April 5, 2007
Q. Recently, while driving my 1991 Honda Accord, my speedometer temporarily stopped working. The car ran fine and everything else worked. A few miles later, the speedometer started to work and the “check engine” light came on. I do a fair amount of work on my car, but can’t figure out how to test this. I was told there is no on-board diagnostics. What does a do-it-yourselfer do?
A. Your car uses an electronic speedometer drive and no speedometer cable. As for doing your own repairs, I would start with a good repair manual. This manual will give you the specifics on how to troubleshoot the “check engine” light. Your car does allow some basic diagnostics. Below the right side of the dash is a “service check” connector. Jumping this connector will cause the “check engine” light to flash a code. Although this is not as good as a computer scan tool, the code should help you pinpoint the problem.
Q. I have 1999 VW Golf with 113,000 miles. At about 90,000 miles, the car’s gas mileage decreased three to five miles per gallon. The car suddenly seemed sluggish. I noticed that although the car shifted fine, the transmission did not seem to coast freely. I figured the lack of coasting would be responsible for my loss of gas mileage. Would this be a likely cause? Is the problem from my transmission or can it be fixed elsewhere?
A. Start with a basic inspection of the car. Look at the brakes first: It is possible one wheel is dragging. Then have a transmission shop check the transmission. It is possible the transmission is not shifting into overdrive or the torque converter is malfunctioning.
Q. My 1997 Ford Taurus recently has had problems starting. After I turn the ignition, it takes 20 to 30 seconds before it starts. I’m concerned it won't start at all very soon. What should I do?
A. Have a repair shop perform a diagnostic inspection, which should focus on the fuel system and other engine controls. The Ford Taurus has been known to have problems with the idle air control motor as well as the fuel pump. This is just two of many possibilities. You should leave the car with a quality repair shop overnight so they can experience the problem.
Q. Every morning when I get into my car, the clock displays the wrong time and the radio doesn’t work. I have checked the fuse. Is this a battery problem?
A. In most cars, the clock and radio have two sources of power. One fuse supplies power to the components and the second supplies power to keep the memory of those components. The vehicle’s owner’s manual should help you identify the correct fuse.
Q. I took my truck to a well-known repair shop for service. They had the truck for the day and did an engine tune-up. The truck seems to run a bit better, but it still has a starting problem. I am very disappointed. What should I do?
A. In all but very few cases, a tuneup doesn’t fix anything. Tuneups are performed as preventive maintenance. I think your truck didn’t get repaired because of a communication problem. I would return to the shop and explain the truck’s starting problem in detail. Giving the repair shop as much information as possible will get your truck repaired.
Q. I am considering the purchase of a hybrid SUV. I am looking at the Toyota Highlander and the Lexus RX400h. Can you please tell me the key differences in performance and comfort between these two hybrid models? Is the Lexus worth the extra money?
A. The hybrid drive train components are essentially the same and return the same EPA mileage. The bigger question is, would you prefer to drive a Lexus or Toyota? If you are looking for a bit more comfort, a quieter ride, premium creature comforts and the prestige that comes with driving a luxury vehicle, then the Lexus is the clear choice. If you are looking for an environmentally responsible mid-sized SUV, either is a good choice.
