Tech Section
574 topics in this forum
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I'm buying winter tires for the Cobalt this winter (Michelin X-Ice). I'm trying to decide what to do for rims. I was initially going to buy steel rims to mount the snow tires on so I could put them on and off myself. The salesman told me that since I had the OE rims on there, there was really no point in buying steel rims. Only people with expensive aftermarket rims really need them. I don't think he was trying to screw me, since he knew I was just buying the tires there and not going there to have them taken on/off. He also said that the tires would need to be balanced after installation and removal whether they were on steel rims or my original ones. I don't really un…
Last reply by I hope GMRULES again, -
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I've got a few questions on front end maintenance for my 2008 GM W-body. The first is: at what point would you replace the struts all the way around? About 2 years ago, they were very firm. Now, there is a little more sponginess up front when pushing down on the car and releasing. However, it doesn't oscillate or do anything drastic. I'm thinking of replacing them at 70,000 miles (this has been a low mileage car for me), whether it needs them or not. I also want to do this to get rid of the OEM ones and keep the newer and second set of tires doing well. Also, when I first started driving and needed to replace shocks in the rear wheel drive Oldsmobiles, I alwa…
Last reply by frogger, -
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I'm getting a check engine light on my '04 CR-V. It only happens below half a tank of gas. If I open and close the gas cap, a few trips later the light will reset. When I do this, it seems like there is a lot of vacuum in the tank as I can hear the air rush in. About 6 months ago I had the fuel lines replace and fuel pump replaced. Any ideas?
Last reply by ykX, -
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If you guessed Intrepid...you'd be... Wrong. Not the Shadow either. (both of those Dodge's transmissions shift fine, much to those who say DCX transmissions are crap) It's...the Geo Prizm! Yeah that's right, the one with "Toyota Quality" Yesterday (which was freezing), I set off too school but first went to Shell to get gas. I pulled in and gassed up. Turne the car on and went to put it into 1st...and it wouldn't go. 2nd...no...3rd...no...4th...no...5th...that's be a "f@#k you asshole I don't feel like moving" no. Eventually I managed to force it into 1st and I was off to school. i got to the lights at R110 in Lowell (by Consumer Auto Parts for those of you wh…
Last reply by american_revolution_2005, -
fuel gauge
by loki- 5 replies
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i know someone else that's had this problem... i guessing it's happened " a lot" my gauge only can work sitting still. it's usually full , but letting it sit on hills it will read correctly, or sometimes sitting still ie, at a light, it will correct itself, slowly. shifting to nuetral will make the needle move quickly if it was working just seconds before, if it stays in gear it moves much slower. my friend had a GP that did this swapped out the sending unit/pump and didn't solve it... so it's probably a ground issue somewhere. has anyone heard anything about this, a common place to find the problem? it's been like this for a few years now... so i'm used to it…
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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Since I have to replace the entire exhaust from the Y-pipe back, I'm starting my research on mufflers now. I really dislike the Flowmaster that is on there now. It's fun for about 30 seconds and then it gets annoying with all the droning going on, particularly at highway speeds. Any breathing problems the 307 has are clear the other end of the car, so I'm not particularly concerned with a high flow unit. What I need is a 2 1/4" inlet and dual 2 1/4" outlet in the quietest muffler I can find. I do plan to go back to the resonators the car originally shipped with, but two of them this time. (I like the look of the dual exhaust.
Last reply by Potluck, -
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...And I also have a problem with my GA. :lol: The fuel door will not open. Pull the lever and nothing happens. I can't find out what's wrong with it. I don't want to have to open it manually against its will... but I'm down to less than 1/8th of a tank of gas...
Last reply by Cory Wolfe, -
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It is... Anyways, I'm not even sure what I'm looking for here, but I'm just wondering about a few things. The first of which is that it is starting to take longer for it to start. Before, I would turn the key and it would start up without a problem. Now, though, it takes longer and when it does start, it feels as if it doesn't want to run. A few seconds after that, it will finally run fine. Secondly, I noticed it is making a noise. Don't know how long its been making it as its unnoticably from inside. But, it's like a... screeching noise... IDK how to explain it. It sounds like it's coming from the right front area. I didn't look unde…
Last reply by Cory Wolfe, -
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My dad owns a 2006 Pontiac G6 Sedan with the 3.5L V6 engine and 4-speed auto. The car has 51k miles on it and it has developed a noise in the left front wheel. The auto shop teacher did me a favor and took it for a spin and listened to the noise on both the drive and in the shop while on the lift. The noise only comes from the left front wheel and usually starts once the car exceeds 30 MPH (it stops when the wheel stops spinning). The auto shop teacher feels it is likely something in the transaxle, but said it could be a wheel bearing is shot (though that's not his most likely scenario). Is anyone familar with G6s, or even Malibus, of this age and this issue? It's…
Last reply by XP715, -
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OK. So when ever I take a sharp corner, regardless of speed, I hear this weird klunk from the front end. I have a single idea at what it might be, and that would be tire rods. Yes? No? Maybe so? Also, what would cause the speed setting on the wipers to change. Like sometimes in the fastest wiper setting, they are imtermittant and vis versa. Turning them off and turning them back usualy does the trick. And finally, my indicators are telling me that my rear window is open when it closed. I think the latch might be loose. Cheap part? Hopefully :] Thanks for any input. [except calling me teh n00b. not allowed.]
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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For some time now the Shadow has had some stalling issues. Usually this would happen when the car was cold, and almost always on cool/colder days. In the winter it was a bitch until the car warmed up. It would stall either when coming to a stop and almost being stopped, or when just starting to accelerate. Since I got back from Kansas I have discovered that it stalls when going in revers. Not always, but sometimes it will either want to stalls, and the tack swings wildly between 0 and 1200 RPM...sometimes it stalls, sometimes it doesn't, but it sounds like it. I think it might be the throttle body, but I'm not sure. It's a fuel-injected 2.5 4-cylinder. Any thoughts? It'…
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
Tappin Tina
by Bryan- 11 replies
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Hey guys, I don't even know if anybody remembers me, it's been a real long time. But anywho... before I start I want eveyone to know that my father is the king of knowledge when it comes to knowing about my car (or any car especially GM, hes been rebuilding engines and doing body work on cars since he was 14 years old, and is currently the service manager at a Chevy dealer in PA) but I still want some advice because he's in a state of denial because he has to find a way to get her intake leak fixed, and now solve my new issue, which is why I'm here. Sorry that took so long. The issue is apparently "sticky lifters", which we are assuming was caused by sludgy oil (since…
Last reply by Bryan, -
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I wished GM had done a better job with the cooling systems in the 1997-2003 Chevy Malibus. Do the 04-07 have the same problems? There has been litigation against GM over the coolant problems but you had to file before October of 2008. Do a search of LITIGATION AGAINST DEXCOOL. Can you use another kind of antifreeze other than Dex Cool?
Last reply by schuby87, -
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Not really sure what's going on. The car is a 2006 Sonata GLS V6. It has automatic lights. When set to auto, at dusk the lights go on. However, when you shut the car off, only the headlights go off... the parking lamps and all interior lights/gauges stay on. They're not supposed to--at least for the first four years of car ownership they never did. What makes matters worse is, if you turn the stalk to shut the lights off manually, they rarely turn off. I've had to at times toggle between on/off 4-5 times before the lights would actually shut. Again, the headlights ALWAYS go off, but the parking/interior lights frequently stay on. I've tried leaving the lights in …
Last reply by Paolino, -
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I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8 45k miles. Recently I have noticed that whenever I go above 4000 rpms the car quits accelerating and makes a puffing sound from the engine. Tonight I found out that the car will not go above 90mph and it is hard to accelerate at higher speeds and the service engine light came on when I tired this on the interstate. I have put fuel injector cleaner in the tank twice but it has no effect. You can not notice a problem with the car when driving normally on city streets and the car still gets around 22mpg. I want to fix this myself so I don't have to take it to a shop or the dealership. Thanks! -mk
Last reply by Mr.Krinkle, -
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so i just tore apart my intake to get to the thermostat thinking it was stuck open... but i put it in a boiling bath and it opens and closes just fine. i don't think we have an infrared thermometer to test it, but the gauge in the IP goes from 100 - 260, it never goes above ~1/4 the way. i'm guessing @140 - 150. what's the chance the temp gauge is wrong? the heater gets warm fairly fast in not ass cold weather, <20 degrees. any ideas would be appreciated, till then i'm thinking of running cleaner and water through the system, not supposed to get below freezing in the next 10 days... could this be associated with my fuel gauge problem with it almost never being …
Last reply by loki, -
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My friend's mom has a Delta 88 with a 307 that she's willing to part with for the right price. That price happens to be less than what a new carburetor would cost me, and as a bonus, I'd get a new AC compressor, radiator and transmission. I took it for a quick spin and it bogs down badly around 30mph. I'm thinking fuel filter or pump. Vapor lock? I only ask because if its a quick, easy fix, I can drive it to the secret lair instead of having to find a trailer or something to tow it with. BTW: By bogging down, I mean its surging, kinda like its not getting fuel to the carb.
Last reply by 2005 EquinoxLS, -
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I got through washing and waxing my car this morning to find a ding, slightly smaller than a dime or even a shirt button and not deep at all, on the front of my hood. I've no idea how it got there, but the paint is all there so I doubt it's from road debris. Anyway, it's in a spot on the hood where there's double metal (near the latch/release), so the traditional PDR method of working it out from behind is impossible. Do any of these "glue on suction cup" ding removers (like the Ding King, et. al) actually work, and is it something I can pull off myself without making it worse? Is it even fixable at all without filler and respraying the paint. I'm willing to bring it to a…
Last reply by Sixty8panther, -
Impala Radio
by tomg- 2 replies
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The digial displays on my 2008 Impala sometimes goes dim and I cannot read the radio stations or read the clock. It seems to go bright again within 10 minutes. This even happens in bright sun light, exiting a tunnel, etc. Is there a sensor that controls the brightness on these radios?
Last reply by SAmadei, -
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My dad has been driving my mom's 2003 L200 while she's in England, the Sebring is sitting in storage somewhere, hopefully being stolen. Last night he was over here with some other family members and my car was parked in so I took the L to the store to pick a few things up. It started to die on the road, just losing speed, and the dash lights dimmed for a minute, then it got back to normal. When I stopped at a red light, it died and wouldn't start. Putting the key in the run position led to the dash lights flickering and all of the idiot lights flipping out. Putting it in ACC led the dash lights to sync with the hazard lights. The transmission wouldn't shift out of p…
Last reply by Satty, -
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Ok, time to change the plug wires. Brought a dirty change of clothes to work and so did a co-worker who is very cool and helps me with minor items. Have a 3800 V6 in W-body Regal. Got the 3 in the front in about 10 minutes. It cranked over fine, so I did it right. YAHOO! Started in on the rear firewall plugs. Took of the manifold decorative shroud and the clips for the plug wires. Good God. There are these heat shields around each plug and he and I tried EVERY plug and we couldn't pull ANY of them. We tried pulling on the rubber boots and then on the heat shield... NOTHING on any of them. WHAT'S THE DEAL? I mean...my hand clearly reaches every plug. I…
Last reply by razoredge, -
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My headlight lenses on my wife’s 99 Altima are real dull & cloudy. I thought about replacing them but now I see that there are some restoration kits available. Has anybody tried anything like this? Does it really work? Here’s a couple I was looking at: 3M Headlight Restoration System and Symtech Headlamp Polishing Kit Thanks
Last reply by pow, -
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Ok, this is going to suck. I might have to put tires on the Cobalt sooner than i thought. The Cav still gets good tires(they get replaced in the spring), but it looks like I might have to get cheaper tires for now. I was planning on Traction TAs(about 315 buck), but might have to drop to about 200 bucks... Are there any decent tires in this price range?
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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I want to replace this missing hood stop. But I'm not sure what the part is actually called and what to search for... any ideas?
Last reply by Robert Hall, -
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How much does the TIME between oil changes matter? Its been about 4 months since my last oil change, but I've put less than 2000 miles on the car since then. I plan on getting it changed this week, but I was just curious how much of a factor time was in the life of oil if the miles are low and not very hard.
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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What do you guys think about LED running lights/turn signals/brake lights retrofitted into an older car?
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Is this normal? Sometimes the CD won't read properly when the weather is cold, like around -6 or 7 degrees Celsius. It started to do this recently. The manual only mentions when it's too hot it won't play.
Last reply by the_yellow_dart, -
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Almost Thought She was PERFECT Anyway.. For the last coupla days I'd been hearing what I was thinking was a "roaring" issue or even a drone of sorts coming from the driver side rear area. So. yesterday did a careful inspection of the tires.. wheel.. brakes.. and then decided to make a few calls. Talk to my Corvette guy at the dealership.. then to a guy I kno who works at Merchants Auto.. then of course my dad.. and all unanimously said "WHEEL BEARINGS." OK.. I am at 57K on the ODO (purchased in July 2013, traded in Taja my '11 Camaro RS 3.6L).. and drive her like she's the Vette all day.. every day that I drive her. 1) Checked to see if under Drive-train (5/…
Last reply by regfootball, -
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Until it doesn't. When Apple launched iOS6 it booted Google Maps from the OS and replaced it with Apple's Homegrown Maps app, which is pretty terrible. How bad you ask? Map detail google iOs 5 vs iMaps iOs 6: To name a few. There's an entire tumblr site dedicated to these glitches. What Apple has done is removed Google Maps and replaced it with something far worse. And there's not an app for that. If it necessarily delays the approval for Google Maps for iOS6 it will be sending a clear message to its customers that it's no longer interesting in providing them with the best possible user experience. Meanwhile, I'll just keep using my Android phone, because i…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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OK, Just a bit confused here.. I'm looking to get a Map sensor for my beater car...(93 Cavy, 3.1) I priced one at Napa Auto parts....90 bucks... One at Murray's Auto Parts.....30 bucks... Why the feaking huge price difference? :huh: I know I should buy the Napa one (better made, I think)...but this car is just a beater with well over 100k miles on it. I'll be happy if I can get another 15-30k miles on it. :) (that, and it is started to rust pretty good) How long to you think that 30 buck part would last? I take good care of my cars, and I am pretty easy on my beater (grandpa-like driving) What do you guys think?
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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One of the stabilizer links on my Malibu is going bad. There's an intermittent rattle/knocking noise from the front right suspension that sounds very much like my girlfriend's Cobalt when her link needed to be replaced (it's actually the same damn GM part), except mine's behind 5x more sound deadening so it was hard to pinpoint. Anyway, I'm going to replace the sway bar links as a pair, along with the bushings, and I found Moog replacements (part K80252) that are extremely highly rated that also appear to be an improvement over the factory design. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QR12NG/ref=s9_simh_gw_p263_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&…
Last reply by cp-the-nerd, -
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Three questions: 1) With cars now having platinum and iridium spark plugs, the intervals between changing them has become fairly long. I'd finally like to change my original platinum spark plugs. Are there ever issues where the spark plugs have been in the cylinder block for so long that its tough for the mechanic to get them out? Is there something they can do prior to putting on the socket wrench that will make them turn more easily? Also, do you know if, on transversely mounted GM V-6 engines, they access the 3 rear spark plugs by the firewall (a) from above or (b) by hoisting up the car and working from the space behind the exhaust manifold but in front of t…
Last reply by Cmicasa the Great, -
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I was wondering if you had an all aluminum block, heads, headers, raditor, valve covers, and intake. ect. could you get it anodized in lets say burgendy and not have any issues of it changing color chipping or fadding due to stress or heat? I was thinking of ideas for the caprice again and its possible future. 350 all in anodized aluminum in the same color as the paint.
Last reply by Sixty8panther, -
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Hi folks: My LaCrosse has the highly "chromed" and bling laden grille common to the '08 and '09. It is not chromed at all, but plastic. I was almost going to buy chrome cleaner but did a little homework by reading the instructions on the can of chrome cleaner and as well as getting the opinion of the guy working at O'Reilly's ... and nixed that idea real quick. One is not supposed to use chrome cleaner on these areas, let alone on this car, probably, since there is little to no chrome. I've just washed the car and then dried this area off. I'd like to know if there are specific ways to care for these areas: 1) the plastic chrome effect on the grille …
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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Yeah so I was realy pissed and since my head linner sags alot (the whole thing) and It was in my way when i was pissed so I just grabed the fabric and ripped it down. So Where do i get new fabric since there is a gapping hole in my fabric now. also that foam thats on there was deteriated so im in the process of taking that off the head linner board. Any tips? And I need all new head linner clips since being pissed off and working on your car is never a good combo. good thing i didnt break the pillars yet. I was thinking i doubt a dealler will have head linner fabric so any of you think joans fabric would have some? or some place like it? On a side not that foam its li…
Last reply by Intrepidation, -
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It just didn't work when I went to leave the grocery store. My usually-faithful 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon, white with woodgrain and wire wheels. I bought my groceries and turned the key to start it and leave. It cranked (and cranked) but wouldn't actually start. The AAA sent a little pickup out but they're not allowed to touch anything on a customer's car - they could only jump-start it, which it didn't need. So then a AAA car hauler came, loaded it up, and dropped it off at a local Firestone store. They said it'll be a couple of hours before they can even get to it. It could be: the fuel pump? the pick-up core / modulator? the timing chain? Any …
Last reply by knightfan26917, -
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So now that we are bought out by DELL, all our new hardware is of course DELL and I have to say, I love the Dell u3415w monitors. http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/accessories/apd/210-adtr?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=210-ADTR We get dual display for our work and so this is really cool. Cannot wait till I get to replace my lenovo laptop and monitors with a new XPS workstation laptop and dual screens. Each monitor does 3440 x 1440 with 1.07 billion colors. Sweet
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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At nearly a quarter million miles, I will be buying a set of 4 new tires for my Regal W-body coupe. It is currently on its 3rd pair of struts. I will replace the front struts. They don't cost that much. The rears are a different story. They are considerably more expensive and I've never figured out why. Currently, when you push down on the rear, it's as firm as when they were new (about 60,000 miles ago) and there is zero bounce. However, on the right rear side, I think the bearing plate has gone south because when you go over a bump in a diagonal fashion, you get a nice clanking sound. Also, the rubber boot around the cartridge has a tear. Two questions: 1. …
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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Can a 2.2L Ecotec easily be put into a 1999 Sunfire that only has the 2.2L? I want to know because I heard that the 2.2L are pretty shotty but the Ecotecs were significantly better. Could this be done without switching out the tranny? The engine in it is fine but once it starts getting into the higher mileage in the future. Also what else would need to be changed? Also, can G5/Cobalt rims be put on a 99 Sunfire and are they the same bolt pattern. They both have the 5 wheel nuts but I don't like the look of the wheel covers.
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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Just a quick question-The MINI Cooper S supercharged and the Cobalt SS/SC used the same superchargers, and the Cooper S's have been having problems hat 100K-150K- Anyone hear about similar problems with the Cobalt?? Chris
Last reply by NOS2006, -
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After installing a Flowmaster muffler on my 2009 Ford Ranger XLT, I have decided to add another mod. I am planning to install a cold air intake, I heard that it improves a vehicle's horse power and fuel consumption. What brand should I go for?
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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OK, so here's the deal. On my Bonneville ('01 SLE), I've been unable to engage the parking brake since I got the car. I don't know if there's anything wrong with the cables or anything... ...but what I have found is that there's some kind of obstruction that keeps the pedal from traveling at all... almost like it was disassembled and then put back together wrong. Look at the uploaded picture... the piece right in the middle is what's blocked from traveling anywhere by the metal piece right behind it. (Sorry I don't have any more technical terms other than "piece") Has anyone (on a Bonnie or Park Avenue) seen something like this before? How might I go about r…
Last reply by SAmadei, -
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So, my 19 year old daughter has a 17 year old friend. 17 year old friend "Britney" (not her real name) was given a '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee with an inline 6 as a gift when she got her permit two years ago at 15 1/2. Jeep was bought new by her grandparents....and has had good care. About 150K on it... My questions...what weak spots are there on these vehicles? Her father and grandfather ran a buisiness that for years was very profitable...sold the buisiness...and now the guy they sold it to has run it into the ground. Girl's father is loosing his job Dec. 31. So...I want to know what to look for that is specific for this vehicle to help her keep it running through th…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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2005 Cobalt with 5 speed manual So the other day my wife was driving along, shut the car off while rolling then put it into gear letting the car start while rolling. Once the car restarted the check engine light came on, and the fuel gauge said it was empty. The next day when we restarted the car the fuel guage was working, but the check engine light is still on. Any thoughts?
Last reply by Newbiewar, -
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Ok, so I was getting something out of the back seat whilst simultaneously filling out a withdrawal slip in the bank drive-thru. I had the pen in my hand, reached into the back seat and ended up with a 2-inch long ink mark on the headliner. Anyone have any advice on getting it out?
Last reply by 91z4me, -
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So... I've been working on a lot of brake lines... basically, I have two cars which have required nearly complete brake line replacements. Unfortunately, in order to adapt and fit new lines in a car without taking it completely apart, you use unions... and in retrospect, I seem to have gotten some unions that do not seal well... so I've had several cycles of bleed brakes - observe leak - take apart everything and tighten fitting - rinse and repeat. In any case, I hate doing any work to the car that I cannot do solo... and the one man bleeding solutions out there just suck. This got me to thinking... How do manufacturers "install" brake fluid? Its obvious that GM is no…
Last reply by SAmadei, -
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I've never understood how tire sizes work. My Cadillac has 225 55 16s I have another set of snow tires from another car.... <ahem>.... that are just laying in storage in my basement. I would like to include them with the sale of my car. They are 205 55 16s will they work?
Last reply by CMG, -
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Okay, so here's the deal. I run a Holley 600 on one of my Camaros. Every week or so this winter I would go out and idle the car to keep everything in good shape, but the car hasn't been "on the road" in a year or so. I got it out the other day, everything seemed fine, and changed the plugs. With the new plugs in I fired it up and it purred like a kitten. I put it in gear and tried to make it to the gas station but ran out of fuel at the bottom of my drive. After adding about 3 gallons of fuel, the car started this thing where it wouldn't idle. I figured it had just sucked something up into the carb or fuel filter. So, for good measure, I added some fuel system cleaner…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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My dad and I are prepping my late grandfather's car to get it driving again (wheels haven't turned in a bit over seven weeks) and ultimately prep it for sale (I'm going to try and buy it myself, hopefully, but that's another story). I ran it for ten minutes here and there while he was hospitalized and it's been plugged in to the block heater, so the engine block isn't frozen. The battery is toast. Won't hold a charge, so obviously that needed to be replaced. When I did get the car running I noticed that the left rear tire pressure sensors are both displaying a tire pressure of "---"kPa rather than the regular 190 kPa being registered from the front tires. I know t…
Last reply by 2005 EquinoxLS, -
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Last month I picked up a crankshaft for the Corvette. It was advertised as a NOS 396/427 crank and has the correct casting numbers. Late last night, I get an email from someone who bought a crank from the same guy. His had the 396/427 casting number, but had the physical characteristics of a 454 crank (a 4" stroke vs/ a 3.76" stroke, and a dowel pin at the flywheel end). I open my box and, sure enough, same thing. Naturally I'm upset about buying something that's not as advertised, but I'm more concerned with making sure I can still use the 427 balancer and flywheel. The 396/427 crank is internally balanced while the 454 is internally balanced. With all the backgroung o…
Last reply by balthazar, -
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Hey folks. Need some help with electrical issues on the Buick. Tonight, I lost low beam lighting on one side. Not only that, the backlighting for the light switches, at the left of the dash, went dark, too. Within the last month, I lost 1 low beam light, the most used one on the D.I.C., and I noticed the console lamp was also out. Coincidence or connected? (Considering the age of the vehicle and/or the sequential nature.) I looked at the owner's manual. There's a fuse center at the right side of the dash, but not for my issues. For those, the (mini) fuses are located in a plastic box under the hood. I'm wondering if fuse replacement is the place…
Last reply by trinacriabob, -
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what is the diffrences if it flashes or it stays on for the first time today my check engine light flashed like 2 min then it went off and came back on but it did something and now my truck seems faster i know the light stays on because i have no o2 sensors hooked up so it goes to safe fuel mode but y would it flash all the sudden?
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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I can't complain after 15 years and almost a quarter of a million miles. From another thread, I have to get either a tie rod or a front wheel bearing assembly fixed...but that can wait until early next week. Now, I evidently have a sensor problem. For a while now, the SES light came and went intermittently and the only noticeable problem was a surge right after shifting into OD (4th) at relatively low rpms (1600 or so) and, right after shifting, if the engine is put under load. It was sort of a flat spot. Now the SES light is on "full time." Upon start-up, the 3800 revs up a little more than usual, idling is rough and the tach seems to wander (better with A/C on, whi…
Last reply by trinacriabob, -
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My Fusion's airbag light came on today. I wont be able to get it into the dealership until Monday at the earliest, anybody have any insight in this? Should I quit driving the car until I can get it looked at ir anything? I figure that the worst case scenario is that the airbag wont deploy in a crash, since I always wear my seatbelt I'm not uber-paranoid.
Last reply by Satty, -
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Mobil 1 right now. Granted, it is protecting, but it doesn't stay clean very long. I figure if I pay good money for a better oil-it should at least hold up better. I haven't even noticed a change in my Cobalt.... Makes me wonder if I make should change to a blend oil instead... Sorry, I had to vent....
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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I have a 03 Silverado with Autotrac and the front axles will not engauge in auto 4x4, 4hi, or 4lo. I can hear the tranfer case shift, and it does sound much louder then my friends Silverados, so not sure if I should be able to hear it that loud. I do have 92,000 miles on this rig. Any thoughts or know problems with this system? I did un-hook the battery and hook it back up, plus check the 4x4 fuse under the hood. I hope it is nothing expensive.
Last reply by Silverado03, -
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We have a 1995 Buick Century with the 3100 V6 (160k), which recently developed a stalling problem. The problem happens when the engine is warm (although I don't know if engine temp has anything to do with it). Irrespective of engine or vehicle speed, the motor simply cuts out. No warning. No hesitation. No stumbling. And then it takes two or three attempts to restart the vehicle, after which, the engine performs flawlessly. There are no codes in the computer, and my mechanic can't find anything. I'm baffled... I'll be away from my PC for most of the weekend, but appreciate any suggestions made in my absence. Thanks for your help!
Last reply by Paolino, -
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Sandisk announces first Extreme Pro SDXC 1TB memory Card. So this is a prototype they showed off, but being that they have a 512GB SDXC card, I would say you might just be able to buy this by Xmas. Press Release - 1TB SDXC Extreme Pro memory card This just shows how fast we are moving into the 4K / 8K word of recording and storing data and how BIG DATA is here now. 2014 They showed off their 512GB SDXC card and started selling it in 2015, now here is the Photokina show and they have a 1TB SDXC card, so I imagine by Xmas or spring of next year they will start selling this card. No matter what, the world is getting smaller and smaller as we increase…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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Has anyone had experience using one of these rotisseries? Is it worth it to spend extra to get the hydraulic version? I'm getting into car restoration and thought it might be useful to have if not this particular rotisserie, one similar to it. I'm open for any suggestions. http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/p-13439-16612.aspx
Last reply by balthazar, -
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Do you routinely use a fuel injector cleaner or fuel system additive? I do. I add a bottle to the tank about every 5,000 miles, in addition to using the better detergent gasoline brands. Which ones do you use, like, and/or know have a good reputation? I've heard Techron is the best. Others mention brands like Lucas and Seafoam. I don't know much about these, so I don't use them. I have also used STP and Valvoline fuel system cleaner. You need to read the label on the Techron bottle. The one that is nicely priced only treats 12 gallons of gasoline. The one in the larger plastic bottle treats up to 21 gallons. My tank holds about 17 gallons. Any…
Last reply by trinacriabob, -
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Tire Upgrade
by NDL- 5 replies
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Right now I am running 225/70-15's, on my Ford pickup. I'd like to upgrade to stock 16" wheels and tires. Anyone know what sized tires I can use, without throwing my speedometer/odometer out of whack? (Yeah, I know it's a Ford, but I picked it up for next to nothing...Not a bad little truck however)
Last reply by balthazar, -
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My friend swears by the seafoam and we put some in my car and in my sister's car and in our truck. We did the intake method on the truck (98 chevy 350) and the sis's mustang 3.8 On mine I put it in the oil cause we couldn't figure out where to suck it in. I have read that 250-500 miles I will have to change the oil in my 3800. Any thoughts?
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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Is this a common problem? If dealer fixes the leaks, will no more problems exist? Those 1994-1998 Chevys would go 200-300K miles with few problems. I wonder about the newer ones. The Silverado belongs to a relative. A shame to have problems on a vehicle with a few thousand miles.
Last reply by 01Malibu, -
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I noticed a week or so ago that I can smell a bit of antifreeze when the air is on in the Grand Marquis. My first thought is heater core, which would really suck. I also noticed the last time I drove it that the belt was squeaking a bit. Today I took it to the store and it was squeaking a lot, so when I got home I popped the hood to check it out. Turns out coolant is leaking from the waterpump onto the belt and causing it to squeak. So that means it's time to do the waterpump. My question is would a waterpump on its way out cause me to smell it inside when the air is on? Maybe because fumes from the engine bay are getting pulled inside via the intake.
Last reply by ocnblu, -
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So I've overhauling a bunch of stuff on my '89 GMC G3500 Vandura. It started out as a quick quest to fix the brakes from pulling to the left, and to get it through NJ inspection, but after shaking things around, its turned into a mountain of replacement parts... new ball joints, tie rods, rotors, calipers, pads, etc. This was my late father's truck, and generally he kept things in good shape, as he was a mechanic, but I'm a bit disheartened at the condition, since I haven't put many miles on it in the last six years... I'm surprised he drove it with such a mismatching of worn parts. So, anyway, I'm on the home stretch. But after taking the brake pads out, there is a…
Last reply by SAmadei, -
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Just picked up a preowned 07 Denali XL on the weekend. Arizona vehicle, brought up by a broker into Canada. Speedo just over 46500 km (28000k miles). Did all the checks, Carfax was clean (undetailed) as well as some other reports up here in Canada. Talked to GM Canada, warranty will obviosuly be honored until 60k km's or Decemeber 2010 etc etc. So I saw it, drove it, went ahead with it. Vehicle in great shape, headsets and remote not even used. Little to no rock chips or anything. Had a battery drain issue right away, but that may or may not have been my issue from leaving something on, although it just happened with the vehicle sitting and the wife and I playing with…
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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Does anyone know of an online parts source that's reasonable? Long gone are the days, when I had friends at the local NAPA store, where I'd get parts for the same as what the local shop paid. Right now I am looking an EGR valve among other things, and two hundred bucks is just too much for a no-name brand replacement. Thanks in advance
Last reply by NDL, -
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Cliffnotes version: What happens if you go from using synthetic blend motor oil to conventional? Full-fat: I took my car to the dealership yesterday to get some work done (mistake 1). Back when I had the recall work for the engine fire concern on the 3.8L V6, I took my Intrigue up to the local Chevrolet-Buick-Pontiac-GMC-Isuzu dealer to have it taken care of. Everything went fine, I got my car back and was happy as a clam that I wouldn't find it and/or myself engulfed in flames one day. To further make me happier, I received in the mail around the beginning of July/end of June a letter from the dealer thanking me for choosing them to work on my car. Included in this l…
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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I think my air filter is about ready to be cleaned. I believe it is washable because its the aftermarket cone filter kind. So is there any special way to clean these or can I just use good ol' soap and water? Also, I've seen some filters that say they are "oilable" or something like that. I'm not use if mine is or not but what does that mean and does it hurt if I don't do it?
Last reply by rkmdogs, -
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How the f**k do you remove it? The Legacy has been Armor All'd sometime in the past and I've been having a hell of a time trying to remove the shine. The automotive interior cleaners and similar protectant sprays with a 'matte' finish do nothing to actually remove that god-awful stuff. Any solutions that won't have negative effects to the interior materials?
Last reply by Cory Wolfe, -
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can anyone find any good set-ups for ram air? or at least a better filter set-up also i need a skip shift eliminator... slp's website the best for that or should i just get it from the cheapest place?
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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So...any of you vintage ironheads want to educate a fuel injection guy a little on how to rebuild a carb?
Last reply by Flybrian, -
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I need help to find the location of the crank sensor for the 1986 century crank sensor. Also is there a coil sensor? And where is the brain located and can it be tested? Is there a site with pictures and instructions? Thanks Eric
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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I was just wondering. On my G6 there's this round thing that looks like a speaker tweeter on where the side mirror is mounted. What is it? Is it a speaker? I counted all six speakers in my car, excluding this. It appears on my friend's Mazda 3 as well, and he says it could be for the heated mirror, but he's not sure.
Last reply by ToniCipriani, -
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I apologize for the bad picture but that is what I got right now. This was my dad's truck, he passed away earlier this year. My mom has been driving it ever since. The truck has an automatic transmission. She drives from her house across town to come visit with me and my brother at our house. The last time she drove it a few weeks ago it acted funny on her, she didn't know how to explain it so I test drove it around the block. I tell you guys I didn't know if I was gonna make it back to my house. Reverse won't work most of the time, motor just spins. When I was driving it would shudder bad. I believe it sounded like metal scraping too but I can't remember 100% cause it ha…
Last reply by BigMac, -
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I'm thinking about putting a new transmission in my '73. The most likely candidate is a Super T-10 Here's the issue: Currently, I'm running the 406, a Turbo 350 transmission (with a shift kit), a 3:73 posi-trac and 17 inch wheels (Not sure on the tire size -- can you tell I haven't messed with my Camaros in a while? LOL) Anyway, the tranny was rebuilt probably 11-12 years ago out of necessitiy, back when the car had the stock rear end and an old, weak 350. After the rebuild, it was a daily driver for about 4 years, then it was retired to semi-daily, and recently, super duper garage queen. Obviously, I've upgraded around the tranny and it has become the weakest link. It…
Last reply by FUTURE_OF_GM, -
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OK, let's say, hypothetically, you found a truck on craigslist that looked kind of like this: And let's say those stripes were vinyl, and you didn't like them and wanted them removed. Assuming the paint doesn't get damaged while removing the stripes. what's the likelihood that there would be any kind of permanent damage to the paint just by the stipes being there? About how much would a professional outfit charge to remove them, and does such a place exist?
Last reply by ocnblu, -
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I actually haven't been on here in a VERY long time. I hope everyone is doing well. Well, my 08 Vue is two years old and has about 36000 miles on it now and for a while I've been hearing this slightly annoying rattle coming from the passenger side of the dash. It sounds like its on the inside, but I'm not sure. I can only hear it with the radio off and going over bumpy or worn out streets or gravel like pavement. When the surface is smooth, the rattle instantly stops. I almost want to say it's the glove box or even the front seat, but I don't think it's either one of those, because if I press on the glove box or hold the seat steady, it still rattles. It's really …
Last reply by gmcbob, -
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People with experience on Cavaliers. I have a friend coming over on friday who got a ticket for his license plate lights being out. He says he changed the bulbs already. I assume fuse would be the next thing, but that other stuff should be out too. What else should I check?
Last reply by SAmadei, -
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https://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-galaxy-note-8-phone-preview/
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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Hi CHEVY people, I am tryin to change brakes , rotors and pads from 1986 caprice ( wagon ) onto 1988 caprice classic ( 4 door) my dilema is ... both cars are 15 in. but not to long ago I tried to take the rims off the 86 to put on the 88 , tire wouldn't fit ( not far off , but enuff ) I measured the rotor so I'm wondering will this work cause the lady has no funds , wagon is being used for PARTS PLEASE HELP
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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I have been looking for a repair manual to buy for my 2012 VW Passat TDI and can't find anything for that year. I need to perform the DSG service, which VW charges 400 bucks for. I purchased the filter, gaskets and fluid for $150, but would like a manual to confirm how to perform this service. Any advice?
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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I've always had this replaced at a tune up. This time around, I bought the $ 3.49 item. There is a label on the shroud that says PCV valve, so I pulled off the shroud cover. With the intake manifold exposed, I do NOT see where the spot for the PCV valve is located. Do any of you guys know where this is on the transversely mounted 3800 V6?
Last reply by trinacriabob, -
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My G5 came with the standard non-leather wrapped wheel (Cruise Control but no audio controls). I've been thinking about treating myself to a leather wrapped one and wondering what the feasibility would be. http://cgi.ebay.ca/Chevy-Cobalt-Black-Leat...id=p3286.c0.m14 ^^^ I found this Ebay listing that has a leather wheel for the Cobalt/G5 but it's got the stereo controls on it. If I bought that part and had it interchanged with the one I got now would it be easy to wire up the radio buttons to work (ie is it a simple difference from the current factory hookup to as it would be with the Radio buttons installed from the factory)?
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
Alright I was doing an oil change in my G6 yesterday and I got sidetracked and then i brought the car down and used my remote and started the car from inside my house i came outside to a whole bunch of pings and dings and realizeing what I did shut off the engine. I added oil and am waiting to start it but what would be the best thing to do now start it or would it hurt it. I'm on a lease so I'm kinda not knowing what to do help me...
Last reply by Mike The Canadian, -
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From Popular Mechanics from 1980, wonder what a given 2014 vehicle would look like broken down the same way. BTW, I do wonder how they came to such exacting figures….
Last reply by balthazar, -
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Well, either my mom is going to get a new car or the Shadow will need some serious work done soon..either way it needs to be done, as I want to hang onto it as a first car for my brother or as a winter beater. Here's the major to-do list: Everything probably leaks, with the exception the the head gasket (it was replaced several year ago). That being said, most are small leaks you could live with...but the vale cover gasket needs to be done. It's leaking badly these days, and it's evident as you can see oil all over teh engine and some on the transmission. oil needs to be added every few weeks or so. I have a reapir manual (liek all the cars I work on), and it doesn't l…
Last reply by Flybrian, -
ouch
by scharmer05-
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So the head gasket is going out on the Impala finally at just a little over 105K. Dealer says $1100. Seems a bit high to me. Am I mistaken? Let a guy know.
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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what is the best way to rebuild a 305 with more horse power the motor now has 170000 miles on it and when i hit the gas the oil pressure drops instead of getting higher and i want more horsepower i have a 96 k1500 z71 and i do often play in the mud i have the stock transmission but i have 4.10 gears in the rear if i upgraded to a crate 350 would i have to convert to a carb or could i still use my fuel injection what should i do build the 305 or get a 350 crate motor
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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What else can I do? The Toronado has a bad wheel vibration between 55mph and 65mph. I've already had the tires rebalanced multiple times at different places. I've replaced the steel wheels on the front and had them rebalanced again. The ball joints have less than 3k miles on them. What am I missing?
Last reply by Camino LS6, -
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So i just bought my first typhoon. Its a 93 model with only 65k miles and i picked it up for a song, but the last owner owned it for 4 years and only drove it 300 miles so its been neglected kinda mechanically wise. When im driving it, it wont shift outta first until 4000rpm...can anyone shed light on my situation
Last reply by GMTruckGuy74, -
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that this is easy to replace... Since it looks like the wagon is going to stick around a while...I'm debating whether I should reaplace the MAF soon... It should fix the idle and the pick up issue... Those who have worked on the 3.1s...how easy it is to do? Is it something I can do-or should I get a bit of help?
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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Ok, I'm a bit stumped on this one.... Last week, the wagon (93 Cav 3.1, 141k) would not start. New battery, fuses, and the Alt tested fine. Even with the new battery, the lights won't turn on, or the gauges won't even move. The only things I can think of would either be: the starter, or I have a wire that went bad somewhere. What is even worse is that my repair book disappeared. Does anyone know where there is a good guide for wiring to the engine for a 3.1? (cavalier) I don't want to let this thing sit too long....
Last reply by daves87rs, -
Malibu leaking water pumps
by Guest MikeBike- 7 replies
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I own a '99 Chev Malibu (2.4L DOHC) LH9 engine) with 100,000 km (60,000 miles) on the clock and am the original owner. I'm now on my 3rd water pump (1st was a GM, 2nd an OEM, 3rd is now a GM). The part is only $190 but the labor is always around $800 because it's OHC and the timing chain plus the tensioner must come off in order to get the old pump out. I dumped the GM "pink" DexCool antifreeze a long time ago at the mechanic's suggestion and have used good old Prestone green ever since. I run the car on Castrol Syncrude 5W/30 with very regular oil changes and the engine runs like a dream, except for the coolant leaks out the weep hole on the water pump. Are the leak…
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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So I found this awesome white '94 Z28 with ~88,000 miles on it, and all I'm waiting for is the finance guys to tell me where to sign. But, I'm a little concerned about fuel economy. I'm going to assume that the MPG on a 12-year-old V8 aren't going to be great, and I can accept that. My question is are there any ways that I can mechanically change the 5.7 (LT1?) that will increase my fuel economy? I've developed a pretty economical driving technique by driving my parents' Tahoe, XC90, and S80 T6 over the years, so I'm looking for something that will help post some worthwhile gains combined with that. Thanks.
Last reply by NOS2006, -
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Not that I have any near-future plans for taking on such a task, but how difficult is it to convert drum brakes to disk brakes? For example, I know th `69 Barracuda has all drums and they suck.
Last reply by rkmdogs, -
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Sometimes when I start my 2000 Tahoe 5.3 there is a very high pitched whine from below the vehicle ,not always but sometimes after it has been running and good and hot?
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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I have an 89' cavalier 2.0 that I race at the local speedway and I need more hp. I can't use a turbo so what can I do to the most hp possible out of this engine?
Last reply by Camino LS6, -
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Ok fellas, here's the deal. Some of you may know I recently bought a 1995 Riviera and in the 2 months I've had it, I've had to replace my boost solenoid, my radiator, and my ABS control modulator went (which I am not replacing) and now this....when the car is parked, and running...whether on level ground or a grade, and the wheels are pointed straight ahead...there is play in the steering wheel and a "tud" can be heard and felt in the floorboard. also when making a right hand turn at higher speeds you can hear this "pop" or "tud" as you are coming out of the turn and straightening out again....Anbody know what this could be? Also I've notcied that if you sit with the…
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
I've sort of wound down to using 1 GM dealership and 1 or 2 independent shops. I've found an independent shop I really like. The owner, also a mechanic there, is real easy to talk to and has an excellent reputation among his peers and customers. So, here's the question. What is the normal mark up for parts that he has to get from the auto parts stores that he works with? Is it 20% 33.33% Or something else? I am wondering if there is a rule of thumb. Or, put another way, say I walk into AutoZone and a part retails to me for $ 100. What is a reasonable amount for that part on the final repair bill if the mechanic had to purchase it from the same store? …
Last reply by trinacriabob, -
