Edmunds Answers questions

What would cause my 98 Ford Taurus DOHC to overheat while driving and have heat but cool when stopped and have no heat?

at_da_end — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:21:42 GMT

I have replaced the heater hose that comes from water pump. It was rusted, almost all the way through. I have also replaced the oil filter and thermostat.

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante high idle at start up. Long list of issues.

protech_auto1 — Fri, 31 May 2013 00:58:54 GMT

Last November I replaced alternator, battery and both battery cables, (cable from dealer). Prior to this some mechanic replaced one front downstream 02 sensor but replaced the wrong one and code stayed present.

When the starter caught fire because it was a cheap part that was put on by old mechanic, it failed. Everything was going fine after the electrical stuff replaced.

Driving along and car quits, battery died from trying to start it. Got to vehicle later in the day and nursed it home on the freeway at higher(2000 plus) RPMS. Pulled same 02 code for sensor on back bank after the cat. Replaced front sensor because starter caught the wires on fire when the starter burned up...this front sensor is the one the mechanic replaced and he installed it cross threaded. SO i seen smoke coming from the hole and took it too exhaust shop who replaced the bung and installed the 02 sensor again with very few threads left but it worked for now. Smoke problem fixed. Had airbox off vehicle. Code for sensor was still stored for back bank after cat, so replaced it but accidentally installed the connector back words because the new sensor appeared to be deceptive on how its installed. Found this problem out and reversed the sensor to normal. Code didn't set though. No codes but on start up the idle goes to 3200 rpms. So I thought maybe I had a bad air meter and unplugged it and the idle went down, so got a used one from parts yard and no change, so I feel that ruled out the meter causing the problem. I know its possible a used part can be bad but this part came from a good facility with a good reputation of stocking and selling tested parts. Old air meter would not let car idle at all.

Installed the air meter and put the air box back in. Did break one of the plastic tabs(worn plastic junk) where the lock down for the air box holds the air filter in place but this is before the air meter, so this should not affect the meters reading.

I cant find a chart that tells me what the parameters for all the sensors that are on this car and what they should read on the scanner screen.

I don find any blown fuses.

There is a plunger type device on the backside of the throttle body area where its not anywhere near the other end of what would appear to make contact. I don't even know if this is an issue or not.

Like I said before all this...it was driving down the road and it just stalled. I think it was ran out of fuel so I put fuel into get it home to be sure that wasn't it. The gas gauge I think.

The car sat for a couple months while out of Arizona and the battery died. Any chance the computers not relearning itself properly and causing this. I don't find any leaks by listening and looking for vacuum leaks.

There is also a hole in the flex tube of the exhaust but I don't think this is an issue.

Second part to this:

Finally got time and used utube. I did not do compression test because problem isn't with the engine, so I feel I am okay to say I donut need it checked. The car is running good its just something I have done to cause this high idle. I drove the car down the street to carwash and it runs good, just high idle and idle drops a little under 500 then back up.

I removed the air sensor under the throttle body and cleaned it with mass air sensor cleaner...this turned off the oxygen sensor code that was setting. When removed it came to thought that I used brake parts cleaner to clean the throttle body while back and I didn't know this system enough to realize this sensor has the air ports inside the mouth of the throttle body, so cleaned it all again this time and installed the sensor. Not sure if that brake cleaner damaged this sensor because I dont usually do engine performance repairs on Mitsubishi and send them away to a dealer for diagnosis because it's cost effective. Now then, the air boxes air filter has both of the clamped pins broken to hold it in place but this is before the air meter so I don't think this is an issue but you could correct me if wrong. The car starts nicely and runs nicely so I don't think fuel is an issue, the wires and plugs were put on recently and there is no engine miss or rough idle...just that dang steady high idle. I took 3 snapshots of the system with my otc Nemesys, so I'm in the house now trying to figure that out on the laptop what sensors are reading wrong. Thank you.

2012 Subaru Forester, manual transmission. After 10 months, we still stall it in 1st & reverse (not our 1st manual car).

straightarm — Fri, 31 May 2013 12:39:04 GMT

Car used for small town and rural driving.

Dealer explained it is all computer driven. No way to adjust the clutch, etc.

Last car- 2001 Honda CR-V with manual.

I changed the battery in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee and now a key light comes on and it will not start. Anything I can do?

kslappe — Fri, 31 May 2013 10:56:55 GMT

On the way home the Jeep totally cut off no nothing. I got a new battery drove home cut the car off. The next day I tried to start the car and a key light with a circle and slash came on the owners manual says its a security thing.

Well I have tried to reset it but all the information on the computer uses the key on the passenger door which I do not have or the key pad which I do not have. Can someone please help! Can I just disarm the entire system?

My 97 Honda Civic DX feels like it's losing power in the morning when it warms up.

jhartung1 — Fri, 31 May 2013 10:12:17 GMT

In the morning when I start driving I will have a steady foot on the gas and it will just lose power for like 2 seconds and then go right back to the power I'm applying on the pedal. It takes about five minutes after I've been driving for it to completely stop. What could this be?

How to set crank sensor timing on 81 Datsun 280zx turbo?

driftnissan — Fri, 31 May 2013 21:01:35 GMT

I got an 81 280zxt that was sitting indoors for 13 year. I did the timing chain and did all the maintenance stuff required to get it running and it seemed all good for about a month. Then when it was on load at high rpm it would start breaking down and just started getting worse. So in 1st or 2nd it will break down. At 4 grand 3rd and 4th breaks down at 3500 and 5th breaks down at 3 grand and pops if I push it farther.

My dad's a mechanic and we have tried everything and think that the timing on the crank sensor and distributor are off. I have looked though 4 different books I have on this car and none tell you how to set that. Does anyone know how to set the timing between the two?

2008 Nissan Pathfinder cranks but won't start. Happened a few days ago but started on the 2nd try. Any suggestions?

joel87 — Fri, 31 May 2013 08:42:00 GMT

My Pathfinder would sometimes have a low idle and feels like the engine is going to shut off while stopped. Could this be a symptom that I hadn't foreseen?

GMC Acadia Denali lease price.

lchiodo — Fri, 31 May 2013 07:34:13 GMT

Is $2,600 down, 15k miles a year, $533 a month with the first month paid a good deal for an Acadia Denali? Thanks.

How much damage am I looking at? Honda Accord got overheated.

toksmaan — Fri, 31 May 2013 17:50:44 GMT

My 1997 Honda Accord got overheated due to radiator leakage. Now it cranks and rolls but won't start. Does anyone knows what else would be damaged due to that? Thanks.

I have a Mercedes Benz ML430 and it was being fixed in the garage. To our surprise we found two pistons are not there.

kapembwa — Fri, 31 May 2013 04:36:32 GMT

The car was misfiring and when the cylinder heads were removed to check the valves, that when it was discovered that there are no pistons. The car was running and the first time they removed the cylinder heads, the pistons were there.

If I don't have the alarm module installed on my MINI, do I have any passive antitheft protection?

muddpa — Fri, 31 May 2013 14:50:59 GMT

I don't have alarm box installed on the MINI. Is there any passive antitheft on it such as doors that lock themselves or the ignition is cut off without the chipkey?

96 Saturn SL2 horn works intermittently. Works after turn right. What will fix it?

dcg1 — Thu, 30 May 2013 12:24:51 GMT

1996 Saturn SL2 horn works sometimes - works after turn right. Ordered in and installed new horn - problem the same. Could it be the clock spring? Not what sure to do next.

Is 10,000 miles excessive for a 2012 Honda Accord?

waterpaint1 — Thu, 30 May 2013 12:21:45 GMT

Considering a 2012 Honda Accord EX-L. My concern is that it already has 10,000 miles on it. Is this considered excessive?

Why does my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee make a clunking sound and slight jerk when decelerating near 30 mph?

krystals — Thu, 30 May 2013 21:51:03 GMT

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee makes clunking sound when decelerating near 30 mph. When I apply the brake it doesn't happen, however, when I take my foot off the accelerator to go slower it makes this clunking sound near 30 mph.

This is the first time this has happened. It is a V8 with 124K miles and runs perfectly. Oil change was done only a month ago with no visible problems.

Ford Taurus fuel pump secondary circuit.

schpank — Thu, 30 May 2013 17:44:36 GMT

Installed a new fuel pump. Engine runs fine. Check engine light is on and test results from an OB-1 tester shows a problem with the secondary fuel pump circuit. What is the secondary fuel pump circuit, and is it a ground problem or a relay issue? 1995 Ford Taurus GL.

Looking at a 2010 Lexus ES 350 with 29,000 miles. Dealer asking $27,259. Any input?

moonpiemama — Thu, 30 May 2013 17:16:00 GMT

Appreciate it.

What is water pump cost and replacement for 2002 Lexus RX 300?

counselor_gkp — Wed, 29 May 2013 12:45:44 GMT

The car is being given a 90,000 mile service at dealer and they recommended timing belt replacement at $795 for timing belt not including the $400 service charge. The car had 75,000 but they recommend replacement every 8 years etc.

I called and complained about the costs based upon the Edmunds service costs recommendations for this zip code. They were going to reduce the price to 1000 including the service but then indicated the water pump has build up around it and a small amount of fluid. They will include the "cost of labor within the original estimate but charge $165 for the part plus charge $90 for power steering flush and $90 for brake fluid flush.

Still feels like a shell game and excessive billing and no real reason to buy a luxury car or at least have it serviced at a dealer.

Thoughts on costs?

How to find a wholesale value for a 1995 Ford Econoline 150 which is a nice DMC conversion.

russbux — Wed, 29 May 2013 10:25:05 GMT

Average Blackbook wholesale for the straight XL Econoline 150 cargo van is $1,600, but this is a full DMC conversion, with wood, carpet, captains chairs. How to determine the average wholesale fair THIS van, not a stripped cargo?

Error code P1698 on a 2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible LXI.

jenlafata — Wed, 29 May 2013 09:59:06 GMT

Hi, My Sebring has been having some issues and I stopped by AutoZone and they gave me the error code P1698 and said the TCM needs to be replaced, which is expensive. It also said it could be the bus lines.

The car at times has all the boxes around Park, Drive, Neutral, etc., lit up at the same time, jerks when driving, the speedometer jumps all over the place, and has now started not wanting to shift gears when in drive, I think the highest it goes is in 2nd gear.

Does this mean the TCM has to be replaced, or is there something else it could be?

Can a plug behind the ashtray under the dash cause communication problems between the PCM and 2-3rd transmission solenoid? Chevy Suburban.

staci3 — Wed, 29 May 2013 21:01:04 GMT

94 Chevy Suburban 350 5.7 4 wheel drive.

My husband put in a CD player in the truck in February. Under the ashtray there is a box with plugs into it. He re plugged everything back into the box and put the dash back together. He found a plug hanging that didn't get put back. Since them my truck is getting 9 MPG.

A transmission guy today diagnosed it but my husband keeps telling me that this plug hanging could not be the cause of the miscommunication between the PMC and 2-3rd solenoid. All the problems I am having with 1st, 2nd and 4th gears not shifting and only being able to drive in 3rd started right after the CD player was put into the truck.

Can a plug under the dash not being plugged in cause communication problems between the PCM and 2-3rd solenoid in the transmission?

Thank you so much for your help with this.
Staci

Can you put 155/80/13 tires onto a Hyundai Atos?

junior37 — Wed, 29 May 2013 08:25:17 GMT

I need to replace my tires but have been told by some people that I can put 155/80/13 tires onto my Hyundai Atos. Others say no.

Will it make a difference if I put the 155/80/13 on the Atos?

2002 Honda CR-V. Compressor issue.

busywoman — Wed, 29 May 2013 20:25:34 GMT

I just recently purchased a 2002 Honda CR-V. Two weeks in and a/c went out. I have been told that the clutch and coil is not engaging. I will be replacing both the compressor and clutch and coil. After reading the posts, I am wondering if someone has found a replacement compressor that does not have the same reoccurring problem.

05 GMC Envoy. How to replace rear air springs?

jeanoue — Wed, 29 May 2013 18:26:41 GMT

How do you replace rear air springs on a GMC Envoy?

Do reputable dealers tune up cars before reselling? My 06 Ford Escape gets same mpg as my 17 year old Toyota 4Runner.

jiorii — Wed, 29 May 2013 17:26:35 GMT

2006 Escape, 18.5 mpg town. On a trip 21.9 mpg. My 1996 4Runner got 18.5/21,5. I expected better mileage.

How to change drivebelt in 2000 Saturn LS2? It's on the side of engine.

pam61 — Wed, 29 May 2013 17:22:47 GMT

The drivebelt on my 2000 Saturn LS2 is on the side of the engine. How do I get the belt on past the motor mount?

Radio stopped working in my 1986 944 Porsche

tamlynne7 — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:35:41 GMT

I have a 1986 944 Porsche, 19,000 original miles. I turned the car on last night, turned on the radio, then the a/c & hit the rear defroster, radio stopped instantly. Any ideas/suggestions? Thanks.

How do I disconnect the battery on my 2011BMW M3 convertible?

troymixer — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:13:40 GMT

How do I disconnect the battery on my 2011 M3 convertible and the open the trunk to reconnect the battery?

What is my 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee fully loaded, 55250 miles worth in trade in? It has a few dings

barb8246 — Wed, 29 May 2013 15:57:44 GMT

Wanted to know what my trade in value of my car. It is a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 52,250 miles, good condition.

I own a 94 Dodge Ram 1500 2x4. I put 265/75 16's on it. Calls for 225/75 16's. How will this affect it?

nate46 — Wed, 29 May 2013 03:32:52 GMT

I'm wondering how it will affect my gas mileage and how it will affect my front end?

How do I open (not just unlock!) the rear hatch my 2012 Toyota Sienna LE from the inside of the vehicle?

gmanning7 — Wed, 29 May 2013 02:02:55 GMT

The rear hatch on my 2012 Toyota Sienna LE does not appear to have a way to open it from inside the vehicle. It can be unlocked - no problem. It can be opened from the outside - no problem. Is it possible to convert the manual rear hatch to a power hatch? Is it possible to add some sort of manual opening mechanism to the inside? We sleep inside on car camping excursions and want to be able to open the rear hatch from inside the vehicle. Thank you.

How much do you think my 94 Lincoln Town Car is worth with a blown motor? I have a lot of new parts in it. Body is great condition.

bahe — Wed, 29 May 2013 13:24:58 GMT

I have a 1994 Lincoln Town Car and the motor blew on me. I have a lot of new parts on it. Ball joints, brakes (front & back) rotors, calibers and lines, tires, coil packs...the body is in great shape and as well as the interior. It has about 140,000 miles on it. Just getting an idea on its worth.

04 Pontiac Grand Am won't start today. Security light been going on and off the last month. Why won't it start and how I fix it?

bcraven — Tue, 28 May 2013 12:35:00 GMT

O4 Pontiac Grand Am security light has been going on and off the last month. It has been getting more frequent the last two weeks ( everyday a couple times a day).replaced the starter back in December along with the battery. Go take the kids to the doctor today and it won't start. Makes a buzzing noise and radio came on (battery) but wouldn't turn over. Could it be the ignition? And how do I fix it and the security light?

I need to know what these codes mean: P-451-OBD2 and B21382 PS AB. 2002 Hyundai Elantra.

csancho — Tue, 28 May 2013 23:11:58 GMT

It’s for a 2002 Hyundai Elantra, 2000CC, manual. It also says in the scan >Resistance High. I need to know what it is so I can fix it because the engine and airbag lights keep turning on. Thanks!

What is the difference between 2007 GMC Sierra and 2007 GMC Sierra Classic?

mslee514 — Tue, 28 May 2013 10:00:55 GMT

I am looking to buy a 2007 GMC Sierra but I don't know what the difference between the 2007 GMC Sierra and the 2007 GMC Sierra Classic is. Please advise.

I have an 07 Volvo C70 and need to know recommended transmission preventative maintenance.

jborum — Tue, 28 May 2013 09:51:14 GMT

Preventative maintenance recommendations please.

I have a 2000 Chevy Silverado 5.3. The transmission works for about 100ft then nothing. Wait 15 minutes then goes again. Help!

griff15 — Tue, 28 May 2013 09:43:19 GMT

I have a 2000 Chevy Silverado 5.3. The transmission works for about 100ft then nothing. Wait 15 minutes then goes again and then stops. I had the transmission overhauled and haven't even put 100kms on it.

I have a 90 Jaguar XJS convertible 12 cylinder. The transmission does not shift consistently. Sometimes shifts at 2500/4000.

bfinne1 — Tue, 28 May 2013 08:37:37 GMT

I bought the Jag on eBay last summer. Nice car runs great except for shifting problem. Any suggestions?

98 GMC Savanna 5.7 blowing 50 AMP Ignition A fuse. Added "Battery Guard" component 6 months ago. Can you help please?

billkaras — Tue, 28 May 2013 07:27:36 GMT

We own a 1998 GMC Savanna conversion high top van, 1500, 5.7, 190K miles (that runs perfectly). It is now blowing a 50 AMP Ignition A fuse.

Background: 6 months ago I had a "Battery Guard" component added to prevent the battery from going dead when running inside components while the engine was off. Shuts off electrical when battery uses 60% of juice.

Yesterday I started van and it ran for 5 seconds then blew 50 AMP fuse, #4 fuse (IGN A) in a line of 6 in the Circuit Relay Panel under the hood. This 50 AMP fuse also controls the radio, wipers, blower, windows. The anti-lock light also comes on when the 50 AMP fuse blows. After replacing it we were taking a long trip (4 hours) running 70 mph and it blow a second time. The radio and blower was on.

Can you please help me figure out why we are now blowing fuses?

Thank you.

Bill
Flushing, MI

2001 GMC/Chevy Savanna Express work van.

drauto01602 — Tue, 28 May 2013 07:23:19 GMT

Can I put a nose from a 2010 Chevy Express on my 2001 GMC Savanna? I know I will have to change the hood, fenders, grill and bumper but my question is will it all bolt up? I have a donor mini school bus with the nose of a 2010 Chevy Express.

Why is the brake light icon coming on? 1999 Lexus RX 300, 110,000 miles. All the service has been done.

catinca — Tue, 28 May 2013 18:26:36 GMT

The car has recently had a brake job and all the needed service and oil changes. The brake light comes on and off and other than this the only problem was a feeling like brakes grabbing in back. Once after a long non-stop trip I exited the freeway and the car just died. It immediately started back up and was fine. Strange. It has been a great car.

2004 Hyundai Santa Fe electrical issue.

crankywitch — Tue, 28 May 2013 18:01:07 GMT

Hi all, I have a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recently my instrument cluster light went out. I still have the shifter light, i.e.: park, reverse etc. My stereo light still works and still getting power to cigarette lighter and aux jack but when I turn on headlights shifter lights go out, stereo light goes out (but stereo still works) and a light come on illuminating my cigarette/aux jack lol! I have checked all fuses and they are good so really confused as to what is going on. If anyone can help, thanks! :)

What do I do to get my 98 Jeep Cherokee to pass emissions?

scarygodess — Tue, 28 May 2013 17:16:20 GMT

It is a Cherokee Sport 4.0 liter with high HC, CO, and NOx readings. How do I fix these problems?

99 Dodge Intrepid burns oil and blows blue smoke.

zbeeksma1 — Tue, 28 May 2013 17:07:21 GMT

My 99 Dodge Intrepid has started to burn significant amounts of oil (almost a quart per 100 miles) and blue smoke is coming out of the exhaust. I checked the compression in the cylinders and they all had between 140-150psi. I noticed that one of the sparkplugs had oil on it when I took it out to check compression.

My dad thinks that the valve stem seals need to be replaced. Does that seem correct, and if so would it be a diy or bring it in kind of project? I have done many small things to this car, but no major repairs.

How to drain/refill transmission fluid on a cvt transmission? 2004 Saturn Vue.

spreadygold — Tue, 28 May 2013 16:35:56 GMT

I have a 2004 Saturn Vue with a 4 cylinder automatic with cvt transmission (fwd). Can I drain/remove the fluid myself and refill? If so does anyone have a procedure for that?

I have a 2006 Ford Freestyle and it's making a sound similar to when the flywheel is broken or loose but it's not?

bryantreyes — Tue, 28 May 2013 16:19:42 GMT

I took separated the transmission from the engine and took out the flywheel and it's in perfect shape (not broken). I would really like to know where the noise is coming from. Any suggestions or answers? Really appreciate the time.

Honda is offering 1.9 interest rate for 5 years. I need 6 years. Do they give me the 1.9 for 5 years and then on year 6 the rate changes on it?

willdo2 — Tue, 28 May 2013 04:13:06 GMT

Honda is offering 1.9 interest rate for 5 years. I need 6 years. Do they give me the 1.9 for 5 years and then on year 6 the rate changes on it? Or can that be done?

Is it a coincidence that my radio malfunctioned after an alternator change? Dodge Durango.

johnny717 — Tue, 28 May 2013 15:36:58 GMT

Have a 2004 Durango Hemi, never had a problem with the radio. Just changed alternator and radio now turns on, crackles, speakers play for about 15 seconds, then crackles again, and sound/speakers cut out. The radio appears to work perfectly, but without sound. I can shut it on and off but sound will not come out of speakers. But, this repeats every time I shut car off and restart it for another trip. I tried playing radio on just battery (without alternator running) and the same thing happens. Anyone have a clue?

Mercedes CLK 320. Do I need to replace automatic transmission clutches, rubber/nylon parts exposed to engine coolant regardless of visual inspection?

hankwms — Tue, 28 May 2013 14:02:27 GMT

2004 Mercedes CLK 320 with 20k miles radiator failed and mixed engine and transmission coolant. Discovered because transmission was not operating properly. Radiator was replaced and transmission flushed but transmission still not operating properly. Tear down of transmission shows VISUAL damage only to torque converter. However, my understanding is that non-visible damage is also caused to the clutch material adhesive, rubber and nylon parts due to engine coolant exposure. What is the standard for replacing these parts when they don't show visible damage, but their exposure to engine coolant is a known fact?

Why does my Pontiac Sunfire’s air conditioner not work?

2013sunfire — Tue, 28 May 2013 01:09:59 GMT

My 96 Pontiac Sunfire's air conditioner is blowing hot. We added Freon and the condenser is working but it still blows cold. We just purchased the car so we do not know how long it has not worked.