Edmunds Answers questions

02 Honda Civic NGV won't rev past 3500 in gear or neutral after it ms up,

jensen20 — Sun, 26 May 2013 22:34:23 GMT

I am baffled at what is going on. I have a 2002 Civic (natural gas) car it will not rev past 3500 whether when in gear or in park. The story behind it is, the transmission started to go out it would rev real high and hardly move forward (wife was driving home from work when this happened). She said it started to get hot she pulled over and turned the heater on high (smart lady) and did this once more on her way home. It never got in the red about 2/3 way up she said. This started happening when we went to load it on the trailer I put the new transmission in and this is my current problem.

Things I have done to it to try to figure out what it is.

1- No engine codes were thrown
2-New coils
3-Adjusted valves
4-New spark plugs
5-When you spray either in the intake tube when it is floored at 3500 k nothing happens
6-Pinch the gas line while this happens and will slowly die
7-Idles just fine no hiccups or rough
8-Check the cats there is below 5 lbs before and after the cats
9-Checked the fuel filters they were changed about 20k ago
10-New injectors

So any help will be grateful.

Is Chevrolet Sail LS ABS (petrol) a good car to buy?

shivak — Sun, 26 May 2013 09:39:53 GMT

After a lot of research, I have decided to purchase a Sail petrol 1.2 LS ABS. At the last moment I have some reservations because some friends say although the diesel version is very good, the petrol version is not up to the mark or plainly it is not a good vehicle. Please, please provide me your advice immediately because I have to decide within a few days. I test drove the petrol version and found it quite comfortable. But I am not a technical person, so is in the dark about many things.

I will be paying nearly Rs7 lakhs. It is a lot of money. So I would be keenly awaiting your reply. I test drove the car, found it okay. But some friends are urging me to go for the diesel version, because, they say, the petrol version is 'underpowered'. But personally I liked the petrol variant. But I am a little worried now. Kindly give me the right advice.

The additive you have to put in the new Dodge 2500 diesel engines.

jack11139 — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:53:51 GMT

I am thinking about getting a new Dodge 2500 pickup with a diesel engine. I would like some info on the additive you now have to put in the engine. Also the cost and how often you have to add it. And the reason for it.

Also talking to other people they are telling me that Dodge has had problems with their ball joints and other problems with the running gear. Is there any truth in it? I will be towing a 30' RV trailer. So I don't want to have any problems on the road, other than routine maintenance. So any help would be appreciated

What's the highest octane level safe for a 2007 Chevy Cobalt LS?

alabamaboy2010 — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:01:55 GMT

I'm wanting better power from my car. Will upping the octane help or will it damage the motor?

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L. Diesel RPM concern

pats478 — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:15:05 GMT

Hello all,

Just as an FYI I'm not the greatest when it comes to cars, I understand the basics to get by so bear with me as I try to explain:

Approximately 2 months ago, I purchased a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L Diesel from a local dealership with roughly 128 000 KMs. The Jeep is in nearly perfect condition, the dealership from which I bought it from gave it a full engine service (oil change, filters, transmission flush, serpentine belt, etc.) and the only real problem they had to fix was replacing the bearings in the rear differential when they received it. Otherwise the SUV is in top notch condition.

My issue is, sometimes when I push down the gas pedal while waiting at a stop sign or a red light, the vehicle won't start physically moving until it goes above the 2nd RPM notch on the dashboard, even though you can still here the engine revving/working.

The noise is clearly audible as the Jeep is working even harder then normal to move the vehicle. In both cases the Jeep was already up and running and not cold as I know Diesel requires a longer start time. Even when the vehicle remains in motion, the RPM will still remain higher then normal (driving the average speed limit, the RPM will remain between 1 & 2, but when it does the above problem it stays between 2 & 3). Normally, it starts moving between notches 1 & 2 immediately but on 2 occurrences now, it won't start moving until it hits notches 2 & 3 under the RPM gauge.

Also turning the vehicle off and restarting it fixes the problem.

I do have a 5000 KM powertrain warranty remaining on the vehicle until next month, and I've contacted a Dodge dealership (not the dealership I bought the Jeep from, that was a private one) to perform a full inspection on the vehicle tomorrow afternoon (may as well take advantage of that warranty). As I plan on keeping this vehicle for long term, I need to find out if this RPM issue is something to worry about.

Has anyone ever had similar issues? Any solutions available?

I'd appreciate any insight into this,

Thanks

1986 Austin Maestro fuel additive?

deco3 — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 05:14:49 GMT

Hi, please can I have advice re a 1986 Austin Maestro. Is it likely it needs a fuel additive due to not having leaded fuel available? If so what is the best product and what is the best practice to stick to re adding it?

Can I use regular gas in a 2010 Ford Taurus SHO?

lorchanian — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:21:14 GMT

Can I safely use regular gas rather than super gas in the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO or will the mileage suffer?

I have a 2004 Ford F-450 6.0 Liter truck that stalls and died.

texasflyboy01 — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:15:42 GMT

I have a 2004 F-450, 6.0 liter truck. I changed both fuel filters and ran it under a load (30 MPH) for about six miles. Then it started losing power and then eventually died and had to wait about 20 minutes and tried to start it and it would only run for 3 minutes and still died. What is my problem?

2004 Ford 6.0 diesel, cranks very good, but no start. Will start and run if sprayed with ether.

jeanoue — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 16:56:10 GMT

2004 Ford 6.0 turbo diesel, cranks very good, but no start. Will start and run if sprayed with ether. Runs normal, but the next cold start, it just cranks and will not fire.

Piston noise (rattle). Ford Focus, diesel, 1.6 TDCI, 2010 model.

lucci_10 — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:52:18 GMT

I have recently purchase a Ford Focus, 1.6 TDCI, 2010 model with 13,800 miles on the clock.

However, everytime I press the accelerator and get to approximately 1600rpm, a high speed rattling noise is heard (similar to pinking in petrol engines). It only happens when the pedal is depressed and disappears when released. The car works well but I am now tuned in to the rattle, and is becoming irritating to say the least.

I have been told that it is linked to the high pressure injection system on the car. My question is simple;would you expect to hear this on a 2010 car? I have driven other Ford diesel models and have not heard anything similar to this. Would this noise indicate that something is faulty and more problems would appear with the car in the future?

Your help and advice would be appreciated.

I have a 2001 Cummins diesel Dodge Ram 2500 and there is water mixed in my fuel tank.

aaafp — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 06:54:25 GMT

I drained the tank, and replaced the filter. I did run the truck about 3 miles before I realized that there was water in the fuel. What do I do?

Replacement hybrid battery for Toyota Prius warranty.

callahanswamp — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 14:52:52 GMT

Prius hybrid replacement battery only has a 1 year warranty...why? When purchased new it has an 8 year warranty.

Does the Chevy Cobalt SS have to take premium gas?

99sunfire_gt — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 02:48:59 GMT

Does anything happen to the car if you were to put regular unleaded? or mid grade gas?

2008 Toyota Pruis model having problem on pushing start switch. Brake, skidy & another icon remain on. Engine does not start.

amjadhussain51 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:08:19 GMT

I have purchased in Pakistan a 2nd hand Toyota Pruis 2008 UK model a week back. I am facing a problem that on pressing start button. The skid, Malfunctioning VSC, brake system warning, and another icon remains on and it does not glow to ready. Some times ready icon appears but the other icons remains on and does not get start. I am worried with this problem.

Why is my 2012 Subaru Impreza getting lousy gas mileage?

kimpreza — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:02:41 GMT

The Subaru Dealership tries to brush it off as the "winter mix" of fuel. I am only getting an average of 12 mpg in town, where I live and work. Granted, I don't put many miles on, but I do have nearly 4000 miles on my Impreza, which I otherwise LOVE, since purchasing it in August.

2009 Mini. Cooper says Premium 91 fuel. What if you run Regular 87 or Mid 89?

dtownes — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 17:18:48 GMT

See above. Will it destroy the engine, or just not run as well?

Where do I find the button to open the gas tank for my 1998 Jaguar XJR?

chefllc — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:39:17 GMT

Where do I find the gas button on my 1998 Jaguar XJR sedan?

What fuel efficient cars and small SUVs are good for mountain snow driving, in the lower price ranges?

snow_driver1 — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:09:42 GMT

I am looking for a fuel efficient vehicle, that I can use to drive to Lake Tahoe in the winter that won't break the bank.

I'm having trouble fueling my car tank. It takes me a long time just to fuel 10 gallons. Mercury Grand Marquis.

vato18 — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:46:47 GMT

Mercury >rand Marquis, 2003. The pump nozzle keeps cutting out every few seconds when I try to fuel up.

I commute 85 miles a day plus weekends. Looking for a used car/suv. What fuel type is my best choice for best mpg?

mlgarza — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:31:23 GMT

I drive open highway to and from work. I log 425 miles a week just driving to work and back, plus my vehicle is the primary weekend vehicle.

Currently own a 08 F-150 150 4 door & 01 Suburban & 99 M.B. S320.

Looking for a used car to make the commute plus turn over in about two years to a high school child.

Should I focus my search on diesel, gas, or hybrid? Have no interest in a new vehicle as I put so many miles a day by the time it comes to trade in I get hit with high mileage even though it is "highway mileage".

Which US Toyota SUV model is most similar to the 2011 Toyota Fortuner?

danlt — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:07:39 GMT

Emailed to Toyota, received no response.

At our Philippine home, we own a 2011 Fortuner. It has a direct injection 4-cylinder inline 16 valve diesel engine with variable nozzle turbo & intercooler. It has terrific power and still gets excellent fuel economy of more than 30mpg (if you drive somewhat conservatively).

Now that we’re back home in Oregon we want to emulate this “Toyota experience” here. Please tell us which model (& option package) to purchase that will most closely match our Fortuner’s characteristics and specs.

Secondly, in this era of fuel efficient vehicles, I am amazed that Toyota doesn’t offer this engine here! Except for the twin-turbo V-8 diesel standard in the Land Cruiser, almost all vehicle engines are 4-cylinder diesel there.

Please explain? Thanks for your help and advice! Our local Oregon Toyota dealer couldn’t help us as he did not know what a Fortuner is.

Would it be worth it if I get a diesel car in CA?

jerro95 — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:43:03 GMT

I'm 17 and I'm looking for a first car. I'm thinking about getting either a VW Golf 2.0 or the TDI. I like the two because they're basically the same car, but with different engines.

I like the Golf TDI because it gets very high gas mileage. The thing that I like about this diesel car is that, you don't have to fill up as often as the gas engine. I live in CA, but it seems as though owning a diesel (2006 and below) a hassle. I would understand that diesel gas is slightly more expensive than regular unleaded, since a diesel car is much more fuel efficient than a regular engine, would that be able to compensate for a slightly more expensive fuel type?

Or in other words, would a USED diesel car such as a 2000-2005 VW Golf TDI, be cheaper to drive than a VW Golf 2.0 (unleaded gas).

2006 Jeep Liberty CRD. Need info on stalling. Very frustrated in Nova Scotia.

2006crdfromns — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 23:12:28 GMT

While driving - Jeep stalls, I pull over shut off the vehicle, restart the vehicle and get back on the road and it is fine. Now and again, when I start it cold, it starts to shake and the whole jeep shakes.

Also, I am having problems starting the vehicle, never happened before! I totally love my Jeep and would rather keep it than trade it. Any info you can shed on my problem?

Has anyone ever had experience of sulfur smell when Honda Civic Hybrid battery is deteriorating?

vpugh — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:30:37 GMT

2005 Honda Civic Hybrid battery is deteriorating.

I have a 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. Is it possible to drive it safely without the hybrid battery?

vpugh — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:19:23 GMT

The hybrid battery is dying, but the car is driving great. It continues to get adequate gas mileage - 36 mpg. I would prefer to drive it as is rather than buy the pricey battery. The car has 105,000 miles.

I have a 2004 Ford F-350 6.0 diesel and I am have a hard time starting it when it is cold.

hlstant — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:38:01 GMT

Rolls over good but it seems like like it might not be getting diesel fuel. When I turn the key it will act like it is going to but then it just rolls over. It is 2004 and has 125,000 miles on it. I have owned it for about 5 months.

I have a 1992 Ford F-250 with 7.3 diesel and a 4 speed. It jumps out of reverse.

snowplow_1965 — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:45:10 GMT

When I put it in reverse and let out the clutch, sometimes it will jump out and grind the gears.

How can I increase mpg on a 2005 Ford F-250 diesel Super Duty?

zeke1937 — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:02:13 GMT

Ford F-250 diesel Super Duty, automatic, long wheel base, 2 wheel drive, 6.0 engine, 4 door cab, special towing transmission package.

John Deere Gator glow plugs.

codyhalford — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:54:10 GMT

I have a John Deere diesel Gator with a Yanmar 3 cylinder motor. It is very hard to start in cold weather. Phoenix AZ, 40 degrees the low! Ii checked glow plugs,they are good. Cchecked voltage going to glow plugs was only 4 mv. not enough Ii guess so Ii put 12 volts to them for 3 to 5 seconds and the Gator will start right up.

So I replaced the glow plug relay/module and it still is only sending 4mv. Not sure if that is how the glow plug system is set up or what my problem is. Any help is appreciated!

Can't figure out what's wrong with my 02 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9l diesel.

raheelr1 — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:57:01 GMT

02 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 24v 4x4 Cummins turbo diesel. These thing are done already:

Replaced fuel filter
replaced fass lift pump, whole unit, motor, pump filter everything
replaced injection pump vp44

Starts fine. When you try to give accelerator hard on normal it shuts off. Feels like not getting fuel that's what I feel. My friend drove it. He think throttle not opening properly. What do you think could be the problem?

Are gas additives needed to remove water from fuel since most gas has ethanol? My car is a '96 Buick 3.8L with 135k miles.

congostarter — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 00:58:31 GMT

I might have water in my gas from condensation. Should I use a additive like Heet to remove water? Car has 135,000 miles.

Also are additives necessary to clean the fuel system? Any suggestions?

Did Dodge get the emission problems fixed on the 07-08 diesel? Is it safe to buy a 2012 Dodge diesel?

corvette09 — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 06:28:19 GMT

Emission problem with Dodge diesel 07-08.

I'm looking to buy a 2012 Dodge diesel pickup. Does a manual shift gets better fuel mpg than an automatic and how much?

corvette09 — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 21:39:11 GMT

Fuel mpg between manual and automatic 2012 Dodge diesel.

Has anyone leased a Ford Focus electric?

ods2010 — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 01:05:07 GMT

Ford Focus electric.

1) What is main difference between 2012 and 2013 models?

2) Is PGE still installing the 240 V charge free if we buy/rent the car now?

3) What about CA tax rebate and federal tax rebate?

Does one have to manually change from EV to ECO or POWER on a 2012 Toyota Prius V?

rinkie — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 09:44:05 GMT

I bought a 2012 Prius V a week ago and I'm not sure if I need to manually move from EV to ECO or POWER or if that happens automatically as I change speed/power use.

Can diesel fuel go bad?

gordonsplinter — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 06:18:37 GMT

I think the diesel in my Ford has gone bad causing no start.

Diesel fuel pricing over past 5 years?

englewoodken — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:48:40 GMT

How much has diesel fuel increased over the past five years?

92 Dodge 3500 diesel 4x4 lost reverse suddenly. Automatic transmission.

jmarw — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 01:22:09 GMT

Had been parked for about 5 months, ran fine when parked. Prepping it for a trip and after 2 short drives the reverse quit working.

last spring an electric switch on the engine area was causing it to shift at weird times, but that was fixed. Now we are wondering if that caused some sort of damage to the transmission and it just happened to show up now.

Pulled the pan and checked what was visible. The fluid was slightly dark and not very clear. Some slight filings in bottom of pan.

Refilled and still no reverse.

Would it be a good idea to mod a 1997-1998 VW Golf or Jetta to run off WVO (Waste Vegetable Oil)?

jerro95 — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:11:57 GMT

I'm looking for my first car and I'm contemplating whether or not if it would be worth it to mod a VW Golf/Jetta TDI so that it can run on diesel and WVO. The thing that I'm worried about if I do this is if the car would be reliable enough if I drove this car.

I know if I do this I would save money for diesel. If anyone has done this please answer.

1) Would this be a reliable car?

2) Does it matter if the fuel injection is mechanical or electronic?

3) How expensive can the conversion cost?

4) Do you have to add any additives for the WVO?

5) In order for the oil to be usable for the engine, would you have to have it go through numerous amounts of filters so that here isn't any sediment?

Should you upgrade your gas based on the older your auto gets and the high mileage?

tevon — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:17:24 GMT

Someone suggested that I should upgrade my gas based on the age and high mileage.

Where is the fuel pump on a 87 Mazda B2000 4/4 long bed pickup?

gmilosavich — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:11:10 GMT

I have a 87 Mazda B2600 4x4 carburated pickup. I need to know where the fuel pump is located, i.e. in the tank or on the block.

I use plus gas in my 2000 Dodge Durango, but recently had to put regular in. Will it harm my engine?

tevon — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:37:54 GMT

Having to put regular gas in a 2000 Dodge Durango when normally I use plus. What if any effect will it have on the engine?

Will driving my 98 Dodge diesel truck with the detente cable from transmission unattached damage the transmission?

butch1948 — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 10:24:38 GMT

Drove for 400 miles after new engine installation. Transmission fluid smells burned and feels like slipping. It was fine before engine change. Engine installer says it won't hurt transmission. Is his statement true?

How do I reset the exhaust fluid trouble light after filling fluid to full mark on my 2012 Chevy 2500?

reidrepair — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:27:45 GMT

I had Jiffy Lube fill fluid on my Chevy 2500 Duramax exhaust fluid to full and they could not figure out how to reset the countdown timer for mileage trouble light. What do I have to do to reset this?

My brother pumped gas into my car when the gas nozzle wouldn't fit. Now my car won't start. Whats wrong?

mrkprime — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 08:46:07 GMT

At the gas station my brother tried to pump gas into my 2000 Chevy Cavalier. The gas nozzle would not fit so he kept pumping anyway. On the way back home I noticed my car was stalling. Now when I turn it on it stays on for about 5 seconds then it cuts off.

When is the Camry Hybrid plug in coming out from Toyota?

rhilgers — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 06:58:36 GMT

When is the Toyota Camry Hybrid plug in coming out?
Where can I convert my Camry Hybrid 08 to a plug in at?

Have a starting issue with my 1996 Nissan Maxima. Have to crank over and over until it finally starts. help

bnuts — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:26:41 GMT

Car is fine except for the starting issue. Also need to know if I should have been using premium gas (ouch).

Also asking for a definitive answer on the size of my gas tank.

Ford F-150 running rough using CNG.

EdmundsSupport117899 — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 12:59:45 GMT

I have a Ford F-150 that runs on CNG or gas. Lately it began running rough on the CNG. Now I know you have not looked at my specific situation. However it seems that this is a common problem and may have a part that usually is the most probable cause.

If so can you tell me based on your mechanic's opinion? What the most probable suspect is here and what is the usual cost of replacement. Thank you for your time and patience.

Any idea on what would make a 02 Cummins cut out at 70 mph? Dodge 2500.

sby1 — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 17:31:42 GMT

02 Dodge 2500 diesel automatic transmission. Replaced lift pump, injector pump, had the Cummins computer reprogrammed. It runs great till you get to 70 mph, then it cut out. When you let off to slow it seems to lope for about 30 seconds.

After finding no Edmunds history on a particular subject, how do I begin a discussion on a new item?

jonken — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:54:31 GMT

I'd like to read and participate in a discussion regarding poor radio reception in 2011 Toyota hybrids. I've searched to no avail.

How do I begin a discussion on this subject?