# Maintenance/Repairs **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=1016 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1017 --- ## [2003 Dodge Caravan - thud just as engine fires on startup](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-dodge-caravan-thud-just-as-engine-fires-on-startup/96565)
**Author:** [@aebarnet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/aebarnet)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2016, 7:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-dodge-caravan-thud-just-as-engine-fires-on-startup/96565 "2016-11-19T07:55:28Z")
My very used 2003 Caravan (bought on auction) is about 275k miles, with remanufactured 3.3L V6 engine replaced and transmission rebuilt about 30k miles ago. In Park, Reverse, Neutral, the sound is normal. But in Drive, s… --- ## [2005 Chevy Malibu no automatic transmission PRND illumination](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-chevy-malibu-no-automatic-transmission-prnd-illumination/66847)
**Author:** [@stunned1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stunned1)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2016, 7:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-chevy-malibu-no-automatic-transmission-prnd-illumination/66847 "2016-11-19T07:30:18Z")
I just got a used 2005 Chevy Malibu Classic. The automatic gear shift lever is between the seats. On my 1st night drive, I noticed that there is no gear shift illumination, nor any indicator on the dash that tells you i… --- ## [OBD2 question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/obd2-question/96516)
**Author:** [@TheMidnightNarwhal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheMidnightNarwhal)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2016, 7:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/obd2-question/96516 "2016-11-19T07:07:48Z")
I was watching some video about OBD2 and the person mentionned it's good to have an OBD2 to check for used cars as you can, obviously, see the codes but also you can get a code that means the codes were recently cleared.… --- ## [Clicking Under Steering Wheel and Car Battery Dying](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clicking-under-steering-wheel-and-car-battery-dying/96404)
**Author:** [@Victoorb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Victoorb)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2016, 5:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clicking-under-steering-wheel-and-car-battery-dying/96404 "2016-11-19T05:39:41Z")
Hi, I've been having several issues with my 06 Jetta. First, it began by the car dying out of battery, and than i figured out that during the night the break lightswitch would turn on. I would be able to turn them off by… --- ## [A/C work in winter months or clutch problems?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-c-work-in-winter-months-or-clutch-problems/96564)
**Author:** [@Ariver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ariver)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2016, 2:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-c-work-in-winter-months-or-clutch-problems/96564 "2016-11-19T02:18:50Z")
Temp outside is 35 but I was trying to run my A/C while sitting in hot sun. A/C blowing warm air. Called local Honda dealer was told A/C has sensors and will not cool unless its above 65 degrees or higher outside. Recei… --- ## [Removing Connector From Brake Light Switch (2010 Chrysler)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-connector-from-brake-light-switch-2010-chrysler/96451)
**Author:** [@mhozian](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mhozian)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2016, 1:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-connector-from-brake-light-switch-2010-chrysler/96451 "2016-11-19T01:46:25Z")
Anyone know how to remove this type of connector from the brake light switch? I’ve tried just about everything at this point. Sheer force alone doesn’t work. There has to be some type of release mechanism I’m not seeing … --- ## [1992 accord running hot](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-accord-running-hot/96548)
**Author:** [@Wayne\_Larson](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Wayne_Larson)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2016, 1:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-accord-running-hot/96548 "2016-11-19T01:32:47Z")
New radiator, hoses, fan motor, thermostat and coolant temp unit. Bottom hose cold, top hose hot. Can idle and temp goes just above half...Start driving, after a few miles temp goes to red, then back down a bit then back… --- ## [Proper thermostat for 2006 Ford 4.0 V6 (temp rating)?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/proper-thermostat-for-2006-ford-4-0-v6-temp-rating/96484)
**Author:** [@OldcarsRbest](https://community.cartalk.com/u/OldcarsRbest)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2016, 1:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/proper-thermostat-for-2006-ford-4-0-v6-temp-rating/96484 "2016-11-19T01:09:03Z")
History-I replaced the complete thermostat and housing due to a leak in the plastic housing about a month ago. After this, I noticed the temperature gauge was running a little cooler than before (before was pointing at t… --- ## [A general question about used cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-general-question-about-used-cars/96520)
**Author:** [@2davidc8](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2davidc8)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 7:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-general-question-about-used-cars/96520 "2016-11-18T19:52:54Z")
I’ve always thought that a brand new car needs to be driven very gently (under 50 mph) for the first 500 miles. And no quick starts and stops. I agree with the advice that it is generally most cost effective to buy a … --- ## [What is causing this noise?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-causing-this-noise/96549)
**Author:** [@Alex\_Mason](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Alex_Mason)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-causing-this-noise/96549 "2016-11-18T19:15:20Z")
My Honda Accord 2001 has been making this noise, and I'm not sure why. The noise is almost exclusively present when I'm hitting the gas pedal. When I let off the pedal, the noise usually cuts out. I cant say it never mak… --- ## [2005 Ford Escape timing/ignition issue \*with video](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-ford-escape-timing-ignition-issue-with-video/96232)
**Author:** [@kawasakiklx](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kawasakiklx)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 4:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-ford-escape-timing-ignition-issue-with-video/96232 "2016-11-18T16:17:18Z")
3.0 V6 150k miles I am at my wits end with this car! I recently did a head gasket job on this vehicle. I know the timing chain procedure is important and I stressed it very much. I referenced both a website walk-thro… --- ## [Epic loss of power going uphill after catalytic converter replaced](https://community.cartalk.com/t/epic-loss-of-power-going-uphill-after-catalytic-converter-replaced/96512)
**Author:** [@Chris\_Murphy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Chris_Murphy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 4:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/epic-loss-of-power-going-uphill-after-catalytic-converter-replaced/96512 "2016-11-18T04:39:58Z")
Got a check engine code for catalytic converter. Had it replaced tonight. On the way up a very large hill, got momentum at the bottom, about 45mph, half way up the hill RPM's remained the same, speed slowly kept decreasi… --- ## [Advice on where to start?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/advice-on-where-to-start/96509)
**Author:** [@AnotherBrokeCarOwner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AnotherBrokeCarOwner)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 4:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/advice-on-where-to-start/96509 "2016-11-18T04:30:20Z")
Long story short, I hit a 4x4 buck at about 60 in my '95 and I know for sure that I need to replace most of the front end. Fortunately the radiator didn’t buckle back so far to even damage the radiator fan. I know I nee… --- ## [Binding struts](https://community.cartalk.com/t/binding-struts/96489)
**Author:** [@Rustheap](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rustheap)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 3:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/binding-struts/96489 "2016-11-18T03:41:54Z")
So for a while now turning my steering wheel at low speeds sometimes results in a slight groan, but no clunking or popping etc. doesn't always occur and not loud by any means. I went to get an alignment today(new tires… --- ## [1995 Cadillac Fleetwood black smoke and now won't start](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-cadillac-fleetwood-black-smoke-and-now-wont-start/96535)
**Author:** [@R-RATED](https://community.cartalk.com/u/R-RATED)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 3:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-cadillac-fleetwood-black-smoke-and-now-wont-start/96535 "2016-11-18T03:26:07Z")
Hello all, I have a 1995 Cadillac Fleetwood with only 87000 miles. I have owned for the last 50000 miles. My land yacht will not start. It cranks and catches occasionally but will not completely fire up. This problem … --- ## [2003 Jetta Whistling from the serpentine belt area](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-jetta-whistling-from-the-serpentine-belt-area/96541)
**Author:** [@AmandaWithAnOldsmobile](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AmandaWithAnOldsmobile)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 3:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-jetta-whistling-from-the-serpentine-belt-area/96541 "2016-11-18T03:20:06Z")
2003 Jetta, 2.0 engine, no turbo The serpentine belt is whistling at high RPM's when I press on the pedal, and it stops immediately when I let off the gas pedal. It's coming from the serpentine belt, but the belt itse… --- ## [Rattling noise when accelerating and zooming sound when i go of pedal](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rattling-noise-when-accelerating-and-zooming-sound-when-i-go-of-pedal/96529)
**Author:** [@Frdo\_Dl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Frdo_Dl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 2:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rattling-noise-when-accelerating-and-zooming-sound-when-i-go-of-pedal/96529 "2016-11-18T02:46:07Z")
I got my head gasket changed out. I heard the noise the day after but the mechanic said it was normal. I know an engine should probably sound smoother than that. I got my exhaust manifold changed out, water pump, thermos… --- ## [Nissan Excessive Oil Consumption - Maxima, Sentra, Altima](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nissan-excessive-oil-consumption-maxima-sentra-altima/63086)
**Author:** [@AcadiaRush](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AcadiaRush)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 2:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nissan-excessive-oil-consumption-maxima-sentra-altima/63086 "2016-11-18T02:41:12Z")
Many Nissan owners have reported excessive oil consumption for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 models like Maxima, Altima, Pathfinders, etc., without being able to determine the root cause. I believe that, with the help of the… --- ## [Wondering whether it would be worth a try to paint my car myself?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wondering-whether-it-would-be-worth-a-try-to-paint-my-car-myself/93390)
**Author:** [@moonmen17](https://community.cartalk.com/u/moonmen17)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 2:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wondering-whether-it-would-be-worth-a-try-to-paint-my-car-myself/93390 "2016-11-18T02:20:42Z")
Dear cartalk.com, I have a 2002 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport with a recently rebuilt engine at around 140,000 miles and it has about 161,000 miles on it now and is running very well after the engine was rebuilt. I have … --- ## [Motor swap payment question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motor-swap-payment-question/96518)
**Author:** [@CollinsLHP](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CollinsLHP)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2016, 1:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motor-swap-payment-question/96518 "2016-11-18T01:39:43Z")
I took my jeep to a shop to get a used motor that they got from LKQ. The motor they got they put in and ran it and coolant went everywhere and they said the water pump was bad and head gasket is bad because the water pum… --- ## [2011 Hyundai Elantra phantom automatic transmission problem = harsh shifting](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-hyundai-elantra-phantom-automatic-transmission-problem-harsh-shifting/88840)
**Author:** [@kapoho](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kapoho)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 6:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-hyundai-elantra-phantom-automatic-transmission-problem-harsh-shifting/88840 "2016-11-17T18:56:57Z")
I have been having phantom automatic transmission problems with occasional harsh shifting, mostly up shifting through all the gears but sometimes downshifting. This problem started in May 2014, lasted off and on for sev… --- ## [Check engine light - knock sensor](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-knock-sensor/93181)
**Author:** [@Styrene](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Styrene)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 6:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light-knock-sensor/93181 "2016-11-17T18:11:50Z")
I have a 2012 hyundai accent. The check engine light came on. The code read knock sensor. Before I could get it into a shop, it went off. It didn't come back for 11 months. When it did come back, the same code was read. … --- ## [What is the successor to Dexron II ATF?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-the-successor-to-dexron-ii-atf/96521)
**Author:** [@2davidc8](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2davidc8)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 5:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-the-successor-to-dexron-ii-atf/96521 "2016-11-17T17:29:38Z")
My car's manual calls for Dexron II Automatic Transmission Fluid. The car is 25 years old. What is the equivalent specification today? (I expect that ATF specs, like motor oil specs, have changed over the years.) Th… --- ## [When should you add oil](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-should-you-add-oil/96483)
**Author:** [@dn4192](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dn4192)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 1:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-should-you-add-oil/96483 "2016-11-17T13:44:23Z")
When checking your oil and it is not at the top of the stick where it should be for "full" how low down on the stick should it before you add oil to top it back off to full. There is that "area" on all dipstick range wi… --- ## [Help with noise from wheel area](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-with-noise-from-wheel-area/96051)
**Author:** [@coaster99](https://community.cartalk.com/u/coaster99)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2016, 3:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-with-noise-from-wheel-area/96051 "2016-11-17T03:51:22Z")
Hi, all. I have a 09 Honda Fit sport with 83k miles. 2 drivers side front wheel bolts and abs sensor were changed along with the brake pads. Since then there has be and noise a very noticeable "wuh wuh" noise coming f… --- ## [Where is the Ambient Air temperature sensor located on a 2005 Hyundai Sonata?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-is-the-ambient-air-temperature-sensor-located-on-a-2005-hyundai-sonata/96503)
**Author:** [@Metalcrow](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Metalcrow)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 3:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-is-the-ambient-air-temperature-sensor-located-on-a-2005-hyundai-sonata/96503 "2016-11-16T03:30:56Z")
I need to replace the Ambient Air Sensor, in my 2005 Hyundai Sonata, 2.7 v-6.I can't seem to locate it on the engine. Can anyone help? --- ## [Water leak in trunk of 2015 Accord](https://community.cartalk.com/t/water-leak-in-trunk-of-2015-accord/90186)
**Author:** [@charliejp](https://community.cartalk.com/u/charliejp)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 8:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/water-leak-in-trunk-of-2015-accord/90186 "2016-11-16T08:06:14Z")
I have a new 2015 Accord. After a recent rain storm I found about an inch of water in the well where the spare tire is stored. I took it to the dealer and they ran numerous leak tests but could not reproduce the proble… --- ## [My rattling Mercedes](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-rattling-mercedes/96494)
**Author:** [@Linda\_Bashore\_7](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Linda_Bashore_7)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 5:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-rattling-mercedes/96494 "2016-11-16T05:50:32Z")
Dear Car Talk, I own a 91 Mercedes, model 190E which is just perfect for a retired single woman. As you probably already assume this car has 141,000 miles with an automatic transmission and I have had it in the variou… --- ## [Jeep Cherokee XJ, 1997, RPM surges when accelerating?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-cherokee-xj-1997-rpm-surges-when-accelerating/96510)
**Author:** [@Marshgray](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marshgray)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 3:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-cherokee-xj-1997-rpm-surges-when-accelerating/96510 "2016-11-16T03:22:30Z")
Hey everyone, I have a '97 Jeep Cherokee Sport, around 187,000 miles on the odometer. Once a month or so, I will have a day where when I accelerate, the RPM's will surge up and down, but it will feel like it is coastin… --- ## [Overheating Grand Cherokee](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overheating-grand-cherokee/96487)
**Author:** [@Laura\_Sendelbach](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Laura_Sendelbach)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2016, 2:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overheating-grand-cherokee/96487 "2016-11-16T02:01:17Z")
I have a 95' Grand Cherokee, V8 5.2L. Recently, it started overheating and was diagnosed as a head gasket issue at a shop. I ended up replacing the head gasket, thermostat, and water pump. (The radiator, top radiator hos… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=1015) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=1017)