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Don t Drive a Car With Engine Problems Even If It s Under Warranty Tom T  |
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Don't Drive a Car With Engine Problems Even If It's Under Warranty!
Dear Tom,
I have a '98 Dodge Grand Caravan SE with 106,000 miles. I bought the van used. The engine makes a clicking sound that speeds up on acceleration. My Dad says I have a noisy lifter and that, since I have a warranty, I should go ahead and drive it. My oil pressure is OK. The van seems to run well, but the sound is irritating and I don't want to do serious damage to the engine. I check the oil regularly and it's fine. Also, the past few days, my airbag light goes on and off. There's no particular pattern to it. Could this be a bad fuse or a short in the wiring?
Jody from Machias, NY
Jody,
I don't understand your dad's logic ... drive an engine that has a problem because "it has a warranty?" I suggest you get the van into the shop and have it fixed under warranty before it gets any worse. If you are found to be negligent, the warranty could be voided according to the terms thereof. As for the airbag light, Chrysler had a recall on the clockspring on those vehicles. The clockspring is the electrical connector that powers the airbag. When the airbag light is on, the system is inactive and will not deploy in case of an accident.
Tom
Dear Tom,
What is your opinion about the use of premium gasoline. I just purchased a new Mercedes last month that recommends/requires premium fuel. Because the price of gas is so high, I want to know the advantages and disadvantages of using premium.
Thanks,
Kate from LA
Kate,
The manufacturer dictates using a higher octane fuel to accommodate the higher horsepower engine. Octane is the measurement of how stable the fuel is in the combustion chamber environment. The lower the octane, the more likely it will pre-ignite upon entering the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber environment on a high performance engine is hotter than on normal engines. Therefore, Mercedes dictates the use of high-octane fuel. If you use low octane fuel for extended periods of time, the constant detonation will eventually damage the engine.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I have a 1998 Honda Accord EX with an automatic transmission. This summer I have noticed that the transmission frequently locks up and I am unable to move it from park into gear. Usually, if I stomp on the break pedal, it will unlock the transmission. However, sometimes I have to stomp several times before it will move. Any idea what's causing this problem and whether or not I should take the car in for maintenance?
Bryan from Dallas
Bryan,
The vehicle is equipped with a trans/brake interlock switch. This switch insures that you have your foot on the brake when starting the vehicle (as a safety precaution). The fact that, when you "stomp" on the brake pedal, the vehicle starts tells me that there may be a problem with this switch. The switch may either need adjusting or it is faulty and needs replacing. Get vehicle into a shop and have the brake interlock switch and circuit checked for faults. I wish you success.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I just bought a '95 GMC Yukon with 140,000 miles. When I put the turn signal on, the battery gauge needle jumps down. There are no other problems. The vehicle starts well and runs well. What could cause this?
Jon from Wilmington, DE
Jon,
There could be a bad ground in the instrument cluster that results in the gauge falling when the turn signal is on. Also, there could be problems with the charging system. Have the charging system tested to see exactly what the alternator voltage and amperage is when this occurs. Only after testing the charging system can we proceed more accurately towards a diagnosis. Otherwise, we will be playing the guessing game.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a 1996 Ford Taurus. Recently, the radio quit playing when the car is in gear. It plays fine when the car is in park or reverse, but there's no sound while in gear. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
John from Seagrove, NC
John,
The problem is electrical in nature. Have the transmission range (PRD123) sensor checked. This is a known problem to Ford (with the Taurus and Sable). A faulty range sensor cuts out the radio on these models.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a 1992 Chevy G 20 van. I filled up the gas tank the other day and it was running fine. When I went out to start it the next morning, it turned over but wouldn't start. I drained the tank and replaced the fuel pump and filter, and it still won't start. Could it be the relay? And if so, where is it located on this vehicle?
Vicki from Millersburg, WV
Vicki,
Why did you drop the fuel tank and replace the fuel pump and filter? I hesitate to tell you what could be wrong because you will probably replace whatever I suggest without the proper diagnosis. You need to determine if the engine is missing spark or fuel and/or whether the valve timing is correct before proceeding! Without this information you could replace parts till the cows come home, and still have a dead vehicle. Get the engine diagnosed Vicki. It's the best advice I can give you at this point!
Tom
Dear Tom,
I can't turn the key in the ignition of my 2004 Yukon Denali. It enters the lock cylinder easily; it just doesn't turn without a hard effort.
Joseph from Smithtown, VA
Joe,
Stop!! DON'T BREAK THE KEY OFF IN THE IGNITION LOCK! GET IT IN FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY! On such a new vehicle I wouldn't expect a worn out lock cylinder. Either the tumblers have a metal burr on them, or the cylinder is not lubricated, or the ignition switch linkage (that connects from the lock cylinder to the switch at the base of the steering column) is binding up from some encumbrance. It should be covered under the provisions of the warranty (providing you are within 36 thousand miles). Get it back into the dealership's service department for repairs immediately.
Tom
'Til next time...Keep Rollin'
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 With over 27 years in the automotive industry and nearly a decade in automotive talk radio, Tom Torbjornsen makes learning about cars easy with his personal manner, his expert advice, and his high energy and entertaining style. Tom has the unique gift of simplifying the complex and tearing down the technical, meeting you at your level of understanding. You will be encouraged as you gain the confidence to deal with problems related to the second most expensive purchase you will make in a lifetime your automobile.
Email Tom
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