# Maintenance/Repairs **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=1018 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1019 --- ## [Bad lighting?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-lighting/84657)
**Author:** [@lexicat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lexicat)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2016, 3:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-lighting/84657 "2016-11-08T03:13:43Z")
I just bought a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT and it is my first new car. I drived it at night for the first time and noticed that the headlights were only illuminating the bottom half of my field of vision. In fact, as I drov… --- ## [Help - damaged a piece of interior vinyl with carpet cleaner](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-damaged-a-piece-of-interior-vinyl-with-carpet-cleaner/96377)
**Author:** [@plant\_1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/plant_1)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 6:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-damaged-a-piece-of-interior-vinyl-with-carpet-cleaner/96377 "2016-11-07T18:46:49Z")
Ooops. I cleaned some stains on the roof of my interior with Bissell oxygen carpet cleaner (not really for cars, I guess now). Worked great, but some of it sprayed and hit the vinyl on the other side of the car, and I wi… --- ## [New Engine, New Radiator, Sludge in coolant reserve!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-engine-new-radiator-sludge-in-coolant-reserve/96368)
**Author:** [@tobin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tobin)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 4:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-engine-new-radiator-sludge-in-coolant-reserve/96368 "2016-11-07T16:40:23Z")
Hi all. I recently had a new engine and radiator installed in my 1993 toyota pickup. I checked the coolant and oil every day since the install, then drove it 250 miles or so without checking the coolant, and found that… --- ## [Brake lines 04 buick lesabre](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-lines-04-buick-lesabre/96317)
**Author:** [@Steppinstones](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Steppinstones)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 11:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-lines-04-buick-lesabre/96317 "2016-11-07T11:57:32Z")
I am a new ie tocars and selfteaching/youtubing/asking my way to learning a few things about my car I am attempting to replace a blown brake line and a rusty brake line, both coming off my resevoir to what i assume is … --- ## [87 VW Cabriolet - turn signal fails when headlights on](https://community.cartalk.com/t/87-vw-cabriolet-turn-signal-fails-when-headlights-on/35273)
**Author:** [@jgold723](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jgold723)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 2:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/87-vw-cabriolet-turn-signal-fails-when-headlights-on/35273 "2016-11-07T02:47:43Z")
I've got an 87 VW Cabriolet with an odd problem -- the right-hand turn signal does not work when the headlights are on (there's a buzzing noise from the flasher). The left works fine and both work when the headlights are… --- ## [Fixing mising clear coat spots](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fixing-mising-clear-coat-spots/96348)
**Author:** [@matt357](https://community.cartalk.com/u/matt357)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 2:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fixing-mising-clear-coat-spots/96348 "2016-11-07T02:38:40Z")
I have a couple small penny sized areas on my rear bumper where the clear coat came off. Can I just tape off around them, wet sand, then spray them with new clear coat? I would like to avoid orange peel but I figure even… --- ## [Rear wheel making metal scraping/dragging noise](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-wheel-making-metal-scraping-dragging-noise/96362)
**Author:** [@AmandaWithAnOldsmobile](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AmandaWithAnOldsmobile)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 2:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-wheel-making-metal-scraping-dragging-noise/96362 "2016-11-07T02:29:45Z")
Background: 2003 jetta; just changed rotors and pads on rear wheels a month ago, they are disc brakes So the other day I was driving in a school zone at about 20 mph when I heard a VERY loud sound, like I'm dragging me… --- ## [2012 F-250 noise in the the linkage?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-f-250-noise-in-the-the-linkage/96188)
**Author:** [@ppags](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ppags)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 2:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-f-250-noise-in-the-the-linkage/96188 "2016-11-07T02:21:14Z")
I'm a complete novice on auto repair, so forgive my ignorance. My 2012 F250 has begun making a noise. The noise is coming from somewhere in the linkage (drivetrain). It sounds like new knobby tires on a paved road but … --- ## [Ford Freestar 2005 Engine repeatedly floods/stalls whle in gear](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-freestar-2005-engine-repeatedly-floods-stalls-whle-in-gear/79515)
**Author:** [@papasquid](https://community.cartalk.com/u/papasquid)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 1:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-freestar-2005-engine-repeatedly-floods-stalls-whle-in-gear/79515 "2016-11-07T01:44:33Z")
So this doesn't begin until I put it into a forward gear, but after about 30 sec of smooth running, I will get a sudden momentary loss of power, then a surge, which repeats and intensifies as the van lurches forward unti… --- ## [How to maintain after the manual stops listing instructions?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-maintain-after-the-manual-stops-listing-instructions/96375)
**Author:** [@plant\_1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/plant_1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 1:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-maintain-after-the-manual-stops-listing-instructions/96375 "2016-11-07T01:24:34Z")
I have a 2013 Toyota Corolla. I'm maintaining it according to the manual. I hope to keep it for a long time. I see when reading the manual that the instructions for 6-month interval maintenance stop at 120,000 miles/14… --- ## [Source for Ford RABS control module?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/source-for-ford-rabs-control-module/96370)
**Author:** [@cthii](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cthii)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 12:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/source-for-ford-rabs-control-module/96370 "2016-11-07T00:44:57Z")
My local mechanic read the ABS fault codes and told me I had a failed Rear ABS control module and that they are no longer available for my 1999 F250 Super Duty. I sent it for repair to a place I found online. Upon rein… --- ## [2006 Honda Odyssey bad cylinder](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-honda-odyssey-bad-cylinder/96384)
**Author:** [@cbayardo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cbayardo)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2016, 12:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-honda-odyssey-bad-cylinder/96384 "2016-11-07T00:34:07Z")
My Odyssey lost power on a long uphill about a week ago. I took it to my mechanic and he said that one of the cylinders is bad. No pressure. He told me that I need a new engine. My questions, can this engine be repaired? … --- ## [Unable to start my Nissan Altima](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unable-to-start-my-nissan-altima/93935)
**Author:** [@Shihan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Shihan)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2016, 11:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unable-to-start-my-nissan-altima/93935 "2016-11-06T23:54:11Z")
My Nissan Altima 2006 without a warning stopped turning over. My mechanic has checked the fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter and even the computer. Still to no avail. Can someone please help me. My mechanic is a good… --- ## [Vibration starts after 7-8 minutes, lasts 7-8 minutes, then stops](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vibration-starts-after-7-8-minutes-lasts-7-8-minutes-then-stops/96358)
**Author:** [@milch](https://community.cartalk.com/u/milch)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2016, 11:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vibration-starts-after-7-8-minutes-lasts-7-8-minutes-then-stops/96358 "2016-11-06T23:40:06Z")
My 2001 Prelude (not SH) develops a vibration felt throughout the car and particularly the steering wheel after several minutes of constant highway (60 - 75 MPH) speed travel. Thought it might be a brake caliper sticking… --- ## [Accelerator pedal sticks](https://community.cartalk.com/t/accelerator-pedal-sticks/96376)
**Author:** [@car10destroy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/car10destroy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2016, 6:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/accelerator-pedal-sticks/96376 "2016-11-06T18:48:52Z")
2005 Magnum with 64K and original battery: Battery warning light turned on and went immediately to battery shop. Alternator checked out ok but battery dead. Battery replaced but upon starting the engine max raced. turn… --- ## [Squeak creak while turning left](https://community.cartalk.com/t/squeak-creak-while-turning-left/96351)
**Author:** [@dyreno](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dyreno)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2016, 1:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/squeak-creak-while-turning-left/96351 "2016-11-06T01:23:31Z")
So for about two years now I have had this creaking, squeaking noise coming from the left side of the truck. It only happens when turning left(such as 90° turns). It doesn't happen over bumps or while turning right. if y… --- ## [1981 ford f250 wiper switch problem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1981-ford-f250-wiper-switch-problem/96371)
**Author:** [@Need\_A\_Horse](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Need_A_Horse)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2016, 1:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1981-ford-f250-wiper-switch-problem/96371 "2016-11-06T01:14:12Z")
Three position switch (off/slow/fast) not working. Bought a new switch and have same problem. The SWITCH OFF position gives very slow wiper movement. The SWITCH SLOW and SWITCH FAST position work OK. The only way I c… --- ## [03 Escape: Battery light, reving, and hesitation](https://community.cartalk.com/t/03-escape-battery-light-reving-and-hesitation/96359)
**Author:** [@cilla77](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cilla77)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2016, 6:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/03-escape-battery-light-reving-and-hesitation/96359 "2016-11-05T06:08:46Z")
This is testing my sanity! The battery light on my Escape keeps coming on when I accelerate on the highway or anything above 30mpg; but after a minute the light disappears; when the battery light turns on, the escape rev… --- ## [Ball joints on a Ford](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ball-joints-on-a-ford/96337)
**Author:** [@Nate\_Grote](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nate_Grote)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2016, 9:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ball-joints-on-a-ford/96337 "2016-11-04T21:48:35Z")
Hello, I just got new tires on my Ford Explorer 2004 only because I live in snow country. I am planning on getting rid of the car in the next 18 to 24 months. I just was told that all the ball joints need to be replace… --- ## [Alternator, bad? Definitive test?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator-bad-definitive-test/96256)
**Author:** [@ChristopherASA](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChristopherASA)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2016, 9:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternator-bad-definitive-test/96256 "2016-11-04T21:35:54Z")
I've either a battery problem, or an alternator problem ( I guess). \[ The vehicle is a 1990 Dodge Ram 50 - 2.4L engine \] I drive the truck around for a couple of days and eventually the battery gets to the point where … --- ## [Got a full time job but want to learn how to repair my own car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/got-a-full-time-job-but-want-to-learn-how-to-repair-my-own-car/74132)
**Author:** [@bearamedic99](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bearamedic99)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2016, 3:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/got-a-full-time-job-but-want-to-learn-how-to-repair-my-own-car/74132 "2016-11-04T03:48:53Z")
Hi, I work a full-time job that prevents me from going to mechanic school (and I don't want to be a mechanic). I do want to learn how to fix and upkeep my wife's 1983 toyota 4x4 pickup. She inherited it from a close fr… --- ## [Coolant smell 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-smell-2009-jeep-grand-cherokee/96304)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shush](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mr_Shush)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2016, 3:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-smell-2009-jeep-grand-cherokee/96304 "2016-11-04T03:40:10Z")
I have a distinct coolant smell inside my Jeep (2009, 60k miles). I popped the hood and couldn't spot any leaks nor was there any fluid underneath the vehicle. I took it into a mechanic and they smelled the same thing … --- ## [05 mountaineer lost power to window, radio, gas gauge at once](https://community.cartalk.com/t/05-mountaineer-lost-power-to-window-radio-gas-gauge-at-once/96327)
**Author:** [@bgrant1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bgrant1)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2016, 3:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/05-mountaineer-lost-power-to-window-radio-gas-gauge-at-once/96327 "2016-11-04T03:26:13Z")
My girlfriends son and friend were driving my girlfriends 05 mountaineer when all of a sudden they lost power to windows, gas gauge, radio and map lights. After doing some research, fuse # 17 is blown and keeps blowing w… --- ## [Brake drum](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-drum/96299)
**Author:** [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2016, 2:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-drum/96299 "2016-11-04T02:00:52Z")
rear drum is rusted to hub. hub bearing flange is 5.5" dia. could I drill an access hole thru drum at 6" dia B.C. to see edge of hub/flange and somehow get a wedge/pic into seam to apply leverage to get hub off? lots of … --- ## [Red light on beside voltage meter](https://community.cartalk.com/t/red-light-on-beside-voltage-meter/96338)
**Author:** [@MG-McAnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MG-McAnick)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2016, 9:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/red-light-on-beside-voltage-meter/96338 "2016-11-03T21:17:51Z")
Most cars have either an idiot light or a volt meter. This 1995 Buick Park Avenue has both in the same pod. The customer complains that the red light comes on intermittently, but the voltage continues to read just abov… --- ## [What are general safety rules concerning airbags?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-are-general-safety-rules-concerning-airbags/96342)
**Author:** [@TheMidnightNarwhal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheMidnightNarwhal)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2016, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-are-general-safety-rules-concerning-airbags/96342 "2016-11-03T20:09:50Z")
I'm about to remove my door panel and it has an airbag. The usual saying seem to be to disconnect negative terminal from battery. Is that it? I can then disconnect airbag safely if required? --- ## [Tightening a loose serpentine belt](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tightening-a-loose-serpentine-belt/96335)
**Author:** [@renten10er](https://community.cartalk.com/u/renten10er)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2016, 3:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tightening-a-loose-serpentine-belt/96335 "2016-11-03T03:48:08Z")
Actually above + an interesting mystery.. Late last spring I began hearing a noise of constant pitch (sounding like someone sanding wood) when the engine was cold---Louder when it was colder/cooler. As the engine warmed… --- ## [Dashboard showing that there is Transmission, Emission, and all other system problem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dashboard-showing-that-there-is-transmission-emission-and-all-other-system-problem/96331)
**Author:** [@CaryRaleigh1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CaryRaleigh1)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2016, 3:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dashboard-showing-that-there-is-transmission-emission-and-all-other-system-problem/96331 "2016-11-03T03:02:13Z")
I have bought a brand new Acura MDX in February, 2016. My experience with my new Acura MDX is pretty bad so far. On June 20th, I had the first experience of the problem with dashboard showing that there is Transmissio… --- ## [Intermittent Windshield Wipers HELP!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/intermittent-windshield-wipers-help/96307)
**Author:** [@RobC](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RobC)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2016, 1:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/intermittent-windshield-wipers-help/96307 "2016-11-03T01:25:50Z")
I have a 2006 Chrysler Sebring with 65,000 miles. It is a salvage title / rebuild that was in a pretty bad accident about 5 years ago. It was a high-impact accident to the rear of the car. The rebuild was done by a lo… --- ## [Car battery tested good . Replace ? (5yrs old)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-battery-tested-good-replace-5yrs-old/96315)
**Author:** [@Tom777](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tom777)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2016, 1:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-battery-tested-good-replace-5yrs-old/96315 "2016-11-03T01:06:09Z")
Winter is coming 0-30 degree in central US. I tested the battery a couple of months ago and it tested good at autozone. Should I replace it regardless, now that it is 5 years old ? It can still fail in this winter… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=1017) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=1019)