October 25,2007
Q. I own a 2002 Volvo and had the oil changed recently by a quick oil change place. The problem is they can't turn off the maintenance reminder light. Do I need to return to the Volvo dealer to get this done?
A. The service reminder indicator informs the driver it is time for the car to be serviced. The text message is displayed for 120 seconds each time the ignition is switched on. You can reset this light yourself but you do need to follow these directions exactly. Proceed as follows: Turn the ignition switch to position I. Press and hold in the reset button for the trip odometer. Now turn the ignition switch to position II (this must be done within two seconds). Hold the reset button for the trip meter pressed in until the original value has been reset. The reminder should be reset.
Q. I drive a 2005 Lexus and would like to know how to remove red soda stains from my gray carpet.
A. Whenever in doubt about cleaning your car, it is best to consult a professional detailing shop. At these "clean-up" shops, they have all the chemicals and soaps to safely clean your car inside and out. If you do want to try it yourself, use a commercially available home carpet cleaner. Before you attempt the stain, try the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first to check for color fastness of the carpet.
Q. I have a 2000 Dodge Caravan and the airbag light stays on. Since I have noticed this problem, the horn won't work either. What's wrong?
A. Many Chrysler vehicles, including your minivan, have a part in the airbag system called a clockspring that fails prematurely. It also affects the horn. Since this is potentially a safety-related issue, Chrysler did issue a recall. Call Chrysler customer assistance at (800) 853-1403 for more information.
Q. My 2000 Toyota Tundra has a "check engine" light on. It was diagnosed with an idle control valve problem. At start-up the truck idles just a little slow, but with a touch of the gas pedal all is well. How important is getting this repaired now? The cost from Toyota is $500.
Mark
A. The idle air control valve is a fairly common issue with some Toyota products. It sticks in cold weather and causes a hard starting problem. In some cases, it can be cleaned, and in other cases it needs to be replaced. AllData, the database I use, lists the part at $259.87, plus an additional one and a half hours to perform the repair.
Q. With fall here and winter around the corner, what is your opinion about storing lawn mowers and other garden equipment?
A. How much effort you want to put in now will determine how much effort it will take in the spring to get things going. At minimum, you should lubricate all the moving parts, wheels, levers and cables. Clean any buildup of dirt and debris. Drain the oil and refill with fresh oil and change any filters. When it comes to the fuel system, most small engine manufacturers recommend one of two storage techniques. In the first method, drain all the gas from the tank and let the engine run out of gas. The second method involves adding gasoline stabilizer (my choice). Once the stabilizer is added to the gas, let the engine run for a few minutes to ensure the stabilized fuel has passed through the carburetor. Many small engine technicians will also remove the spark plug, add about a teaspoon of clean oil and turn the engine over to lubricate the inner workings of the engine. Replace the spark plug with a new one. Following these tips should help ensure your equipment runs properly in the spring. Don't forget about gas in any gas cans; this should also be treated or put to a good use. Over time it will become stale and cause hard starting.
