Auto Repair Articles

Question:
When starting my 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora there is a grinding noise and a smell of burning oil. What could be the cause and how do I fit the problem?  The noise continues when driving.

Answer:
Smell of oil burning is quite common on this body style aurora. They had oil leak problems form the lower engine case half.

The grinding, if when engine running, may not be related at all. Need to figure out if it is coming from the front of the engine. From the pass. side fender, a noise on the front of the motor would be quite obvious. The alternator and a/c compressor are common for making grinding noises. Very hard to determine which one, even with a mechanics stethoscope. These 2 components bolt next to each other, and is hard to determine which one. Sometimes cycling the a/c on and off will change the noise if it is the compressor.

I have a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP that on the drive home loss power steering. When home notice reservoir was empty. Added fluid but fluid is leaking out on passenger side of undercarriage. Any thoughts?

 Answer:
I would say that either a hose or the rack and pinion is leaking. There are two service bulletins that may apply to your issue. I would contact the manufacturer to see if these apply as it may be covered under warranty and at no cost to you.

Question:
I have a 1998 Buick Century and the check engine light is on. My friend said I didn’t need a scan tool to get the codes. So, How do I get the codes for the check engine light??

Answer:
Your friend is correct. You do not need a scan tool to extract the codes for your car. You just need a jumper wire or paper clip. Locate the ALDL (Assembly Line Diagnostic Lead). It is usually under the drivers side of the dash. It may have a cover over it, and may even say “Diagnostic Connector”. This is the ALDL. The two terminals that you need to be concerned with is in the picture. It is terminals “A” and “B”. Simply turn the Ignition to “Run” (Do not start the vehicle) and put the paper clip in the two terminals. Now watch your CEL. It will start flashing. It will look like Morse Code, but it isn’t, and is real easy to interpret. Detailed information and code definitions.

Question:
On my 1991 Ford Taurus GL I hear a whining noise when I press the gas pedal and the car does not accelerate until I raise my foot off the pedal then it sort of jerks and then accelerates. This is after being told I needed catalytic converters and EGR valve sensor replaced. Can you help me?

Already Tried:
New catalytic converters and EGR valve sensor

Answer:
To me it sounds like a transmission issue. Check your transmission fluid level with the engine running , in park, and on a flat surface. The issue you are describing is what happens when the trans fluid level is low. If the fluid is dark in color or has a burnt smell you may have burnt the internal clutches and this will require a rebuild on the transmission.

Question:
What are causes for a 1997 Chevy Lumina, 3.1 v6 having green antifreeze showing up on oil dipstick. This happens approx every 2 weeks when coolant gets low & no heat in car then?

Answer:
This is caused by either a leaking intake manifold gasket or head gasket. You will need to have the cooling system pressure tested to find the exact location of the leak. Intake manifold gaskets are very common on this engine.

Question:
I have a 2003 saturn vue, works great, but once the transmission becomes warmed up,and you turn the vechicle off,it will not move in drive after restarting. but works great when cold. have any idea what may cause this.

Answer:
Sounds to me like the Electronic shift solenoids are hanging up and need to be replaced. There are lots of issues being reported on the transmissions of the Saturn vue but there is no mention of a recall. You may want to contact your local dealers service department with the VIN# and verify this before having any repairs done.

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Question:
A 1999 laSabre, transmission suddenly stops shifting, and the rpm’s are at 2600 when the car is supposed to be at idle… This just happen after a simple oil change…

Answer:
The high rpm’s at idle are a classic description of a vacuum leak. More than likely the oil change place knocked a hose loose at the transmission or there abouts. You should be able to take it back to them and ask them to look at it for free as you just got the oil changed and it did not do this before they changed it.

Dec 5, 2007, 13:06

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Independence, MO — December 2007 — Law firms Girard Gibbs, LLP and Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy, PC announced a tentative agreement with General Motors in their suit over performance and service issues surrounding DEX-COOL coolant and related cooling system components. While the case was originally certified in Missouri, the agreement covers the entire United States. (Cases were pending certification in several states.)Final agreement is expected to be reached by all parties by January; concluding details to be announced at the time. Here’s the agreement as of today: Continue Reading »