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  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Oh, sounds like your cruise control is screwed up.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    I think the main throttle 'butterfly' valve is sticking open.

    First look at the simple stuff. See if a floor mat is bunched up around, under, etc the accelerator pedal. You would be surprised how many 'unintended acclerations' this causes.(It's happend to me!) Look where the linkage goes through the firewill, maybe a rubber grommet is displaced (clutch job?).

    Then check the cable linkage under the hood. Just have to look for anything that looks like it is binding up. The 'clutch job' could have something to do with this. The clutch linkage, wrenching from the top of the motor, etc might have messed with the accelerator linkage. Look at the return springs, clips, mounting brackets, etc. And, yes, look at the cruise control linkages that are part of the throttle linkage.

    Then open up the main throttle butterfly valve. This is where the air, after it goes through the air filter and then a large plastic 'tube', goes into the 'motor'. It may be 'sludged up' and is physically sticking in the throttle body. You may need to get the old toothbrush out, carb cleaner, hold the butterfly open and scrub down both sides of the valve and especailly the area where it closes down in the throttle body. Gummy deposits may be in there and are jamming it up enough that it will not close down.

    Cars with manual transmission years ago had a silnoid (sp) that held the throttle open for a few moments when the throttle closed. This was for pollution control. I don't thing a modern fuel injected motor would have one of these, but look on the linkage for something like this that might have failed.

    If this doesn't turn up anything, I think I would take it to a Saturn dealership. I would not want to drive a car that held 3,000 rpm for very long. Could be a real danger driving it.
  • micarguymicarguy Member Posts: 1
    I have a 93 Grand Am and I am trying to replace the throttle body positioning sensor. It is in an impossible place to reach with tools. I am wondering if I have to take the whole throttle body off to access it.

    Pictures or very detailed descriptions would help because I am a neophyte car guy, and I don't know very much (I know, you wondering why I'm working on a car then. Simple: No money). Any possible advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks

    -Brandon
  • autoswapperautoswapper Member Posts: 1
    My 99 taurus is acting up simularly, Did you replace the fuel filter? Also get a scanner and pull the codes (local autoparts should have a scanner and get the codes for free - here it is Autozone)

    What is the fuel pressure, I need to check mine
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    but that doesn't explain his comment that the rpm would drop every time he hit the brake pedal--otherwise you could be right, but his observation kind of subverts that theory of the throttle.
  • xout18xout18 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 1993 honda LX. Two days back I began smelling gasoline when I would get into the car. The smell seems to be getting stronger each day. I doesn't appear to be a gas leak although gas mileage has decreased a bit, not too much though. Could it be simple a bad fuel filter or something else?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    You don't need much of a leak to get a smell, but it's definitely best for you to track it down. You also don't need much gas leaking to start a fire.

    Injectors or injector lines are always suspicious. Fuel filter is not a major suspect, but you never know.

    But CHECK IT OUT as soon as you can.
  • mustangpoppymustangpoppy Member Posts: 3
    My 2001 Mitsubishi Galant ES 2.4 4cyl. died while driving down highway. No fire to the coils. Code tested P0335. Repalced crankshaft position sensor, timing belt,and balance shaft belt. Still no fire to the coils. Any sugestions? Can't re-check code until car starts. The code will still be the same.
    Mustangpoppy
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    1999 Hyundai accent, I replaced the front pads on one side and roughed up the rotors they were good,I put the shims back in and done eveything right, OK now I road test the car for about 7 miles and the lug nuts and center of the wheel side I just replaced the pads on got a little hotter to the touch by hand than the other side I didn't replace yet, is this because the pads are new and thick and still have to wear in?
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,671
    The front brake with the rough rotor and rough pads is doing most of the stopping work for the car. The other slick rotor/pad combination is not having to work. The extra heat is not good. They should be replaced in pairs.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    on ONE side? Why?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    You need two new rotors and new pads and clean and lubricate the caliper mounts as necessary.

    I think you are cutting costs on a job that isn't very expensive to do correctly, especially since the brakes are so important.

    Also you can't tell about the rotors from just looking at them, they need to be measured.
  • chriss1chriss1 Member Posts: 1
    I need help in replacing the parking and directional lights located in the bumper of the 1992 Cadillac Sedan Deville. Can any one tell me how this can be accomplished?
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    I'll agree with the other guys. There is something wrong and replacing one side is not a great idea.
    First, let's look at your problem.......
    You replaced one side. Why?
    Were you replacing one side at a time and got stopped by the problem you are having?

    It sounds like the caliper is hanging up. How many miles are on this vehicle?

    Here is a good article on replacing the front brakes.
    This is how the front brakes should be done, assuming that the calipers are in good shape.

    Generally, when one side wears faster than the other side, it is a pretty good indication that the caliper is hanging up.
  • sicilyjeepsicilyjeep Member Posts: 2
    I will keep the intro short- 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 156,000 miles. I am a navy pilot, residing in Sicily and have had a few difficulties:

    Low idle (around 200 RPM) and I have to maintain pressure on the gas pedal during start up and for the first 2-3 minutes of driving (out of my residential parking lot) to keep the car from stalling. Additionally, the battery meter dips 5-7 volts when I turn on different accessories in the car and the interior and exterior lights dim.

    I have replaced the fuel pump and filter twice in the last 2 years and have my doubts about the one currently installed.

    The air conditioning system is weak at best and I have to constantly clean the radiator to wash away the accumulation of volcanic ash that enters the car on a daily basis (I love active volcanoes 20 miles from my house).

    Most recently I came up 3 quarts low on oil prior to a trip to Palermo with my family. I have a scheduled trip to the dealership (no Jiffy Lube shops here) to investigate this problem and the others listed here.

    Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Fly Navy!
  • silver81silver81 Member Posts: 2
    My 95 Mistubishi Mirage's CV joints are shot on both sides - I called a mechanic and he suggested that I just replace the axles. He quoted me about $400 including labor.

    I know next to nothing about car repairs - does this sound legit?
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    axles for a friend's Maxima and replaced them. They were $49 each. They retailed for $110. The Mirage axle replacement is an easier task than the Maxima, so $200 in parts and $200 in labor doesn't sound bad.

    Patching axles with a boot kit doesn't help, although it's cheap, it's a band-aid - there's now grime and grit in the axle swivels (ball bearings in a moving holder) and the damage is already done when the grease (formerly inside the boot) gets thrown out.

    Always replace, no band aids. Cheap insurance and peace of mind on a very important part of your car.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well stalling on start up could be a lot of things but some simple checks would be for intake manifold vacuum leaks, especially if the stalling goes away when the engine gets warm. Also the EGR valve if your car has one is notorious for getting clogged up and causing rough idle.

    You might also try a very strong fuel injector cleaner if you can find any.

    The AC system will not perform well if the condenser is all clogged up. You might check to see that you have a proper freon level, and if you do, and if the condenser is clean, you could inspect the expansion valve for debris...sometimes material from the AC dryer clogs up the expansion valve and you'll get a kind of hot/cold/hot symptom. Sicily is REALLY hot, so your AC system has to be tip-top or it can't cope.

    As for low oil, it's either burning or leaking, there is no other explanation. So if you can't find any leaks, you can just chalk it up to a LOT of miles on that engine.
  • bowtie1bowtie1 Member Posts: 3
    First time on the message board;Here's the problem, (95bonneville)The boost gauge reads at minus 70 KPS (metric)thats the left side of the guage at idle,when under speed gauge reads at zero or top of guage.According to the manual the guage should read zero,and when underway addding speed should read on the plus side.Does anyone have an idead what is the cause and what can be the cure?Thanks I'll keep checking the message board for a solution.....Bowtie 1
  • sicilyjeepsicilyjeep Member Posts: 2
    Mr_Shiftright

    Thank you for your response. I will be going in this week to talk to the one guy at the Jeep Dealership in Catania that speaks English. I will get some feedback to you when they investigate the car and we get some answers. Looking forward to going in there armed with some good knowledge and tips thanks to you. I appreciate the help. Wish me luck.
  • moses4moses4 Member Posts: 1
    Recently Overdrive light on shifter started flashing. Checked fluid level, added fluid. After that very sluggish shifting gears. Changed transmission fluid and filter. What does light flashing mean?
  • sweetness1sweetness1 Member Posts: 1
    My friends car is broke down infront of my house, because it won't start , someone told me it's because another friend tried installing a stereo and cut the wiring harness , anyways the point to that was ; The anti-theft system runs thrugh there is that true or can someone help me out please
  • cpakcpak Member Posts: 1
    I seem to be having a problem in the winter with the snow in winter knocking off my multi v belt when i hit a snow drift higher than 4 inches. Is it just my van or is it a common thing. Does anyone have a remedie quick fix or suggestions
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    It's a bit odd to be happening but I bet you could buy a splash guard made of hard plastic or even a metal skid plate for protection from that. Perhaps this was left off your car during a repair?

    You might use our "search" features on the left of this page and type in the keyword Voyager and talk to other owners of vans like yours.

    MrShiftright
    Host
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,328
    maybe it isn't on tight enough. it shouldn't be slipping off even without a splash shield. Might be a good idea to put on a fresh belt too.

    But, probably not an issue for awhile, since there shouldn't be too many more snowdrifts (hopefully).

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • rtlateerrtlateer Member Posts: 4
    i have a 2000 blazer that only blows cold air out the heater.i changed the thermostat and had the radiator flushed.still no heat.what else could be the problem?
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    and do you have the smell of gear lube inside the truck?

    I've seen a rash of 1999-2002 Blazers, Jimmys and S-10 4x4s with the problem that starts off as no heat, but then the owner gets a smell, and a greasy substance in the vents and controls.

    It's pretty ugly - the transfer case switch vacuum line and HVAC vacuum line block-off points fail, and the vacuum sucks gear lube out of the transfer case, putting it into the HVAC controls, shorting the head unit, and screwing up the blend doors...

    The dealerships are having to replace the 4x4 actuator, HVAC head, all of the lines, and do a LOT of cleaning...
  • rtlateerrtlateer Member Posts: 4
    yes it is 4 wheel drive,but no unusual smell inside.
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    routing air incorrectly, or low coolant.
  • rtlateerrtlateer Member Posts: 4
    how do you check the blend doors and where are they? coolant is fine.just had it flushed and filled.
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    are in the ducting between the heater core and the outlets (where the air comes out). You should be able to remove a cover or two, and see a big set of paddles that would steer the air from heater to upper vents.
  • rtlateerrtlateer Member Posts: 4
    thanks i'll check it out.
  • crankshaftcrankshaft Member Posts: 105
    check with your dealer for any TSB'S.my dodge did this and there was a bulletin showing the installation of a shield.no more belt flopping.
  • timbitshtmftimbitshtmf Member Posts: 2
    Hello, Ok so heres the jist of my delima. Lately My Transmission has been having MAD issues... When the Engine and Tranny are cold... It shifts gears fine (Auto) Then after it warms up... It only stays in 2nd and 3rd gears i was on the highway and it was like 110km's a hour with 4500 RPM :( ... So Im kinda stuck here thought the fluid might be the issue.. did a flush on it... still messed... going to replace the filter and see what happens... Might need a valve body cleaning... or maybe bearings and clutches i dunno has anyone had this problem and if so let me know!!

    Thanks

    Tim
  • alcanalcan Member Posts: 2,550
    Make, model, year, engine, check engine light on?
  • suzuki2001estsuzuki2001est Member Posts: 2
    Hello everyone,
    Okay, I don't know much about vehicles, though I am striving to learn the business ;0) Can anyone recommend brake pads. I had an auto place to put some new brakes on my 2001 Suzuki Esteem, and seems as though they placed the cheapest pads on there, that you could purchase. My brakes are squeaking really loud. They tried saying that it was dust on the brakes, but the brakes are too new!! Please advise.

    Thanks!! ;0)
  • msmoparmsmopar Member Posts: 2
    It's like mr shiftright and Dodge in the same breath
    LOL
    Don't get me wrong, I think this a great way for people to get info. I also think it great that people spend time helping others when they don't have to. Thanks
  • kyokiikyokii Member Posts: 2
    I have a 1998 Saturn SL2

    For your information, my car has a Manual Transmission.

    I seemingly have a mechanical problem with my car. Sometimes, the engine stutters after ignition until I apply gas. In another case, my engine all of a sudden stuttered really "heavily" after i engaged the clutch at first gear at a stop light, acting as if it were about to stall. The serveice engine light turned on suddenly. A few minutes later, I would clutch in at a stop light and accidentally release the clutch too early at a green light and naturally, i would re-ignite the engine, BUT succeeding only after more than 10 times. Basically, to me, I think the engine feels weaker than it should normally be as if it were going to croak, but I'm not sure what the cause is.

    I've also noticed the stutter when I change gears when i'm in motion.

    Also, it's been an ongoing thing where my car runs at a higher than normal rpm (it runs at 2000 rpm when i engage the clutch for a stop, as opposed to the rpm dropping to approximately 900 rpm like it normally should at a stop. A few seconds later, it would drop down to about 1,200 and then go up and down from 1,200 to 1,300 with irregularity, which is still abnormal compared to what cars should do). This even occurs after ignition, where the car would run at an irregular rpm.

    If this is a sign of clutch wear, i would change my clutch, but if it is something else more severe, then i would've wasted money on clutch replacement. However, clutch wear is doubtful since the clutch adjusts itself until it is just totally worn-out.

    The point is, I don't know what the problem is.
  • masterpaul1masterpaul1 Member Posts: 421
    We have 77K miles on our 98 Sunfire. Just this past weekend I drained all of the DEX coolant out the cooling system to replace a heater hose. (I noticed within the past year that the car would start to run hot in mild temperatures around 50 degree when in stop and go traffic.) We did have a small leak in the heater hose that I patched prior to replacing the whole heater hose. After I put everything back together and re connected the wires and battery, I filled the cooling system to the recommended level. I started the car and let it run for about ten minutes to reach it's regular temperature level and no leaks. Then I took the car for a drive on the express way going about 60 MPH for about 15 min. The outside temperature was 35 degrees and raining. The temp. gauge never moved but was steady. But when I parked in the garage, with-in a few minutes the temp. gauge started to move up past mid range to the top part in the "normal temp." section. I checked for leaks but didn't see any. Saw now steam coming from the engine or smelled any coolant. I let the car run for about 10 min. while I checked everything and noticed that the radiator fan never turned on for those ten minutes. Anybody have any advice as to what the problem is and what I can do to fix it. The dealer wants $120 just to run a engine diagnostic. I believe that I can fix it, just need to be pointed in the right direction. Thanks
  • alcanalcan Member Posts: 2,550
    2.2L or 2.4L engine?
  • jmiddletjmiddlet Member Posts: 1
    hello

    i have a 93 tarus gl recently the airg bag warning light on the instrument panel has been coming on and off, but today it started flashing in a sequence of five flashes than a 12sec pause than 5 flashes than a 12 sec pause, is this sometihng i should be worried aobut?, is my airbag gogin to deploy on me while i am driving?

    please respnd so i know what to do
  • masterpaul1masterpaul1 Member Posts: 421
    Aw man, I did forget the engine size. 2.4L V6.

    Thanks
  • alcanalcan Member Posts: 2,550
    Hmm... the 2.2 has an air bleed valve but the 2.4 doesn't. GM instructions just say to fill it:

    Filling Procedure (2.4L)

    Close the radiator drain cock.
    Install the engine block drain plugs, if removed.
    Fill the cooling system through the surge tank.
    Install the cap.
    Start the engine. Run the engine until the upper radiator hose is hot.
    Stop the engine. Observe the coolant level. Fill the tank to the Full line, if necessary
  • alcanalcan Member Posts: 2,550
    Best to take it to a shop qualified to do air bag repairs. A lot of body shops are qualified.
  • dunkdunk Member Posts: 1
    i've got an old version of techsoft's wiring and electrical locators (by direct electronics) that i'm running under windows xp home. i'm getting an error message:

    could not retrieve workstation directory from weldwin.ini

    i checked the weldwin.ini file and it's there but i don't know how to fix it to get rid of the error. i tried to reinstall but the installation floppy's bad. i tried the www.dei.com website but couldn't find anything to help me. anyone know how to get rid of this error? otherwise can anyone give me the floppy? it's disk 1 of 2 labelled as "techsoft cd installation diskette" and has the numbers: CIS# WEDID12 and 991222001. copyright 1999 mitchell repair information company. thanks for any help
  • oldtonyoldtony Member Posts: 3
    Engine cranks fine but no start. Ignition good I checked it with a time light . I'm thinking maybe it's the fuel pump or the fuel pump control module, I can't find the fuel pump control module.
    I still have no idea why the power Windows stop working. It always happens at the same time engine won't start, power Windows don't work.
    In the past it started working again after a switch some relays but now nothing. Any ideas?
    Thanks
  • elroyotiselroyotis Member Posts: 1
    Please Help!! I am trying to remove the dash cover to replace the Climate control of my 1999Buick Regal. It seems simple, but I am not able to accomplish this task. Are there any suggestions out there? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, Elroyotis
  • alcanalcan Member Posts: 2,550
    1999 Buick Regal
    Control Assembly Replacement

    Remove the LH lower instrument panel (IP) insulator retainers from the steering column opening filler panel.
    Disconnect the courtesy lamp from the instrument panel insulator by turning 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
    Remove the LH IP insulator from the stud at the accelerator pedal.
    Remove the LH IP insulator.
    Remove the bolts from the bottom of the steering column opening panel.
    Pull the steering column opening panel rearward and upward unsnapping from the IP.
    Disconnect the electrical connector from the driver information center (DIC), if equipped.
    Remove the steering column opening panel.
    Remove the screws from the bottom of the instrument panel (IP) accessory trim plate.
    Pull the IP accessory trim plate rearward in order to release the retaining clips.
    Rotate the IP accessory trim plate rearward and up in to release the 2 tabs at the top edge.
    Disconnect the ash tray harness electrical connector from the IP harness.
    Remove the IP accessory trim plate from the instrument panel.
    Remove the front floor console if equipped. Refer to Console Replacement - Front Floor in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
    Remove the retaining bolts from the HVAC control assembly.
    Pull the control assembly out from the instrument panel.
    Disconnect the electrical connectors and the vacuum harness if equipped from the HVAC control assembly.
    Remove the HVAC control assembly.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well that looks easy...gulp.
  • jerry14jerry14 Member Posts: 2
    PLEASE HELP ME..... WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ADVICE OR COMMENTS ON THIS PROBLEM

    I have a problem with starting a 95 4 runner..

    I changed the engine from a 1990 engine to a 1995 engine by taking everthing from the 95 engine to the 90 engine. Everything matched up except for the wire coming out from around the injectors. The wire coming from the 90 model had a single wire with a ground wire wrapped around it (like a coax). I cut the plug off of the 95 and plugged it into the 95 loom, then cut the plug off of the 90 and plugged it into the wire coming out of the manifold. Stripped the wire on the ends and wired the two together.

    After doing all this the engine run excellent, except the engine light was on. I was trying to get the engine light to go off so I went back to those wires and switched some of them because I was thinking they were the ground wires and figuring that it was the cause of the engine light to stay on. After doing this the car still runs fine but the engine light is still on. So then I took the battery cables off and touched them together(advice from someone else to get the engine light to go off). I can now get the engine to start but will not stay running.

    A mechanic suggested that it may be the security system. I am not sure wether this is a factory or add on system. He told me to lock the car up and come back later. I did this and went back to start it and it still is doing the same thing.

    Is there a way to disable the security system to get it running again or could it be something else. I am stumped here....

    PLEASE HELP ME..... WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ADVICE OR COMMENTS ON THIS PROBLEM
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