April 19, 2007
Q. For the past six months the battery in my 2004 Acura MDX dies for no apparent reason. Never in my driveway, but always after I have driven somewhere and want to go home. One time the battery died at the gas station. I turned my car off to get gas and then it would not start again! I have had it back to the dealer and they say everything is fine. This is very frustrating, help!
A. I am not aware of any particular starting problem with this model or its twin the Honda Pilot. At this point I would start with the basics, testing the battery all of the associated wiring, the ignition system as well as any anti-theft devices.
Q. I have a 2005 9-3 Saab Linear (purchased new). In the winter of 2005, I had the front and rear brake pads replaced because the brakes squealed as loud as an MBTA bus during the cold weather. Despite replacement of the brakes, they are squealing again in cold weather, especially when I am making a sharp left turn at a low speed. Do I again need all brakes replaced? Is this a common problem w/ the 2005 Saabs? I had a 1998 Saab 900 prior to this car and never experienced such a problem w/ the brakes. What should I do?
A. Brake noise is generally caused by the brake pads moving or vibrating very slightly. The brake pads and their associated hardware should be inspected. The second issue is that in the last decade or so brake manufacturers have completely moved away from asbestos brake pads. Asbestos worked well as a brake component but has serious health implications. Since this switch to a safer material brake noise has become more of a problem. At this point I would return to the dealer and see if there is an alternative brake pad available.
Q. I have a 1998 Audi A4. This past month I have had trouble filling it with gas. I can only get it to take about a quarter of a gallon of gas at a time before the pump sensor stops it as if it was full. It takes a very long time just to get a $20.00 worth of gas in the tank. What should I be looking for to fix this problem?
A. Look at the vent hose on the side of the fuel tank as well as the “roll-over” or gravity valve. One or both of these could cause slow fueling.
Q. I'm an overall satisfied owner of a used 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis
Ultimate Edition. I bought the car last May, with approximately 20,000 miles, it now has 24,000. My concern is that I get horribly bad gas mileage, 8 or 9 MPG. It's true that most of my driving is in the city, and I do have a trunk full of stuff, perhaps 80 lbs, plus a full size spare. Is this in your opinion, normal? If not, what might I be able to economically do to increase these numbers? Incidentally, if I take a longer trip, of say 100 miles, and travel at 55 MPH, I can achieve somewhere in the vicinity of 22-23 MPG. What should I do?
A. I agree that eight or nine miles per gallon is terrible. Ideally I would expect to see 12-14 miles per gallon around town. Since the highway mileage is about right this rules out typical mechanical problems such as engine misfire, fuel issues and general engine problems. I would want to look at items such as dragging brakes and transmission shifting.. The other thing I would look at is your own driving style. Easy on the gas and brakes will maximize your fuel economy. Try to make a game out of improving your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Q. During the cold spell last month, the driver's side door stopped opening, along with the power windows on my 1990 Acura Integra. With the warmer weather, the windows now work but not the door. I cannot take the interior door panel off to fix the window since it is held on by screws accessible only when the door is open. Looking at the locking mechanism for the passenger side door, I think the latch may be accessible by drilling a hole into the driver's side door panel. Do you have any other suggestions?
A. A locksmith may be able to manipulate the latch mechanism with a tool similar to those used to unlock a car with the keys locked in. The other option is a body shop, whose technicians run into these problems from time to time.
Q. Will stability control stop someone from swerving to avoid a child or accident?
A. Stability control and anti-lock brakes will help control a skid, but may not prevent a crash. Keep in mind Newton’s first law of physics. An object in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by another force. Although these electronic advancements are very helpful and may get you out of trouble, you can’t overcome basic physics.
