Q & A #23 With The Auto Specialist
Q & A #23 With The Auto Specialist
We have a couple of great questions to address in this installment of the Auto Specialist. Barry writes in about his Silverado’s overheating engine (and he has obviously done his homework). And Stacey writes in about her Honda Element’s transmission.
If this is your first time reading the column, let me encourage you to go through our past segments. We’ve built a wonderful library of automotive knowledge as readers have sent in their car problems and I’ve tried my luck at fixing them. Having said that, let’s get started with today’s questions.
Question: I drive a 2005 Chevy Silverado. It has just a bit over 51,000 miles on it. About a month ago, it started to overheat every once in awhile. When I drive, I almost always have the A/C going. What I’ve noticed is that my truck’s heat gauge starts climbing whenever I top about 5,500 RPMs. If I turn the A/C off, the gauge goes back down.
I’ve already checked the level of coolant in the radiator. It’s fine. My head gasket seems fine, too. I put in a new water pump about six months ago, so I’m pretty sure that’s working good. The fans that blow across the radiator work well. At this point, I’m not sure what could be causing the problem. But, I know that if I push my truck to 5,500 RPMs with my A/C on, it will overheat. Any ideas?
Answer: Thanks for writing in, Barry. From what you’re describing, I’m willing to bet the radiator has a minor blockage. Because your Silverado doesn’t overheat until you’re pushing the RPMs up, the coolant is flowing. However, I’ll bet there’s some residue or rust that has collected on the bottom. If that’s the case, I suggest you look for another radiator.
Question: My 2002 Honda Element is shifting weird. It feels slippery, like the gears aren’t connecting with each other properly. I put a lot of miles on it for my job (the odometer is at 124,847), so I know my car needs servicing. I’m planning to take it in to the dealer next week, but I wanted to ask if you knew what was causing the slippery feeling when it shifts.
Answer: Thanks for your email, Stacey. I have some bad news. Your transmission is failing, which is not uncommon for vehicles with that many miles. Unfortunately, there’s usually no way to fix a failing tranny. Here’s what I’d do: have the auto tech at your dealer test it. If he confirms that the transmission is going bad, order a rebuilt from the dealer. That will give you a warranty that will be alive wherever you go. You can have a local mechanic put it in to save a few dollars.
Thanks to both Barry and Stacey for sharing their car problems with us. Next time, we’ll help a reader figure out his car’s charging problem. We’ll also help a gentleman understand the advice he’s getting from his dealer about his car’s brakes. Be sure to come back for that installment. Until then, drive safely.
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Tags: Car Q & A, Car Questions
