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  • debncdebnc Member Posts: 1
    hi, i'm new here, and i have a question about my 2001 Saturn SL. it has just recently started (@ around 55,000 miles) making a whining noise that accompanies and matches my acceleration. any clues anybody? searching the saturn discussions has suggested that there is a whine, but why would it have come suddenly?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I searched the Saturn discussions and the only hint that I found was the possibility of alternator noise.

    So you might have a mechanic check for that (either with a listening device or by disconnecting the drive belt if that is possible).

    In theory, if it is the alternator, the noise might get worse as you turned on various electronic devices, such as lights, heater or power accessories.

    Also, in theory, if it is the alternator you should hear this noise in neutral when revving the engine.

    Let me know if these hints work and if not we may open a special Saturn discussion for you.
    Be sure, though, to post your question in the Saturn topic on the Sedans Board, which is here:

    Saturn S Series

    thank you

    MrShiftright
    Host
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I'm going to re-activate our Mercedes 300D topic and once I do, I'll come back here and post a link to it for you. So watch for it tomorrow. then you can re-post your question there or I'll be glad to move it over for you.

    MrShiftright
    Host
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    The revived 300D topic is here:

    Mercedes 300D Suggestions

    I will move your question there!

    Mrshiftright
    Host
  • tomsr1tomsr1 Member Posts: 130
    This may be applicaable to all cars.At 30K miles my 02 Honda CRV makes a shuddering sound at the end of braking.It does not do it when lightly
    braking.I am thinking maybe glazed pads since there appears to be plenty of pad left.
  • joffficerjoffficer Member Posts: 169
    Hi, I was at wal*mart trying to get a filter for my camper. They only had Fram (no way) for my '85 Vanagon 1.9l. I'd much rather use the Super Tech, but they didn't have a listing. I know the numbers are pretty much the same as Fram's, but they didn't have the 2870 I need. I looked at a few others, and the 3980 looks the same. Does anyone know for sure if I can make this swap?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well we don't have any active air filter topics to refer you to, but we do have a Eurovan topic, so maybe someone there can help you:

    Here's the link:

    VW Eurovan, Vanagon, Microbus, Etc. Topic

    Offhand, I'd say that it would have to be an EXACT FIT to work properly.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I'll move your question over to our Brakes topic.

    here's the link to it:

    Let's Talk About Brakes

    thank you

    Host
  • physicsflphysicsfl Member Posts: 1
    Particularly, it is titled, "Grand Prix,any recent troubles?", has 42 messages, and the last post was on April 15, 2003, at 2:03 PM, entitled, "Fuel pump fuse problem - pesky" by greywolf. The discussion was created by zujo, in the Maintenance & Repair message board.

    Thanks,
    Bill
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Okay, Grand Prix topic re-activated. It's at the very bottom of the list, so here's a link to make it easier for you to find:

    Grand Prix Problems

    The Maxima moonroof question will be moved to the Maxima Problem topic, which is here, so that you can find it:

    Maxima Problems

    Host
  • love_2_drivelove_2_drive Member Posts: 5
    Could you please re-open the Audi TT Problems thread or at least start a new general thread about the car. I am about to get one and recent model info would be very helpful. Thanks!
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,142
    Here it is:
    Audi TT Problems

    kirstie_h
    Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I'm going to move your query to our "Technical Questions" topic since it's a once-shot deal and doesn't require an entire ongoing topic of its own. Here's the link to where your question is going:

    Technical Questions Topic

    Also, you can use our "Search" feature on the left of this page to speak with owners of your particular vehicle. Just keyword your make and model (e.g. Honda Civic) and view the list of topics that comes up, and click on the one most suitable for your interests).

    thank you

    Host
  • mrjeepermrjeeper Member Posts: 2
    My '99 JGC Ltd has 77,000 miles on it. I bought it at 33,000 miles. The scheduled maintenance calls for replacing the transfer case fluid at 30,000 (before I bought it) and 60,000 miles (oops, I missed that one). I went to the dealership to have the fluid changed and they called to tell me that there was no fluid in the case and that the transfer case was shot and the car was not drivable. Go figure, I drove the car there. They also told me $2,400.00 (ouch) to fix the transfer case. Because I didn't change the oil every 3,000 miles, although the owner's manual recommends 7,500 for normal use, the extended warranty will not pay for the repair. I had told the dealer to put fluid in the case and I'd pick up the vehicle. When I drove it home it was worse than ever, so now it's parked in the garage. I may end up fixing it and unloading it based on everything that I've read so far... Any suggestions?
  • jjpcatjjpcat Member Posts: 124
    Where can I find a thread on this topic?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Here is an archived topic that you can't post to anymore but it has some good responses. It's only 13 posts long, so it wouldn't take long to read. If this doesn't help come on back and we'll think of some other way to help you out with your questions.

    Here's the link to the archive:

    Coolant Flushing

    Shifty the Host
  • 88kx88kx Member Posts: 5
    My neighbor to the right of me had a failure of the plastic plenum so did the neighbor to the left of me both driving GM cars with the 3800 Gen. II engines. Another good friend lost his engine due to the same problem on the 3.8 GM engine. Fact of the matter is that GM has at least the last 5 years worth of production that is doomed to failure as the EGR hot gasses are warping the plastic plenum allowing coolant into the engine cylinders. GM has done nothing to help customers even though they know there is a problem. They finally switched back to the metal intake plenum for 2004 on the GEN III engines. Their engineering mistake is your tough luck!! And they say this is the best engine in GM's stable? No wonder they are loosing market share.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,142
    Hi 88kx. Your message is more likely to be noticed in one of our active discussions on the Oldsmobile brand. You can find all of them by using the search tools in the gray sidebar at the left.

    kirstie_h
    Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? [email protected] - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • simsansimsan Member Posts: 3
    Hi,
    Our 1992 Accord DX which usually runs great has this problem of not starting after being in sun for some time. I try to keep it in some shade, but depending on the inside temperature, the car will not start. After an hour of cooling it with open windows, etc it will start. The mechanic has replaced the ignition module sitting in the distributor , but with little help. NOw, he says he got some documents from car service books, saying this is a problem of the fuel pump.
    Please advice.
    Thanks- Raj s
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Hi,

    Okay I found the perfect spot for your question. Cut and paste your original post and take it over to our ongoing Technical Questions Forum.

    Host
  • mamellmamell Member Posts: 3
    Hey, hows about one for us shade tree mechanics who have owned more cars and trucks than we have underwear in our lives and just want to shoot the breeze about whatever topic about cars n trucks that comes up?
    Something like: The worse scar you ever got sninning your knuckles or what's the heaviest thing you ever dropped on your foot or how to keep the theives and crackheads away from your tools...Or...which is better: a good garage or a good woman? I know already, but the answer changes depending on certain things I can't say here..
    Anyway...is there such a place or can there be one here?
    Thanks..
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    You might try the News & Views board rather than this one. (See "Select a Board" on the left side of this page).

    Also, you'll need some kind of heading that expresses the basic idea of your new topic. I don't think "whatever" is quite the right approach, but you know, something like "tall tales" or "rules of thumb" or (those weren't very good suggestion but you get the idea).
  • mirthmirth Member Posts: 1,212
    Just a small complaint about creating new discussions. A few days ago I created a discussion about winter tires in New and Views. The host there correctly decided that it should go in Maintenance and Repair, so made it read only with a nice link. So I linked to M&R and reposted the discussion. So far, so good. Unfortunately, the M&R discussion boards aren't sorted by latest date, so no one replied to my topic because it was way down near the bottom of the list. Plus, another host made it read only because they said another discussion called "Tires, Tires, Tires" in Aftermarket was already discussing the issue. So I gave up, because it's not worth the hassle. My issues are:

    1. My discussion dealt with Maintenance issues, not Aftermarket, so I felt I was in the right place.
    2. "Tires, Tires, Tires" is a pretty general discussion that mostly deals with what new tires people should buy. I don't think a maintenance-only discussion on winter tires creates much repetition. I understand not wanting to clutter up the boards, but if you take that too much to an extreme we end up with one discussion called "Vehicles".
    3. Technical issue - why doesn't the M&R board sort by latest post like the other boards?

    Thanks.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Okay, why don't you just post your question here for me and I'll make sure it goes to the right place! As for technical software issues, use the "help" link at the bottom of this page, and they'll explain to you how the software sorts and perhaps offer some possible solutions on changing your "view".

    As a general comment, the Hosts do not encourage opening up an entirely new forum to discuss one highly specific question, so it has to be "tagged" to something more general, either a forum on a component or a forum about a particular car. It's a compromise related to practicality.

    But the important thing is getting your question answered!

    thanks

    Mrshiftright, Host
  • bajabill1bajabill1 Member Posts: 17
    is there an intense dissection on the art of removing the headlight housing to change the lamp, especially for a 2001 pontiac grand am
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,142
    I see you've found the Pontiac Grand Am discussion, and that's a good place to start, since other owners may have done the same procedure. If not, they might have an owner's manual close by. It looks like you're already getting feedback.

    If you don't get enough info there, you might ask the experts in our Technical Questions discussion.

    kirstie_h
    Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? [email protected] - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • jbirdbucjbirdbuc Member Posts: 6
    Hello,
    Multiple questions, car has 140,000 miles on it.
    AC needs to be replaced/repair.
    There is interior issues with the door panels (covering is coming loose)
    Electrical window needs to be replaced.
    Is it worth fixing this car or should I sell it and buy something else? Car was purchased used, so there are 8 more months of payments left. Thanks for the help.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Sure presuming the body and interior are clean and well-kept, it's worth fixing. It's very hard to sell a car with no AC and a broken window. You'll have to give up a lot more value than it would have cost you to fix the car I think. Sounds like $1,500 should square the car away, plus a good detailing. You can't get top dollar because of the high miles but if you try and sell a "broken" high mileage car you are going to suffer mightily in the market I think.
  • leon33leon33 Member Posts: 5
    Maybe this is a better board for my question than asking all the hosts. My question is, can anyone help with URL(s) for the complete factory/dealer parts catalogs for older model Toyotas?
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,229
    Might want to see posts 823-4 in "Nissan Altima Owners: Problems & Solutions."
  • dedrunrdedrunr Member Posts: 8
    I need to share this in case someone else experiences these symptoms.

     

    Had 105,000 miles on my '96 when I noticed occasional slippage between 2nd and 3rd while accelerating. Then came the non-engaging of reverse while attempting to back out of my garage and, when it did engage, it did so with a loud slam and a jerk. So I took it to AAMCO, which had done excellent work on previous vehicles, and they informed me that I needed a complete rebuild due to numerous worn components. Right around $2k for a like-new tranny.

     

    Excellent work, and it shifted like a dream for another 5,000 miles until six months later, or just last week early January '05.

     

    Then I started noticing some slight RPM fluctuations while cruising at freeway speeds, kind of like it was trying to downshift for a few microseconds, then stabilizing again. This was on and off for a few days and then it started occuring with increased frequency. I made an appointment to take it to AAMCO and they made an initial dianosis of a malfunctioning speed sensor circuit. They asked me to drop it off the next morning since they were swamped with work.

     

    I drove it for an extra day since they said I couldn't damage anything and that I would just experience the erratic shifting. It got really worse the next day and I thought I'd have to pull onto the freeway shoulder and call home for a ride. At freeway speed it suddenly would shift out of overdrive and I'd find myself doing 65+ mph at 3,000 rpm, then it would pop back into OD whenever it felt like it. At one point I had absolutely no pull and it felt like I had put it into neutral, but I was still in Drive! Fortunately, I made it home with minimal carnage and was able to drive it to the shop.

     

    They spent all day diagnosing and troublshooting the problem and what they found surprised them and me. It was a broken wire on the speed sensor connector cable. It apparently was making minimal contact and sending erratic shift signals, which explains why sometimes it shifted normal and at other times it went ballistic. Any small bump in the road would readjust the broken wire.

     

    So after the fix, it now shifts like a charm, and they had told me the day after I picked up the vehicle that there would be no charge for the work since it was such a simple discrepancy. I felt kind of guilty about not being charged for their labor, so the morning I picked up the Jeep I gave their office two dozen assorted fresh Krispy Kreme donuts. :)

     

    Thanks for reading.

     

    Al
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well a happy ending for a transmission story. That's refreshing!

     

    Shifty the Host
  • wharmbywharmby Member Posts: 1
    my volvo 850 smokes from exhaust and has alot of pressure with dip stick down if you remove dip stick smoke seems better do you have any thoughts on my problem?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I would definitely check your PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system or have it checked by a Volvo specialist. Sounds like you have excessive pressure in the crankcase---the engine is not "breathing" or ventilating properly.
  • hykadoghykadog Member Posts: 1
    Have 2000 Exp SUV with 95K miles. Vehicle wont start. After taking to Ford, they run diagnostic, shows no problem, then Exp will start for 3-5 days, Then repeats problem. Ford cannot find permanent fix. Any suggestions?????
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Welcome!

    Here's what you should do:

    Use our "search forums" feature on the left of this page and type in the keywords "Technical Questions" or "No Start" and post your question in one of those forums, okay?

    You can also talk to other Explorer owners by using our "browse by vehicle" feature, also on the left.

    shifty the Host
  • grailmaidengrailmaiden Member Posts: 1
    I need help. I have a '97 Honda Civic EX and the transmission is shot. I have decided to buy a new car but I don't know a lot about the auto business. My question is, should I fix the transmission before trying to trade it in? Or is it more cost efficient to just take what I can get for it with the broken transmission? I know that this is a tough question to answere without all the details, but I am kind of stuck. I don't think I could get more than maybe $4500 for it if it was in perfect running condition. I just can't decide whether I should cut my losses and just trade it in as is, or spend the $900 and get it fixed first. Help!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    If you are sure of those numbers, I'd fix it, because with a bad transmission it's going to be very hard to sell. You'd lose a lot of money. What you could do is offer to fix it once the buyer puts down a deposit of $900.

    OF course this advice PRESUMES the body is not all banged up and the car is scruffy. If it's a "beater" then just bail and pour yourself a drink.
  • joeyd50joeyd50 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1994 Nissan pick XE 4X4 Auto trans V6, I just had a1992 Pathfinder motor put in my truck ( same motor ) since I had this motor put in, my truck will not stay in overdrive. With my old motor the truck would go in overdrive about 35 or 40 MPH and stay in overdrive, with the new motor the truck still goes in overdrive at 35, 40 MPH but soon as I let up on the gas the truck drops back into 3rd gear and stays there till I give it gas again. I could be going 70 MPH, the truck will be in overdrive running about 2800 RPM, as soon as I take my foot off the gas it drops down to 3rd gear and my RPM go up to about 4600 RPM. This happens with the cruise on also, I have the cruise on 65 MPH the trucks in overdrive and everything is OK, till I start to go down a little hill and it goes back into 3rd gear. It seems like whenever the truck is costing it downshifts and will not stay in overdrive. Any idea where I should start looking to fix this?
    Thanks
    Joe
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,142
    Hi Joe,
    Try this discussion:
    Transmission Traumas?

    kirstie_h
    Roving Host
    Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? [email protected] - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • spirit1948spirit1948 Member Posts: 4
    3.2 motor with oil gage not light my oil pressure drops with in 5 minutes of start up and has a slight knock now in the top end. I ran gunk crankcase cleaner thru and changed oil at first that seamed to help got 7 minutes before the pressure dropped I feel it's my oil pump and I'm hopping some one could confirm this?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Try this question in our Technical Questions Forum.

    Also post the mileage on the engine, that's important.
  • spirit1948spirit1948 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks did that when I seen this message thanks again.
  • kliggkligg Member Posts: 4
    Mr_Shiftright,

    How do I find the replies to a question? Such as the reply to question: Jeep Grand Cherokee #1741.

    kligg
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well once you get to the Jeep Cherokee topic, you can punch in #1741 in the "go to msg" box, and then scroll past 1741 and see if anyone has replied. Our software just adds replies in any order--it might be one down or ten down.

    Next time you post in a topic you should subscribe to it and then when you come back you can click on "Message Center" at the bottom of the page and find it right away---that is, find all your subscriptions.l
  • kliggkligg Member Posts: 4
    Okay, thanks......I'm starting to get hang of the forums.....I see now...that the most recent messages are at the bottom. I normally see the from top down.....Thanks again.
  • sniffssniffs Member Posts: 3
    hi...the Plymouth acclaim section has been archived. how does one reactivate is to ask a new question?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    We never really had an Acclaim forum going, just a few posts about radios and hard-starting a long long time ago.

    So I'd suggest you post your question in our Technical Questions Forum

    thank you

    Shiftright the Host
  • joudifouljoudifoul Member Posts: 3
    My question is a follow up on a Aug2003 forum on VW coil packs recall. I have a Jetta VR6 GLX 2001 who is in need now of a 4th coil pack. The VR6 GLX has the 4 coils integrated in one box ignition system not the 4 (or 6) individual coils. I just learned by talking to my dealer that this "coil pack" is not covered by the VW recall, only the individual coils system are. Is this right? Since I've been changing this coil more often than my tires I would have though this pack was recognize has a problem as well. Anybody has input on this?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    You might have to call VW to check on this. If it was an official recall it would be (should be) on the NHTSA website.

    Maybe someone else here knows. Have you used our "browse by vehicle" feature to the left of this page to look at all VW forums?

    Host
This discussion has been closed.