Author Archive: Austin Davis

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Battery Dead and Won’t Jump Start

I have a 1975 Chevrolet nova and i replaced the battery a week ago. When i go to start it nothing works and the connections to the battery are fine, today i tried to jump start it and the same thing happened, nothing. before I put in this battery it would jump start with the old one too. Today I also checked the fuses and I didn’t see anything wrong. But i cant take it anywhere because I’m painting it right now but i don’t want to mess up my new engine by not starting it.

Car Waxing Tips

Austin, I have a small scratch on the driver side fender of my new BMW and I have tried to wax the […]

Posted in: Exterior Care

Speedometer Not Working

I’ve written you before and you’ve helped me and now I find myself seeking your help once again.Our speedometer is very temperamental and at times refuses to work at all. Could you please give me some advice on the cause? I haven’t a clue as to why it behaves the way it does. Please help!

Posted in: Reader Questions

Turn Signal Flashes Fast

  Hi Austin, how are you today? I love your site and your newsletters. I have a super quick question for you. […]

Posted in: Reader Questions

Dash Gauges Went Out While Driving

I have a question I’m hoping you can help answer. I have some auto experience, but, newer vehicles behave differently so I’m not positive. I have a 97 Safari, and started having trouble with gauges and the motor. The motor would gag and seem to quit while driving, and the gauges would go nasty haywire. The problems didn’t always happen at the same time, and never lasted more than a few seconds, then things would return to normal. One day a week or so after the first incident, it happened again, this time prolonged, off and on, for a minute or two til the van finally died and had to be towed. Initially they just replaced the battery,then later that day, I noticed the battery wasnt charging right- alternator was shot as well. I kinda guessed that but I was told at the shop it was working when they tested it. I know these newer vehicles so much relies on computer, which relies on battery/power supply. I’m assuming that if thats the case, if there is something wrong with the supply,that it can cause gauges to do funky things, like not work, give inaccurate readings etc? Assuming that, then if the supply problem is intermittent,then gauge problems can be as well? Ok, more than one question sorry….I know you are probably busy, I understand that, but even on the internet I’m having trouble finding the answers to this particular situation. Lots of general stuff,just not what I need.

My Car Won’t Start

Can you please tell me why my car does not start straight away when it is warm?  It does start straight away […]

Posted in: Won't Start Issues

Why is My Car Running Hot

I have a Nissan Altima and it keeps running hot. It started in May with this problem. My dad has done everything […]

Posted in: Over Heating

ABS and Brake Light Come On

I have a Cadillac Fleetwood, 8 Cylinder, 4-2 liter which has soft squishy brake pedal and both the brake and the antilock brake light comes one only when the brakes are applied and does not stay on.

Posted in: Brakes

Car Undercoating – Should You Do It?

My son -in-law is stationed at Fort Lenenwood,Missouri. They just bought a 2012 Yukon. It does not have an undercoating on it […]

Posted in: Exterior Care

Coolant Leak In My Car

I have a serious coolant leak on my Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L. I can look under the car when it’s not […]

Posted in: Fluid Leaks