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Cars > Past Chats
AAA CAR DOCTOR
JOHN PAUL
6/20/2003 |
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June Chat
Summer car care
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On June 20, 2003 at 2 p.m. . . .
JohnPaul (Moderator)
01:56PM Hello everyone the Car Doctor is in
JXMorrison
02:06PM Hi JohnPaul, I have a 1993 4WD Jeep Cherokee with 160,000 miles on it. Recently the transmission has started shifting very roughly, I took the car to AAMCO and another transmission shop and both recommended I have the transmission flushed, but I've heard that detergents in the new fluid (fluid is burnt right now too) can cause the seals to loosen and possibly blow the whole transmission. Whats your opinion on this? Anything else I could do?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:08PM JXMorrison Flushing out all the fluid in my opinion is okay to do. In fact I have seen fluid flush solve many problems with sticking valves.
Dilly
02:08PM Hey John. Kind of a silly question...I usually eat lunch in my car and listen to the radio. Will playing the radio without running my car put a substantial drain on the battery? I typically won't have the radio on for more than 20-30 minutes without the car on.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:09PM Dilly, You can use the radio for hours as long as the battery is in good shape and the key is in the accessory position and not in the on position
jayman
02:09PM John...you have to help...im taking my car in in a week...would love to know if that can be avoided
jayman
02:09PM help pal audi 99 A4...my AC makes a loud noise outside the car...and inside sounds like it is gasping for air every 2 seconds from the interior right side...???
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:12PM jayman sounds like the ac compressor is low on refridgerant. this would make the compressor cycle fast every 2 seconds. That is the good news a re-charge may fix it. If it needs major repair like a new compressor the part itself is just about $1000.00
Jill
02:12PM My car has that rotten egg smell. People have mentioned the catalytic converter or spark plugs and even bad gasoline. I had the plugs replaced and the gas tank flushed. The converter so I've been told looks good. I think the smell is still there though! What now?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:14PM Jill, the rotten egg smell is because the car is using to much gas and the cat-conv. can't process it fast enough. The repair could be a fuel problem or a faulty sensor like a oxygen or coolant sensor
New Wheels
02:14PM JP-I just got a new car for the first time in 13 years. When I got the last one I read to change the oil in the first 1000 miles or so to get the initial wear out of the oil. Is that still necessary today?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:16PM New Wheels congrats on the new car. The idea on changing the oil in the first 1000 miles is to get any junk out of the engine. I would prefer to go 2000 miles and let the engine break in a little. Unless specified don't use sythetic oil until after the third oil change
A4 Driver
02:17PM Hi John. I was recently quoted $1000 for a timing belt replacement for my 2.8L Audi A4. This includes the water pump, etc. Does this sound like a fair price to you? The shop has all certified Audi technicians, but is not a dealer. Thnaks!
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:19PM A4 driver, 1000.00 sounds a little high. I use alldata.com for price look up and found the t-belt to be $70.00 the water pump 200.00 and labor of about 4 hours for each operation--there is some overlap time so may 7 hours total. Expensive but 1000.00 still sounds a little high
Jill
02:19PM I forgot to mention that I have a 1998 Toyota Camry with 88,000 miles on it.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:21PM Jill more than likely the oxygen sensor may be getting tired. But before you do anything try changing brands of gas. Gas with higher sulfer content will stink.
JXMorrison
02:21PM Thanks for the answer on the transmission question, I'll definetly get it flushed. My other question is does it make sense (or do anything) to get the rear differential fluid changed? Also when I start the car it takes a long time to turn over (makes sort've a chugging sound for about 5 seconds before it finally starts, would that be a batter problem or what? Thanks!
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:24PM JXM the diff fluid isn't subject to the effect as the trans. but on the other hand it can't hurt. Regarding the starting leave it overnight so the shop can see how it starts. It may be the starter or could be a battery --all in all pretty simple tests
Bipedal in Five
02:24PM I'm taking the bus to work and rarely using my car at all, which sits curbside for days at a time. What are the pitfalls of letting it sit unused?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:26PM Bipedalinfive besides the dents and dings, not to much. Once every couple of weeks you should take it for a good 30 minute drive. This will help keep the battery up and lubricate the moving parts. Resit just starting the car and letting it run every couple of days --this is a sure way to kill the car.
honda
02:26PM hi. i have a 1988 accord, and the shop says i need a new carburetor. how difficult is this to do as a "do it yourself" project? thanks.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:30PM honda, not a bad DIY job. there are lots of hoses and clips to keep an eye on. Ypu should try to pick up a manual for the car if you are going to do your own repairs. If posible take a couple of detailed pictures of the carb before you start disconnecting things at least you will be able to make the hook up a little easier. Replace the fuel filter once you replace the carb.. One last thing some honda carbs fail due to gas tanks rusting out and the rust ending up in the carb.
jayman
02:30PM Thanks JP...so should I use it minimally until i take it in...is this something i have to take the car in for? Thank you
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:31PM jayman, just in case skip the a/c for a while
bob
02:31PM Hi JohnPaul I own a 93 T-bird with 118,000 miles lately i've been going thru 4 1/2 quarts of oil. No leaks,smoke what is wrong?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:34PM bob, it has to be burning oil. More than likely it smoke under acceleration. Have someone follow you and speed up coast and accelerate again I'm sure you will see blue smoke. The common thing is worn valve guides and maybe you can just replace the valve seals.
Taurus93
02:34PM ...connectors to the windshield washer pump with TV Cleaner, used q-tips, tip of a small screwdriver to clean/scrape the corrosion; doesn't work. Is a new pump needed ?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:35PM Taurus93 sounds like you are on the right track
98jeep
02:35PM Hi John Paul, I have a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD, with approx 50k miles. Periodically, upon first being started up and accelerated (pulling out of driveway, for example), it feels like it is about to stall. I haven't had a tune-up (other than a new air filter), and am wondering if it could be a clog in the intake, in need of new plugs, etc.? Please help
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:36PM 98jeep five years old and 50K It could really use new plugs and maybe wires as well. This is a classic tune-up
pastorjohnnya
02:36PM My 1971 VW Super Beetle Convertible is running as smooth as ever, but I'm curious as to the oil change requirements. Should it be every 3,000 miles like a newer car? Sooner? Longer?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:38PM pastorjohnnya. cool car--since it is an air cooled I might even do the oil change every 2000 miles it is a simple oil change with no filter just clean the screen
TOYCOR
02:38PM Hi John — I have a 89 corolla with 60,000 miles. Recently, the car hesitates when you step on the gas. It only happens if you try and accelerate to quickly — it then sounds almost like it is going to stall and after a few seconds catches. It also recently back fired. Any suggestions? A tune up possibly?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:40PM Toycor, could be almost anything. It could be a bad ignition coil, faulty spark plugs and wires or even a weak fuel pump. A good repair shop should be able to check it out.
kennyb
02:40PM I have a 2000 Impala, 48,000 miles. While idling, my gas gauge will go all the way over to full and then fluctuate between empty and full. I have no idea what is causing this. Help!
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:43PM kennyb, could be a bad connection between the gauge and the tank fairly common is circuit problem form the computer to the gauge time consuming repair but no parts required
90Caddy
02:43PM I have a problem with my car running hot, stop and go driving is worse than long hauls and the temperature gauge runs around 200-215 degrees and the radiator overflow seems to continuously need more fluid, although there's no leaks. Any Suggestions? Thanks
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:46PM 90 caddy stop and go driving is overheat could be a bad fan. On the highway air traveling by the radiator keeps the temperature under control, 200-215 sounds hot but is close to the normal operating temperature
pastorjohnnya
02:46PM My '71 Beetle has McPherson adjustable struts on the front end...how much should I expect to be charged reasonably by a front end shop to get them raised a few inches?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:47PM pastorjohnny as I remeber the super beetle uses conventional strut with spring --which means no ajustment is possible. To raise it means new springs
plisantplox
02:47PM My 94 Mitsubishi Montero 3.0 kept shutting off on me. No one could figure out why. Just got new ECM (brain/computer of car) for the low price of $1k. Same day shut off again. Mechanic thinks it might be ok in 3 days when new computer will "adjust itself". Is this true? or should this have been a trade in a long time ago? Thanks for your help, I really need it!
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:50PM plisantplox. I think they are hope you will win the lottery in three days and buy a new car. Parts don't adjust themselves. A crankshaft sensor may be more likely
haljohnson
02:51PM I have a 1996 chevy lumina minivan with a DELCO-LOC II CD player. The cd simply won't work. The cd goes in and nothing happens. I get no error message and after about 10 seconds the radio comes on. It is not the anti-theft lock feature because the radio plays. Should I just throw it out or try to fix it?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:55PM haljohnson, the repair is more than likelty going to be more than a good after market CD player and the new players don't have as much of a problem with CDR's as much as the old units--before you just throw it out try diconnecting the battery then hook it back up recode the radio and see what happens--don't do this if you don't have the radio code
33
02:55PM I own a itlalian sports car and am a bit nervous to take it for servicing to any dealers, any area or dealer that exclusively deals in sports car servicing
JohnPaul (Moderator)
02:57PM 33, the best you can do is join a local club to get advice. Check out www.mot.org I believe the larz anderson italian car day is coming up soon
kas
02:57PM I have a 1996 Chevy Lumina w/95,000 miles. I have my oil changed every 3 months/3000 miles religiously. In the past year, I have had three instances where I burned almost all the oil before I was ready for an oil change. There is no visible sign of an oil leak. Any idea? By the way, I had the head gasket replaced in 2000 because I was losing coolant. Is is possible the head gasket needs to be repalced again?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:00PM kas the head gasket leaking would be a water (coolant) lose problem. The oil could be wear in the engine. When ever the oil runs low even just for a short time you are causing engine wear. You could try some of the new high milage oils--more marketing than magic but worth a try. Until tehn check the oil evey gas fill-up
sara
03:01PM I have a 1993 Subaru legacy, 119,000 miles, which I love, and the check engine light comes on when I am traveling between 25-40 miles per hour, but does not stay on if I am traveling above 40? Is this a serious concern, or just something I can ignore? I hate taking my car in for repairs, I do not trust repairmen.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:02PM sara the check engine light means there is a computer problem with the car. Bring it into a shop soon after the light come on and they can diagnose it
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:03PM Taurus93 sounds like the pump but check the wiring especially the ground wires
Taurus93
03:03PM Hello JP, The 93 Taurus has been dormant for about 6 mnths. Tried the Windshield washer this morning, got a spray for about 5 secs; hasn't worked since; the reservoir is full; tried cleaning the connectors to the windshield washer pump with q-tips, blade of small screw driver, TV cleaning fluid, doesn't seem to work. Passed the emission etc inspection later in the morning. Time to replace the WWshr Pump ?
mghdr
03:03PM What types of cars do you own?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:06PM mghdr, it more interesting what I have owned although I currently have a volkwagen and a honda. In the recent past I have owned a chevy corvair, a electric car and I am very close to buying a Vespa
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:07PM oldcar. Start with the easy stuff flush out the radiator and replace the thermostat
mhonda
03:07PM Hi JP, I have a 2002 honda w/ about 18K. I am completely ignorant of what I should do besides take in in for the factory recommended maintenance (which I have been doing.) Is there a book or web resource that can educate me before I neglect some car care?
oldcar
03:08PM my 1992 taurus runs hot,the radiator is full w/coolant, what is the most obvious cause
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:10PM mhonda, the owners manual is the best place to start. After all the people who wrote it made the car. If you have a specific question you and everyone else can always email me at jpaul@aaasne.com
Fitzy127
03:10PM John — we just got a Honda S2000 (picked it up on Tuesday) and we love it. Question on Gas and Oil, if you don't mind. Should I use a highier grade gas and oil, seeing that it is a sports car and not a regular Honda or should I just veiw it as another Honda engine — tweeked if you will? Thanks
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:13PM Fitzy127 fun car. I believe this car uses premium fuel and considering the 9000 rpm redline I would once the car is broken in I might switch to synthetic oil I belive you need 5-40 oil for this model
mghdr
03:13PM Are there specific cars or models being manufactured today that you would either recommend or avoid?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:15PM mghdr, There are really no bad cars some are just better than others. Toyota and Honda makes great stuff and General Motors is improving dramatically. Once used the story changes then it depends on how the car was treated. With over 250 makes and models on the road some are better than others
neonowner
03:16PM hello JohnPaul -- I have a question related to warranties on parts replaced and how they work — if the part a mechanic put in my car is defective, am i entitled to my money back?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:18PM neonowner. Most garages have some sort of warranty. There is no specific state warranty. Some parts carry a 30,60,90 day warranty some like some brand of brake pads might be lifetime. At AAA Approved Repair Garages all their work is warrantied 12,000 miles or 12 month parts and labor.
chili
03:18PM my Toyota Tercel is burning oil as well. Lots of blue smoke when I start it up after it's been sitting a few days. I've been told it needs a "valve job." Roughly how much should I expect to pay to fix? Or should I just keep putting lots of oil in it?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:20PM chilli, you will spend $1000.00 Unless the car is in really good shape I would just add oil. You might want to try one of the many "magic" additives at the parts stores. What they do usually is thicken the oil and slow down the burning
stimply
03:20PM Hi Paul. I have a 98 Camry. I've noticed a slight whining noise that seems to be coming from the brakes. If I hit the brakes, no noise. Sometimes I don't hear the noise at all and other times I hear it even with the radio on. Could this be a frozen caliper or something maybe less sinister.
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:21PM stimply, more than likely one of the brakes pad warning clips hitting. Remove all four wheels and check the brakes.
JeremyR
03:22PM I have a 98 Honda CIVIC EX with 63K miles. Nothing wrong with it but I want to have a thorough check up. I don't trust any repair shop. How often should I have a check up? how expensive it it?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:22PM JeremyR a good repair shop should be able to give your car a check up in about an hour expect to pay about 60-80.00
nissan
03:23PM My car is running rough at high speeds. What could it be? It is not my muffler, I just had that checked. My car isn't loud when running, it just seems to have a pulsating vibration at high speeds (mostly above 40mph). Any suggestions?
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:25PM Nissan, we need to determine if it is the engine or perhaps even a tire. With the car paked slowly speed up the engine If you start to feel a vibration it make be related to the engine. What you should do is go on a road test with a good repair tech.
matt
03:25PM How do you feel about installing new computer chips for a performance upgrade. I have a 98 Volvo S70 Turbo?
honda
03:25PM Thanks!
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:27PM matt, I'm not a big fan of performance chips, most seem to cause as many problems as add power. Since most are design to improve acceleration they tend to be tuned for wide open throttle and most people don't usually drive that way. I have even seen some chips cause cars to fail the Mass Inspection tests
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:28PM 91 Toyota send me an email at jpaul@aaasne.com and I will send you a helpful AAA booklet
91Toyota
03:28PM Hi..ToyotaCamry1991 about 95,000 miles (last tuneup at dealer in Sept. 2002) 1) Why do the brakes squeal? How do I know when they need new rotors? or calipers? 2) How do I know when car needs front wheel alignment? (I hit a pothole and blew a tire...but garage said alignment was ok...but it pulls to one side when I drive..but my husband says it's fine when he drives..) 3) What does it mean when the motor sounds like it's "knocking"? THANKS for all your help and advice.
91Toyota
03:28PM I would like a recommendation on what book or resource I should read so that I "can talk the mechanic's language"..so I don't get ripped off.
harveypen
03:28PM Age old question?? is it better to trade in a car with 75k miles(while it still has value) on it drive it into the ground??
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:30PM harveypen, You are very close to the point where it is best to hold on to it. If the rest of the car is in good shape why not hold on to it. If It is a car with a history of needing major transmission repairs like a chrysler minvan get rid of it now
JohnPaul (Moderator)
03:36PM Another Chat is about up. You can always send me an email at jpaul@aaasne.com and I would be happy to send you an answer. Or you can always listen to The Car Doctor radio program on Saturday from 9-11on wjda am1300 and wesx am1230
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