Edmunds Answers questions

Car Stalls

nicecars1 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:53:38 GMT

Hi...Thank You For Your Advice!
I Asked Why My 2000 Cadillac Stalls While
Driving Down The Road Once In Awhile,
You Said To Check Out The Cam Shaft, Crankshaft
Sensors, My Mechanic Says Usually When That
Happens The Car Won't Retart Right Away, You Have
To Wait 20 Minutes Or So...Is That True?
Cause When The Enginer Dies, It'll Restart Right Away.
Thank You Very Much!
-Jim
P.S.He's Maybe Thinking It's A Fuel Pressure
Regulator....??????

I have several dodges but the 1999 caravan and 2000 dakota are in the service ages, will most OBD2 work on both?

darndodges — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:46:46 GMT

2000 dakota will some times not up shift w/o load or will down shift w/o load on flat at cruise speed, speed control sensor, crank sensor? thanks.

2000 Lexus RX 300 with no overdrive. However, light throttle will allow od and in shop jacked up will always go into overdrive.

autohelp1 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:01:12 GMT

2000 Lexus RX 300 won't shift into oderdrive. However, under very light throttle it will shift into od and in the shop with front end raised, no load it always shifts in od. When driving turn key off and restart than shifts into od, od light operates and will downshift if slowing down without going into first it will upshift always. First time out when engine is cold usually get 2 upshifts thru all gears. Pressure solenoid changed, speed sensors changed maf and tps both swapped with known good, only code is for knock sensor bank 2 was told that 1999 thru 2001 knock sensor willprohib shift into od. Currently have intake off waiting for sensors. Any help on problem would be great.

1999 4.3 steering pump

michael79 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:53:37 GMT

Have everything done, problem can only get the pully half on the shaft, does it actually take a while to push this on with bolt nut setup.

Thank you for any help.
Mike

What should I pay for a 30,000 mile checkup?

guidare — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 06:46:55 GMT

My dealer wants me to take out a second mortgage to finance our 30,000 mile checkup! Not really, but it is awfully expensive and I feel like I am being taken advantage of. So, what SHOULD I be paying for this checkup?

does the Oldsmobile Intrigue have spark plugs? If so were are they on the car?

jroman — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:11:22 GMT

Does the Oldsmobile Intrigue have spark plugs? Were are they located on the car?

Is there an easier way to replace serpentine belt on 96 Park Ave without removing engine mount? Thanks in advance

buick96 — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 10:18:36 GMT

need to replace serpentine belt on 96 PA but was hoping not to have to remove engine mount to replace.

How do I found out what my warranty is

brains1 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:08:44 GMT

I have a factory warranty on my 2006 PT Cruiser. How do I find out what my warranty is?

After I start the car I get a beeping sound.It beeps 25 times. 5 times with 5 beeps each time.

kopanaton — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:21:52 GMT

After I start the car I get a beeping sound .It beeps 25 times.5 times with 5 beeps each time.Then I drive and it starts again after a while.Any ideas?

How do you add an independent repair shop to the list of shops displayed? The shop I use does not come up.

aps2 — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:46:59 GMT

I wanted to add a recomendation for the shop I use (they are busy so they probobly do not need it...) but they do not seem to be listed on Edmunds.

I just bought a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible with no Owner's Manual. It was lost. I need a manual. Help.

hadley1 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:35:04 GMT

Where can I get an Owner's Manual for a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Convertible with automatic transmission?

How do I submit my auto repair shop for listing on edmunds.com?

rmautosolution — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:51:56 GMT

How do I submit my new auto repair shop for listing on Edmunds.com

Do I need to get these replaced as preventative service at 82K miles: water pump, drive belt, time belt, tensioner & pulley?

fountaindw — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:58:27 GMT

If so, how much should they be charging me to replace these as preventative maintenance at 82,000 miles? drive belts, timing belts, timing belt tensioner, balancer belt, balancer belt tensioner, 2 timing tensioner pullies, water pump, thermostat, tc valve. They claim to have to only charge me for parts since they already are doing the 60K & 75K maintenance and everything is pulled apart. Is it worth it to do this? This is the dealership where I bought the car. Thanks very much for all help - I am trying to become more informed.

How do I know if my used vehicle has been serviced to meet recall problems?

kuilapa — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:07:05 GMT

My used vehicle came with registration papers only. How do I know if it has been serviced for all recall issues?

European Maintenance

hairyeyeball — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:53:14 GMT

Why is european maintenance so much more than domestic or japanese? For example, an oil filter for an 05 Audi A8 is $20-25 vs the oil filter for an 05 Lexus LS430 is $4-6? Another example is the MB E500 that uses a specific steering fluid that is $30 a quart??? Thanks.

Dealerships receive TSBs from car manufacturers. What does TSB stand for and what is it?

ok3moore — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:35:15 GMT

I don't have any details

Home car maintenance tools?

cjmiron — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:50:26 GMT

I'd like to start doing my own oil changes. I drive a Grand Prix, so I need to know a safe way to elevate the car in order to get underneath. I live in an apartment complex so I would need something easy to move. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Where do I find repair group 24?

vadi — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:41:03 GMT

i'm looking on this site and its directing me to look at repair group 24 and i don't know where to find that please help

I accidentally put antifreeze in windshield wiper compartment of my car. Now what?

lger5040 — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Antifreeze in windshield fluid compartment

What's the hourly rate for a pro mechanic?

deepbass — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:47:06 GMT

What's the going rate for a pro mechanic at a certified auto repair shop?

Can I use Bosch platinum plugs in my 05 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

eddie56 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:05:30 GMT

I keep hearing different things. Can I use Bosch platinum spark plugs in my 05 Jeep Grand Cherokee? It's time to change them.

Are prepaid maintenance plans worth it?

aamenda — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:44:12 GMT

Are manufacture prepaid maintenance plans worth the cost?

Edmunds maintenance guide information.

tester713 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:51:23 GMT

I see on your website that you can go to the maintenance schedule and select a vehicle. When you're on this page, however, the maintenance guide does not give any information as to when to be serviced, ie how many months between servicing or mileage between servicing. Where on your website can I go to print this off or do you know of another address that I can go to to print this information off?

If a police department buys their fleet from an out of town dealer, does the local dealer have to honor the warranty.

john4870 — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:51:20 GMT

If a police department buys a fleet of say 15 cars from an out of town dealer because of a favorable price, does the local dealer in the department's home town have to honor the new car warranty for autos not purchased from him?

Should I tip the courtesy car driver?

jtb02 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:28:03 GMT

I am having my car picked up for a service and the dealership is driving a courtesy car to my house for the day? Should I tip the driver? If so, how much is appropriate? Thanks for the help!

Best repair manuals?

paullis — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:18:04 GMT

I pride myself on perpetuating the life of motor vehicles. I am also poor so cannot afford new ones. I have purchased a few repair manuals in the past but would appreciate a professional opinion of the best manuals. I assume it would be either Chilton's or Haynes.

What is the recommended interval for changing engine hoses?

deelite — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:32:14 GMT

What is the recommended interval for changing the hoses on my engine?
The mechanic says that they are fine & it would be a waste of money to change them. It has been some years since it was last done.I do not want to get stuck.

scanner recomendations

sandman235 — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:54:15 GMT

I liked the answer you gave the guy with the Buick, can you recomend a laptop type scanner program and cable?

Is it really necessary to change automatic transmission fluid & filter periodically under normal driving conditions?

stb1 — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 19:23:02 GMT

Is it really necessary to do this? Some say yes, and others say no. What do the experts have to say?

... under normal driving and normal environmental conditions ...

When ordering parts, do I order right / left sitting in the seat or standing in front of the car?

dlee43 — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:29:33 GMT

parts order right / left confusing

Synthetic Oil

fosports — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:19:44 GMT

Does using synthetic oil extend the interval when oil needs to be changed?

Thanks to wern10 - Alldata question.

omsrof — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:46:11 GMT

Geez-- thanks for the quick rsponse. You must really like you cars stuff- it seems like you were waitning online for my question.
Since I am new to this board today I couldn't see how to reply directly to you so I used ask a question.

Maybe you can tell me how to reply dirctly to you on the board as I am absolutely sure that i will have more questions if I tackle this.
I especiall am interested in what you mention about relays, solinoids etc.

I guess I expected I would just have hook up power to the seat and all the controls would be in the seat-- but what do I know.
I probably am going to sign up for my 2005 T&C on Alldatadiy.com. to get more details. I already have a membership there for my 1999 Astro van and have found them to be helpful ( although a little obtuse in how to find things-- not real organized.)

Have you ever used alldatdiy and what has been you experience. I rwad you profile that said you have 16 years as auto tec -- I am just a garage mechanic but enjoy doing it rather than just dumping my car into dealership for service. I am an engineer who likes to know how things work and how to fix them.

Thanks again,

Omsrof

Which way do you tighten bolts?

tony78 — Sat, 10 May 2008 14:43:46 GMT

Hi: i always thought it was righty tighty, lefty loosie.

What maintenance should I have done for a used 1991 vehicle with 197,000 miles that might not have had maintenance in a while?

cali_pr — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:43:11 GMT

Owner not sure if tuneup was done or any other work besides oil changes

What cars have timing chains vs timing belts?

ssd99 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:13:41 GMT

I'm in market for a used car and local mechanic advised looking for cars that have a timing chain vs timing belt. Said vehicles with chains require minimal maint. vs those with belts that require replacement at 90-100 k miles.

Long haul maintenance on an '03 DXL

skipro03 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:27:26 GMT

03 DXL. 125k miles. Should I drive it to 200k or trade in. Each time it needs a repair it's becoming more $$$$ ?

What is a good scanner to be used by a do it myself guy with a good mechanical background?

douglas13 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:31:39 GMT

need info. on good scanner for upkeep on my cars,I know my way around autos,but this OBD II is rough...thanks

Tire flew off at60 mph 2 weeks after routine balance/rotation. Basket case but no physical injury. Had to buy new car. Recourse?

dfoer — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:51:48 GMT

this is actually for a friend of mine, 60 yo school teacher, driving down highway 6;30 pm, hears/feels shudder/noise, ABS light goes on, manages to get flashers on...watches rear tire fly off down the road. no other vehicle involved/no physical injury but she's an emotional wreck. car was 200?, 56000 miles, paid for, good cond., etc.....for some reason she gets it towed home and goes out to buy new car (?damage exceeded value)....approx 2 weeks prior she had routine balance/rotation of tires. had only driving short distances/low speeds until the day the tire flew off on open road. does she have any recourse? fault of shop? doubt tire manufacturer issue... any advice helpful. she is not really interested in pursuing legal action but seems possible/likely that this was result of negligence on part of shop not securing tire when replacing? other possible reasons? is it worth going back to the shop (on a corporate level, maybe?) i don't think she even reported to insurance co. thanks for any advice.

Who makes a bi-directional diagnostic scanner for under $400.00? I have seen AutoXray 7000 that claims to be,

douglas13 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:39:48 GMT

I keep on looking for a diagnostic scanner that is bi-directional for under 400.00, or at least web site to help me make a diagnostic scanner choice. auto xray 7000? innova 3140? I am not stupid but sure sound like it when I pose this question...THANKS SOOO MUCH

Does 5w30 weight oil cost more than 10w30?

peds1 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:03:07 GMT

I get my car serviced at a repair shop which has consistently advertised oil changes for $15.99. Now they informed me my car will cost $28 since
it takes 5w30. Is this legit or are they just making extra dollars?

Oil change using ramps?

jugger2 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:57:52 GMT

By using front ramps to drain oil, am I leaving a significant amount of used oil in the oil pan? Should oil changes be made when the auto is level? thx.

Should both shocks be replaced at the same time?

lynnegan — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:54:06 GMT

The shock on the rear driver's side were just changed. I have 30,000 miles on my car. Should the other shock be changed also?

Can you ever change your oil but not the filter in between changes?

rorsini — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:18:12 GMT

I am being told I do not have to change my filter every time my oil is changed. Is this true?

A suggestion about when posting questions to make it easier and quicker for all

patrick88 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:40:00 GMT

PLEASE provide the following information when asking questions (at least as much as you know):

The year, Make and model of the vehicle. The engine size/type; transmission type; etc..

All details related to the problems you are having (i.e. what the symptoms are, when they occur, when did it start happening, any repairs done lately etc..) and any other info you think may help to diagnose the problem (no matter how dumb you think it or crazy is it may help).

I understand most people will not know all of the above, but the more info you can provide the quicker and more accurate answers you'll receive. It saves a lot of time when you provide this and this means your vehicle may be repaired even sooner.

The above is just a suggestion from me and is not a demand :-) .
Thanks for reading!
Pat

Just bought an 01 Ford Ranger 2WD. Periodically makes sound and vibe like warning strips on edge of some Interstate highways. Help.

flipbish — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:15:11 GMT

Brief sound and vibe like running over rough spot in pavement. Lasts only 1-2sec and occurs maybe every 10 miles. Truck is 01 Ranger xlt 2wd with 97k miles. Just purchased. Has Goodrich tires with plenty of tread left. Unknown if any suspension work has been done. Seller provided maintenance records, no suspension work noted.

My car shakes very bad while driving to work.

milkduds — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:09:52 GMT

driveing to work the felt like a tire was was going to fall off

I have a 00 GA and it makes a creeeeekkkkkk noise when turning left. Not all the time, only when I start driving.

melsmomma — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:23:00 GMT

Only when turning left and with in the first 5 minutes of driving. Also I noticed my ABS and ETS off lights are on. When I looked at the ABS cable? it looks as if it was cut. How do I fix this and how much does it normally cost. I have been ripped off before and can't afford to not know this time!

What do I need to do to find out if I damaged anything on my car if I hit in a pot hole really hard? It's not running right.

bear23 — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:25:52 GMT

I dropped down in a pothole really hard then my car started running funny like sometimes I smell gas or the gas is fluffy I can't describe it very well.
I know it something with that gas.

What is torque steer?

deelite — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:22:10 GMT

What is torque steer and is there any way to eliminate it? My Grand Prix pulls to the right when I accelerate. My friend tells me this is something called torque steer.

Engine undercover dragging

ashera1 — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:46:25 GMT

The cover under the front of the engine is sagging and frequently scrapes the ground. Does it have a purpose? Should I have it fixed or replaced?