Automotive Mechanical

[Zeke]

Feb 20, 2011 16:00:14 GMT -5 @rick said:

Well how about some updates here, did anyone get their problems solved

Update on my 09 Escape. Took it in and they found a bad valve body. Replaced the valve body, re-reprogrammed the PCM, and it's now shifting fine. They were also able to get the parts for the half shaft that was leaking. When it was there, the engine light came on and had a rough run. The cam phasers were replaced to fix that. All of it was covered by the 5 year/60k mile Powertrain warranty.

[kent]

Feb 20, 2011 16:00:14 GMT -5 @rick said:

Well how about some updates here, did anyone get their problems solved

I have been remiss in getting back to you regarding the skipping windshield wipers.

Problem solved - I got rid of the car!

[unrepentant_spendthrift]

Rick, was hoping you'd be able to help out. My car failed state inspection with error code P0741. You wouldn't happen to know what this refers to, would you? Tranmission issues, they said. Buick Lasabre if that helps...

[kimber45]

Hi Rick: I know you're a Ford man, but have you ever had an experience with the Buick Reattas? I just bought one. The whole dash, instruments, etc are digital. The diagnostic center is saying that there is a problem with the electrical system, yikes should I be worried?

[kimber45]

No code number, I know the cruise has been disconnected and that is one of the items that comes up, also that the AC is low and also has been disconnected. So I'm hoping that is all there is ( I can live without air and cruise).

[kimber45]

Thanks, Rick. I will have it checked out. I just don't want to sink a lot of money into it if I don't have to.

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

Rick, I'm just wondering - in your experience, what would you deem the make/model/maybe year automobile the worst "maintenance nightmare"? Which one (if any) would you never ever buy?

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

LOL. "How do you know when a Jag is out of oil? When it stops dripping".

[Deleted]

Rick – It was recommended to me that I check with you on a quote I received from my service center. I took my ’96 Volvo 850 with 173K miles to get serviced this weekend and was told that the “tie rod ends are worn out” and that it’s pretty critical that I get them replaced soon or I could lose steering in my car. They quoted me $860 + tax, which will also include an alignment. I am pretty loyal to this service center - they have a 2 year guarantee on all of their work and they always do a good job. I have considered calling around to other places to get a quote and maybe use it as some leverage to get the price lowered at my service center. I guess my question to you is – Does the price they quoted sound reasonable? Anything else I should be checking or asking?

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

Rick -
I have a 1999 Isuzu Trooper, 3.5L V-6. I cannot get it to pass CA smog tests because the "Check Engine" idiot light keeps coming on. The error code is for the EGR valve, "insufficient flow". My local mechanic has replaced the EGR valve, a MAP sensor, and the throttle body position sensor. It still fails, coming up with a generic EGR failure code. The mechanics are now stumped, I would appreciate any direction you could steer me towards.

[Deleted]

Rick - Update on my car. I went to get a second opinion and they told me I only need to replace the left side ball/joint socket - $280 parts/labor.

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

Aug 16, 2011 6:07:27 GMT -5 @rj said:

Aug 15, 2011 20:15:17 GMT -5 Mad Dawg Wiccan said:

Rick -
I have a 1999 Isuzu Trooper, 3.5L V-6. I cannot get it to pass CA smog tests because the "Check Engine" idiot light keeps coming on. The error code is for the EGR valve, "insufficient flow". My local mechanic has replaced the EGR valve, a MAP sensor, and the throttle body position sensor. It still fails, coming up with a generic EGR failure code. The mechanics are now stumped, I would appreciate any direction you could steer me towards.

If he keeps it up he will stumble across the right part if you can afford him lol. Most of the time an insufficient egr flow code is not the EGR valve. I would be looking at the EGR regulator, the valve that controls the vaccum to the egr valve. If you apply vaccum right to the egr valve it should almost kill the motor. If all that checks good I would pull the throttle body and the egr vavle off and clean the egr passage out in the intake. They will build up with carbon and block the egr flow which in turn sets the code

Just an FYI, it finally turned out to be bad catalytic converters. Cost to replace them (plus some other needed work like CV boots and tires) was more than the vehicle was worth. I unloaded it today to an auto dismantler for about half of what I had put into it trying to get it to pass smog.

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

A question about automatic transmissions; when I pull up to a long red light, I like to bump my tranny into neutral. More than one mechanic has told me that this saves wear and tear. However, a few have claimed that the "bump" causes more wear and tear than it saves.
Your opinion?

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

Yep, thanks!

[toomuchreality]

I hope you don't mind me asking....
I have an '87 Toyota Corolla DLX (5 door/lift back) with automatic transmission. The neutral safety switch needs to be replaced, and the cheapest one I can find is over $100. ($200 installed) → UGH!
Should suck it up, and spend the money, or should I try to get one from a wrecking yard?

(my reverse lights have quit coming on)

I will be ever so grateful for your thoughts and advice! -Here, have some karma in advance!
Thanks!
-tmr

[toomuchreality]

Did I say/do something wrong? Or is it just the holiday?

I hope yours was a good one!

-tmr

[toomuchreality]

Thanks Rick.
Yeah, it's just the reverse lights. And for a few years they would come on once in awhile, so it wasn't an issue. But we have to pass safety, and emission tests here yearly, in order to register and license a vehicle. Now that mine don't come on at all, it won't legally pass inspection, which is due in January. It has become an issue for my mechanic.
What besides the reverse lights, does this switch do? Anything?

Thanks again for 'providing' an answer. Good to know I am 'entitled'! ;D

[toomuchreality]

The switch also, prevents the car from starting if it isnt in park or neutral

So if it were that part of the switch that went out, would my car not start at all, or would it start in any gear? -Just curious!

Do you get tired of being asked all these questions???

Well, thank you so much!
hmmm... Or maybe it's
;D

[toomuchreality]

Ifthat part of the switch also fails the car would not start.


I never get tired of answering car questions

Good to know!

[toomuchreality]

Hi rick-
Here's an update- (I know, you can't wait!)

I finally took my car in, and got the neutral safety switch replaced (used part), and a new (used) distributor assy, and o-ring installed, and had the timing set. YAY! ($488 installed) It's actually nice to know the reverse lights are working again. And that no one can give me crap (or a ticket).

Now I just need to replace the steering rack($592), and front struts ($480). Then the engine mounts.....
I wonder if the body is gonna hold up, to go with all the repaired engine parts!?! Some how I doubt it.

I hope your cars/trucks/SUV's are running well. And thanks again for the help!
You are a love.
;D

[hopetoberich]

Hi Rick,

I have another question.
I have a 2002 Dodge intrepid and for 3 months the check engine light was on. I took it to Auto Zone twice (different locations) and they both said its the gas cap. I bought a new one but from them now the dealer. I will be getting one from the dealer soon.
Anyway, i let the gas tank get to about 2-3 gallons then i filled up with Plus not Regular as i had gas rewards and DH takes + so we could both get some gas for cheap.
I have used a half tank of this Plus gas and low and behold, my check engine light has gone out.
So my question is..... do you think this is a freak thing? or has the gas somehow cleaned up the problem? Thanks

[Bluerobin]

Rick,
I have a 2001 Crown Vic. No problems for over 10 years. Lately, I had to replace the alternator (I'm not complaining), and now it looks like the fuel pump is gone. Any idea what other parts might go next? I am considering pre-emptive replacement.

[Bluerobin]

I am keeping it till it falls apart. Best car I ever owned! Thanks.

[Deleted]

1981 380sl Car pulls hard to the divers side when braking.
Replaced tie rods and drag link had the disks turned, new wheels, new tires, Still pulls. What's up?

[Deleted]

.

[Green Eyed Lady]

Rick? Are you around?

[Green Eyed Lady]

I need automotive assistance!

My cruise control keeps going in and out. Sometimes it won't work. Sometimes it will. Thought it might be a fuse, but since it works part of the time, I guess that can't be it. Short? And can I fix this?

[Green Eyed Lady]

This is important because I have an issue with a lead foot. I need something to make me behave.

[Green Eyed Lady]

I do apologize. It is a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not an Easy Go or a John Deere.

[Green Eyed Lady]

Sounds like I need a professional instead of trying it myself. There really is no rhyme or reason as to when it won't work. I click the "turn it on switch" and no light saying my cruise is on. I thought maybe just the light was burnt out, but it won't set. Next time I try? It works. Sometimes while I'm going down the road, the light goes off and it quits.

I guess I'll have to take it in for a look. Doesn't sound like anything I could fix even if the exact problem were determined. A fuse, I could have handled!

Thanks, Rick.