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  • woodsy14woodsy14 Member Posts: 1
    I am having problems with my clutch the garage said there is nothing wrong with it but there is. I am very mechanical, I am by far no mechanic and know none of the names for any parts. Everything is a do-hicky. I was driving my 1995 Potiac Grand Am. I went to put it into gear and nothing. It would not go into gear at all. I had it towed to a garage. They found nothing wrong with it and acted as though I am just another stupid dame. I payed their $148 dollar for nothing I may add. It was fine for 2 days.Two days later the samething. I had one gear though, I think third. Ok I took it home took the air filter and hose off so I could see. Got my girlfriend to get in push the clutch and move the shifter. I could now see what was going on. There is this arm that reaches over and is suppose to hook to this other thing when the shifter is moved and put it into gear. It was just dangling there. I snapped it back into place and it was fine for a few more days. Again it did the same thing today. I snapped it back into place and it was fine. Well this is obviously going to be a re-occuring problem. Is this do-hicky hydrolic? Any suggestions, names for the parts etc......woodsy
  • bison2bison2 Member Posts: 31
    i haven't a clue wich arm you are talking about, but it is called a ball joint that is worn so the socket wont stay on the ball.they are not that much. you will have to unscrew the socket from the arm [ loosen the jamnut] [count the treads in sight left on the arm behind the jamnut], so you can screw the new one in to the same position] and the ball [,has a nut on the bottom].from the lever of the transmission.you need wrences for the job though.
    take both parts to a auto supply store and match up a new one,it will be a one piece this time, bolt it on, tighten the jamnut and you are good to go.
    the stealer would want probably 150 bucks for putting it on [thats wy i call them stealers,not dealers.]

    hope this helps
  • dickhamdickham Member Posts: 1
    2007 altima 2.0. I have put a Hydrogen cell on the car to help with the
    gas miles. I am not sure were to conect the output of the cell. I have it
    conected to a vacum line that comes out the top of the engine.
  • monicadart2monicadart2 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 1996 Infiniti i30 with about 145k miles that I purchased a couple of months ago and the car was running great ... that was until I tried to start it and it didn't start... then it did start then it doesn't start and now it doesn't start really at all.. A mechanic friend thought perhaps that I might need a starter... turned out I didn't need a starter but a "RELAY"... Anyone every had this problem???... See, I'm broke and I'm trying to simply purchase the piece without having to take it to the shop for a diagnostic which is about 99.00 bucks but is this a wise thing to do? Help!!!
  • burdawgburdawg Member Posts: 1,524
    What do you mean by a "hydrogen cell"?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I'd send it back and demand a refund. Don't bother hooking it up.
  • wealthwarrantywealthwarranty Member Posts: 11
    Any hydrogen system must feed into the air intake just before the airflow sensor on fuel injected vehicles. If you put it on vacuum line, it will impact the way your vehicle runs as you upset the vacuum which skews other sensors which feed into your ECM, so I suspect your engine will run worse.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    A hydrogen cell's output goes directly into the Flux Capacitor.

    But be sure you remove the muffler bearings. Using a hydrogen cell produces excess water in the exhaust, which will quickly rust up the muffler bearings and cause exhaust problems. The muffler bearings don't actually do much for the car, and it will run find without them.
  • burdawgburdawg Member Posts: 1,524
    And don't forget to add one of those magnetic dohickies to the fuel line to "align" the molecules and make the fuel system more efficient.
  • saeappsaeapp Member Posts: 5
    2001 Nissa Altima GXE, LE, 4 cyl.

    I get a high pitched click when AC and or vent is on cool settings (does not do it when vent/ac is off or on hot settings). Seems like it makes sounds when compressor(?) kicks on and off...and it does it frequently. Anyone know exactly what this is and what can solve it?

    Thanks in advance!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    This click is coming from what area of the car? Engine compartment or under the dash?
  • panthrapanthra Member Posts: 3
    I HAVE A 93 DODGE DYNASTY 3.3 6 CYL. 200 THOUSAND SOMETHING MILES, CAR RUNS GOOD BUT WILL NOT SHIFT WHILE IM DRIVEING, I HAD IT PUT ON A DIANOSTIC COMPUTER TEST AND MY CAR HAD NO WHAT SO EVER COMMUNICATION WITH IT AT ALL, TRANNY FLUID IS GOOD, MY CAR IS RIGGED WITH A TOGGLE SWITCH FOR MY HEATER LOL IF THAT CAN CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN SOMETHING ELECTRICAL, FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AT MADVAMPGODDESS@ATT.NET
    THANK YOU
  • saeappsaeapp Member Posts: 5
    under the hood....thanks for the quick initial response. Sounds like it is coming from under the hood, right behind or very close to the area behind the dashboard on the passenger side.
  • saeappsaeapp Member Posts: 5
    As a follow up, I would say it does it every couple of minutes....it sounds like something is turning on because I can feel a slight pull in the power...hope that makes sense. That is why I was thinking it was compressor related....ie the compressor kicks on and put extra strain on engine
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    That sounds like an actuator that opens a blending door for the AC. These actuators are sometimes vacuum operated and sometimes electrical.
  • saeappsaeapp Member Posts: 5
    Interesting....never dealt with one of those....do you know how much the cost roughly and how easy/hard they are to replace?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    It's all a question of access to the actuator. Sometimes you can just bend under the dash and see it all happening; other times you have to dig it out through the glove box, etc. I don't think the part would be terribly expensive (if that's what it is). You might snoop around under there as you hear the click. Maybe you'll spot something.
  • dave8697dave8697 Member Posts: 1,498
    A few weeks ago it wouldn't start. I tried then waited then tried and it started. I took it home and looked at the battery connections and they were loose. I tightened them up and it then started fine 20 or 30 times over a couple weeks. Then I pulled it out into the street from the garage and it wouldn't restart later. I checked and the neg batty connection was loose again and I tightened it. I got a charger and charged the battery for 3 hrs drawing about 4 amps. Still nothing but a click sound when try to start. Then found jumper cables in box (still unpacking from move) and same with jumper cables. Just a single click. The battery was 4.2 years old and I had driven 80,000 miles with it since the battery was new. I had never gone under the rear seat and checked it in 4 years prior to finding the cables loose. Battery has zero corrosion, Located under seat. The lead was shiny. weather was warm, sunny.
    I tried charging and jumping it using the + terminal under the hood, not directly on the battery. Is that OK?
    Should I start by replacing battery, assuming the possible year or more with loose neg cable ruined it?
    The first 3.5 years, I drove the car 100 miles a day.
    '96 Riv 3.8L S/C Auto, 168k miles.
  • saeappsaeapp Member Posts: 5
    Thanks...I will try that. However, perhaps I wasnt clear in my initial response to you...the noise is definitely coming from underthe hood...it sounds like it is coming from under the hood, on the other side of the dash/glove compartment. I guess one thing I failed to mention was that I havent heard this while car was parked...seems like only when in motion. However, will check today to validate whether or not it makes the noise while in park as well.
  • bison2bison2 Member Posts: 31
    the problem is this Lady ,your mechanic friend does not sound like a mechanic at all,or he would be helping you. there can be more things causing the start/no start. it could be as simple as a corroded or loose terminal at the battery or at the starter including a bad connection or broken wire that still makes contact of and on at the starter solenoid[ small wire] ,this small wire goes to the ignition switch wich could be the culprit too.

    and ofcourse the starter solenoid could be failing ,in that case i would replace the whole starter. you can buy all parts needed by a auto supply store[cheaper than the dealer] but you will have to find out what component is causing the problem first.
  • grampy1grampy1 Member Posts: 140
    Gmc Sierra k1500,auto,4.8 liter V-8,20k miles.

    Should tranny fluid be drained,or flushed.

    No problems, just want to do proper procedure.
    Thanks
  • dave8697dave8697 Member Posts: 1,498
    A few weeks ago it wouldn't start. I tried then waited then tried and it started. I took it home and looked at the battery connections and they were loose. I tightened them up and it then started fine 20 or 30 times over a couple weeks. Then I pulled it out into the street from the garage and it wouldn't restart later. I checked and the neg batty connection was loose again and I tightened it. I got a charger and charged the battery for 3 hrs drawing about 4 amps. Still nothing but a click sound when try to start. Then found jumper cables in box (still unpacking from move) and same with jumper cables. Just a single click. The battery was 4.2 years old and I had driven 80,000 miles with it since the battery was new. I had never gone under the rear seat and checked it in 4 years prior to finding the cables loose. Battery has zero corrosion, Located under seat. The lead was shiny. weather was warm, sunny.
    I tried charging and jumping it using the + terminal under the hood, not directly on the battery. Is that OK?
    Should I start by replacing battery, assuming the possible year or more with loose neg cable ruined it?
    The first 3.5 years, I drove the car 100 miles a day. The last 6 months is has been driven less frequently.
    '96 Riv 3.8L S/C Auto, 168k miles.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Noises are tough to diagnose, especially if you can't locate them in a static situation.

    But if it has something to do with AC, that should appear when the car isn't moving and the AC is on.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    20,000 miles - I would not do anything.

    Look at the service schedule in your owner's manual. I bet this auto is good for 100,000 mile on the transmission fluid.

    Even conservatively, I would not think about servicing the transmission fluid until 60,000 or 75,000 miles, unless you are towing with the vehicle.
  • msfsolomsfsolo Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Park Avenue, 3.8 liter, with over 130,000 miles. The engine runs great, except from 1500 to 2000 RPM's. It pulses or surges, only in that range. Any ideas on what is wrong?
  • bison2bison2 Member Posts: 31
    i would take the battery out and to auto supply store and have it charged[takes more then 4 amps] and tested.battery clamps must be clean and tight to get the current to the starter. if you still get only clicking after the batt issue is taken care of then the starter may be toast, check connections there too.
    3 hrs charging at 4 amps = 12 amps, to get a full batt you need to leave it on for 24 hrs
  • bison2bison2 Member Posts: 31
    could be lots of things, have it scanned for codes and go from there.
    wild suggestions
    1] fuel pump has issues with supplyng fuel.
    2] torque converter clutch locks in and out
  • grampy1grampy1 Member Posts: 140
    I've read that a flush is not good for some trans,, and thus, should be drained only. The owners manual just says "service"the tranny at X miles.
  • wealthwarrantywealthwarranty Member Posts: 11
    Interesting,

    I suppose the issues with flushing come from those who do it after way to many miles, and end up with troubles. The bottom line is you should change trans fluid every 50K and then you won't need a flush. Sadly, most never change trans fluids even at over 100K on vehicle, and this is simply crazy. I have over 200K on one of my cars with no problems with transmission. When you do service it, changing filter is more critical than full flush.

    Good luck,
    Warranties-For-Less.com
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,672
    You didn't say that it has been used for towing where heat deterioration might necessitate earlier fluid drain. Unless it has towed I'd wait until 36 K miles. This is not by-the-book which probably suggests 100K miles for normal driving-no towing or heavy loads.

    If you're doing it yourself, I'd change at 36000 miles. You can replace the filter when you drain. I'd use the Dexron VI if it's a replacement for your transmission's fluid which is probably Dexron III? I just used Dexron VI from Walmart in my 4T65E leSabre transmission at 72000. It's about $3 per quart. Dexron VI is thinner since it's not cross compatible with Mercon as well as Dexron III like many are now. That should help mileage. I wonder if it has some synthetic components based on comments from others in another forum.

    The factory fluid is good, but I'd make sure to use a good replacement for the approx. 1/2 replaced during a drain. I wouldn't use a flush unless the trans already had some problem. If you replace 1/2 the fluid at 36,000 miles you're going to keep a strong set of additives and antioxidation chemicals in the fluid.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • grampy1grampy1 Member Posts: 140
    Thanks everyone for your reply.
    I don't tow. I follow the manufactures recommendations for my vehicles.
    I have a 2007 Honda accord,and the manual says to DRAIN and fill 3 times to completely change the fluid. FLUSHING can damage the tranny. So, i checked my GMC manual,and thats where my question came about relative to the SERVICE part.
    My trusted mechanic says flush. Obviously, i don't want to screw up the Tranny.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,672
    I would not flush. Drains are more gentle chemically on the transmission and it's innards.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • grampy1grampy1 Member Posts: 140
    I just got off the phone with a GMC truck dealer,and they say FLUSH.
  • helpmycarhelpmycar Member Posts: 8
    I still don't get it...why do you feel compelled to do anything at all to the transmission at only 20,000 miles? Or did you really mean 200,000 miles in your first post?

    If it is the latter case, and it is running okay, you are looking for trouble by even breathing on the tranny...you might dislodge that broken cog that has been holding everything together for the past 50k...!
  • helpmycarhelpmycar Member Posts: 8
    Monicad,

    When you say "it doesnt start", do you mean nothing happens when you turn the key, or that sometimes it just turns over and over but never starts? The answer to that question will eliminate about 50% of the possible answers.

    If it is the latter scenario, I had the same problem with a 1996 LeBaron and after wasting money on all kinds of "guesses" I finally sprung for the diagnostic. It turned out to be a $25 part in the electronic ignition that was malfunctioning intermittedly...only the diagnostic machine at the dealer could spot it.

    By the way, there are some parts stores that will hook up their diagnostic machine for free. They might get lucky at locating the problem and sell you the part.

    If its a simple matter of not cranking the engine, I would start by asking someone to clean the cable connections to the battery.
  • grampy1grampy1 Member Posts: 140
    I'm not going to change the Tranny fluid at only 20k miles. I was inquiring as to the correct trans. service when the time comes,flush,or drain. ;)
  • equalizer3equalizer3 Member Posts: 7
    prob head gasket or intake gasket. dont replace one . replace them all then have the engine flushed of the antifreeze. happened to my 97 xlt.
  • equalizer3equalizer3 Member Posts: 7
    i have to put a new a/c pump in my 97 ford explorer.can i find the can of just oil i put in after i hook everything up or can you get the 134 freeon with the oil already in it. i have the guage i got with a refill kit but no oil.and how much are the relays. mine got hot and i have to replace it. also the clutch went out of my old pump.i was told to replace the whole unit. and a long filter came with it w/round shims. where do they go? helppppppppppppppppp!!!! equalizer3@hotmal.com
  • burdawgburdawg Member Posts: 1,524
    First off, you can't replace the compressor without a vacuum pump to purge the lines and system of any air. Also, legally you can't release the freon into the air, it is supposed to be recovered and recycled or disposed of properly. If you don't have the right tools and knowledge then your wasting your time. That "filter" thing could be the receiver/dryer, which should be replaced anytime the system is opened up for repair.
  • diegob4beforediegob4before Member Posts: 3
    Men, you are doing bad, specially on Explorers.. I work a lot of time with this and believe me, **FLUSH THE SISTEM** take it to a A/C shop and let they flush the sistem specially the evaporator. If the compressor get stuck, the whole sisem is full of little pices of metal inside. You will have to flush and replace the Expancion Valve also. Imagine that some time have to replece the evaporator on Explorers, it gets very bad.
    Be careful, if you dont do that you wiil have A/C Compressor soon again.
    Good Luck!!
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Of course your 'trusted mechanics' say 'flush'. It cost more, more money in their pocket.

    When the service spec say 100,000 miles, they mean dump the fluid, change the filter, and refill.

    Read your Accord manual closer. The '3 times' procedure is only to be used if you put Dexron in it in an emergency. Honda recommends you get it out as soon as possible, replacing with Honda fluid. And get as much out as possibly, which is where they say do the 3 times fill/drain. For their regular 36,000 service, it is just dump the fluid and refill. I don't think Honda wants a new filter put into it. I may be wrong, but I think the Honda's tranny filter may require a teardown of the tranny to get to it.

    As I said before, when you get about 60,000 miles, you can think about a tranny fluid dump and new filter. Replace the plug wires and plugs at this time also. This is being very conservative with the service.

    Now I personally think the coolant should not be left to 100,000 miles. Every 3 years, I would drain and refill coolant.

    But do what you want. Change oil and filter every 3,000 miles, using synthetic. Drain coolant annually. Change tranny fluid at 20,000 miles. You vehicle will hopefully run to 175,000 miles with no major problems.

    Your neighbor that changes oil every 7,500 miles non-synthetic, tranny, coolant, and plugs at 100,000 can also get 175,000 miles out of his vehicle.
  • ghoferghofer Member Posts: 3
    I've just been gifted with a 1999 Cadillac FWD SLS with 75,000 miles, and "Stabiltrack" suspension. I've noticed that when my rear tires go over a small pothole or a sub-surface manhole cover, the rear of the car shifts sideways a bit. I've tried turning off the traction, but that doesn't seem to make any difference.

    Is this just the nature of the car, or should I turn myself over to the tender mercies of the Cadillac dealer? Or??????
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,672
    >shifts sideways a bit. I've tried turning off the traction, but that doesn't seem to make any difference.

    Does the DIC flash a message that the Stabilitrak has cut in and ring chimes to be sure you know it's been activated? If not, it's not the Stabilitrak kicking in. Also the traction control is only for acceleration where one of the front wheel starts slipping due to losing traction.

    My first thought is that the alignment is bad. It needs to be reset to the optimum settings. IF it has never been realignment in 75,000 it's probably due. My own method would be to have it done at a Cadillac dealer who will properly reset it or at a trusted, high reputation alignment and repair shop. The quickie alignment places just get it "close" and "in specs range" and slam bang you're out the door.

    If it only occurs at speed, like 40 and up, it could be a tire out of balance so that when it hits a bump the tire is bouncing up and down and impacting the ground harder causing a pull on the car on that side and the feeling that it has gone sideways.

    It could be a strut that's not working properly.

    BUT always assume the best and start with an alignment from some place that's not going to try to sell you a radiator flush, new brakes, new tires, transmission flush, and oil additives.

    If you're not getting the message on the Driver Information Center (DIC), it's not the Stabilitrak cutting in. Occasionally wheel sensors/hubs go out of kilter and can give a message, but that's not what you've described.

    I had my 2003 H-body LeSabre realigned at 70K miles. It made a difference in how it drives. It's the same chassis used on the STS's, and I think you SLS is a related car.

    Good luck. Report back what you find out!

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I'd say you might have some suspension wear in the rear suspension--maybe a blown strut or some bushing or other. Definitely worth a trip up on the rack. I don't think you have to go to the dealer for this inspection.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,672
    >It could be a strut that's not working properly

    I misspoke. The rears are shocks just like on my newer car. Same conclusion though.

    And you don't have to go to the dealer--just go to a good, reputable shop.

    I recall my recent experience with a tire store in a local large chain for full service tires locally. I wanted my tires rotated and balanced for the free package that came with purchase of my Michelins. The guy drove the car for 10 minutes (I could have told him there's nothing wrong with how it drove), then rotated tires. He was gleeful to come in to tell me that the front pads were down thin on one side (I already knew it because I rotated the tires myself the last time.

    They quoted $700 for front pads, new rotors, and rear pads and turn the rear rotors. Actually the front rotors were well within wear tolerance and were true, but they wanted to replace them with $29 rotors charging $75 and wanted to use standard pads.

    I put on ceramic GM pads myself. The front rotors I checked myself with a micrometer. Actually the rear rotors have a slight runout problem because GM machined them when one warped slightly under warranty instead of replacing them. Those I'll replace with US made if I can find them when I do the rear brakes. I won't use $29 rotors from the local mass market store.

    My cost for pads was $65 + $55 and the rear rotors may be around $50 each: Total $215 for quality parts.

    I was waiting for the store to tell me I needed an alignment. My dealer had aligned it a week before.

    Did I mention the tire guy left the lug nuts at 50-70,80,80,95 pounds-feet instead of all at 100. That will warp rotors quickly plus it's not safe.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    I've gone brain dead because I can't remember the name, but there are 'linkages' in the rear suspension that are probably bad. I think they link the anti-sway bar to its anchor point on the rear suspension. When these get really, really bad, a Cadillac will jump around a lot when it hits bumps. Shouldn't be a big expense, and I think any knowledgable alignment/suspension shop should be able to repair these, no Caddy dealer needed.
  • ghoferghofer Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the tip. I'll have the shocks checked out.
  • ghoferghofer Member Posts: 3
    Thanks. I guess I just need to have the whole rear suspension checked. Don't think I'll go to a dealer, though. One of the little gold crests came off the roof and they want $262 to replace it.
    :)
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well don't judge dealer pricing by one rare piece of exterior trim-- a dealer who knows what he's doing at $150 an hour could in fact be cheaper than an independent mechanic who doesn't know what's he doing at $75 an hour. I'd say a specialty alignment/suspension shop (where the dealer often sends HIS cars) might be a good bet.
  • georgecavaliergeorgecavalier Member Posts: 54
    I have a 2007 Chevy Cobalt with the 15 inch wheel covers. Recently, they have been making annoying creaking/squeaking noises. Not only is it annoying but it makes my car sound like a piece of you-know-what. I will eventually replace them with alloys but in the short term I would like to get this problem resolved. I have heard about lubricating them to help the noise go away but I'm not sure what is recommended for use or how exactly to go about it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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