Edmunds Answers questions

How do you reset 2001 Mazda MPV computer without OBDII?

bobbyww1967 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:03:18 GMT

Disconnected battery terminals to discharge for a couple minutes and also pressed brakes and turned on headlights to dissipate any remaing power.Any help would be greatly appreciated

Where can I obtain better interior for a L A WEST conversion van?

wheels43 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:13:48 GMT

Where can I obtain better interior lighting for a L A WEST Ford conversion van?

Can 225-65-R16 tire fit in place of 215-60-R16 tires on my minivan?

wdenny — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:08:30 GMT

I have these new tires which I rarely used last year and want to know if I can use them for my new car???

What would be the culprit of rattling?

seabunky — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:31:30 GMT

When I shift van into gear (either D,R,L1,L2) but not in neutral and sit in one spot with the brake pedal depressed there is an awful rattling noise. It does not occur in park or neutral with the brake depressed. The rattling seems to be causing drag on the engine as the idle will drop down. It's almost as if every drive pulley is seizing up. This does not happen if I hold brake down while in park or neutral.

What causes the shifter indicator not to register that it is not in park?

gouch62 — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:18:21 GMT

when i put the car in park every position is highlighted instead of just park. the info center says that the car needs to be in the park position.

In Chevrolet Cargo Vans, what is total usable inside length between rear inside doors and backside of front seat?

budmckechnie — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:16:45 GMT

I need to get 2 kayaks inside the van, with rear doors closed. The length of each kayak is 12 feet overall. Will I need to get extended body Chevrolet van or is standard body sufficiently long? Question refers to all models between model years of Chevrolet cargo vans between years 2000 and 2009.

what is the cheapest minivan lease out there right now?

dopicod — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:28:20 GMT

what is the cheapest minivan lease out there right now in fl

1993 ChevyG20 van, 5.7engine. Timing chain settings for the crank gear and cam shaft gear?

randy75 — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:14:06 GMT

I"M doing a complete tune up(timing chain included). I need to know the settings for the gears, are they 6 & 12 kissing or 6 & 12 top center?
1993 chevrolet van G-20 series 5.7 engine

Used Conversion Van Prices

kkehler65 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:08:45 GMT

Where can I find these prices on-line?

Which minivans have 8 seats?

slehmann — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:22:44 GMT

which minivans can seat up to 8 people?

2007 Kia Sedona LX after first maintenance check by dealer.

FLgrandma — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:23:30 GMT

My 2007 Kia Sedona started making loud noises when I shift gears and/or press the gas pedal - NOT WHEN IN AUTOMATIC. It is so loud that you can hardly hear when someone talks in the car.I only get 13 miles per gallon. I have 7,000 miles on the van. I have taken it back twice more to the dealer (who is now closed his business) and they claimed it is normal. However, that sound was not there when I bought the van.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
FLgrandma

Airbag and horn short circuit. How much to fix? Also red light, check engine light on. Thanks,Tony.

rlitcap — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:36:31 GMT

The van runs good.Should I Buy it fot $1,800.00 ?

Please help
Thank you
Tony.

I am from Seattle, presently in Alberta. When my van is cold it leaks coolant. No leaks warm. Common?

hoveskeland — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:35:49 GMT

It is well below freezing. When parked warm over virgin snow there are no leaks. when left over night, and once very cold (-20 C) it leaks pretty steady. I am having no running issues just keep topping off antifreeze. I am two weeks into the trip from warmer climate. Leaks most from water pump but I can't tell if it is a hose clamp and the water is traveling. The clamps are all the tension kind as opposed to tightening with a screw. I don't know how to tighten these. Is this a common problem and...I assume if it were the water pump it would leak at the same pace or more when running warm or cold and while stopped warm or cold. I think the seal is contracting or something. Ideas?

Which minivans have folddown seats?

marianne7 — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 15:10:01 GMT

The ones that actually fold down into the floor...thanks.

What model minivan is the best to add a handicap ramp?

janie1967 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:40:47 GMT

My husband is in a mobility scooter (need 56" head space). We are looking for a used van to add a ramp for the scooter. Which model van would be the best to purchase and does anyone know about what the cost is to convert to a handicap van?

What AWD minivans are available?

ajay8 — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:06:04 GMT

Hi There!
I'm looking for available mini-vans in market with AWD option.

Thanks
- Ajay8

Are there any 2010 minivans that offer the run-flat tires?

ladyref — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:28:11 GMT

Since Honda is discontinuing the Pax runflat tire in its 2010 Odyssey's, is any one else offering this as an option?

Do all minivans have skid plates?

doggrandma — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:56:25 GMT

Several years ago, there was a terrible accident in which a minivan snagged some debris underneath and caught fire. Most of the occupants died. I was thinking that skid plates had been added to minivans to prevent this from happening. Is that true?

What minivans offer adjustable pedals?

fgarshak — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:59:04 GMT

I want to research mini vans but have to have adjustable pedals because my wife is so short that she is otherwise pushed up against the steering wheel and too close to the airbag. Honda has what I want in their most expensive touring model and they tell me they can't install it on a cheaper model. Can adjustable pedals be installed after market?

On your 2003 van, what was the problem and solution? I am having the same issue

tap16 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:23:19 GMT

My van is doing exactly the same, can you help me?

Lease a van for my company.

lansing_biker — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:40:27 GMT

My company's current lease runs out in April and I'm interested in lining up a new van to lease for 3 years. Know what we want, but do not care who's van we lease. Make is not important. I'm wondering if there is a web site that I can post our requirements and have various dealers submit lease prices so that we can compare and then decide which to investigate further?

Thanks for any assistance.

I just read your article on adding horse poiwer to a windstar.

speedyj71 — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:18:19 GMT

I have a 1996 windstar that Ive been trying to find a way how to add extra horse power to my mini because I'm forced to drive a mini due to my disability and everyone I asked laghed at me for wanting to add more horse power to my minivan. can you tell me what i can do to get some added horse power.

What is the best 2008 van for carrying a wheelchair or motorized scooter?

sweetrosa — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:33:11 GMT

We have had a Dodge Grand Caravan in the past, but I have been reading that the 2008 has lost much of the space in the back. I for one would love to convince the family to move to a more dependable and fuel efficient van model anyway. Any suggestions?

I'm currently shopping for a used minivan for $2000-3000. What would be considered the most reliable?

ardiel — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:45:13 GMT

I need seating for 7 and like the extended van
I like the look of the chev venture but was told they rate low on reliability.I will be driving across canada with small children so reliable is huge factor.Is there a place to find canada's top 5 used mini vans???

I have an 05 Honda Odyssey and bought a Sunbeam mini AC/DC refrigerator. Bought it for travelling in the van but it won't run off AUX.

Insight — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:09:47 GMT

The Sunbeam mini refrig works great in the house, but when we plug it into the AUX plugs of the 05 Odyssey, the fan on the mini unit runs, but it does not cool. Any ideas on how to make this cute little mini refrig run from the van for trips, etc?? Why is it getting enough power to run the fan but not to cool the drinks? They end up being very warm after a few hours. The light that shows the mini refrig is on does not light up from the AUX outlets. The unit came with both AC wall plug and the 12-volt DC car adapter. Thanks.

What was make/model of, I believe, a small van/suv that had a rear section of the roof that could slide open to haul tall items?

rik7 — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:02:06 GMT

I think it was either ford or chevy..couple of years back.

What van works best for conversion. Where should I get the conversion at the best price?

jmfenske — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 13:08:43 GMT

Want to buy either a minivan to use for camping. Do I need a van conversion? If so, which van at what price is the best deal? What recommended conversion dealer or dealer that already has van conversions for sale?
Thanks

Cash for Clunkers question about trading minivans.

ywmui — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:25:16 GMT

If my old minivan has a combined rating of 17 mpg, and the new minivan I am considering has 19 mpg. Will this qualify for the cash voucher? 19-17=2. Or I have to use maximum qualifying mpg which is 18 to caculate, that is 19-18=1 which will disqualify me for this cash voucher.

Ford and GM stopped making minivans. Does the 2010 Ford Escape or the Chevy Equinox have higher seating like the minivans?

br500 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:28:19 GMT

I'm 6'4" tall and the higher driver's seat in my Freestar is more comfortable to my knees and back; especially for longer drives. I don't want a full size van. Since Ford and GM don't make minivans in 2010, I'm looking for a crossover or small SUV that has higher seats like a minivan. Standard car seats are too low. I prefer a Ford but I might have to go to Dodge/Chrysler to get another minivan. I didn't know if the Ford Escape or Chevy Equinox had seating height like a minivan or if they're lower like a car.

Which minivan has removable rear seats?

teresaokc — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:10:03 GMT

We are looking for a minivan to use for camping and would like to remove all of the rear seats and leave a smooth, flat floor. Which makes of minivans have removable rear seats?

Does Honda plan on making an extended version of the Odyssey?

timdh — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:41:05 GMT

How about any other minivan? I am in a wheelchair and would like a wider sliding door.

How do you take out a starter for a 91 Chevy Lumina van?

loika — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:51:20 GMT

I need to replace my starter on my 91 chevy lumina van. Need to know how to take it out and install new one

95 Chevy Lumina minivan transmission question. Problems upshifting.

bigcfi — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:45:50 GMT

my son has a 95 lumina minivan that is having problems upshifting..its a 3 speed automatic with a 3.1 motor and we have changed the filter and fluid,,when we changed the fluid there were no peices or chunks in the pan,,the fluid was very dirty but didn't seem burnt,,it will drive in all gears but will not upshift and seems to be staying in 2nd,,when you try to manually shift from drive to 2nd to low the only noticable change is shifting to low,,it appeares to shift to a passing gear when the throttle is pressed to the floor but won't shift up..seems to stay in the gear it's starting out in..the motor was replaced a year ago and i checked the lockup plug and it appears like it was disconnected who knows how long ago..he bought it used about 6 months ago,,it never gave any indications about a problem and just stopped upshifting one day after he drove it to drop his girlfriend of at work..i did notice that when in drive it appeares to be slipping as the rpms seem higher than the vehicle is actually moving ..i do have mechanicle ability but never fooled with front wheel drive vehicles much and a tranny swap looks like a nitemare..any suggestions or try this's?? before i take on a tranny swap? and also just how complicated is the swap option,,please help a dad out!
thanks for any suggestions...
curt

Does your Dodge Caravan lose power steering fluid?

cardoc12 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:21:54 GMT

My van was whining and making a grinding noise. I noticed the fluid was low. I added some and the whining went away on the spot. The next day the grinding noise stopped as well. Has anyone found the fluid level to be low?? Manual says that the fluid should only be checked or added to if you suspect a leak or problem...

Can I get an aftermarket DVD system for my 2008 Toyota Sienna?

chilipepper7 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:48:52 GMT

I want to get a DVD system for my brand new 2008 Toyota Sienna. Can I get an aftermarket system and how much can I expect to pay?

When should I buy the extended warranty for my Odyssey?

chilipepper7 — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:51:58 GMT

I'm in the process of buying a Honda Odyssey (thank you Edmunds!) and the salesperson is pushing the extended warranty. My questions are - do I have to buy the extended warranty when I buy the car? Can I buy it later? I really don't want to finance it. Second, do I have to buy the Honda extended warranty from the dealership where I bought the car?

Is there a way to hook up an MP3 player to my DVD entertainment system?

Lizzie — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 01:33:06 GMT

In my 2004 Sienna XLE Limited (with factory DVD Entertainment System), there are audio/video RCA jacks (the usual red/white/yellow) near the back seats. I was hoping to be able to use the Line Out of my MP3 player (not an iPod), connect up through these audio jacks and listen through the main sound system. All I've been able to do is get it to play through the overhead DVD player into the wireless headphones. Anyone know a way of getting the sound out through the main sound system?

Conventional tires vs. runflats?

Lizzie — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 01:41:11 GMT

I am sick of the runflats on my 05 sienna. I have had too many bad experiences with the Bridgestones that my van came with. I can't believe the bad experiences I have had with Toyota concerning this issue as well. 40 grand for a van and they wont even give me a spare wheel. Toyota gave me a load of crap about the van being designed for runflats. I use snow tires on separate wheels in the winter time here and have no problems whatsoever. Instead of designing the AWD van with a spare, they say it was designed for runflats. I was sent a letter from toyota that states they will replace the runflats under warranty if they wear before 36000 miles. My van has 30000 miles and the tires only have about 20000 since i have used the snow tires the last two winters. But I dont want anymore runflats. So I guess i will have to replace them myself this spring when i take off the snow tires. Can anyone recommend a good set of conventional tires for this van?

How to turn on automatic running lights on 2004 Odyssey.

wizard2 — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:34:59 GMT

Our buick automatically turned on headlights when the car was started and turned them off when the car was turned off. We cannot find out how to do this on the 2004 Odyssey

1999 dodge grand caravan. car starts shifter moves but will not engage into gear. any ideas?

khleidm — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:56:46 GMT

1999 dodge grand caravan. high miles. transmission would shift hard form 3rd to 4th. one day i woke up and the car wouldnt start. i replaced the starter, battery and a/c pulley. car now stats but will not engage into any gears. shifter will move and displays that the car is in gear (reverse, drive, etc.) but car does not engage. ANY IDEAS?

What is best van to tow TT. Have Astro van now which is excellent but wearing out.

fxs1 — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:41:35 GMT

Maximum load of TT is 4400 lbs. Want rear wheel drive. Need van because of dogs. Love my Astro Van with the 4.3 but I don't think chevy is coming out with annthing like this in the future(Shame)

Toyota Sienna 2000 power door lock problems

vewdoo — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:13:33 GMT

The power door locks work when the key is in the ignition and the van engine is running. When the engine is off the power door lock switch on the door handle will not work nor will the key fob switch. The only way to lock the van is to hit the lock switch while the van is running, turn the van off, manualy unlock the drivers door, get out of the van, manualy lock the drivers door and shut it. Help! I have an electrical background and this makes no sense to me???

Need a family friendly midsize SUV or van. Great on gas,comfortable, Lg. cargo and safe.

karenh2 — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:56:09 GMT

I have a Hummer2, I need a family friendly Van or midsize suv. Good on gas and safe. Would like it comfortable for my back. Flat folding back seats for kids bikes ect. Maybe 2003-2006? Used under $15,000.

Has anyone else had an experience with a Toy 06 Sienna moving after it is placed in park?

shaina1 — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:40:18 GMT

I need to get in touch with anyone else who has had a similar problem with their 2006 Toyota Sienna. On 2/14/08, my 2006 Toyota Sienna was in park in my driveway with the ignition on. I had opened the garage door half-way to clean the base of the door off. While doing that, the van moved forward, pinning me between the van hood and the bottom edge of my half-open garage door. I was pinned right across my hips and naval, so I was able to scream for help. Luckily, my neighbor was home and, after about five minutes, heard my screams for help. My neighbor had her husband call 911 and ran over to me and asked me what she should do. (She was afraid to back up the van, releasing the pressure on my abdominal area in case that action caused me further injury.) I screamed for her to back up the van. She is sure the van gear shift was still in park even though the van was still attempting to travel forward but could not because my body was in the way. My neighbor then put the gear shift into reverse (which worked, thank God) and backed the van away from the garage door, releasing me.

what would cause the gages and radio to quit quit working and the power door locks don't work unless the key is on

moody5 — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:01:06 GMT

the power door lock remote won't work unless the key is on and the dome lights won't come on unless the key is on. At the same time the radio quit working. I drove the van again and now the gages quit working , but if I turn the key off and turn it back on the gauges will start working again and now that the gauges quit working the engine light came on and is staying on. All of this happend within one week of each other

how good is the honda minivan, touring in passing on highways when it's absolutely full with people/luggage?

khanitez — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:35:41 GMT

i would hate to buy this minivan and find it struggles in acceleration and stability when passing with the minivan full.The toyota is slightly less stable when passing in my test drive. Is this true?

do the back seats/rows come out of the Mazda5

merylh — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:33:29 GMT

i would like to know if the back seats/rows come out for more trunk space if not needed for passengers and can they be put back easily.

Need to buy a used <$8000 vehicle to haul stuff, lots of driver leg room, good on fuel, can pull 6x12 trailer.

twiggs2 — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:50:17 GMT

We're looking for another vehicle, our caravan & full size van are shot. My 6ft 2in hubby needs something easy to get in & out of with his bad knee. He sells stuff at auto swap meets, so sometimes pulls a trailer. No kids, we took the back seats out on our old vans. Need something reasonable on gas, dependable, not too expensive to work on. Don't really need 4WD but am wondering if an SUV wouldn't be roomier for his legs, he's been really struggling with the caravan. Looks/style is not even on the list. We drive our vehicles till they die a natural death, so resell value is equally unimportant. Anyone have any good advice? Thanks in advance.

I need a 4wd that seats 7 with 3 in car seats that has the best fuel economy.

sccubba — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:53:16 GMT

We have a family of five with three toddlers 3 and under. We live in Ohio so 4wd is a must in winter. We also take a lot of trips with other family members so we need extra seating and good fuel economy. What would be the best make and model for us?

Can you help us find a 2003 Dodge Sprinter Cargo Van for sale? We live on central CA coast.

authenticatdi — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:22:13 GMT

California business needs 2003 Dodge Sprinter Cargo Van ASAP

DETAILS:
2003 Dodge Sprinter 3500 Turbodiesel High Roof Cargo extended Van, with 140" or 158" WB Dually, preferably in Arctic White, cab/rear divider, 3 to 5 doors, high miles OK.

$14K more or less. Where should we look?