February 8, 2007
Q. While going down the highway at 70 mph, my 1990 Honda Accord switched into sport mode. I decreased my speed to around 55 to 60 mph and it stayed stuck that way for probably 5 minutes. Then the car kept switching back and forth between sport and the regular transmission mode. Prior to turning the car off when it was in park, I could hear a "clicking" noise between the gearshift and somewhere to the left of the steering wheel (I’m unsure if it's under the hood or in the dash). Is the car safe to drive and what is the problem?
A. The car is not going into high gear. The problem is most likely a failure of the transmission control module (computer). Replacing the computer with a used one from a salvage yard could save you a little money.
Q. I inherited an immaculate 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora. My problem is I get right sciatic pain whenever I drive. In my 40 years of driving (and driving many different cars), I have never experienced anything like this. I am fine when I get into the car and put it in drive, but within 10 minutes I have pain from my hip to behind my knee. I have put the seat in every position possible, tried sitting on pillows, and even bought one of those seat protectors with the little wooden balls – all to no avail. Needless to say this is very upsetting. This has been going on for five months and I am at my wits’ end. Can give me some good advice?
A. I also suffer from sciatica from time to time. The worst cars seats are the soft and luxurious ones. These typically don’t offer much support. I have found the best cure is a seat with plenty of lumbar support. You can purchase a lumbar support cushion or even have additional lumbar support added by an automotive upholstery shop.
Q. You have always helped me in the past, so I hope you can help me now. The doors on my 2002 Ford Ranger freeze in the winter, and I cannot always get them open. Somebody suggested that silicone paste would help. Do you have any other suggestions?
A. Silicone is the right idea, but use silicone spray (available in any hardware store). Dry off all the rubber door gaskets and liberally spray all the gasket and door surfaces with the silicone. The silicone will displace any moisture and prevent the door from freezing shut. You can also use the silicone in the door lock to prevent freezing. Depending on how much you wash your car, you may need to reapply the silicone every six weeks.
Q. I was having problems with my 2001 Chevy Impala. My security repair shop has figured out that the electrical problem I have had after replacing the battery is in the main body module. It was replaced with a used one. The car security system will not allow the car to be started. The mechanic has tried the key relearning procedure listed in the repair manual but that didn’t work and the car still won’t start. Any thoughts?
A. The replacement computer needs to be reprogrammed. This can generally only be done by a General Motors dealer or General Motors specialist.
Q. We have a Chevy Cavalier and the “check gauges” light comes on. It shows the radiator gauge is going up, does this usually mean you have a radiator leak? I have checked the fluid and it is low, but I have not seen any type of leak. What should I do?
A. Have the cooling system pressure checked. This will pinpoint any external leaks. If the radiator, hoses and water pump all check out OK, then suspect a possible cylinder head gasket leak.
Q. I e-mailed you a year ago when my 2006 Liberty only had about 800 miles on it. At the time I was very dissatisfied with the gas mileage as well as a possible slippage in the transmission. You told me to wait until I had about 5,000 miles to see if things improved. I have just hit 12,000 miles. The gas mileage remains the same at an average 15 mpg. The original sticker boasted 17 city and 21 highway. I feel that with the mostly highway driving I am doing (roughly 60 to 70 percent), at the very least I should be getting the 17 miles per gallon as an average. I am a very easy driver, I never make quick starts or stops, I’m never in four-wheel drive and I’m almost always at the speed limit. Now I’m noticing the transmission is starting to clunk and doesn’t seem to quite catch. Am I alone or is it the nature of this car? I don't want to get several years down the road and discover there was a transmission problem and that I wasted a lot of gas as well as frustration. I would greatly appreciate your input.
A. The engine certainly should have broken in by now. A quick check on the Internet indicates the average fuel economy for your vehicle should be about 18 miles per gallon. As for the transmission problem, there is a technical service bulletin that could apply. Have the dealer check bulletin number 21-007-06. This describes a delay shift engagement after the vehicle has been parked overnight.
