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Response on tires
DEAR BT:
I read with some interest the problems on the Monte Carlos with Goodyear tires. I have an 03 Windstar that came with factory Goodyears. At about 7000 miles I kept having them go out of round. Finally, Discount Tire service suggested that I buy Michelin.VOILA AT 65000 Miles I am still driving those tires and they look as if there is another 20K Miles.
I would suggest going to a reputable tire store, check the tires for roundness and see if they can stop the vibrations.
EE, Houston
A: DEAR EE:
First of all I want to thank you for taking the time and interest to write in and give the solution to a problem that you were experiencing with your tires/ride in order to possibly help out some of the readers out there that seem to be writing in lately with similar problems.
I will pass this info on as an option to those readers that seem to be boiling with rough ride frustration.
Thanks again for the assistance.
– BT
DEAR BT:
I Have a 1998 ford mustang coupe and Im trying to locate a window regulator for the drivers side window. And I am having a hard time finding one for my mustang they dont seem to exsist anywhere in Houston if there is anyway you might know of a place that might carry them or I can order one without it costing me a small fortune.I would appreciate it very much.
Thank you, Barbara B
A: DEAR BARBARA B:
Oh how many times in the past did I face the same issue you are facing while in need of parts for my rides until I discovered the Parts and Accessories section on eBay Motors. Back in the ole days you were faced with traipsing around your local junkyards all day long then pulling those parts and crossing your fingers to make sure that once you got them home and mounted them that they would actually do they were suppose to do…WORK
I just now did a search for you to see if there were any of these particular parts that you are in need of and I found several for about $50.00. You must get this problem fixed or how are you going to find it possible to pull up to the ATM and withdraw money for a shopping spree if you can not roll down your window! I hope I have been of the assistance that you need!
Thanks for writing in!
– BT
Jimmy starting problem
DEAR BT:
I HAVE A 1995 "JIMMY" LOW MI. IT ALWAYS STARTS VERY GOOD ON FIRST START. AFTER DRIVING LONG ENOUGH TO WARM UP THE ENGINE, IT HAS TO TURN OVER SEVERAL TIMES TO FIRE UP, AND SOMES TIMES SOUNDS LIKE IT'S HITTING ON ABOUT 4 CYC. AFTER TAKING HOLT AND STRIGHTING OUT IT RUNS FINE. IF I SHUT DOWN AND RESTART WITHIN A FEW MIN. IT STARTS FINE. ANY SUGGESTIONS.
I MIGHT ADD IT'S A "6" 4.2. I HAVE CHANGED FUEL FILTER, THE FUEL PRESS REG.[spider} VAC. LINE TO VAC. CANISTER. EACH TIME SEEMS TO HELP FOR AWHILE THEN BACK TO SAME PROBLEM.
THANKS , TOTO
A: DEAR TOTO:
My first gut feeling is that your spider is leaking fuel in the intake. You should have replaced the whole spider instead of just replacing the pressure regulator being as the spider leaking fuel in the intake is a very common problem in the Jimmy’s. I bet you have at least 120 on the clock “ODO” and it billows black smoke when you first start it. I know that you do not want to hear this but you should be able to get your upper intake and spider addressed and fixed for about $1000.00 for parts and labor.
I hope this alleviates your problem.
Thanks for writing in,
– BT
GMC fuel response
DEAR BT:
About a month ago, A.D. of Houston was having a problem with a 1998 GMC. It was hard to start, sluggish, missing, smelled of raw fuel (as opposed to cooked fuel?), and the check engine light was on. Quite frankly, I think you sent him down the wrong path when you told him to check the ignition switch.
The first step should have been to scan the computer and find out what trouble codes were making the check engine light come on. I have a feeling that would have shown a problem with the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor uses a thermistor which has high resistance when cold and low resistance when hot. High resistance tells the computer to put more fuel into the engine and can cause extreme flooding. A poor connection or an open circuit will give high resistance. Also, a bad sensor is a common problem with these vehicles. The auto parts stores keep them in stock. That should tell you something.
Don in Crosby, TX
A: DEAR DON:
If you are avid reader of my Q and A’s that are in the Sunday edition of The Houston Chronicle in the Auto section you are aware that I do suggest to a lot of people to go get their vehicle hooked up to the all mighty computer in order to determine which codes that are popping on and pointing to certain problems that are currently plaguing their vehicle.
I do however make it a policy of mine not to just tell everyone “go the the computer and thanks for writing in”. That would be a pretty boring Q and A column every week now wouldn’t it?
After reading A.D.’s problem I came to the conclusion to tell him to check the ignition switch hence my years of prior experience with the ignition switches being a common problem that display the particular symptoms that he was explaining to me.
It is sorta tricky for me sometimes to be 100% accurate diagnosing a problem from just someone explaining it to me in an email.
Week in and week out I do my best to assist and be as accurate as I can be via cyberspace while not being able to be under everyone’s hood to give a hands on answer to everyone’s problem.
Thanks for writing in.
– BT
GM TSB's
DEAR BT:
Is there a web site I can find these TSB's and print those? This dealer is reluctant to do anything. They would rather play dumb. Does GM pay or is it solely the dealer’s responsibility for TSB's?
Doug
A: DEAR DOUG:
Mechanics typically get their listing of TSB’s through companies such as Mitchell or Snap-on as they pay monthly to have access to these. The dealership should without any doubt tell you what TSB’s are going on with your make and model and cover the work under factor warranty if your car is still under the warranty!
Let me know what they say,
– BT
2000 Mazda 626
DEAR BT:
I am an owner of a Mazda 626. Year is 2000. I am having a coolant problem. The temperature gauge never gets hot. It is the normal range. After driving for about 15 - 20 minutes and stop, the coolant level rises in the reservoir. It rises and comes out of the reservoir tube. it spills out onto the ground. It also has some white foam on top of the liquid. Do you have any idea what could be going on.
June C. Elizondo
A: DEAR JUNE:
You need to have your car pressure tested to see if you have any leaks like an intake leak and determine if my thinking is correct by your ride having a blown head gasket hence the white cottage cheese foam you are laying your eyes upon. You could also possibly be having a thermostat issue. My best friend once had a Mazda 626 that was doing exactly what you are describing by having a blown head gasket and for about $500.00 later her car was like new again. I hope I have been able to give you some clues to what is ailing you and your car.
Thanks for writing in,
– BT
2000 Ford Contour
DEAR BT:
I have read your Q&A in the Houston Chronicle and I am very intrigued with your answers. I am not very mechanically inclined yet I know when there is something wrong with our vehicles. I have a 2000 Ford Contour that has already had the fuel line replaced twice and the fuel pump replaced once. About two months ago, I was headed home from Sugarland on Highway 90 and I pulled over to put gas in the car at a Shell. I filled up the tank and headed home on the Beltway. Right as I was getting off the beltway, I noticed that the car started to drag as I was slowing down off the exit ramp. I thought maybe that I accidentally moved the gear down but I hadn’t. As I started to go from the stop light, I felt the engine revving but the car didn’t seem to want to go. It moved very slowly so I thought it might be the transmission or simply the fuel pump again. As I got home, I put it in park and revved the engine. It seemed fine then but then the engine light came on. I took it to a mechanic and was told that it might have been bad gas and that I needed to change the spark plugs. My husband changed the plugs and then proceeded to detach the battery to reset the engine light. When they reconnected the battery, the light turned off but after a test drive, it came back on. Another mechanic told us it was the timing belt. It still ran for about another month tugging at times but it always turned on. After going to the Auto parts to get a part for our other vehicle, it died on my husband. It would not turn on anymore. He towed it to a mechanic nearby and was told that it was not only the timing belt but it was also bent valves. The cost for the repair would run us $1500. I have a mechanic friend and he said that the timing was off but how could we tell if the valves were bent if the motor/engine, had not been opened. He tried to crank the car but the engine would not turn over. Could this be the problem and can I get it fixed for less since I need it fixed but I don’t have the funds?
Thanks,
Pat
A: DEAR PAT:
Number one: The guy that said that you had gotten some bad gas needs to go back to school and I would have liked to have seen you keep your car at the mechanic that said it was your timing belt and to have let him fix it right then.
The best way to tell if your timing belt is broken is to pull the top cover off to see if the belt is broken off and this is actually pretty simple to do on the Contour.
The best way to tell if you have bent valves which is keeping your motor from turning over is to get ahold of the crank pulley to see if it will turn in one direction and not the other hence your belt being wadded up around the crank which is why it is not turning over. You will be able to tell the difference if you are hitting rubber verses metal when you are turning it. If you are hitting rubber it will feel a little cushy verses if you are hitting metal you will feel it being a little clankity and you will be able to actually hear it hit a valve, which means your valves are bent.
In your case I know you must be analyzing that old saying about throwing good money at bad but not knowing your whole financial situation it might be the only option you have is to fix your Contour and get it fixed right.
I wish I could wave a magic wand for you and fix this at no cost but you are definitely looking at about $500.00 for a whole timing belt kit if you did not bend any valves. I have seen a bunch of these motors “twin overhead cam engines” having the timing belt broke without bending any valves.
I would suggest finding a good shop to do this repair and not trying to do it on your own.
Thanks for the great question but sorry that you are having these problems. I have a great friend in Colorado that always reminds me when things seem gloomy that “this too shall pass” which it always does and things do get better.
– BT
2000 Mazda stereo removal
DEAR BT:
Attempting to remove factory installed stereo from a 2000 mazda protégé. Removed side panels with flathead screwdriver. Inserted din tools as advised din tools applied to left side you can feel the spring tension when you push outward. Right side you cannot. Din tools will go in to far on that side also. It is like it is not getting on the proper side of the clips. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much,
Pat
A: DEAR PAT:
You will need to take the din tool and slowly insert it in and move to the left then to the right until you can feel the spring you are trying to release. The screw has probably come hunkyjarred so be careful and slow with your process and you will find it…if all else fails use a blow torch!
Thanks for writing in.
– BT
2001 Avalon sputtering
DEAR BT:
I have a 2001 avalon when I crank up after driving the car sputters out it has 129k on it do I need to change the fuel filter I have a new oil change new air filter or adjust the idle on it my rpm is between 0-1 but not on 1 it is half way what can I do
jrutherford
A: DEAR JR:
Hello again,
Number 1: Your fuel filer should be replaced every 15 thousand miles in order to help out in keeping your fuel system and car healthy. If your check engine light is on I am guessing it is coming from your idle problem which makes me tend to think that your throttle body needs to be cleaned, mass air flow needs to be cleaned or you may have a vacuum leak. You need to give your car a gift of a complete tune up and this may tackle the symptoms of the spitting and sputtering you keep experiencing.
Note... your car should idle between 500-600 RPM’s
Thanks for writing in and trusting me with your issues.
– BT
2005 Jeep rare issues
DEAR BT:
Help! I purchased a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 in early 2006. I bought it as a certified Jeep pre-owned vehicle with the remaining factory warranty. It had around 27,000 miles when I bought it. I did lots of research before I bought the vehicle and felt confident buying used since it was from the dealership and certified. I also checked the Carfax report and showed no reports of damage on the vehicle. Here is the issue, the Jeep has had numerous problems. I am not sure if it is because of the fact that it
is the first year of this body style or because it was used. Here is what is going on:
The clock springs went out shortly after I brought the Jeep home. They were replaced under waranty. Then the starter went out, of course that was right after the waranty expired. We took it to the Jeep dealership and had a new starter put in. Then the water pump went out last month and had to be replaced. Finally, the driver's side door has some issues. It sounds like the window is not rolled up and wind is seeping in. Even though the window is all the way rolled up. I took it to the dealership and they replaced the door seal and resealed the windshield just in case. The problem still persists. If you visually inspect the door it looks like it is a quarter of an inch lower than the back door. My husband thinks this is the problem and it might be a wrecked vehicle. My question to you is, do you think this door problem is fixable? Should I take it to a body shop? Also, is this an outrageous number of issues we have had or are we just getting the kinks out of the vehicle and now it will be good for years. I really hope this is the case, I wanted a Jeep for years and was so excited about owning it. My husband is ready to give the Jeep away. . . .what is your opinion on buying used?
PS, I am a HUGE fan. I read you every single Sunday and love the column.
:)
Thanks so much!
Keri
A: DEAR KERI:
Hi!
Okay, first of all I am a huge fan of buying used and not buying brand new in order to let someone else eat up that brand new vehicle depreciation. I am also probably the biggest fan of Jeeps and have always gotten excellent life span out of all of my Jeeps.
The gap in the door that you are describing was caused more than likely from some sort of a fender bender to something a lot more extreme. When vehicles come off of the assembly line they come off of there without gaps or uneven seams, so yes... I would take it to a body shop and see what adjusting they can do in order to get that door/window issue corrected like it should be.
I personally would just agree that you have had a little bad luck and that your Jeep may be good to go now for years, I would also recommend in investing in an extended warranty on your Jeep to cover it up to 100k on the odo with a small deductible. Jeeps are built to last and built to outlast some of us!
Thanks for being a supporter and fan!
– BT
91 Chevy van fuel issue
DEAR BT:
I have a 1991 Chevy Custom Van, 5.7 V8, 125000 miies. It has started dying when the gas gauge drops below 1/2, usually at about 1/4. It starts right back up until I stop and it dies again. I know there can be a number of things (fuel filter, fuel pump, sending unit, etc.). My question is - how do I diagnose this? I don't want to take it to my mechanic and have him start changing parts till he hits on something that corrects the problem.
Thanks. I enjoy reading your column in the chronicle and your web site.
Charles Billingsley
A: DEAR CHARLES:
In order to determine if your van is losing fuel pressure you will need to put a fuel pressure gauge on your van by putting it in-place of your fuel filter and this is located under your driver’s seat.
Putting on a fuel pressure gauge yourself can be a pretty huge chore to tackle so you may just want to put some trust into your local mechanic and have him diagnose and repair your sweet van.
From what you are describing to me it does not sound like a fuel pump so you may have a crack in the sending unit or a hole in the pickup part of your sending unit.
If you are not losing fuel pressure then you do not even have a fuel issue and it could be a number of things at that point.
Thanks for writing in and the compliments on my writing and web site! Truly appreciate it!
– BT
95 Honda Civic cabin filter
DEAR BT:
I own a 1995 Honda Civic DX with 165,000 miles. Does this vehicle have an AC Cabin filter?? If it does, where is it located and how hard is it to change??
Keep up the great work!!
Andy- Houston, Texas
A: DEAR ANDY:
Hi Andy from Houston Texas... one of my favorite places in the whole world!
You in fact do not have a AC Cabin Filter, if you did it would not be too hard to switch out and would only take you about 30 minutes to do and about 20 bucks out of your pocket. In the future remember to always buy a good quality one to ensure it will last. Remember that ole saying ...you get what you pay for, well when it comes down to cabin air filters that saying is gospel!
Thanks for writing in and I hope this helps.
– BT
ES 350 oil change indicator
DEAR BT:
My Lexus ES 350 has an oil change indicator that comes on at 500 miles before the next oil change. It is a red triangle on the dash and is quite annoying. Is there some procedure to turn off this annoying light reminder.
Thanks
Gary Mauro
A: DEAR GARY:
Hi there!
You should be able to find out the exact process by reading your owners manual or calling your local Lexus dealer and ask a service tech pretty please to offer up to you that priceless info. There may also be a button on the dash that will help you out with your angst.
I had an old Chevy once that I could reset it by hitting the brake pedal 5 times…ahh the good ole days.
I am sorry I could not give you exact instructions but I do not have a manual in front of me.
– BT
06 Chevy Impala vibrating
DEAR BT:
Recently in the Houston Chronicle you answered a question from Steve concerning his '07 Monte Carlo LT. I am having the same problems with my '06 Impala LS. The tires are Good Year 16" Integrity's on factory steel rims with bolt on covers. I've had the tires rotated, balanced and pressure checked as required and the alignment seems fine. The car and tires have 18,000 miles.
Do you know of any tech bulletins concerning this model? My dealer says they do not know of any.
Suggestions please.
Thank you very much,
Doug
A: DEAR DOUG:
As far as TSB’s on your ride there are over 22 regarding corroding, tire warranty and tire pressure. Your car is still under factory warranty so why is the dealer not waiting on you hand and foot to make sure this gets handled and makes you content and happy? Like I told Steve I would recommend asking your local Chevy dealership to replace your shock absorbers and struts to see if this fixes your vibration and re-balance your tires. Have the service manager take your car around the block and even on the freeway so he can duplicate and experience what you are living with day in and day out. It is their responsibility to make your car right, and they are more than aware of this issue that Chevy is having with the Monte Carlo’s and Impala’s
I hope this helps out,
– BT
1994 Park Avenue tail light warning
DEAR BT:
I have a 1994 Park Avenue. Above the rear view mirror is a Lamp Monitor system and the "tail light" light warning is on. I inspected the rear tail lights, the brake lights, and turn signals. All the lights are working. One idea I had was to remove the bulb in the Lamp Monitor, but I thought that there may be a "real" problem and I should fix it. Do you have any ideas of what it could be. It's a great old car that's very comfy and gets great MPG (27-29 at 65mph) and carries 6 people with luggage. With only 80K miles. Keep writing your advice it's great.
B Tatum
A: DEAR B TATUM:
Hi there,
I would first of all check to see if your high mount brake light is out. Most of us tend to forget to check this exact one being as it is the one that tends to make that annoying little light on your dash illuminate with every bit of annoyance in this world. You should be able to master this task in about 5 minutes and only set you back about 5 dollars.
Please let me know if this was your culprit.
Thanks for writing in,
– BT
1998 Explorer intake gaskets
DEAR BT:
I have a 1998 Ford Explorer 2 WD with a 4.0 liter V-6 Engine, OHV, Fuel Injection plus auto-trans.
The check engine light came on at 64,000 miles. The mechanic checked everything out and said the intake gaskets were leaking. I did not replace them as he didn’t seem too sure. At 84,000 miles, the check engine light came on and I could hear an air whistle. I took it to a Ford dealer and they said the two upper intake gaskets were leaking. The dealer did the repair job and it worked well except for some hesitation or bucking at stop and starts. It was also bucking and hesitating at 64,000 miles. The check engine light came on at 88,000 miles four months later. I took it in to another Ford dealer and they said the two upper intake gaskets were leaking again. They repaired it at no cost but now it hesitates at stop and starts and bucks. The engine light has just come on again four months later at 91,000. It is whistling air again and also accelerates faster.
Can you help me understand the problem so that I can get the dealer to repair it permanently? I understand that there have been complaints about the problem previously but I didn’t get to read them. Are there any Ford repair bulletins on this? What is going to be the ultimate fix, other than get rid of the vehicle?
Please publish your answer on your web site and would you kindly send me an E-mail?
Lois
A: DEAR LOIS:
What you have been forced to live with on a daily basis is a very common problem that Ford is very aware of. If you replace the intake this should save you the constant repair of the gaskets that without any doubt is plaguing you.
The only TSB bulletin is regarding the gaskets leaking so if you find the right parts house that carries Dorman you should be able to get the intake for less then you probably spend on your cable bill every month. You will have a very hard time getting Ford to step up, take responsibility and assist in this repair so why not replace the intake then sell the vehicle and get a jeep! Sorry, I just had to throw that in there. I really believe that once you replace the intake you will be good to go for a while. There is a huge benefit to your bank account by having a vehicle that is paid for like I am sure your Explorer is!
I hope this helps and thanks for the question.
– BT
2002 Explorer bad brakes
DEAR BT:
Barbara, we had our brakes repaired on our 2002 ford exployer , but the brakes scare us, sometimes they will not stop the car, the peddle goes to the floor, then sometimes they seem to be fine.
Hi there,
More than likely you had your brake pads changed but did not have them check the condition of your master cylinder. From what you are describing to me it sounds like your culprit is the master cylinder. Take a gander at the back of your master cylinder to see if it is oozing any fluid, if in fact it is then you have found your problem. I would suggest getting this looked at ASAP being as your braking system is in charge of the safety measure when it comes down to stopping your vehicle.
Thanks for writing in,
– BT
Honda tune-up and cost
DEAR BT:
I am mechanically blonde, deaf and dumb ~~:o)
Barbara ~ what does a "tune up" entail? Should it cost $330. anywhere, or just at the dealership? I live in North Carolina and it's got about 67,000 miles on it.
Thanks for any info,
Cyndi Hill
A: DEAR CYNDI:
First of all I give you huge kudos for recognizing that a tune up is an essential part to keeping your cars health up to par!
When you take your car in for a tune-up you can expect them to put in new spark plugs and spark plug wires, replace any worn out belts and or hoses, give it an oil change and new oil filter, switch out the filthy air filter for a new shiny one, adjust your valves and your timing if necessary, replace your fuel filter, add water to your battery if need be and clean your battery posts if corroded, check all your fluid levels and replenish them or flush and replace if necessary.
Proper maintenance of your vehicle is a must to promote longevity and performance; our cars are typically the second largest thing that we invest in so you NEED to protect that investment! Have a tune-up performed on your car approximately every 2 years or every 30 thousand miles, whichever comes first.
As far as cost goes…if you take your car to the dealer expect to pay anywhere from $250.00 to $400.00 but I recommend taking it to your trusted local mechanic because he will do just as good of a job and only charge you about $150.00.
When my friends and I go out we call it getting Texas dolled up, so make sure to have your cars engine also Texas dolled up, or in your case North Carolina Southern Belle dolled up!
Thanks for the blonde, brunette or auburn question.
– BT
Chevy Blazer poor gas milage
DEAR BT:
I have a 2000 Chevy Blazer, 2 door, six cylinder. My gas mileage in town is 14 to 15 miles per gallon, highway 17. My husband drives a 2000 Ford Explorer, 4 door, six cylinder. He gets 17 miles per gallon in town and 20 highway. This is driving me crazy, why does he get better gas mileage when his vehicles is bigger and heavier than mine. I have tried gas additives, changing my driving habits, and talking to our mechanic, to no avail.
Jo Ann
A: DEAR JO ANN:
I do feel your and your bank accounts pain on constantly being drained by poor gas mileage. It will be a day to remember when we can count on the gas mileage being accurate that is promised from the manufacturers.
You can try gas saving tips such as:
Remove any and all excessive weight out of your Chevy
Discontinue excessive idling, such as sitting in traffic, sitting in your driveway as you impatiently await your kids to get their garb together and come jump in your vehicle
Ride your car on the proper air pressure in your tires
Get routine tune-ups
Use the right grade of oil
I hope by utilizing these tips you see an increase in gas mileage and more money in your back pocket to enjoy those blue light specials at Kmart.
Thanks for writing in,
– BT
2 Ford questions
DEAR BT:
Barbara - First, 2000 windstar, dash lights; ABS light, brake light, check engine, etc. come on periodically. the ABS light has been on for sometime now. others go off but then come back on days later. Now the drivers side window is starting to work only spordically. Obviously an electrical problem but the dealer cannot seem to analyze properly or fix.
#2, 2003 Tribute. had brake pads changed at around 40k miles. dealer changed the rotors cuz they saw a problem and it was warranty work. Since then (several months now) I've had a whining sound at speed. once I hit 40 mph it starts and gets progressively louder. And my mileage is only about 17 - 18 mpg. Dealer can't find anything wrong. If the brakes were dragging wouldn't it pull to one side or the other? hands off the wheel, it stays straight on the road.
What do you think of these two issues?
thanks,
KM
A: DEAR KM:
Hi there,
Okay let’s start with your first question regarding your Ford Windstar. You need to wiggle your window switch in different directions to see if your window works after this. If it does this means you need a new switch, if this does not work you need hit on the inside of your door in order to see if this makes you window work. If the process of hitting on your door panel makes your window work you will need to invest in a new window motor/regulator.
Now on to the Tribute:
Yes, you are correct if your bakes were dragging you would feel your Tribute pull left or right and if your calipers were grabbing you would feel shaking in the front end when you apply brake pressure. You might want to check your tires to see if there is an issue with one or more of them that is creating the whining that you are experiencing.
Thanks for 2 questions in one email…that is a first and I like it!
– BT
1993 Lexus SC 400 door panel
DEAR BT:
hi barbara I have 93 sc 400 with a jamed door I need to know how do I take the door panel off? So I can fix handle.
A: Hi there:
You first have to get the window regulator out in order to get the door panel off. Remove the inside of the door handle bezel using a tapered screw driver, carefully pry up in a forward fashion in the power window switch assembly to release the retaining clip. Pull the switch panel forward, unplug it and remove the switch. Remove 2 caps and 8 retaining screws and then you should be able to remove your almighty door trim panel.
Let me know if you were able to get this little door problem fixed and beware of not getting addicted to self car repair!
– BT
1995 Taurus temp sensor location
DEAR BT:
Can you help telling me how to locate the temp sensor in my 95 ford taurus? The needle runs hot after about 10 mins. I don't know if it's the sensor, thermostat or something else. There is no leak of any kind whatsover. Of course money is an issue which is why I need your help. I tried searching the web for pictorials but couln't find one.
thanks,
nelson
A: DEAR NELSON:
In order to check the temperature sensor you will need to locate the thermostat housing under the hood and that is where it will be. There are going to be 2 switches there, the single wire is for the gauge and the 2 wire is for the fan. The way to test the gauge is to unplug it and it should go all the way to cold and then when you touch the metal connector to the engine block the temperature gauge should go all the way to hot.
Thanks for writing in, I hope that I have helped out with keeping you and your Taurus cool during this hot Texas summer! Let me know if I can be of any further assistance!
– BT
1998 Lincoln Mark VIII suspension
DEAR BT:
I have a 98 Mark VIII that has been a great car. At 80K miles, the check air suspension signal comes on at highway speeds. I can drive it all day around town and no signal. I can stop turn it off and restart. The car raises back up and the signal goes off. Two mechanics say it is not the air bags. They did not have software to communicate with the suspension. Help!
A: Hi there:
I think the question should be: How many Lincolns that are around that do not have some sort of Suspension quirk?
I am being a little sarcastic because it never has failed no matter how many Lincolns that I bought for my mom everyone of them ended up having some sorta suspension issue.
You need to take it your to the Lincoln dealer and specifically ask then to scan this air ride issue. It could be the sensors in the air bags, the vent valve or many other issues. So it is well worth paying for the scan to determine what the problem is to fix it asap in order to prevent any further damage.
Thanks for the question.
– BT
1998 Sierra hard start
DEAR BT:
Help me please!!!
I own a 1998 GMC Sierra Pickup with a Vortec V-8 engine. The problem that I am having is that the engine is hard to start and when it does, there is the smell of raw fuel, the engine is sluggish and it misses and the check engine light is on. I have had the spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, oxygen sensors, fuel pump, fuel filter, muffler and catalytic converter changed. But, the problem persists. Please help.
AD, Houston
A: DEAR AD:
I want you to try this method of madness:
Try to crank your vehicle for 2 seconds and let off key then repeat this process…if your truck starts faster with this method you have a bad ignition switch. This proves you are getting power everywhere else but to the coil, meaning you have fuel but no spark. Bottom line…replace your ignition switch in order to relive your angst!
Thanks for the question.
– BT
2000 Dodge 1500 poor gas milage
DEAR BT:
Hi, I have a 2000 Dodge 1500 pickup with a 5.9 engine, and it gets very poor gas mileage. I put new spark plugs & wires & air filter in it but still no change . The fuel filter is in the tank and it is costly to change . Iam a old school mech. for 43 years and not use to computer controled and fuel injected engines . Do you have any suggestions? If you do please let me know .
Thanks,
Ray Walker
A: DEAR RAY:
I would check to see if any of your fuel injectors are leaking and if so replace them and this will defiantly help your gas mileage other than that I really do not know what else to tell you other than you are not going to see any better gas mileage out of your 5.9 Dodge.
One of my brothers has this exact truck and he constantly drains his bank account and will until he buys something with a smaller more fuel efficient engine. The only positive is that you are getting better gas mileage than you would if you had a Dodge V10…sorry, I just had to put that in here.
I wish that I could be of more assistance in approving your poor gas mileage and keep a little more dough in your back pocket!
– BT
2007 Monte Carlo
DEAR BT:
Just purchased a 2007 Chevy Monte carlo LT. Problem is that driving it home at highway speeds , it felt as if I was driving over a washboard. I thought that the the tires were over inflated, but they were not. The car transmits every bit of road uneveness/bumps back to the cabin. Chevy said is was due to the 17 inch tires(goodyear LS-2). I then test drove the 2008 Impala LT with the same tires and the ride was considerably smoother. My car has 2300 miles on it . Any Suggestions would be appreciated.
Steve
A: DEAR STEVE:
FYI, there are over 14 TSB’s under “wheels and tires” regarding your sweet 2007 Monte Carlo. You need to take your Monte Carlo in to your local Chevy dealer because they are more than aware of this issue you are having and demand satisfaction! Tell them to start by replacing the shock absorbers and struts to see if this fixes your vibration, re-balance your tires, and possibly try a set of 16’s instead of the 17’s on your car. Your car is under warranty so tell the service manager to drive it around the block in order to experience the chaos and you expect them to fix it and make it right!
As a huge lifelong fan of Goodyear Tires I am not focusing on the tires raising all the heck that you are experiencing with the ride in your Monte Carlo.
Thanks for writing in!
– BT
Jag lifespan
DEAR BT:
howdy,
I have a question on the average life span of a well cared for 97 jag J6. how long should i keep this car??????
A: Hi there:
There is a butt for every seat when it comes to our choices in what we drive.
Peace of mind is what we gather when we have a comfort level with our cars and you seem to have that with your Jag. I do drive newer cars but I also have older ones that I am not at the least bit hesitant taking on a long road trip or even trusting enough to put my mom into them on the road trips that she takes from time to time.
I always make the suggestion of retiring that ole piece of metal when more things are going wrong with it than right. If you have maintained your car by doing the small repairs to the larger ones that have been required and at some times necessary what is wrong with keeping it.
To make the proper decision as to whether your car should be repaired or replaced you must weigh out several factors.
First you should have a good idea what your car is worth. Secondly you need to understand what needs to be repaired on you car and what it will cost to complete the repair.
It may be a wiser financial choice to repair it even when you have had it in the repair shop recently for other repairs than to call bob’s tow truck service and haul it off to the car graveyard. Also, being as your Jag is over 4 years old more than likely it is paid for so you do not have to send in those stout monthly payments to a financial institution making them even richer than they already are.
But then again if you choose to fix it make sure the repair is done right so you will be assured that your car will get you from point A to point B without any major catastrophes. Do not just have a mechanic put a band-aid on the repair in order to jick it up enough to last a short period of time. So, you ask yourself…what is wrong with fixing that ole piece of metal that you have a familiarity with and that love affair that the 2 of you have shared for years?
Well, you remember the old saying “throwing good money after bad”, well this pertains to car repairs also,
For instance, let’s say your glorious piece of metal has a shot tranny. Is the new transmission going to cost more than the value of your car? And does your mechanic foresee any additional major repairs in the near future? Once a car gets to the point where it is going to be needing several major repairs and all of the little components are going out on it also you might want to think about throwing in the towel and retiring the ole beast or donate it to a good cause.
I hope this helps and thanks for the question.
– BT
Landcruiser fuel issue
DEAR BT:
I was wondering if you could give some advice, I am having a problem with my toyota landcruisers fuel sysytem and what i mean by that, is that for some odd reason the EFI 15 amp fuse keeps on getting blown and as a result the truck cuts off and when it does and i try restart it wont start, it sounds like it wants to restart but at the same time it sounds like its chocked and i do not smell any gas. The only way it starts momentarily its when i replace the EFI 15 amp fuse but it blows within 3 to 5 minutes so its clear that i have a short somewhere??? i just dont know where its coming from some one said it may be the fuel pump..... i dont know please help!! Thanks!
regards,
Edgar
A: DEAR EDGAR:
Hi,
You need to grab a book associated with your 1995 Toyota Land cruiser that will contain a wiring diagram in order to help you locate the wire off of the fuse panel that is blown and find out what all this particular wire is feeding. It sounds like to me that it is the wire that is rubbing underneath your air breather and if it is you need to replace and or repair it.
I hope I have been of the assistance you are in need of for your frustration.
BT
– BT
5.0 Mustang
DEAR BT:
I hope this is the correct address to contact you
regarding an auto question. Well here goes. I have
recently been interested in the hardtop Mustang 5.0L
cars that ended with the 1993 body style. I was
interested in a std shift, and the last yr's model (1993).
Do you have any pros or cons on this auto and a viable
way of searching for one (tried ebay motors from your
suggestion on Maxim Sirius Radio but no luck). Have
you heard of Pro-Team in the mid west? They have
warehouses of collectables.
Let me know when you get a chance.
Thanks in advance.
Yours truly,
Peter Hogan
A: DEAR PETER:
Hello there!
Wow, It looks like you sent this to me about 2 weeks ago and I just received it via a fwd? Anyway… it is here, here I am, and here goes! You are totally talking my language with the 5.0. I have always said that it is one of the most exhilarating long lasting motors on the market, well of course behind my all time favorite which is the 4.0, straight-6 by Jeep. I just searched ebaymotors.com and came across a vast selection of your dream machine. The only con that I would have is obtaining one that has obviously not been kept up bumper to bumper, in and out. I just found a 1991 Nissan 300ZX on eBay Motors and I swear it has to be the most pristine in existence. One of the main reasons I decided to grab it was that it was a one owner car and was treated like a baby from day one. I occasionally will take on a project to restore a classic and sometimes those projects resemble the movie “The Money Pit with Tom Hanks”. Basically I am all about your interest in finding that 1993 5.0 Stang but just make sure that it is in good enough shape that you will not eventually start kicking it while throwing wrenches everywhere venting your frustration.
Find one that you can spend more time enjoying it then working on it.
I have not heard of Pro-Team but I do know for a fact that you will be able to save more moolah if you get it from eBay Motors. JD Powers and Associates just released a recent survey that consumers feel that they save approximately $1800.00 when getting a car online, and I personally can vouch for that!
I appreciate you writing in and good luck!
– BT
Jeep washer reservoir
DEAR BT:
My wife has a 2002 jeep grand cheerokee and recently the washer container started leaking ; can I replace it myself and is it a big deal ?
Hi there!
I do love Jeeps! The answer to your question is yes! The part should not set you back any more than about $75.00 and can be picked up at most Auto Parts Stores or you can sit in the comfort of your own home and grab it off of eBay Motors Parts and Accessories. To replace the part it should not take you anymore time than approximately 30 minutes to switch out the old with the new. You might need to think about setting some time aside pretty soon if you plan on being able to see out of that dirty windshield full of splattered on bugs!
Thanks for the super question,
– BT
1987 Toyota
DEAR BT:
hi barb, if u could help me i-would be a friend for life. i have a 1987 toyota 4wd 4cyl fuel inj turbo pick up and if u step on the gas pedal it dies right then and i have the mass air flow sensor unpluged and if u plug it in it dies right then as well, but it idles ok. i tried a new fuel pump; it didnt help, and i cant figure it out.
thanks,
Jerry
A: DEAR JERRY:
Hi!
Sounds like to me that the culprit is your mass air flow sensor.
Toyota built these trucks to out last most of us humans but occasionally a part does go a-rye.
Thanks for writing in with such a great question and I hope now I am a friend of yours for life.
– BT
2003 Sierra Beam shake
DEAR BT:
I have a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup with a Vortec 5300
V8 engine. It is 2 wheel drive, 4 door vehicle. Currently it has 77,000
miles on it. From the time that I purchased the vehicle, it had a
slight bounce to the ride. A new set of tires were installed within two
months, and then one of those tires was replaced. The selling dealer
said there was nothing they could find wrong and that a pickup was a
rougher riding vehicle. I began using an independent automotive shop. We have put two sets of tires on the pickup, replaced the shocks, aligned the truck, balanced and rotated tires, and checked all of the front end, all to no avail. The set of tires on the truck now have been on for a month and are a softer tire than the previous set, but the problem is worse.
The bounce begins at about 42-45 mph. My wife has had back surgery and basically is no longer able to ride in the truck.
I visited with a service manager at a GM dealer and as I was describing the problem he started telling me what the truck was doing and what I had tried. He said it was "beam shake" and not to put anymore money in trying to fix it. It is only on trucks like mine and that GM was trying to resolve the problem that they suspect is due to motor mount supports but had not come up with a solution.
I called customer servive in Detroit. The representative was not aware of such a problem but called me back a few days later and confirmed that there is a "beam shake" problem and that the engineers were trying to come up with a solution, but could give no timeframe as to solving the problem.
Have you heard of the problem or do have a remedy?
Thanks and I enjoy your column in the Chronicle.
Karl
A: DEAR Karl:
After reading just a couple of the first sentences to your question I was leaning towards motor mounts but as I read on I quickly said to myself…Ummm yeah, I have heard of this complaint a few times and you need to demand a repair and or a replacement of your Sierra. You paid for a truck that is supposed to drive, handle and ride in a certain manner and yours does not. I would send a certified letter to GM giving them a deadline and if this gets you nowhere you then need to hire an attorney to see what progress he or she can achieve. Do not roll over on this and forget about it. You are and have been inconvenienced now by the fact that your wife cannot even ride in the truck anymore. You can also sick the Houston Better Business Bureau on GM to see where they can get!
Thanks for writing in and enjoying my Q and A in the Sunday edition of The Houston Chronicle!
– BT
2003 Trailblazer gas tank
DEAR BT:
Good morning. I have a 2003 Trailblazer and this morning the as hand was reading under a 1/4 tank and the digital readout read 52 miles. I stopped to fill up and the tank was full. Can you tell me
what is causing this problem. My fear is that someone put water in my tank. Any ideas will be helpful.
Thanks.
MN
A: DEAR MN:
Wow, does this sound very familiar. I have been in your shoes a couple of times in the past and I will point my finger in the direction of the sending unit that is located inside your gas/fuel tank. After digging through a ton of TSB’s “Technical Service Bulletins” my gut feeling has to be right. Be prepared if you are in need of a new sending unit your mechanic will also have to replace the fuel pump, all of this really should not set you back anymore than $700.00.
Having water in your fuel tank would not give you the symptoms that you are experiencing.
Thanks for the question and I hope I have been able to help out!
– BT
85 Ford F150
DEAR BT:
I have a 1985 Ford F150 4X4 with a 300 6 cylinder engine. Last night after about 2 miles from home the engine just started to lose power until I got down into 1st gear to get it off the road. After a minute or so wondering what happened I opened the hood to look.The exhaust manifold was glowing a BRIGHT CHERRY RED!!The cooling system was fine.I thought maybe the catalytic converter was clogged so I cut the exaust between the catalytic converter and the down pipe/restarted the truck and it is still as if something is blocked in the exhaust and still no power on acceleration.What could be the problem???
PLEASE HELP!!!
Thank you in advance.
Robert Minney
A: DEAR ROBERT:
Hi Robert
Sounds like to me that you and your sweet ride are experiencing a fuel issue by running out of fuel and running lean. You will need to check your fuel filter and fuel pump and you may have even fried and melted your catalytic converter. You may also have done some damage to your engine by getting your engine so hot and damaging your pistons. I would first start with a compression test and if you find that you have good compression then you may be able to get back up to par with a fuel filter and fuel pump replacement!
I hope that I have been of some HELP!
– BT
Sad Infinity story
DEAR BT:
You might remember printing my message and your response a few weeks ago. It was about my stick Infiniti G20 with 151K miles. You agreed with me that it had a lot of miles left and I should keep it. Well, neither of us anticipated the driver who thought I was turning into the parking lot she was leaving. I was unable to avoid her. She got the ticket but I lost a car.
You can imagine how heartbroken I was when her insurance company refused to consider repairing it. So, I now drive a 2007 Acura TSX - with automatic. It's a great car and hopefully someday soon I'll appreciate it. For now, my left foot and I miss the G20.
Thanks for your quick, thought-out response to my first message
Terry Wizig
A: DEAR TERRY:
Hi there Terry!
I opened up your email and immediately felt your pain. I am so sorry to hear this but you did good with your recent choice of your new 4 tire partner. The end of any love affair is always such a difficult thing to deal with and can usually take up to a year to get over.
I wish I could say that I have not felt such pain but I have. Even though you feel and have to deal with the pain it is better to have loved and lost then not have had any at all!
What did you do with the ole piece of metal and components? I once parked mine in the garage and didn’t part with it for about 2 years, it seemed to help being able to stare at it on occasion. I still resent my lead foot for causing that accident that forced me to retire my ole beauty.
Email me when your new Acura needs help!
Smiles
BT
– BT
Mazda Protege advise
DEAR BT:
I am turning my beloved Mazda Protégé 5 over to my 21 year old daughter because I love her too.
I have been to 2 local repair shops, Jiffy and STS. One recommending fuel injector replacement, another a cleanout. What is the life span on fuel injectors? Also, why would I want an engine flush?
2003 with 60k
Julia Peterson
A: DEAR JULIA:
The life span on your fuel injectors in your Mazda Protégé typically will be around 80 to 100k. You should not be looking at a clean yet until around 20 to 40k more miles with no problem. And regarding the engine flush, you should be good to go until your car reaches 80k on the clock “odo”!
Thanks for writing in.
BT
– BT
Locating Buick door panel screws
DEAR BT:
How do u remove the passenger rear door panel on a 2000 Buick LaSabre,my neighboor couldnt locate any screws to remove it.
A: Well hello there!:
I totally understand how frustrating this can be. Sometimes while staring at certain things to do with your car it looks like it should be so easy to figure them out. In order for you to pop off the door panel you will need to insert a screw driver behind the door handle Bezel and gently remove the bezel.
Then look down into the bezel opening in the door trim panel and if you see a spring clip you will need a special tool to release the fastener. If this is the case I would suggest taking it to your Buick dealer. However if you do not see the spring then there should be a screw behind the bezel and you will be able to get the door panel off after unscrewing the screw. Very important to
make sure you carefully pop out the wood grain panel in order to keep it in one piece.
Thanks for the great question!
– BT
Hyundai fuel issue
DEAR BT:
First of all let me tell you I enjoy your information sharing. I have a 2001 Hyundai XG300 and what is occurring is that when we go to fuel it up, it acts as though it's full of gas. The pump clicks as it normally would when your tank is full. The problem is that it will take about .25 of a gallom at a time and then I hve to remove the nozzle from the tank and let it breath for about 2 seconds. As you can guess it takes 15-20 mintes to fill up the car. It's gotten to where the gas starts coming back out if I'm not careful and that creates a saftey / fire hazard if it spills. Can you give me an idea of what to do to resolve it. I've checked the tank neck openeing and it appears it has a box with some kind of valve in it and charcol filter as well. Very confused and concerned on how to resolve this issue.
Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.
Rene Benavides
A: DEAR RENE:
Hi Rene
The gas tank has to come out being as you probably have a stopped up vent. I would drive your Hyundai around until it is basically out of gas then drop the tank. It is a lot easier to do this task with little gas in the tank and a lot safer than if the tank has mass amounts of gas in it. The problem is going to be in the vent tube that lets the air out not the tube that lets the fuel into the tank. I would however suggest to you to take it into the dealer or a trusted mechanic because this is not the easiest task to perform in your driveway on a Saturday afternoon!
Thanks for enjoying my column in The Sunday Edition of The Houston Chronicle Auto Section because I love writing it!
– BT
Buick power window follow up and response
DEAR BT:
In your column on July 1, a reader complained that the power window mechanisms fail far more frequently on LeSabres 2000 and later than on LeSabres from the 1990's. He said that the original equipment fails and the replacement equipment fails again in 2 to 4 years.
You said that the difficulty is a combination of steel cables and plastic. Did you mean that this difficulty is for 2000 and later LeSabres, or for power windows for cars in general?
I have a 2002 LeSabre that has had to have the mechanisms replaced on all four windows.
Ron McCain
A: DEAR RON:
Hi Ron!
Unfortunately it is petty much all power windows in general since 1998 and up. I guess it may just be a way for the Auto Manufacturers to make a little bit more dough!
Thanks for writing in!
– BT
92 Lexus screeching
DEAR BT:
My daughter has a 1992 Lexus. It is making a screeching sound upon acceleration and braking. Help!!
Debbie
A: DEAR DEBBIE:
I would first say that it sounds like it is your alternator belt but that would only be screeching while accelerating and not braking. I would have a mechanic check out your motor mounts.
I hope this alleviates your screeching under your hood that is making your head screech!
– BT
Montero smoking
DEAR BT:
i have a 1999 mitsubishi montero sport xls with a 3.5 liter v6 engine the problem is the engine smokes out the exhaust pipe (blue oil smoke) when you sit and idle like waiting in lne at burger king waiting to get your order this is the only time it smokes is when you let it sit and idle it dosen"t smoke when you crank it in the morning, or when your driving it down the road, it had 54,000 miles on it when i bought it the oil has been changed faithfully every 3,000 to 3500 miles i am an advid do it yourselfer type of guy the only thing major done to this vehicle was a timing belt and timing belt pulley's change i also do some mechanic work just my own vehicles. The vehicle has 133,000 miles on it now ,the spark plugs or the spark plug wires,or the fuel filter has not been changed,no sensors of any kind has been changed,it uses about 1 quart of oil between changes. The timing belt change was done at a bout 90,000 miles but the smoking problem did not start then ,it occured at about 95 to 100,000 miles the vehicle does not run nor does it idle rough not even when the smoke starts coming out the tail pipe. After it starts smoking from letting it sit and idle when you start down the road the smoke clears up and it dosen't smoke any more till you let it sit and idle again. It normally has to sit and idle at least 5 minutes or so before it begins smoking and it will continue to smoke until you get back out on the road again,then it will clear up again. The pvc valves have not been changed but i checked them and they still rattle [does that mean they are still good.] If it were the valve stem seals it would smoke when cranked in the morning,dut it dosen't,so i've kind of ruled that out is there any sensor that could be letting some oil slip past it when you let the vehicle sit and idle could there be a problem with an intake gasket letting oil come into the intake when idling . Any information,suggestions something i can do or try would be very appreciative. Hope i have given you enough information so you can troubleshoot this for me
Tommy Sellers
A: DEAR TOMMY:
Hi Tommy
When your Montero is idling while waiting for your favorite number 3 from that fast food joint the motor is running slower than if you were cruising at 80 on the freeway. When it runs slow like this it makes your valves wobble in the guide which in addition makes the seal oblong and not seal around your stem. This then causes oil to run down the valve stem into the cylinder. I could tell you some pretty good news by saying that you may just need a valve job but with as many miles as you have on your Montero you should be looking at investing in a whole spanking new motor.
Thanks for writing in!
– BT
Mazda 626 coolant problem
DEAR BT:
My daughter's '96 Mazda 626 is still smelling funny (like burning
coolant) a week after I added almost 2 qts. of coolant/water(50/50).
It has a little 1/4 in. Di. runoff tube/hose which vents off the
coolant resevoir cap. The tube is only about 6-8 in long and I found
it running straight down at the side of the engine block where if &
when it does vent it seems dangerously close to several belts & their
pulleys. There appeared to have some white-ish residue under the
tube. Is this the way it's supposed to be? I'm not much of a typical
car guy, (tho back in the 70s and early 80s I learned tune up basics
etc. & even how to do a good valve adjustment (because my brother-in-
law was in town to teach me). I stopped learning & doing when
computers took over...
So how about that little tube?
Jonathan in Chico
A: DEAR JONATHAN:
Hi Jonathan
I would have your radiator cap pressure tested to make sure that it is not leaking and running out the overflow tube ”your 6 inch long tube” you will also need to have a block test done on engine being as it sounds like to me that you have a head gasket issue hence the whitish residue that you are describing which could also be described as a cottage cheese type substance. This happens when your car overheats and the fluid/coolant from your radiator/cooling system mixes with your oil.
Thanks for writing in!
– BT
Buick ignition problem
DEAR BT:
I don't know if this is where I am supposed to go to ask a question, however, I am sure you will forward this to the correct place for me.
My question is about my ignition key. Everytime I turn the engine off in my 1999 Buick Regal LS the key gets stuck and will not come out of the ignition. I have found that by putting the end of a pen into a hole under the ignition releases something inside the ignition and releases the key. I do not wish to have to do this every time I turn the car off. There has got to be something I am doing wrong that the ignition key will not come out of the ignition like normal.. The key has a chip on it, as most keys do today and I don't believe that is the problem. Can you advise me and help me with this. I have just purchased the car but am at my wits end with this problem. I do hope you know how to solve this for me. Thank you and I await your response and help.
A: Hi there:
Sounds like to me that you are in need of a new key cylinder. Key cylinders can go bad for many reasons and one of them being a ton of weight like extra keys on your key chain. I would first try and take your vin number or of course your car to your local Buick Dealer and get them to cut you a new key.
I hope this helps out!
– BT
Grand Am bolt pattern
DEAR BT:
Hello I had a set of rims and tires given to me off of a 2002 grand am gt and I would like to put them on my 1998 grand am gt the bolt pattern is a bit larger on the new ones though. Is their a way to modify my grand am so that I can put them on? Any help would be great if you could e-mail me back here thanks.
Mark
A: DEAR MARK:
Hi Mark.
I am sure there is a conversion kit out there in order to make them fit. A tire and wheel shop will be more than happy to hook you up.
Good luck!
Thanks for writing in!
– BT
Jeep ABS light
DEAR BT:
I replaced my brake booster with a NAPA rebuilt part and did the fluid bleeding. Could you please tell me why the ABS light comes on in my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 when I make a right curve turn. No problem on left curve turn. Also, I feel the brake pedal jiggle when applying the brakes (medium hard) on a right turn but no jiggle when braking on left turn.
Thanks in advance
A: Hi there:
I love assisting with an issue to do with one of my favorite vehicles…Jeep!
You need to first take it into the Jeep dealer or your trusted local mechanic in order to have it hooked up to see which codes are being displayed. I would really have to drive your Jeep in order to diagnose your brake pedal issue.
You may be dealing with an unsafe issue here so the quicker that you can get it into your dealer the better!
I would be intrigued to know what your Jeep dealer says your troubling/interesting problem is that is plaguing you and you Jeep!
Thanks for writing in!
– BT
04 Suburban transmission
DEAR BT:
My 2004 Chevy Surburban (80K miles) will not go forward after in "D" gear.
I have to put it in 2nd gear; start slowly, then move it to "D" after getting up to 30 -40 miles per hour.
There were NO warnings. I had absolutely no problems/warnings before last Saturday.
I went to the store; came back out, and put it in "D" and it would not move.
I put it in 3rd, nothing. I put it in 2nd; it moved.
Mechanic wants to rebuild transmission.
I'm skeptical. What do you think???
Please help!
Dinah
A: DEAR DINAH:
I would first suggest if you have not already to check and make sure that you have transmission fluid in your tranny. If you have a leak and have lost it all then you will have a hard time shifting into the gears. From what you are describing to me it sounds like you will need to invest in a new or rebuilt transmission. You mention that you had absolutely no warning before all of this happened but your tranny may have been “slipping” and you just not know what to look for or not know the feeling of “slipping” when it was going on.
And even if you would have had some warnings that you were familiar with or aware of, a transmission is not something that you can quickly fix once the gears start grinding up inside the casing.
I would also suggest getting a second opinion by taking it directly to a shop that will do the work right there like a transmission shop. A lot of shops send work out to another shop then tack on extra money that you end up paying out of your pocket.
I wish I had better news for you but I have personally been in your place so many times before by needing that good ole tranny to get me down the road.
Thanks for writing in!
– BT
Water in the gas tank
DEAR BT:
While filling up my truck with gas yesterday, I got a phone call and was distracted. When the tank was full, I got my receipt, got into the truck and drove away. About a half mile down the road, I looked out the side mirror and noticed the gas cap hanging on the plastic cord and the door cap to the gas entry wide open. I am concerned as it was raining, only mildly. It was more of a moderate shower. I drive a 2007 Expedition with only 7,200 miles and I am concerned that there may ultimately be some damage because of the water that may (or may not) have gotten into the gas tank. I pulled over and put the cap back on and closed the door. By the time I closed everything up, it has already stopped raining.
Should I be concerned? Is there anything I should do now to see if there may be a problem later? I feel awfully stupid, but that’s probably not the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.
Thanks for your assistance. I really enjoy your column and am certainly impressed with your knowledge!
Mike
A: DEAR MIKE:
It was obviously only a small amount of water that got into your gas tank. If by chance you are experiencing your Expedition spitting and sputtering I would suggest getting your mechanic to flush your tank or you could put a can of “dry gas” into your tank to let this product remove whatever water that did get into your tank.
I would be more concerned if it were your Jack and Coke that got watered down by the rain getting into it.
Do not let it worry you I sorta figure that we have all done something very similar if not worse!
Thanks for writing in and the support.
– BT
99 Regal climate control
DEAR BT:
I have a 1999 buick regal with dual climate control. The outside temperature reading shows a temp. which is sometimes 35 to 40 degrees lower than outside temp. . So like today it is 96 and the temperature reading is 50, . Can I reset this or purchase a part to fix this problem? All other items on the control work properly.
Keith - Middlesex, NC
A: DEAR KEITH:
You need to get the ambient temperature sensor replaced because this can also affect the temperature inside your car. Really all you are looking at here is a bad sensor and actually the repair could possibly be done if you want to get your hands a little dirty on a Saturday afternoon. The part you will be looking to replace should not cost anymore than $40.00 and it is located right behind your grill piece mounted to your radiator air baffle. If you do decide to replace this on your own please make sure that you do it first thing in the morning or when you have allowed your car to totally cool off unless you want to have permanent burns on your hands reminding you of your talented skills that day when you replaced your ambient temp sensor!
This should get your temperature back to where it needs to be!
Thanks
– BT
THANK YOU SO MUCH . It works . I am not a mechanic as you know,You just don't know how much I have screwed around trying to find the problem whether it was tracing wires or searching the Internet, and people heard me hollering in tongues in the yard.
Thank you for taking the time to help me.
Keith Cone Middlesex NC-
93 Infiniti interior
DEAR BT:
I just read your response to the reader that had the 1993 Infiniti G20 with 151,000 miles. That caused me to think of my elderly mother's 1992 G20 with 40,000 miles (yes, indeed, she is a little old lady that drives very infrequently). Her car is mechanically sound, however there is an issue with the interior. The plastic (?) interior that covers the middle part of the dash and the gear shift compartment is deteriorating. When leaning ones leg against the area (a normal resting place for the driver or passenger ) it leaves a sticky brown (the color of the plastic) residue on what ever touches it. Her car is parked in an uncovered parking lot, so it is constantly subjected to the Texas heat in the summer.
Short of selling the car, what do you suggest to address this problem?
Thanks.
Greg Moore - Houston, TX
A: DEAR GREG:
Wow, a 1992 Infiniti model with only 40k on the clock! The undying Texas heat can beat through that windshield and of course melt anything in its site and do damage. It sounds like to me the part that you are in need of is the “Interior Dash Trim Kit” .You can go to eBay Motors Parts and Accessories and you will find that part in order to replace it on your own for about $40.00 or you can without an doubt take it into your dealer or local mechanic and he or she can order that part and do the dirty work for you by replacing it. In the future invest in a shade that can be placed on the underbelly part of your windshield in the interior of your car to prevent any further Texas melting of plastic/rubber components. I mean who wants to walk around town with brown sticky substance on their limbs?
Thanks for writing in.
– BT
03 Focus rims
DEAR BT:
I own a 2003 Ford Focus with after market rims. I am thinking about switching these wheels to the other Focus I own. Of course, when the wheels were first installed, they had to also place hubrings in order to make them fit. Can the rims be switched to the other car using the same hub rings, considering both cars have the same specifications, or should I get new hubrings?
Thanks a lot.
Utahraptor.
Utahraptor
A: DEAR UTAHRAPTOR:
Yes you should be able to swap from one vehicle to another if it has the same application and bolt pattern with no problem whatsoever.
Thanks for writing in!
– BT
89 Seville cooling fan
DEAR BT:
Cadillac 89 Seville what is the cause of heater cooling fans running constantly?
Thanks,
Tom
A: DEAR TOM:
It sounds like to me the problem is basically that your relay on your fan motor is sticking. The ECM gives the relay the signal to turn the fan on if the relay is not sticking it will go off when you turn your key off. If your key is on and the fans are running it could be a coolant temperature sensor.
Thanks for the great question.
– BT
99 Ranger fuel economy
DEAR BT:
1999 ranger V6 auto new tune up plugs wires erg valve and erg position sensor now no check engine lite or any thing on computer check i only get 14 mpg what else could be wrong engine does not smoke any color runs good approx 70,000 miles on engine. thank you,
john
A: DEAR JOHN:
With a full tune up in order to achieve the best gas mileage possible you should start by installing a new air filter or in some cases filters; change the oil and oil filter, replace the fuel filter, check the timing, check the condition of the belts and hoses and replace if need be, check all fluids and replenish, adjust the valves if need be, check the condition of the distributor cap and rotor and replace if need be, with a manual transmission adjust the clutch, service your battery, and install new plugs and wires.
In addition to all of these items you need to make sure that you have the proper air pressure in all 4 tires, take the excessive thousand lbs out of the bed of your truck that you tote around, make sure that you are using the right grade of oil and avoid any excessive idling while waiting in line at your favorite fast food drive through.
The TSB pertaining to your Ford fuel economy simply states that after all of the customers that complained to Ford about not getting the suggested miles per gallon Ford does not guarantee the exact MPG that they state that your Ford Ranger should be getting.
You are one of a ton of customers that are angry with the lack of gas mileage/poor gas mileage in their Ford Ranger. Sorry that I can not wave a magic wand in order to help you achieve that gas mileage that you really should be getting.
I hope this helps out.
– BT
01 Avalon check engine light
DEAR BT:
MY wife's 2001 avalon has the check engine light stays on and the fuel cap is not loose, how can I check this myself?
A:
Hi,
The fuel cap does not necessarily have to be loose in order to make the check engine light go on. You can take it to your Avalon to your local Auto Zone and they will hook it up for you and diagnose it in order to get the code that is making your check engine light illuminate. This way you can get to the bottom of the problem and get it fixed so you can be problemless!
Thanks for writing in.
– BT
High Octane Advantage
DEAR BT:
My wife wants use super grade gas because of high octane number. But the car manual recommends regular unlead gas.
Otherthan cost much more, any disadvantage of using super grade? engin timing off, any mechanical damages to the car?? any??
Are there any advantages of using super grades?? more better mileage?? longer life of engine??
Please help.
Thanks,
Choi
A: DEAR CHOI:
I hope you will not get angry with me but I do agree with your wife and her way of thinking! By using a higher grade gasoline you will achieve better gas mileage, your engine will last longer and you will experience better performance while driving. Your car is typically the second largest thing that you will invest in and you want to protect that investment as much as you can. Imagine your car as you would your body, you want to get regular check ups and use the best quality products as possible.
Thanks for writing in.
– BT
02 Silverado overheating
DEAR BT:
You may remember the following I sent a while back. The estate finally settled, and I now own the Caddy. I will soon list it on EBay motors as you suggested. In the mean time, I am putting the word out locally. If, by rare chance, you (or anyone you know in the automotive circles) have an interest, please let me know! I really do want it to go to an owner that will appreciate this one-of-a-kind fine ride. I am asking $14,500. Thanks again for the earlier response, and keep up the good work. Gene Harrington
Gene Harrington
A: DEAR GENE:
Hi again,
Your best bet without a doubt in order to get a worldwide audience it to list it on eBay Motors. Make sure to take about 20 close-up photos and then spend approximately 10 minutes to get the listing up and going. If you need any assistance with listing it let me know, I would be more than happy to help out! I would also put an ad in my favorite newspaper The Houston Chronicle because you may find someone locally that would give their hind teeth to have this rare find of a car!
Thanks for writing in again!
– BT
02 Silverado overheating
DEAR BT:
hi i have a 2002 chevrolet sliverado 4.8 liter it has a 3 inch lift on it
and the bottom fan shroud is not on and it has a big slice on the top fan shrod cut out to fit for the air in take tube that is stock, the problem is when im sitting in traffic at a long light the truck will over heat with the a/c on. it does not overheat when it's off.
i was told that the fan shroud should be put back on,and i was told this would not matter.
i changed out the thermostat and had the cooling system flushed this did not help.
what can cause this problem?
thanks
William Jackson
A: DEAR WILLIAM:
The car manufacturers make their makes and models with certain specs of aerodynamics. When you jack your truck up with lifts and alter the design that first came off of the assembly line you will more than likely have issues like you are experiencing.
The best advice I can give you is that you need to get the shroud back on and as quick as possible to keep your Silverado from overheating. It needs to be built up enough to the center of the radiator as much as you can, or build a tunnel like you would see in a Dodge truck/V6
To get a visual of how your shroud needs to be built take a gander at the Dodge V6, you might want to even think about buying a Dodge shroud for your truck.
Thanks for the question!
– BT
Top Tier Gas
DEAR BT:
May I assume that top grade fuel from Chevron, Texaco, Shell, Mobil etc qualify as Top Tier gasolines?
Like your ideas about fuel although contrary to my 2007 Lincoln owners book..
W E Murrell
A: DEAR W E:
When I mention Top Tier Gasoline I absolutely mean the Top Tier that is sold at all of your above mentioned Gas stations. Your owner’s manual probably does not mention Top Tier specifically but you can not go wrong by using it. Top Tier does not only keep that sludge/carbon deposits from building up in your fuel system but it can actually clean off those deposits that have been left on there by lower quality gasoline.
Thanks for writing in!
– BT
Towing an 07 Tahoe
DEAR BT:
I want to tow my new 2007 4WD chev. tahoe behind a new diesel pusher motor home. No one has been able to tell me how to do this without recording miles on my Tahoe or how to correctly connect the brakes. One mechanic said I could pull a master electrical fuse out thus disabling the computer on the Tahoe. Another mechanic said to just turn the key to start and then off one knoch so the front wheels would turn. I am amazed that I cannot get what I think is a good answer. Can you help?
Thanks
Clarence Lacy – Houston, Tx.
A: DEAR CLARENCE:
You should be able to locate a quick connect at your local motor home facility that you can put onto your drive shaft to disengage your drive shaft so to not show any mileage or hurt your tranny. You may need to have it installed on both drive shafts being |
