Edmunds Answers questions

With the new page display for new cars, where can the list of "Standard Equipment" for a particular car be found?

aquaknot2000 — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:18:58 GMT

Same as above.?

I have an 08 Ford Escape Hybrid. In cold weather it takes 10-15 min before the car goes into EV mode. Is this normal?

dstoltze — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:19:28 GMT

I live in Baltimore city. Lately I have noticed that it takes quite a while before my Escape Hybrid goes into EV mode when it is cold outside, even though I am doing city driving. By the time it goes all electric I am out of the city and onto the highways. Should it really take that long for the batteries to warm up. Friends that have Prius' and Camry hybrids tell me that there is no warm up time necessary for their vehicles.

Does the Toyota rear spoiler impact the mileage of the 2008 Camry hybrid.

rlairdjr — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:57:47 GMT

I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The dealer through in the rear spoiler. It had to be ordered. I am getting 40+ mpg on the highway and averaging about 33m mpg in the city. Does the rear spoiler impact the miles per gallon on the car?

Anything to the mileage claims for hydrogen or HHO generators?

bob185 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:32:48 GMT

There are a lot of people on the internet claiming to have boosted mileage with an onboard hydrogen electrolyzer in their car or truck. Some people making such claims don't appear to be selling anything.

Is there anything to this or is it all a scam?

Any risks to car's engine?

Thank you

How often must the oil be changed in a 4 cylinder 2005 ?

925lady — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:56:43 GMT

I've always had it changed every 3000 miles. This time, however, I have driven it over 4500 miles. I'm wondering if the oil must be changed so often???

Does anyone know about Toyota's VIN numbers in the car's paint and having to pay for this? What is this.

nyc3 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:45:51 GMT

Camry Hybrid Purchasing and Leasing

Will a Lexus SmartKey card work on a '09 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

cdn_tch — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:53:33 GMT

I'd like to get rid of the keyfob smrtkey off my key chain and use the credit card sized Lexus SmartKey card, but would like to know if it will work.

Thanks

Could my rear brakes on a Honda Civic Hybrid be worn out after only 14,800 miles? Dealer claims they have major wear.

macdellgate — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:34:32 GMT

I have 14,800 miles on the Civic Hybrid. Most of those miles are highway miles. Dealer claims rear brakes are of concern because they show significant wear. I do not ride the brake. I have never heard of brakes on any make of car being almost worn out with such low mileage. I have had no problems with the car, brakes or otherwise. I am very suspicious. I will probably get brakes checked by another dealer.

What size socket do I need to remove oil pan from a 2005 Chevy Malibu with a V6 engine?

nykole711 — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:10:36 GMT

I have a 2005 chevy malibu with a V6 engine, I need to know what size socket I need to remove the oil pan to change the oil.

2008 Malibu LT.Anyone have info for fog light kit (same as LTZ) from GM or aftermarket availability.

tsaxy1 — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:18:11 GMT

Want to install fog lamps (like the LTZ 2008) on a 2008 LT model. GM did not offer option. Will they come out with a kit??? Or will the aftermarket beat them to it?

06 Chevy Malibu steering failure due to torque input sensor. Dealer wants to replace column assy & steering motor?

okot — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:24:46 GMT

Every slow speed left 90 degree turn causes the power steering to fail which makes the car almost undriveable. This vehicle has electric power steering and had a similiar problem beginning in the 04 model.

They replaced the column assy under warranty then as the vehicle was only months old. My '06 has 55k and is no longer under warranty. The esitmated cost to repair is $1135. I'm wondering if I'm an isolated case or are many GM owners ( Saturns & Vette's have the same system) experiencing this problem and if so was the diagnosis the same.

2003 Chevy Malibu stock radio removal questions

chiefrudy — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 20:30:59 GMT

I need to get the stock radio out of the dash on a 2003 chevy Malibu. Does the trim around the radio just pop off? Are there any screws that hold it in? I need to pull mine out so I can install a FM modulator for my sirius radio.

Thanks in advanced!

Where is the oil filter on my 2006 Chevy Malibu. 4 cylinder 2.2 L.

rossg1 — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:37:50 GMT

Is the oil filter in a door or something?

Anyone ever replace the lower control arm on a V6 2004 Chevy Malibu - new body style - any help or hints?

harkey — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:20:06 GMT

Ball joint is bad on a 2004 Malibu with 60000 miles. Chilton's manual says on vehicle with v6 engine, engine mount must first be removed in order to remove the control arm. I don't have an engine hoist. Can I just remove the engine mount bolts and use a block of wood and a floor jack on oil pan and raise motor? Just high enough to remove control arm bolt?

My father in law has a 2000 Chevy Malibu 3100 engine. With no warning, drive went on the transmission.

lasvegaskid — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:32:09 GMT

Hi Everyone,
I've never been on here before. My father in law has a 2000 Chevy Malibu 3100 engine. With no warning the drive went on the transmission. Reverse works fine. Has anyone had this happen ? If so was it a complete overhaul? Thanks very much, Bob

I have a 2005 Chevy Malibu with a steering box thunk. Have there been any recalls on this problem?

tdeemer — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:23:36 GMT

It makes this clunk when turning both left and right.

How do you replace a power steering line? Chevrolet Malibu.

lbecerra — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:43:42 GMT

I have a 97 chevy malibu v6, the power steering line wore out or busted down on the bottom where it connects, i have a replacement for it already, i just don't have alot of mechanical knowledge how does one begin to replace it do i start at the bottom and work my way up or start at the top and work my way down. is it easy to replace or does it take a experienced mechanic. any suggestions. thanks

Chevy Malibu power steering hose came loose.

lbecerra — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:47:56 GMT

i am trying to figure out what to do, i have a 97 chevy malibu v6, a power steering hose came loose from the metal tube located under the front axel.letting all the fluid out how do i fix it what's the parts name. can putting a pressure clamp work, i am clueless. thanks for any advice.

Will an 01 Chevy Camaro 5 hole rim fit my 07 Malibu?

jerrjett — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:57:30 GMT

will an 01 Camero 5 hole rim fit on my 07 Malibu

I have a 2009 Chevy Malibu LTZ and have had problems keeping my cell phone paired with the Bluetooth.

mfrois — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:06:51 GMT

I could go through all of the steps but would leave to go in a store and return with no connection. I might have gotten it fixed today except now, when pairing, the Bluetooth system will not accept my phone name. There is "dead silence." Anyone have this same problem and do you have a solution. I have Onstar working on it but would love to know answer now. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Anybody else experiencing steering problems witha 2008 Chevy Malibu; 4 cylinder?

elliemae7 — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:47:56 GMT

At about 11,000 miles the steering wheel started to intermittently jerk back and forth when driving. It will be fine for awhile and then just start acting up. No rhyme or reason to it. Dealer has rotated/balanced tires and reprogrammed steering wheel position sensor. It didn't fix it and it acted up within 2 miles of leaving the Dealership! Anybody else experience this problem and find the cure?

After car has been runnig for about 1 hour freeway driving, engine will not retrun to idle speed. Stays at over 2000 rpm's. Chevy Malibu.

dkm418 — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:29:53 GMT

2002 Chevy Malibu. After engine has been running for about 1 hour freeway driving the engine will not return to idle rpm's under 1000 the engine will stay between 2000-3000 rpm's. After engine has been shut down for about an hour will start and run at normal idle rpm's.

Temperature gauge shows normal and all fluids at normal levels.

What is the issue and approx. cost to fix?

Besides balancing ,alignment, bad tires, and damaged cv shafts, what else can cause a vehicle to vibrate? Chevy Malibu.

javi_vela7 — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:13:06 GMT

My 2005 Malibu vibrates after going 60 mph. I have already balanced the new tires. I replaced the cv shafts and had the car aligned. The vibration continues but it only does it some times and only after 60mph.

Why are my brakes squealing? 2005 Chevy Malibu.

djseph — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:29:18 GMT

I own a 2005 Chevy Malibu. I changed the front brakes and rotors about a month ago. The breaks however are squealing very loudly. I have eliminated dust and rocks. The front brakes will even chirp when my foot is not even on the brake pedal. When I turn the vehicle right or left when it is chirping the sound will go away. Any ideas why the breaks are squealing and chirping?

2008 Chevrolet Malibu 3.6 ltr. V6 engine misfire.

maliblues1 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:53:41 GMT

I have a continuous misfire problem. No check engine light or codes. Two dealers have failed to correct the problem. They have replaced oxygen sensors and two injectors. One dealer noticed a 7% drop in fuel trim when misfire occurs. I and dealers have started 2009 Malibus with this engine they have the same problem. I also experienced the misfire in Pontiacs and Cadillacs with this engine. Does GM have a problem with this engine?

Do the '09 Chevy Malibus have a serious engine oil leak problem? My mechanic says he's seeing a lot of them in the shop.

chrismax — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:54:37 GMT

I told my mechanic at my local shop that I was interested in a new Malibu. He advised against it and said he's seen several brand-new Malibus come in for oil changes and noticed that many of them were leaking. Is it a quality-control issue or something else?

How can you enter a phone number extension on a Bluetooth phone on my car 2010 Chevy Malibu?

mustang3693 — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:33:44 GMT

I would like to know if there is a way to enter phone extension numbers to a phone number I am putting in my phonebook on my car bluetooth

Can a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu be flat towed?

deenaracer — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:37:31 GMT

Can a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu be flat towed?

What causes shuddering, vibration in steering on 2008 Malibu LTZ starting from dead stop, turning to the right.

walkermick — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:15:02 GMT

Returned auto to dealer. Was told that the power steering hoses were touching, they repositioned them. Did not help. Returned to dealer 2nd time. Was told the engine was carboned up, Mechanic drove it hard to clean carbon from engine. Did not help the steering problem.

Does anyone know how you check the transmission & power steering fluids on a 07 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

pcos — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:12:07 GMT

This is my 1st hybrid and I normally do all possible maintenance myself (I usually get over 250K on a car before it's not worth keeping up.

There does not seem to be a resevoir for the PS fluid nor a dipstick for the CVT transmission.

Anybody out their know?

Thks
pcos

Fuel ratings for Saturn Vue Hybrid?

toolenalong — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:54:32 GMT

Want to compare the mileage between the 2006, 2007, and 2008 4 cyl and the Hybrid Saturn Vue

Can a Ford Escape Hybrid be set up to run on natural gas?

ascjv — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:36:39 GMT

Can a Ford Escape Hybrid be setup to run on natural gas?

I want to tow my 06 Highlander Hybrid with all 4 wheels down. You can with the Vue and Explorer. why not the Toyota?

144 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:37:45 GMT

I have been told that the vue & explorer use the old toyota technology whats up

I want to tow my 06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with all 4 wheels down.

144 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:50:43 GMT

Toyota states that the highlander hybrid cannot be towed with all wheels down. I have the 2wd version so luckily I can use a tow dolly,but what a pain compared to using a tow bar. I understand that the ford explorer as well as the saturn vue use toyotas old hybrid technology;in fact I've been told that their systems are in fact toyotas products. Ford as well as saturn approve of their hybrids being towed with all wheels down. Do I dare attempt to tow my hybid in such a manner? Could toyota just be trying to avoid consumer dissatification in case of possible failures or is it truly a different system than the other two? Thank-You Very Much

Strong gas odor coming from my Toyota Camry Hybrid.

sarag — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:01:22 GMT

I bought my 2009 TCH 6 months ago. It has been a great car so far, until last Saturday. After another refueling in the morning I parked the car in my garage and went out for the day. I came home around 7 at night, went into the garage and could not breathe. The garage smelled like a gas chamber. I found out that the smell of raw gasoline was coming from the Toyota’s gas cap. I turned the cap on and off several times thinking that the problem will go away. But, no, the smell did not go away. I took the car to a dealer, they found nothing wrong either with the car or the gas cap. However the smell is still there. I do not know what to do. Please HELP!

Concerned about hybrid battery in my Nissan Altima Hybrid.

johnwu — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:13:22 GMT

If I have not driven my hybrid for about a year and have only periodically started it, will my hybrid's battery be affected or the life span be reduced?

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, automatic car, flat towable?

lynda4 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:38:28 GMT

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, automatic car flat towable?

Should I buy a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid with 64K miles and 4x4? Any known problems? Looks maintained.

djasinsky — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:53:29 GMT

Used car in good shape body wise, first time buying a hybrid and want to be aware of any issues. Asking $16,000 thinking about offering $12,500/12,000.

Thanks,

Is Subaru bringing any hybrid models to market in the near future?

mmike84 — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:50:08 GMT

Is Subaru bringing any hybrid models to market in the near future?

Can the Sirius Radio package be purchased for the Camry Hybrid without buying the Nav system option?

wquarlesjr — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:15:03 GMT

I have read reviews of the Toyota Camry Hybrid indicating that Sirius Radio can be purchased from the dealer as an after market accessory. However, it is unclear as to whether one must also purchase the NAV system option in order for Sirius to work. I don't want the NAV system but I won't buy any car without Sirius.

Snow performance with 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

bill8992 — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:51:47 GMT

Is there a problem with the rear electric motors shutting off when the rear tires are slipping on ice? Will this shut the car off on icy inclines?

Is the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a 4WD or AWD?

toyohh08 — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:36:17 GMT

I'm confused, edmunds says its AWD, toyota website it is AWD. Which is which?

When will there be a Lexus ES350 hybrid?

lcsenn — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:55:32 GMT

I have heard that Lexus may introduce hybrid for the ES in 2009

Power Steering Failure on 2006 Highlander Hybrid

chrisont — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:03:59 GMT

Has anyone ever suffered power steering issues with a 2006 Hybrid Highlander? (25months old 76,000km)

Recently returned from holidays,started the car and the P/S light was on and we had no power steering. Took it to the dealer and was told there was an error message for the computer for the P/S and as a result the Rack had failed. The rack however is a sealed unit form Toyota and the whole thing would need to be replaced as they cannot take it apart to determine the cause - a $5000 repair.

After several discussions with dealer and them speaking with Toyota Canada, the repairs were reduced to only have to pay the cost of the power steering unit. Only after the repair were they able to determine that water had apparently pooled on top of the P/S computer housing and seeped into it causing failure and the subsequent Rack failure.

The warranty coverage was 60,000km or 3 years so it was out of warranty but as this car is just over 2 years old, it seems like a major component failure - apparently unrelated to mileage.

Do HH owners need to worry that one day their P/S will fail due to this kind of failure? I am now concerned that this could very easily happen again to me. I think this is indicative of a more serious design flaw if this pooling/leakage/failure happens - I wasn't driving in rivers or through blinding snowstorms to cause this...

Apparently no known records of this type of major failure showing at Toyota Canada; I am looking to take it up with Toyota as this is unacceptable on a two year old car that cost almost $60,000.

Having problem with mileage on 07 Saturn Vue Hybrid...any input? We are gettin 24-26mpg.

powers4 — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:34:00 GMT

Purchased Saturn Vue hybrid in May 07. Average highway miles are 24-26 mpg. Asked the dealer and he just shrugged. They inflated the tires. Mileage improved slightly. Expected something close to the 27-32mpg. Anyone else having this problem? Should we go back to Saturn corp?

2008 Highlander Hybrid. My mpg has progressively dropped from 27 to 21 in city. 80 degrees, slow acceleration. Any solutions?

rgauzenne — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:21:21 GMT

I have had my 2008 hi hybrid for almost 4 weeks. No nav system but has 3rd row seats. The first week I got 27mpg in the city and 26mpg on highway. 2nd week I got 24-25/city and 23/highway. Now I only am getting 21-22mpg in the city. The dealership mechanic didnt have a clue and told me to check the chat rooms. I live in LA so the weather is warm.

When will Chevy produce a Hybrid Suburban?

jj20287 — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:53:11 GMT

Does Chevy/GMC plan on making a hybrid suburban/hybrid Yukon XL? If so, what model year? What will the premium be over a non-hybrid version? Any idea on the estimated EPA figures?

When will the specs for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid become available? When will the 2009 Highlander become available?

lynn35 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:44:49 GMT

I'm waiting for the color selections for the 2009 Toyota Highlander HYBRID before ordering. When can I expect these colors? When will the 2009 go into production and will there be any changes (other than color selection) for the 2009 year models (HYBRIDS only).

Hyundai Hybrid. What's the status? HURRY UP!

sfairchild — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:11:44 GMT

What is the status on a Hyundai hybrid? What, when and what is taking so long?

When I enter or exit my 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid the car buzzes until I shut the door. Can the buzz be disabled?

carlee1 — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:43:57 GMT

I recently purchased a 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid. When I open the front door to enter or exit the car, the car buzzes until I close the door. This is a very annoying feature because I cannot leave the door open without the buzzing noise. Can this feature be disabled?