Edmunds Answers questions

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?

2003 dodge cummins diesel scheduled maintenance?

dodgeturbo — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:00:59 GMT

i recently (august) purchased an 03 dodge cummins diesel and want to keep it in the best mechanical condition possible. What can i do to take the best care of it? (my first diesel) Also I was wondering if anyone has used power programmers (any kind just please specify which) for the dodge and what kind of significance it made (gas mileage, HP, etc)

I need a repair manual for a 1963 Dodge Dart. Is there a certain manual that is best???

rfileoregon — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:43:38 GMT

I need a repair manual for a 1963 Dodge Dart. Is there a certain manual that is best???

When asked for VIN which one do you go by or the whole VIN number?

lizzard1961 — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:03:49 GMT

When you are looking for parts, they ask is vin ex. 9 y x where do you find out which one it is when you are looking at the whole vin number is it the first or the last?

Silicone wiper blades recommendation

rob_passat — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:35:59 GMT

What silicone wiper blades are worth the money and really last 5 years?

How do I get to mysubaru.com? Janice

janice96 — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:03:01 GMT

I have been trying to get to mysubaru.com. The dealer registered me and I am wanting to log in Janice

Do I really have to follow all the Jeep dealer serviceman's recommended maintenance?

htkim63 — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:58:37 GMT

My dealer recommended fluid changes in rear differential, brake, power steering, engine coolant, and fuel injection clean up for my 45k-mile Jeep costing well over $500. I just want to ride the Jeep for 5 more years or till 100K and do I really need all these top of the line maintenance? I feel like they are taking advantage of my ingorance on cars.

Where is the best priced facility to get my 04 Kia repaired in or near the 40258 zip code?

ddj36 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:46:57 GMT

I have approx 70500 miles on my car and I guess I need to replace my timing belt. I also need the transmission fluid changed? Any suggestions where I can go and not get ripped off? I'm a female and while I'm not stupid, I find it customary for mechanics wanting to treat me that way. No, I'm not blonde.

I have a 2005 Hyundai Getz. Where in ths US can I get some front wiper blades?

ppd7445 — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:57:14 GMT

Windshield wiper blades, 2005 Hyundai - Getz, parts stores in US don't have a clue what a Getz is!!!

Does anyone know about or have opinions about extended warranty brokers for used cars?

cyborgnyc — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:54:19 GMT

I got a quote from autowarrantybrokers dotcom that was 1/2 the price of the VW dealers extended warranty on a non-certified (2001 passat) vehicle -- the dealership is urging me to take theirs...

Austin Princess Vanden Plas service manual

tony78 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:30:45 GMT

how much is 44 pounds 3 pence in u.s. money ?

Does anyone know the firing order for a 98 Chevy 305 v8 passenger side?

dhodge1 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:59:47 GMT

nephew was changing plugs and wires , he pulled all the wires off at once on the pass side 98 chev 305 v-8