Q. I just purchased a 2003 Ford Escape and noticed a weird squeak. When I'm driving slow, going over bumps, the doors make noise. Now I'm concerned the truck has been in an accident. I have looked closely at the paint and the door gaps, and everything looks good. Should I be concerned?
A. I wouldn't be too concerned. Ford issued a technical service bulletin that addresses this issue. There is an updated door seal that runs above the door gasket. The part is a shedlip seal, and it should be available at any Ford dealer.
Q. I just purchased a new Ford F 150 pickup truck and have seen your positive comments about synthetic oil. How long should I wait until I switch over to synthetic oil?
A. Normally, I recommend waiting until the second oil change, but your truck uses synthetic blend oil. I can't see any problem with switching to full synthetic oil on the first oil change; just make sure the oil meets or exceeds the Ford specification.
Q. My car vibrates at slow speeds and other times at higher speeds. I have had the tires balanced and it didn't seem to make much difference. This all seemed to happen after I had a flat tire plugged. Could that be the problem?
A. Although I don't recommend plugging tires (I prefer a combination plug and patch), I don't think the plug is the problem. The tire could have internal damage that was not noticed when it was repaired or it could have water in it. Some compressors pump extraordinary amounts of water with the air. If this tire has just a couple of ounces of water in it, that could be the cause of your car's vibration. Have the tire removed from the wheel, inspected and properly repaired.
Q. I own a Ford Crown Victoria. I love the car, but lately the leather covering on the steering wheel has been loose. I'm considering just covering the wheel with a "lace-up" cover; is there something else I can try?
A. This is a fairly common problem with many Ford products. Before installing a cover, try gluing the leather covering back on. Use a gel-type adhesive, fold the leather out of the way, apply the glue, and then re-install the leather covering.
Q. My 1997 Pontiac has an intermittent starting problem. Sometimes when I turn the key, the car starts; other times, nothing. I don't even get a click. If I wait a few minutes, sometimes it will start right up. This is my car and my wife drives it sometimes and she has never had the problem. Am I jinxed?
A. No, I don't think you are jinxed; it may be as simple as the ignition key you are using is worn. You car, like many General Motors vehicles, uses an anti-theft system called Pass-Lock. If the key is worn, it won't make sufficient contact with the ignition lock. Try using your wife's key for a while. If this solves the problem, all you need to do is replace the key.
