Brake It Easy
I have a 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis with 120,000 miles on it. Last week in the mountains, we were going uphill at about 50 mph with the cruise control set to 55, and I needed to tap the brakes for a car in front of us. The pedal was rock hard. I ... [... more]
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Don Chaikin
The EPA, the federal government agency in charge of certifying new car fuel economy claims it has revamped its rating system. Sort of. The EPA has developed a new testing regimen (all fuel economy numbers are based on laboratory testing, not ... [... more]
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3. RE: Defective Electronic Key,
Mike, perhaps you can explain what happened and whether I need to take any further action. I have a 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette. I had the oxygen senor replaced by the dealer after the 'Service Engine Soon' light came on. The very next day the car ... [... more]
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High-Pressure Leak: Normal or Not?
I have a 1997 Cadillac STS with 172,850 miles on it, and it's got a slow oil leak. The mechanic at the dealership says it is a high-pressure leak since it's not noticeable, but I lose about a quart of oil every 3000 or 4000 miles. What are the ... [... more]
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Volvo XC60 Concept: Detroit Preview
It turns out there's plenty of room underneath the XC90 in Volvo's lineup for an entry-level crossover SUV. Volvo will pull the wraps off this XC60 concept at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (don't worry, we'll be ... [... more]
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Betting on Batteries
Many of us can't afford a new Prius, and are considering buying used. I'm looking at a 2001 Prius with 41,000 miles, in great condition, with an asking price of $11,200. For a person on a budget like mine, would I be taking on a big risk, or ... [... more]
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Cold Stalls
I currently drive a 1992 Chevy Pickup that has 243,000 miles on the odometer and still runs well. I bought it used and I am not sure if the motor has been overhauled. I have had the transmission rebuilt but the motor seems to be running strong. ... [... more]
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Electronic Control Adaptation
I just purchased a 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5SE. It came standard with traction control and ABS. The one option I hadn't previously considered until a recent Iowa snow storm was Vehicle Dynamic Control-Nissan language for stability control. Can new ... [... more]
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Suspiciously Short Circuit
On my car radio's installation instructions, it shows only one red wire (hot) going to the positive side of the battery. How do I complete the circuit without a ground wire? I am installing it in a boat. My husband just received his June 2007 ... [... more]
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7. New Paint, problem?????
For many years I have been using Drygas in my vehicles. Over the course of a year I use probably 3 containers per vehicle. Many years ago I had a painful experience when I had a breakdown because of fuel line icing. I wonder if anyone needs to ... [... more]
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Fuel Additives: Myth vs. Reality
Are fuel additives a waste of money? I think Stabil works, but what about the others-the ones that claim to "clean" the carb and valves and give you better mileage and enable the fuel to burn more efficiently? Have you, or anyone you could [... more]
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Hot Clutch Woes
I have a 1995 Celica ST Liftback with 245,000 miles on it. It has been having transmission problems (or at least I think it's the transmission) for about the last year. After long interstate drives (say 45 miles) at 75 mph, the clutch pedal ... [... more]
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