June 16, 2006
Q. My 2000 Grand Marquis GS suddenly lost electrical power and would not turn on. I tried jumping and it starts, but as soon as I hit the brakes or turn on the lights the car shuts off and loses all electrical power. The alternator and battery were replaced six months ago. The alternator was checked and found to be OK. Any suggestions on what this could be?
A. The problem sounds related to the battery and charging system. The battery needs to be fully charged and the charging system rechecked. If the alternator was removed from the car and “bench” tested and found to be OK, look for a wiring or fusible link problem that is affecting the electrical system.
Q. I saw on Boston.com that you have a list of engines that will become damaged if the timing belt breaks. I have two vehicles that I’d like to inquire about: a V-6 engine in a 1989 Toyota SR5 pickup and a V-6 engine in a 2000 Toyota PreRunner.
A. Your two Toyota trucks use very different engine designs. The 1989 Toyota uses a 3.0-liter engine with a rubber timing belt. If the belt breaks on this model, there shouldn’t be any engine damage. In fact, the manufacturer does not have a specific interval to change the timing belt. If the belt has never been changed on this model, my suggestion is to replace it as a preventive measure to avoid a breakdown. The newer truck uses a 2.7-liter V-6 engine with timing chains and for all practical purposes doesn’t require maintenance.
Q. My bride is interested in the Chrysler 300. I have located two: One of the models has a 4-speed transmission and the other has a 5-speed. Why the difference in transmission for the same year model and horsepower? Do you have any further information on these vehicles to help me make an informed decision?
A. According to Chrysler, early production models were equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission and later production models use a five-speed automatic transmission. The five-speed transmission feels a bit smoother and a bit quieter. Before you purchase the Chrysler 300 have your wife spend a fair amount of time behind the wheel. Some drivers are bothered by the short windshield and limited visibility. The other issue is this is a rear-wheel-drive car (all-wheel drive is an option) and performs best in winter with snow tires.
Q. My 1995 Ford Probe, with a four-cylinder engine, has been having some problems. When I drive it and accelerate in first gear, the engine speed will hang up in the 2,000 to 3,000 rpm range. Other times, it drops down to 650 rpm’s and runs normally. What should I be looking for?
A. I would start with a check of the basics. Look at the throttle cable for signs of binding or wear. Then look at the throttle body for carbon buildup. The throttle body on these models needs to be spotlessly clean to perform correctly.
Q. When driving home in my 2000 Buick Century at about 60 mph, the car’s dash lights came. First, the traction warning light came on, then “service engine soon” light, and then the engine died. If I try to start the car I get nothing, but the radio still works. What could be wrong?
A. It sounds like your car ran out of electricity. The alternator may have failed and was unable to keep the battery charged. Eventually the battery discharged to a point where the electrical system could no longer continue to function and keep the engine running. Have the battery, alternator and electrical system checked for problems.
