Author Archive: Austin Davis

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Car A/C Not Cold At Idle Speeds

Hi sir I have a 2004 Chevy Silverado. My A/C is cold when the vehicle is in motion but when stop and idol the a/c gets warm. I have taken it back to the dealership and they told me everything is fine. Why does the a/c get warm when I am idling? Otherwise the a/c works fine when driving. Is this an air flow problem? and how can I correct it?

Posted in: A/C and Heating

How To Find an Engine Oil Leak In My Car?

My car has been stuttering a lot when I drive it. It’s a 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix Se, and it’s leaking oil, I’ve already gone through a gallon of oil in the past 2 days. When I look under the car, its soaked in oil and I can see it dripping out.

Posted in: Fluid Leaks

Automatic Transmission Makes a Noise Now Won’t Pull

I have a 2000 Lincoln Continental with 105,000 miles. I’ve always “babied” it. Over the last few weeks, there was a soft “whirring” sound as I would accelerate over 2000 rpm no big deal, no change in performance. But then in a road trip to Chicago from St. Louis, the transmission seemed to be hunting for the right gear at speeds of 40-50 mph.

Transmission Slow to Shift Into Reverse

I just recently bought a 2002 Saturn SL2 with 65k miles and automatic transmission. While test driving it, I changed gears numerous times to see if it slammed into any gears or hesitated. It never did it. I drove the car to work for 2 days (32 miles each way) and now it’s started randomly hesitating before going into reverse. I’ve tried it from Park to Reverse, Neutral to Reverse, Drive to Reverse, with the Emergency Brake up in Park to Reverse and it really does it like 1 out of every 3 or 4 times. I’ve replaced the air filter and windshield wipers because they were disgusting and I planned on doing an oil change and checking the spark plugs/wires this weekend because I don’t know the last time they were done but like most people, I’m getting worried that I might have a transmission problem.

Lots Of White Smoke Out of Exhaust Pipe

Hi. I just saw your website and I really hope you can help. Sorry if I’m wasting your time. I have a 1969 Chevy Impala. Had around 150,000 when I bought it. It blows out gray or white smoke when i hit the gas not sure if I’m at a standstill. Not a little smoke but not a lot. enough though that everyone notices it. Car dies at lights when I try to go mainly if the engine is cold once its hot no stalling or lagging whatsoever. One of my friends said it might be the piston rings. I have no idea. Thanks.

Posted in: Exhaust Smoke

Oil Pressure Gauge Reads To High

I had my oil changed 2000 miles ago and I noticed oil pressure is all the way up at 80. Suggestions?

Posted in: Fluid Leaks

Engine Back Fired In Carburetor – Timing Chain Broken?

My question is, is there an easy way to decide if a 1974 F250 390 motor needs a new timing chain or not? I’ve replaced the battery, battery cables, solenoid, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and starter. All it does if backfire through the carburetor. If you turn the distributor cap in any direction, it dies. Can you please help me?

Posted in: Won't Start Issues

How Much Should An Engine Tune Up Cost

Is $644 plus tax too much for a Tune-Up and a rebuilt Distributor on a 1995 Cadillac Sedan DeVille? I know you are busy, but I was just wondering if you could tell me a yes or no. Thanks for your time. Love your site.

When To Replace Shocks and Struts

I have a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder with approximately 203,000 miles. How do you know when it is time to replace the struts and/or shocks? What are the symptoms? I hear thumping and thudding sounds near my front tires. Can this also be a symptom?

Posted in: Front End Problems

When Should I Replace My Car Tires?

While I was walking in a parking lot the other day I noticed this tire when you own an auto repair shop you are CONSTANTLY looking for repairs that need to be done on ALL the cars you come in contact with.

Posted in: Tires