Auto Repair Articles

 This year’s Top Picks in 10 categories include four new models. For the first time since 2005, a U.S. model, the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado, made the list as our choice in pickup trucks. And for the first time ever, a South Korean automaker is represented: The Hyundai Elantra SE and Santa Fe are our top small sedan and midsized SUV, respectively. The fourth new entry is the Lexus LS 460L, the highest-scoring vehicle we’ve tested and best among luxury sedans.

Green car: Toyota Prius

Small sedan: Hyundai Elantra SE

Family sedan: Honda Accord

Upscale sedan: Infiniti G35

Luxury sedan: Lexus LS 460L

Fun to drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata

Small SUV: Toyota RAV4

Midsized SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe

Minivan: Toyota Sienna

Pickup truck: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

Reference Source http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm?EXTKEY=AYAHAFP01

Question:

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0td starting issues. we have had the starter motor changed, a new battery and a new crank shaft position sensor and still the car wont start without easy start spray, any suggestions?? 

Answer:

This is a common symptom of a sticking IAC (idle air control) Also, you should clean the inside of the throttle body around the butterfly. This gets clogged and restricts airflow.

Question:

I have a 1997 Buick Century and the Wiper Arm is stripped out. My husband has tried to tighten and re-tighten and it usually lats a week or two, but now he can’t get it to work do anything. The passenger side works fine and the drivers side just sets still cause it is stripped out. How can I fix this ?

Answer:

This situation is quite common. Remove the cap cover to gain access to the 13mm nut that is holding the wiper arm on. Remove the retaining nut and unplug the washer squirter hose. Remove the wiper arm and clamp it in a vise. Take a wire brush to the post on the car that you just removed the wiper arm from. This will help remove any metal flakes from the groves in the post. Now, using a small file preferably ( a flat blade screwdriver or knife can be used here but it will be more difficult ) cut as many groves in the inside diameter of the wiper arm where it fits over the post (they do not have to match up anything). Clean it off and get it ready to install. Turn the wires on and then off to reset the wiper arm post. Then, find some thin, hard wire about half the size of coat hanger wire. Mechanic’s wire will work or thinner if you can find it. You will only need a two inches. Make a semi-circle and place the two ends straight down inside the diameter of the wiper arm and slide the arm over the post. Bend the wire off to the side and install the retaining nut. What this does is create a key-way and binds the arm and the post together so it will no longer slip. Install the cap cover and your done.

It is quite interesting what is under the hood. Does the engine oil need to be changed? Maybe your transmission needs some work or filter serviced? Something seems wrong with your brakes? Is your car making strange noises? Acquiring a vehicle is a fairly easy task… the tough part comes later with maintenance.
You are already late, but never mind. With the car at your disposal. You’ll be there, not exactly on time, but yeah, almost. Then, calamity strikes…the vehicle refuses to move …grunts, groans, fumes, and stops. Why, oh why… Maybe because you forgot that it too needs to be looked after, maintained, ‘regular servicing..’.were those the words? Read the rest of this article.

By September 2007 all new automobiles below 10,000 pounds sold in the United States will be required to incorporate a direct pressure measurement for each tire. The driver must be notified if any tire is under-inflated by 25% or more than the rated placard tire pressure.

Now that it is 2008 every single car that is sold in the United States must have a direct pressure system for each tire. It turns out the government deems the people to stupid to be able to tell if there tire is low, so now you have to except this addition on each vehicle and also pay for it. This increases the cost for both the manufacturer and consumer. And if the system fails, that’s right, it will cost you again. 

Each sensor that fails has a minimum cost of $100.00 each ( part only ). Also, most systems are set to be sensitive with in 3 PSI. So if you live in an area that changes from hot to cold in different seasons, you may be subject yo have an additional light show up on you dash in the spring and fall top let you know things might need looked at.

Question:
How can an engine seize on a 2005 Lincoln Aviator with only 39,000 miles on it? I have had the engine oil changed every 3,000 miles.

Answer:
There are a couple of things that can seize an engine but disassembly and inspection are needed to prove this.

First, Make certain the engine is actually seized by removing the serpentine belt, put a socket and wrench on the front crank shaft bolt and confirm it will not turn.

Ways it can seize.

1) No oil in engine – Continue Reading »

Question:
I need the instructions on how to replace the heatercore in my 1995 Mercury Cougar.

Answer:
First if it is a small leak; Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1990-97)
 
I have reviewed the steps required and bid you the best of luck. This is a 20 hour job and required 2 people!!!

1994-97 Models

NOTE: The instrument panel and steering column must be removed to remove the heater assembly. Two people are required to remove the assembly from the vehicle.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable and wait one minute for air bag diagnostic monitor to deplete the backup power supply.

Continue Reading »

Question:

I just bought a 92 ford full size van E-150.after i got it the air bag light and buzzer started going off. The code is 5 then 2 is what it keeps doing. Do you know what that means, and is there a relay switch that a can disable this until i can get it fixed ??

 Answer:
There is no disable relay or fuse. If you try to remove the bulb it will continue to make noise and beep the 52.

It is not your cars battery. It is Continue Reading »