Q & A #67 With The Auto Specialist
Q & A #67 With The Auto Specialist
Welcome back to the Auto Specialist. The latest auto sales reports are coming in, and the news is bleak for car dealerships. According to sales figures compiled by Autodata, new vehicle sales during August 2010 cratered 21 percent compared to August of last year. Because data from August 2009 includes sales from the government’s Cash For Clunkers program, the comparison is muddied. However, August 2010 sales also reflected a 5 percent drop from the previous month.
This suggests people are holding onto their vehicles longer. With the uncertain economy, they’re more willing to replace parts that are failing, and have necessary repairs done, than investing in a brand new car. That’s a good choice. It’s usually less expensive over the long run.
With this in mind, let’s jump into today’s batch of automotive questions. We’ll help Hank with a transmission problem he’s experiencing with his Montero. We’ll also take a look at Marilyn’s stalling issue that she’s having with her Escape. To wrap up, we’ll help Thomas figure out why his Rodeo’s engine won’t crank over. Let’s get started.
Question: I own a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero with 132,000 miles. When I’m on surface streets, my car will only reach about 30 miles per hour after launching from a dead stop. Then, after a minute, everything kicks in, and I can drive at normal speed. When I’m on the highway, there’s no problem. What does that sound like to you? Any idea how much it costs get it taken care of?
Answer: Thanks for your question, Hank. From what you have described, it sounds like a problem in your transmission. The root cause could be a few things. Your transmission may simply be low on fluid. I suggest you check that first. It’s also possible that the assembly is failing. With 132,000 miles, it may be time to replace it (the transmission, not your Montero). Regarding cost, it’s impossible to say. A fluid leak may only cost a couple hundred dollars to seal. An overhaul or replacement can cost $2,500 or more.
Question: I’m driving a 2004 Ford Escape, and it has just over 79,000 miles on it. For the past few weeks, I’ve been having a problem with stalling. Here’s what happens: whenever I start the car, the engine turns over fine. I get on the road, and then about twenty minutes later, everything dies. When I try to start the engine again, nothing happens (I can hear it trying to work, but it won’t turn over). If I wait a few hours, I can usually start it with no problem. Can you explain to me what is going on with my car?
Answer: Thanks for sending in your question, Marilyn. I bet the problem can be traced back to a lack of spark or insufficient fuel supply to the engine. In the former case, have the distributor tested, and make sure the coil is receiving enough voltage. In the latter case, have the fuel pump checked. You might also want to compression test the cylinders, but focus on the other two paths first.
Question: I have a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo with 141,400 miles, and I’m thinking about getting rid of it. For the last three weeks, I haven’t been able to start it normally. I’m not getting any signs of life from my windows, headlamps, etc. I can jump-start the car, but by the following morning, the battery is dead again. The battery is only a couple of years old, so it should be fine. Can you tell me what the problem is with my car?
Answer: Thanks for writing in, Thomas. The problem is very likely somewhere in the charging system. Here is what I would recommend. First, load test the battery. Second, test the alternator to make sure it’s putting out sufficient voltage. If both of those areas test well, I suggest having your mechanic take a closer look. Troubleshooting a problem in the charging system can be tricky. Most folks are better off having their dealership or local mechanic handle the job.
That’s it for this installment of the Auto Specialist. I’d like to express my thanks again to Hank, Marilyn, and Thomas for letting us diagnose their automotive problems. I’ll have a new batch of questions ready to go next time. Until then, drive safely.
