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Front Page
Mechanic Doesn't Like 'Cheap Gas'
DEAR CAR CLINIC: Many moons ago a master mechanic advised me, "Never put cheap gas in your car." He meant only use name brands such as Texaco or Chevron.
(April 7)
Transmission Coming to End of Its Life
DEAR CAR CLINIC: I have a 1990 Plymouth Sundance with 135,000 miles. I feel a slight hesitation when I press on the gas and hear a groaning noise when putting the car into Drive. Also there's an engine vibration when stopped at a light and I smell an odor if the car stays running in Park for too long.
(February 17)
Shouldn't Idling Volvo Stay Put?
DEAR CAR CLINIC: I recently acquired a 1987 Volvo. According to the local "expert," the idle cannot be reduced to the point where the car will not creep along in Reverse or Drive modes.
(February 10)
Van's Noise Could Be Transmission
DEAR CAR CLINIC: I have a 1995 Ford Aerostar XLT minivan. It makes a clunking sound at times from underneath the van, and when I brake there is a vibrating feeling like when you drive over a cattle grate.
(February 3)
Headlight Glitch May Be Heat-Related
DEAR CAR CLINIC:The headlights in my Chevy S-10 truck are not switching over to full-beam lights in the morning when I first start up.
(January 27)
Bad Mounts Could Cause Gear Change
DEAR CAR CLINIC: I have a 1994 Ford Escort that slips into "false neutral" between 1st and 2nd gear only when turning left under acceleration. It is fine going straight or turning right. I had the transmission fluid changed, and now it seems to be worse. Any ideas?
(January 20)
Replacing Boot Avoids Costly Repairs Later
I have a 1983 Pontiac LE 6000 in good condition. When I had an emissions test recently I was told I needed a new "boot" on the right front wheel.
(December 30)
Truck Goes Through Modules
A friend of mine owns a 1989 Chevy pickup with a 454-cubic-inch V-8. My friend is on his fourth ignition module. He gets about 150 to 200 starts, then they quit.
(December 23)
Instrument Panel Repair Is Expensive
I have a 1993 Lexus ES 300 with 62,000 miles. Everything works fine except the instrument panel. (November 25)
Documenting Noise Helps Locate Cause
I have a 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis LS with 90,000 miles. Recently, when I brake or turn a corner I get a squeal. My brakes supposedly were checked and all is OK. What could be the problem and is it dangerous to drive the car. (October 28)
Computer Error May Cause Stalling Car
I have a 1996 Mercury Villager I bought new. On two occasions on the interstate with cruise control on the engine has died at about 70 mph. Both times the speedometer needle pegged at the top of the gauge. (July 28)
Blower Stalls the Engine
Why would an engine stall while idling if the air conditioner or heater blower is running? How much brake wear would be expected on a car with less than 36,000 miles? What's the key to restarting a 21-year-old car when the engine's particularly warm? (April 1)
Let Pros Convert A/C
Converting an air-conditioning system is not as simple as kits in auto-parts stores would have you believe. (March 25)
A Remote Question
Can two different vehicles run on one power-lock remote? What does the "service engine soon" indicator mean? How difficult will a seal-replacement be to stop a leak? (March 18, 2000)
Lower Octane OK in N.M.
What level of octane does a vehicle really need? Are mechanics being up front about a $1,500 service they're recommending? Will a new security battery affect a vehicle's current security system? (Month 11, 2000)
Where Has Coolant Gone?
If missing coolant isn't ending up on the ground, then where is it going? Why would an engine consistently cut out around a particular highway speed? (Jan. 29, 2000)
Overflow While Fueling
Why is a fuel tank overflowing before the owner thinks it's full? Is a transmission giving the driver a swift "kick" after long drives trying to send a message? Why won't a car start on cold mornings? (Jan. 22, 2000)
Burning Oil (Dec. 18)
Why is a car that was blowing white smoke now emitting blue smoke? How come a car is overheating at stop lights but running at a normal temperature while rolling? How can idling at 1,800-2,000 rpm be adjusted down? (Dec. 18, 1999)
Lemon Law Qualifier?
Can a year-old pickup fixed under warranty six times qualify for the Lemon Law? How come a car will start cold, but not re-start after it's warm. (Dec. 11, 1999)
Synethic Oil
Could a synthetic motor oil have led to a seized engine? Why has a small pickup gone downhill since a blow head gasket was repaired? (Nov. 27, 1999)
Stalling on Turns
Why would a car stall, then revive itself, on slow turns? What does one do with a speedometer that sticks at 15 mph? (Nov. 13, 1999)
Lug Nut Trouble
How come lug nuts are always stripped during tire work on one vehicle? How come repeated computer problems while driving don't appear on a mechanic's diagnostic tests? (Nov. 6, 1999)
Blown Piston: Who's to Blame?
Where's the responsibility for a blown piston the day after an oil change? How come an engine that sputters in hot weather seems perfect when analyzed by mechanics' computers? (Oct. 23, 1999)
Stalling in the Cold
Why would a vehicle start easily in cold weather, but then stall when put into gear? How is it a car with alternator problems only runs without stalling when the air conditioner is on? (Sept. 4, 1999)
Two Dead Batteries
Why is a car killing new batteries if it sits for a couple days? Why would a 4x4 make thumping noises at low speeds? (Aug. 28, 1999)
A/C: Burning Rubber?
How can the smell of burning rubber come through the vents of a car with a heater and air conditioner running properly? What's the best strategy with an intermittent oil leak? (Aug. 14, 1999)
Fuel Mileage Dropping
What's causing a vehicle's fuel mileage to drop so significantly? Why would a service indicator only come on at night? (Aug. 7, 1999)
Worn Tires
Can a luxury car's soft ride contribute to extra wear and tear on its tires? Why is an anti-lock braking system starting and stopping on its own? (July 31, 1999)
Home Remedy Stops Working
Why would disconnecting and reconnecting a battery help a stalled car start, and why did that solution stop working? Why would a cruise-control system fail during a drive, but just for one day? (July 24, 1999)
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