Edmunds Answers questions

My 07 Saturn front seat belts are locked. Car has never been in wreck. How do you unlock them?

brittany620 — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:46:26 GMT

I just got this car from my grandfather. Not too sure what happened. The drivers seat belt is locked but it is about to put on the passenger seat belt is stuck. you can't even put it around you.

Why do car crash ratings differ between Consumer Reports and The Car Book?

reenagerda — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:56:41 GMT

The safety ratings on car stickers differ from those in CU and The Car Book.Why?

Jeep Liberty towing suggestions? Never towed before.

momakesthings — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:46:16 GMT

i am moving from Savannah, GA to Grand Junction, CO and am thinking of getting a U-Haul cargo trailer instead of renting out a van. I've never towed anything before, nor am I familiar with the area that we're moving to.

I recently bought a used 2006 Jeep Liberty and have only been driving it for a couple of weeks. It does not have a hitch. Prior to my Jeep, I drove a VW Bug, so I'm also unfamiliar with the SUV world. I read that the Liberty is good for towing around 4000lbs, but my major concern is about uphill towing. I also saw some mention about using diesel?

So, if anyone has any helpful info about a Jeep Liberty's towing capabilities, what I need to know about towing in general, and if getting a trailer is worth it, I'd really appreciate the help.

Does downshifting an automatic into 2nd coming down mountains wear out the transmission? '92 Buick Century.

piscesintp44 — Wed, 01 May 2013 20:19:43 GMT

'92 Buick Century, 142,000 miles.

A Kia Soul burst into flames following an accident this weekend. Any thoughts?

cgbtoo2 — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:38:15 GMT

Why did a Kia Soul burst into flames after being in an accident?

What is a good vehicle for around $5,000?

elbowgrease — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:36:22 GMT

I live twelve hours from family so something that gets good mpg and comfortable enough for all day drives. I moved to Omaha, NE and hear that awd is the only thing that cuts it here but don't know if I believe that. I venture out to hike a good deal so whatever I get needs to be able to tackle some steep roads. Needs to have cargo space for luggage. Most important is maintenance track record, costs of repair. Something reliable and inexpensive to keep up.

What car/crossover is the best fit for tall driver, baby/child, and giant dog?

pondhopper — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:05:27 GMT

We're pretty flexible on what to get in terms of looks, but I'd love your opinions / recommendations.

What We Need/Want:

- car to fit me -- I'm 6'0 tall, long in the leg and torso.
- if sedan, needs to fit baby seat and giant dog (greyhound mix, very long)
- if crossover / SUV, needs to have cover to hide contents
- good mileage (mainly freeway, but a lot of city)
- excellent safety
- satellite radio
- Bluetooth phone capability
- prefer USB aux for music
- no more than $25,000

We Are Flexible On:

- hybrid vs. traditional
- wagon / sedan / crossover (but see above)
- new vs. used

We Do Not Want:

- giant SUV
- minivan

We are focusing on Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, and Kia. Your recommendations / suggestions for pecific models in these brands / another brand would be welcome.

Thank you for your input and have a great day! :D

2007 Toyota RAV4 V6 with towing package. Can it pull an 18 foot trailer with gross weight of 3200 lbs?

peacefulyogi — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:44:51 GMT

What type problems am I likely to encounter? Toyota says weight is okay but I'm concerned so would like input. I'm inexperienced with trailers this size.

Volvo S40 saying SRS airbag service urgent. Brake failure, stop safely. Power steering service required. What is problem?

mtt1 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 04:41:55 GMT

My diesel 2006 Volvo S40 is giving me the following messages:

SRS airbag service urgent
Brake failure, stop safely
Power steering service required.

The central locking is also behaving erratically.

The car is running perfectly besides.

I think it is a computer problem but, apparently there are 3 computers and for the mechanics to find out which one seems to be a problem and could cost a lot!

Any advice?

Locked seat belts. 99 Dodge Ram 1500.

ramman123 — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:25:36 GMT

Just put in different seats. Old ones did not have wiring for new seats. Is there a way to bypass the solenoids or the (sctm) so I can get the seat belts to work or can I run a hot wire to fix this problem? Thanks.

Is a 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS a reliable car?

got2bekylee — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 03:16:16 GMT

I probably have the worst luck with cars, so I am just checking to see if I got into a reliable car. It is a 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS with 58,000 miles on it. It seems to drive great and all the maintenance is up to date from what CarFax says. Please be blunt with any answers. Thank you.

I hate large cars but need something that fits 6 people. What are the best options?

skeet5 — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:57:06 GMT

What are the smallest car options for 2 adults and 4 kids/teens? I hate driving big cars! Are there any "small" minivans or other options?

Signal lights freeze. The turn signal lights are stopped and not blinking.

karan_k — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:07:36 GMT

Signal lights freeze. The turn signal lights are stopped and not blinking.

What would be an average speed at which air bags deploy in a rear end collision?

willysknight — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:50:56 GMT

My wife was in a rear end collision in 2009. She was traveling between 15-20 mph, and the air bags didn't deploy. The car she hit was a recent model Toyota Highlander. She was unhurt, and the impact was more on the left side of her car (2008 Camry LE) where the air bag sensor is. The air bags had not been stolen as some have suggested. The Highlander driver drove her car, which had minor damage according to the CHP accident report, from the accident scene.

My wife and I would like to know, for our own information, the average speed at which air bags would deploy in a rear end collision at the speed mentioned above.

'98 Dodge truck seat belts are locked.

sis57 — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:00:58 GMT

On a 98 Dodge truck the seat belts are locked. How do you get them unlocked?

The passenger airbag dash light remains on all the time in my 2000 Chevy Impala. Is this a faulty sensor? Thanks.

raym70 — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:03:24 GMT

The passenger airbag light stays on in my 2000 Impala. Is this a sensor problem, and, if so where are the sensors, and are they DIY serviceable? Thanks.

How to replace the "Airbag Clockspring 6 circuit" on my 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager? Can you help me do it?

mycar31 — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 23:58:06 GMT

Is it very difficult to replace the "Airbag Clockspring 6 circuit" on my 99 Plymouth Grand Voyager? I'm not a mechanic, I have done tune/ups, brakes and small things like that on my car but never something like replacing this electrical parts on my car.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Is the Mercedes E350 4matic as good in snow and rain as Audi A6 2.0 premium plus quattro?

rwurtzel — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:22:14 GMT

Is the Mercedes E350 4matic as good in snow and rain as Audi A6 2.0 premium plus quattro?

2011 Kia Sorento. Can you section front rail legally and if so, what is the correct cutting point?

bigdawg10 — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:40:52 GMT

We have a 2011 Kia Sorento. It needs a front rail. The insurance company wants us to section it in but we want to know if it is legal to section in and if so where is the correct cut point.

If headlights ON, tail lights are inherently/always ON too, I thought. Many seen otherwise! How does this happen?

jwry — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 01:03:15 GMT

I believed that if headlights were ON that taillights were inherently always also ON in every brand and type of licensed on-road vehicle. Others argued that is not the case. Since the topic was raised I have seen literally hundreds of vehicles on highways in both Canada and the US with headlights on but no taillights. How, why and under what circumstances can this occur ? I can find no switch combination in any of my vehicles (nor remember any) that would produce this condition. Does it relate to light sensors and automatic systems turning on headlights without turning on taillights and if so, isn't this a safety hazard and violation of some sort ?

Infiniti G20 rear seat belt. How to open latch? Has 2 circular fasteners with center point. No good to pry open.

badbob4 — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:26:17 GMT

Once open I can insert buffer to make it click again.

What is the best car for someone with vision in only one eye? (the right eye).

gypsycandy — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:29:17 GMT

What is the best car for someone with vision in
only one eye (the right eye)?

What is airbag code 33 on a 2005 Lincoln Town Car?

rlauck — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:51:56 GMT

2005 Lincoln Town Car flashes airbag light three times, pauses, three more flashes, then stays on.

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.

2000 Honda CR-V LX airbags light in the panel is on.

maresus04 — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 17:20:47 GMT

The airbags light in the panel is on. This is a big problem? Expensive?

I just bought a used car from a dealer. On the windshield it has a safety check sticker. What does this mean?

rodgerterrey — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:17:38 GMT

I just bought a used car from a dealer. On the windshield it has a safety check sticker. What does this mean?

2001 Ford Ranger XLT. Airbag light code #46. What's the problem?

rangerxlt2 — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:34:57 GMT

When starting my truck the airbag light flashes a code and the stays on. The code is 46. Can anyone tell me how and what to do to fix it?

I'm looking for a used car or smaller crossover AWD or 4x4.

ruderegime — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 03:12:53 GMT

Wanted for commute to work mostly open mountain roads to freeway driving. Gotta drive in inclement weather sometimes. Looking for decent gas mileage. I like hatchbacks. Gotta be in the $5,000 or under range. Any recommendations?

I want a list of 2013 autos with a collision avoidance system.

sweatshop — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:20:59 GMT

I want a list of 2013 autos that have a collision avoidance or collision mitigation system.

Should 2009 Jeep Wranglers be included in the 2010 Wrangler recall?

danmix11 — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:10:04 GMT

On Nov. 27, 2012 my Wrangler suddenly caught on fire while I was driving. I stopped, lifted the hood and the whole rear part of engine was on fire. I tried to put fire out with fire extinguisher but a ball of flames shot out from bottom of Jeep.

Fire truck could not put out fire, Jeep was burned to ground. Contacted Jeep about fire and they sent out investigator. His report said fire was inconclusive and Jeep could not be held responsible.

I went online and there is a recall for 2010 Wranglers for sudden fires due to debris collecting between dampener and exhaust. The same area where mine started. The people at Jeep don't care. My insurance paid for the wholesale value of the Jeep, but I am out my Jeep. I need a new right hand drive vehicle to the do my mail route but I'm worried about buying another Wrangler. Help?!

Mercedes 4matic vs BMW X-drive vs Audi Quattro.

autopal — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 11:39:49 GMT

I am preparing to trade in my 09 BMW 335i. I definitely need AWD since I now reside in western Canada. My research indicate that Mercedes' 4matic is slightly superior to X-drive and Quattro. Am I nuts? Obviously the 3 cars on my short list are the C class, the 3 series and the A4, but here in Saskatchewan, we have literally 6 months of snow/ice, so hence my question.

Appreciate any feedback.

Which car is safer, a 2006 Saturn VUE V6 or 2011 Honda Accord LXP 4 cylinder?

mikes61 — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 11:36:05 GMT

I was wondering if you could help me with a simple answer..

I purchased a fully loaded 2006 V6 Saturn Vue for my 17 year old Daughter. In NHTSA crash testing, the Saturn Vue earned a perfect five stars for driver protection in frontal impacts and four stars for front-passenger protection. Side-impact tests resulted in a five-star rating across the board. The IIHS named the Vue a "Best Pick" for its frontal-offset crash safety. In IIHS side-impact tests of small SUVs, the Vue earned a "Poor" rating (the lowest), but the vehicle tested did not have head curtain airbags.

Do you think this is a safe car for my daughter? She currently drives a 2011 Accord. IS the VUE safer than the Accord due to the fact it is a larger car? regardless of either car's ratings?

Which safety ratings are more accurate, IIHS or NHTSA for the 2006 Saturn VUE?

1helpplease — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 18:02:19 GMT

We are in the process of buying a used car for our teenage drivers. We found a 2006 Saturn VUE that we are interested in. But, the IIHS and the NHTSA have very different safety ratings with the NHTSA being 5 stars across the board, except for a 3 in roll over. The IIHS gave the Saturn VUE acceptable, marginal and poor ratings. How do we determine which safety rating to use? We want to buy the kids a safe car. Thanks.

2005 Mercury Marquis air bag light is on.

lowrider08 — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 18:36:53 GMT

The air bag light is on. The car has not been hit.

Will putting tires on without installing pressure sensors affect the operation of the AWD? GMC Acadia SLT2.

caper5 — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 16:05:51 GMT

We have an '09 Acadia SLT2. Front tires do not have tire pressure sensors. The manual says that if the spare tire is installed, the AWD will be disabled. I assume because the tire has no sensor.

I have a set of snow tire 235/45R17. Do they fix my 2012 BMW X1? All season tire size 225/50R17. Thanks.

sl2013 — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:26:39 GMT

I have a set of snow tire 235/45R17. Do they fix my 2012 X1 - all season tire size 225/50R17? Thanks.

New Toyota FJ Cruiser. I want to remove the front seats.

jdceng — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 13:25:28 GMT

Would there be any problems in disconnecting the air bags and removing the front seats?

The type I want to fit don't have air bags.

Not concerned about warranty issues.

JDC

My Mazda 5 Grand Touring has passenger side airbag sensor set at 100 lb. My wife is 90 lb and it doesn't activate.

tomtom53 — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 20:37:48 GMT

I bought a 2013 Mazda 5 AWD and the front passenger seat airbag sensor is preset at 100lbs and my 90 lb wife is unprotected, i.e. the sensor doesn't recognize her. Isn't this a high dangerous setting? Lots of passengers would weigh less than 100 lbs.

Does anyone have or know where I can get a driver's side seatbelt for a 94 Chrysler Concorde?

deniece — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:45:51 GMT

I need to buy a 94 Chrysler Concorde driver side seatbelt that retracts. I also need to know where I can buy one and who can I get to install it. I am in San Antonio, Texas.

Will my 2002 Saab 9-5 be ok if I don't fix my theft alarm system?

p2myiso — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 16:52:45 GMT

My SID screen shows service theft alarm and I know my why - my batteries are worn out but I don't have the money to get a new system. Need to know if my car will Be ok without it. Please help.

Airbag sensor light is on in my 2000 Hyundai Sonata.

freewaykid — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:47:25 GMT

The airbag sensor light is on in my 2000 Hyundai Sonata. What does it mean?

4WD vs front wheel drive. Which is safer in snow?

dancer40 — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 09:46:50 GMT

I live in central MI and we average 60 inches of snow per year. I drive the highway 40 miles each way to work. I am buying a new car and trying to decide if I want the 4WD upgrade for safety reasons. My last car was totaled by a person hitting an ice patch.

Need to disable an airbag.

abono — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:16:36 GMT

Who will install an airbag switch in southeast PA? Daughter has special ability controls and can not take a direct hit in head.

Winter tires and wheels for 2011 Lexus RX 350?

albertan — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:02:09 GMT

I am planning to put winter tires and wheels on Lexus RX 350. Do I need to buy original wheels from Lexus dealer or the one suggested by Kal Tire as 18x8 5/114.3 Phantom Pearl White Machine? They also suggested 18" instead of 19" for better traction. Any suggestion?

Have 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that smells like burning rubber after being towed and then driven. Coming from engine area.

daveboy59 — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:40:40 GMT

We tow a new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited behind motorhome that always smells like rubber burning after you unhook and start it. It then continues for quite some time before it goes away. Not the tires and is coming from engine compartment. Belts look fine and as near as I can tell. Actually smells like a tire on fire!

Took to dealership after second time and they couldn't find anything. Have checked for burnt wiring and have found none. Anybody else with this problem? Don't want to take it to another dealership. It doesn't smell at all while being towed.

i have a 2002 Infiniti Q45 and the airbag warning light is flashing. How do I get it to go off? Having problem with CD changer too .

renita32 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 14:28:49 GMT

CD changer keep shorting out. I will have to let trunk up to tap on it for the radio to come on. Then my airbag warning light won't stop flashing. How do I stop that? 2002 Infiniti Q45.

Is passenger or roof safety compromised on Lexus ES 350 with full glass roof coming on Ultra Premium Package?

carfan35 — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 04:14:53 GMT

2012 Lexus ES 350 with Ultra Premium Package includes a full glass roof. I can find no information about the safety of these roofs during crash testing. Help?

Do 4WD SUVs with low profile tires do well in the snow?

go44 — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:40:06 GMT

Considering it is a 4WD vehicle, will it still be better than most cars or SUVs that do not have 4WD, even though it has low profile tires?

2008 Buick LaCrosse passenger air bag sensor needs to be replaced.

buick2008 — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 19:30:23 GMT

Dealer says it is a $1,000 fix, any other options?

Wound a RWD SUV such as an Infinity FX37 be good for snow? Why put RWD on an SUV vs. FWD? Would FWD would be better?

ngrinchenko — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 22:23:36 GMT

I seem to be apprehensive that FX 35 has a RWD. Of course AWD is available but a bit pricier version. I tend to think that AWD makes a vehicle much more stable (no oversteering) in wet/snowy conditions. Would I be able to get out or go through the same heavy snow with an RWD vs. FWD?