Q & A #28 With The Auto Specialist
Q & A #28 With The Auto Specialist
Welcome back to the Auto Specialist. If you have never read this ongoing column before, I invite you to take a look through our archives. By answering readers’ questions, we’ve managed to amass an impressive collection of car problems and their resolutions. In this installment, we’ll help Jesse out with his Ford’s jerking engine. We’ll also help Steven solve a problem with his Chevy’s starter. That’s a full schedule, so let’s jump right in.
Question: Last year, I bought a 2003 Ford F-250. It has a manual transmission with over 106,000 miles. During the past month, the engine has been jerking a lot whenever the rpms hit 2000. At first, I thought it was only happening in 2nd and 3rd gear, but it has actually been happening no matter what gear I’m in.
Here’s the thing… either the mechanics at my dealership don’t know what they’re doing or this is the biggest truck mystery they’ve ever seen. They’ve cleared out the fuel injectors, said a few of the cylinders were firing poorly, and even put in a new fuel pump. Nothing has worked and it’s getting expensive. Now they’re saying my truck needs a new set of fuel injectors. Any idea what is causing the jerking?
Answer: Thanks for writing, Jesse. I admit, this is a difficult one to solve. Since I’m unable to look under the hood myself, I’m practically guessing here. That said, I would take your truck to a local mechanic and have them replace the spark plugs and wires. If you’re still having a problem, replace the air and fuel filters. I’m assuming your truck is no longer covered by its warranty, so there’s no need to go back to the dealership. Besides, the fact that they suggested new fuel injectors after taking your money to clean out your current set makes them seem dubious.
Question: I’m really enjoying the column, but never thought I’d write in for your help. I have a 1999 Chevrolet Lumina with 147,000 miles on it. I’m on my fourth starter over the last year and a half. I’m not an expert with cars, but even I know that four starters is excessive. My mechanic (the same guy who put the starters in) is convinced that another part is causing them to malfunction, but he’s not sure where the problem is. Fortunately, he’s been giving me a good deal on the starters, so I’m not out that much money. Would you happen to know why they’re failing so quickly?
Answer: Thanks for sending in your question Steven. I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the column. Regarding your problem, I have a sneaking suspicion that you’re using rebuilt parts. Frankly, I think that’s the issue. In all my experience with replacement parts, I have never seen as many problems as I have with rebuilt starters. This is the sole reason I recommend everyone use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) starters. Spend a few extra dollars. You’ll thank me when the OEM starter lasts.
That’s it for this round of car questions. Thanks again to Jesse and Steven for sharing their automotive troubles with us. If you haven’t already done so, take the time to go through our growing archive of questions. And be sure to come back and join us for the next installment. Until then, drive safely.
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Tags: Car Answers, Car Q & A, Car Q and A
