September 13, 2007
Q. Following a recent oil change that included flushing the brake fluid, my wife and I started noticing a grinding/thumping noise. This happens when the car starts off in the morning after backing out of the driveway. If you turn the car off and on and try again, the noise does not happen. Does this sound like the antilock braking system self-test and possibly we just did not notice it before?
A. Many cars that are equipped with antilock brakes will go through a self-test when first started. It is interesting to note that both you and your wife have just started to notice the noise after the recent service. I would return the car to the garage that performed the brake-fluid flush and have them inspect the car for a problem.
Q. If the timing belt on my 2003 Mazda Tribute breaks, will the engine will be damaged? I just ruined the engine on a 1999 Subaru Forester due to a timing belt that broke while I was driving the car.
A. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine on the Mazda Tribute requires a timing belt change at 90,000 miles. According to Mazda, if the timing belt fails the engine will not be damaged. But, the truck will stop running and will need to be towed in for service. If your Tribute is equipped with the 3.0-liter V-6 engine, this engine design uses a timing chain and doesn’t require any routine maintenance.
Q. I just replaced the rear brakes on my 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. After sitting for a period of time, the brake pedal drops enough for the brake lights to come on. The brakes are working OK. Can you give me some advice?
A. The problem may actually be a defective brake light switch. Many Jettas have had faulty brake light switches that would either cause the brake lights to stay on or not work. Call Volkswagen customer service at (800) 822-8987, the repair should be covered at no charge.
Q. I recently ran out of gas in my Nissan Sentra. I was able to get help and put a little gas in and get the car started. However, when I was able to put another five gallons in, it wouldn’t start. The engine will try and turn over, shaking, but it won't start. What could be the problem?
A. For a gasoline engine to run, it needs fuel and an ignition source. You need to start by checking the fuel pressure, ignition system, engine timing and compression. It could be as simple as the fuel filter having become clogged when the engine ran out of gas.
Q. My 2007 Saturn Sky has a problem with the convertible top. Over time, the top has become difficult to fold and stow. Now I’m starting to notice a wear spot on both sides of the top. It hasn’t worn through yet, but I’m getting nervous. What should I do?
A. There has been a problem with the convertible top mechanism on the Saturn Sky. Part of the mechanism — a ball-socket joint — wears or breaks completely. This condition was addressed in a technical service bulletin 06-08-67-017B. Although the bulletin doesn’t address the top wear, it sounds like they could be both related.
