Author Archive: austin1

rss feed

By July 17, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

No Spark to Spark Plugs – 87 Olds Cutlass Ciera

I have a 87 cutlass sierra and I’m not getting a spark from my plugs but she is cranking over without problem. Well, I’ve found 2 wires under my hood that are disconnected. I don’t know if they are the cause of the car not starting or not.

Posted in: Won't Start Issues
By July 12, 2007 1 Comments Read More →

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix A/C Not Cold On Passenger Side Only

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. I have been having a problem with the air conditioning or should I say the heater control. During these hot, summer months when I try to use the A/C, I get hot air coming out of the drivers side vents while the passenger side is nice and cool.

Posted in: A/C and Heating
By July 12, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

1997 Mercury Mountaineer Brake Shoes Worn Out Prematurely?

Hello I own a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer AWD, I recently went to a shop to have my brakes look at due to squealing and they showed me the “brake shoe” and told me that it was totally worn out because of something to do with my emergency brake but I hardly ever use my emergency brake

Posted in: Brakes
By July 11, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

Cheap Massachusetts Auto Insurance – Rates Drop

Finally, Massachusetts car insurance rates take a nose dive, or some one hopes. Could a new judge ruling limit the amount of annual premium a insurance company can charge its customers?

Posted in: Auto Insurance
By July 10, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

Head Gasket Repair – White Smoke Out Exhaust

WOULD A BAD O2 SENSOR CAUSE MY CAR TO SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE? I REPLACED ALL GASKETS ON THE TOP END. PLEASE HELP, ANY ADVICE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Posted in: Exhaust Smoke
By July 10, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

Car Engine Back Fire 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
By July 10, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

2001 VW Jetta Door Locks – Trunk and Windows Stopped Working

I have a 2001 TDI Jetta which is doing the craziest thing. None of my windows roll down, the car no longer automatically locks when I put it in drive, but I can lock them manually, and my trunk is locked and can not be opened with the remote, manually by the key or the trunk release button. Do you have any idea what could be wrong? All of my fuses including the master fuses above the battery are good. Thank you for your help.

Posted in: Reader Questions
By July 10, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

Oil Change – How Often Should I Change The Oil In My Car

I’ve had this question for years about how the engine oil system works. I’ve consistently changed my engine oil every 5,500 to 6,500 miles. I go to a commercial oil change shop where they change both the oil and filter each time.
The question is; why does my engine go through about a quart of oil between 3,000 to 4,000 miles from the last oil change?

Posted in: Fluid Leaks

2002 Neon Timing Belt Broke and Damaged Engine?

I have a 2002 Neon with a broken timing belt that according the mechanic resulted in bent valves and maybe a broken piston. Assuming that the mechanic is correct and that I probably need either a complete valve job or replace the engine, the cost will be $1200-$1,800.

Posted in: Used Parts

When Should I Replace My Stuts and Shock Absorbers on My Car?

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