Honda CRV. After the first oil change, the car basically exploded in flames and was a total loss. Honda won't cover under warranty. Come to find out, there had been up to 9 identical fires, all after the first oil change. NHTSA has sent Honda a formal letter for explnation. Appartently the new fiulters are prone to leave a gasket behind, causing leakage. Honda says its a dealer issue, even though these were the first fires ever reported (and at different dealers). All cars made in same plant. Have you ever heard of these fires?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:05PM olly, I haven't heard of the problem but Honda is right it is the first thing you learn when doing an oil change to check the old filter for the gasket to avoid just what happened. It most case you end up with a leak, which can end up with engine failure. I can't blame honda I would tell the dealer they need to put the claim through their insurance
MomsTaxi
01:05PM Hi John. I'm ready to get rid of my Mercury Sable wagon. What would you recommend in the way of used mini-vans (other than the Honda or Toyota-not in my budget). I need something with a good reliability record. Thanks......
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:07PM Moms Taxi, Check the later model Caravans, look out for air conditioner and transmission problems. Although a little small the second generation Mazda MPV (front wheel drive version) is pretty good. I would steer clear of the Windstar --just lots of problems.
Major
01:08PM As a rule of thumb, would you get your car fixed at a dealership?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:10PM major, both an independant and dealers can do a great job. I like independant shops because you can talk to the person that fixes your car. The dealer has the latest info and specialized tools but can more expensive. They both have their place
Cougar Gal
01:10PM Jon, a second question. I don't drive my car a lot, but when I do, it's a lenghty road trip. What types of things should I store in my trunk for emergencies (i.e. in the winter I keep sand and salt and lock de-icer)
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:12PM Cougar Gal, extra oil, trans fluid and a mix of water and coolant. Flashlight, glove flares spare tire and jack. It isn't a bad idea to keep a fan belt (save the old ones when you get new ones) don't forget Duct tape and a cell phone
gallaj0
01:12PM I have a 99 Grand Caravan, with the 3.8 engine. A couple of weeks ago, while backing out of my fairly steep driveway, it felt like the transmission may have been slipping; it didn't seem to pick up like it used to. I haven't had the problem since, but I have heard bad things about these transmissions. Should I worry, have it looked at, or is there something simple I can have done to prevent any problems?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:15PM galloj0, Caravans have transmssion problems. Start with the basics make sure the flid is full and clean. If not have the fluid flushed out and the filter checked. It could have been the transmission torque convertor drained out and took a minute to refill--a quirk maybe???????
nutsandbolts
01:15PM Hi John! My pristine 1995 Honda Civic with 96k miles started to overheat on Monday. I pulled over and shut off the engine before the temp gauge needle got closer than 1/4" to the red zone. Coolant level was fine. I restarted just a couple minutes later, and the gauge was back to normal (just below half way point). This happened again later in the day, exactly the same way. The next day, I drove to my mechanic without incident. He informed me that I needed a new cylinder head gasket, to the tune of $1,000. Worse yet, if the head itself is cracked, add another $1,100. How could this have happened, and do I have any alternatives? Many thanks!
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:19PM nutsandbolts, sounds like the thermostat stuck. The cheapest way out might be a used head. There was aproblem with all but the VTEC engine but at this miles I don't thik Honda would help--perhaps call Honda customer service and tell them about TSB number 97-407 a new gasket design -this info is from www.alldata.com
momma
01:19PM I have a new Chevy Malibu- the power steering light came on while my husband was driving it and he had to power steering while driving locally for a limited time about 2 weeks ago. At the time of the power steering failure, he stopped, shut off the engine and turned it on again- and the power steering came back. This hasnt happend to me when I drive the car. Should it go in for service?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:20PM momma go in for service your car uses a new power steering system and it may have set a code as to the problem
jeep
01:20PM Hi JohnPaul, I have a Jeep Cherokee Sport 1997 and have noticed lately that after I come to a complete stop and then when I start to accelerate again, it kind of lolls. Someone told me this is my transfer case, what do you think? If it is, is that costly to fix (how much)?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:22PM jeep. transfer case isn't the first place I would look. Take it to the shop and road test it with a technician. It may be the trans, but just as likely could be related to engine performance BTW transfer case is very expensive
CaddyMan
01:22PM I am thinking of purchasing a DeVille w/140,000 miles. Are there issues with the Northstar motors I should be aware of?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:23PM CaddyMan, every about the NorthStar can be a problem they leak oil burn oil and generally are very expensive to fix. Unless the car has a new engine (many were replace under warranty or this car is really cheap--stay away
MomsTaxi
01:23PM Hi John. Back again. What would you recommend for used small/mid-size SUV's? Thanks for your insight.......
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:26PM MomsTaxi, I'll let you know I just bought a Sorento--yes a Kia and so far it is a pretty good car. Look at the Hyundai Sante Fe. My experiences have been good with the late models. The Ford Explorer is worth a look as well
robert
01:26PM John: I have a 1992 Lincoln Towncar (100,000 miles) that needs the transmission fluid changed. I change the fluid every 35 K miles. My garage wants to do a reverse flush of the transmission to get all the fluid out of the torque converter. The cost for this service is $240.oo. Is this necessary or just drain the transmission pan?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:28PM robert, a flush is good if it needs it what you have been doing, just a drain and filter change is what we have been doing for years and it worked fine. If you are not having a problem stay with what you are doing. (240.00 is a bit pricey for this service)
Jim
01:28PM My son is 16 and about to buy his first car. He's going to look at a 93 Honda del sol with 99,000 miles and a 95 Honda Accord with 46,000. The accord is twice as much, little out of his rane and the Del Sol isn't made anymore. What do you thin about the Del Sol at $2,800 negotiable. Both are private parties who we know.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:31PM Jim Honda makes good vehicles both are fine. The Accord is a bit better and just size wise is probably safer. The low miles give may help keep the costs down. I'm not cocerned about the Del Sol not being made all the mechanical parts are available. If the Accord is twice the price you could buy the Del Sol and replace almost everything for the price of the Accord
denchief
01:31PM Having some exhaust time noise coming from the front of the engine. I am going to bring it to a muffler shop. Does it sound like only the front pipes need replacing?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:33PM denchief, could be a leaking flex pipe manifold gasket or even a "donut" gasket. You won't know till it goes up on a lift and is checked out
soushorer
01:33PM John: I have a 1957 Chevy that I just repowered with a 2003 GM Crate 350 engine and a 1988 Pontiac 700/4R transmission. My speedometer is off and the the mechanic who did the swap tried gears in the transmission to adjust it but no luck. Are there any garages on the south shore that you could recommend?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:36PM soushorer, Go to www.aaa.com and check out the Approved Auto Repair section all these facilities have been inspected by AAA. Although this is a unique problem but there are conversions that alow for different speedo drive gears to get the speedo close. The best method to check is to use a portable GPS
SAABbadAudio
01:36PM Hi JohnPaul, I have a 99' Saab 9-5 and I would like to upgrade the audio system and get it ready for pumping some tunes in the summer. Any suggestions.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:38PM SAABaudio. The Saab tuner is pretty good, better speakers and an amp with monster cables can make a real difference. Stay away from some of the non name bargain stuff alot of noise and not great sound
kaya26
01:38PM Hi John, I have a 97 mazda 626. The service engine light has been on for almost 2 years. I had it checked out and the diagnosis was that the cat converter was the culprit. I had it replaced but the light has stayed on. Recently it has been bucking and almost cuts out. It gets worse when the A/C is put on. ANy Ideas what the problem might be? My car has 130,000 miles
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:41PM kaya26 you need to find a better shop. The cat may have failed becuase of the skip in the engine. Have the car diagnosed to find the actual cause of the problem. It could be an igntion problem even a bad fuel injector
Clyde
01:41PM pump all this out with a hand pump, or do I have to have the tank removed?
Clyde
01:41PM My 1996 Bonneville idles very rough when the tank is less than half full. I added drygas and various fuel treatments with limited success. The lower the fuel level, the worse it gets. I changed the fuel filter last month and it ran great for a week. Now it runs worse than ever. I am guessing I have water and contaminants in the 8 year old gas tank. Can I pump out this gunk with a hand pump or siphon, or do I have to remove the tank (not a fun job)?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:43PM Clyde, I would pull the tank it is the only way you will get what is in there out. If it is just water then try isopropl gas line anti freeze this will mix with the water and then mix with the fuel and work its way through the system
Dilly
01:43PM Hi John. My 1998 Grand Prix makes a high pitched metal on metal squeel seemingly from the right front wheel only when I make right turns. What are your thoughts? Thanks.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:44PM dilly, likely a brakes pad sensor warning you it is time for brake pads.
raestar03
01:44PM Hello John. I own an '89 Honda Accord which has carburetor problems. When I run short errands, I turn the car off, and it shudders. When I go to turn the car back on, the engine has "flooded" and won't start. I took it to a Honda mechanic, and all they could do was adjust the carburetor (which didn't even fix anything). Have you heard of this type of problem in accords before?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:45PM raestar03 the older carb, hondas can be a real problem. the tannsk rust up rust makkes its way to the carbs and causes the probems you have. The repair can be as extensive as rebuilding the carbs and replacing the fuel tank
JimmyK
01:46PM Hey John: My 02 Mitsubishi Lancer is making a rattling noise from the driver's side rear wheel when I make a start or come to a stop. The mechanic said it's just a noise, and doesn't require a replacement, unless the noise really annoys me. Is it possible the shock is just caked with road salt?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:47PM JimmyK, just a noise what kind of noise it it rattles something is loose. Ask you shop to pinpoint the noise and find out what is wrong. Is the car still under warranty? if so have the dealer look at it
bill
01:47PM my 1995 ford taurus wagon has 108000 miles on it. The idel speed seems to jump up on an intermittant basis. Without putting my foot on the accelarator it can go up to 20-25 mph. When coming to a stop it feels like it jumps. This doesn't happen all the time an can go away for months at a time sdo it is hard to bring in to the shop for a diagnosis. Also on two or 3 occassions the negine warning light has come on during these epsiodes for a few seconds and then goes out.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:50PM bill, the common problem is a TPS switch or a faulty AIc valve (idle air control valve). A test of the computer may show a code, it could even be an intermitant temp sensor.
maximan
01:50PM Hi John, I have a 97 maxima SE. It has about 140,000 miles on it. When i started my car this morning for work, i heard a squeaking sound from my car. I never noticed it before but just noticed now. I thought it was a squaky blower motor (heater?) but it wasn't cause i turned off the fan and it was still there. It sounds like when i turn the steering wheel tight to the right until it can't go anymore but not as loud as that. Any ideas?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:52PM maximan, could just be a slipping belt. With the warmer temps and wet weather it may have casued the noise. Have the belts check for condition and tension
Major
01:52PM John, which cars are on your top five list of best deals in terms of price and quality?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:54PM Major, Honda and Toyota will give you great quality and great resale value. The next step down subaru, great in New England and last. Right now there almost isn't any bad cars just some are better designed than others.
JimmyK
01:55PM Hey John: The noise only applies when the car comes to a stop or starts up, it's kind of a squeeking, shuddering noise as opposed to a rattle. Unfortunately my warranty no longer covers noises and squeeks, and the mechanic said he could replace the part, but it's not a necessary fix.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:56PM JimmyK email me what the part is and then lets decide. My email is jpaul@aaasne.com
hyundai
01:56PM John — I should have changed the oil in my car 300 miles ago — is this going to cause any problems with my car?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:57PM Hyundai, 300 miles over is not a problem. Depending on your driving changing the oil every 3-5000 miles is best. More important is to keep the level full
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:59PM Boston.com chatters can always email me at jpaul@aaasne.com for an answer to their car problems. Listen to the Car Doctor radio program Saturday mornings from 9-11:00 on WJDA am1300 and WESX am1230
maximan
02:00PM John, I'm looking to wash my engine. Whats the proper way? Are those degreasers good? Also, just a water hose or pressure washer like at the car wash is preferred? Thanks for the last reply too..
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:03PM maximan I like the soap degreasers and just a garden hose stay away from pressure washers you can end up doing some real damage to electrical conections. Also consider where all this oily water will drain to.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:04PM My hour is up, I'll be back next month with all the news from the New York Auto Show
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