Q & A #21 With The Auto Specialist
Welcome back. In this regular column, we take a close look at car problems that readers are having. I try to diagnose the issues, narrow it down to the parts and systems involved, and offer my thoughts on how to resolve them. In today’s segment, we’re going to help a reader named Paul figure out his Ram’s backfire problem. We’ll also going to help Jenny with her Prelude’s power steering. Let’s get started.
Question: I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with about 81,000 miles on it. It’s a great truck and has never given me any trouble until now. A couple of days ago, I was getting onto the freeway by my house. Usually, I punch the gas pedal to pick up speed at the beginning of the ramp so I can merge without a hassle. When I did it a few days ago, my truck backfired. Now, it backfires almost every time I hit the pedal.
Just so you know, I treat my truck really well and keep up on all the regular maintenance items. I’ve even looked at the hoses and can’t find any cracks or leaks. Any ideas about what’s going on?
Answer: Thanks for writing, Paul. Your Ram’s backfire could be caused by a few things. From what you’ve described, it sounds like there may be a problem with the fuel pump. Here’s how it works: when you hit the gas pedal, your fuel pump creates pressure in the line that feeds the engine. If the pressure is off, your engine starves and can backfire. My other thought is that it might be the spark plugs or something in the ignition system. Since you take great care of your truck, I’ll assume the plugs are good.
Bottom line: have your mechanic test the fuel pump. If it’s fine, ask him to look at the ignition.
Question: I’m having a major problem with my Honda Prelude. I bought it new back in 2001 and it has around 113,000 miles. I think the problem is something in the steering wheel. When I turn my car on and let it sit there, the steering wheel is really hard to turn. If I press on my gas pedal, it gets a lot easier. One more thing, yesterday I noticed a greenish spot on my driveway right around where my engine is when I park my car. Is that steering fluid? And how can I make my steering wheel turn more easily?
Answer: Thanks for your question, Jenny. First things first. The greenish spot you noticed on your driveway isn’t steering fluid. I’m betting that it’s coolant.
Now, to your steering problem, check the fluid level before doing anything else. There’s a reservoir that sits in the front of your engine. Pop the cap and look at the level on the stick. If it’s low, refilling the reservoir should help. If the fluid is at the proper level, you’ll need to take your car into a repair shop. If I had to guess (again, assuming the fluid level is fine), I’d say one of the fan belts that controls your car’s power steering pump has come loose.
Thanks again to Paul and Jenny for writing in. I appreciate your questions and hope my answers help. In the next installment of the Auto Specialist, we’re going to look at an issue with one reader’s brake pads as well as another reader’s alternator problem. Definitely tune into the column next time. Until then, drive safely.
