Tech Section

You are looking at a two and a half foot wide piece of plastic "chrome" that has been one of the biggest sources of frustration for me in the last five years. The Coles Notes on my tale of woe: The trim applique on the trunk of my 2007 Impala is attached at the factory using six-eight clips into the trunk lid rather than an adhesive glue. As a result the trim is not fastened with equal pressure across the entire part and it vibrates as you drive or when you close the trunk. Unlike the Impala SS models which have painted/clear coated appliques the chrome on the more pedestrian Impala models have a sharp rather than dull lower edge across the bottom which during said v…

I have a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu MAXX LS and I would like to use my MP3 player in the car. I have never been satisfied with FM transmitters. I noticed that a bunch of the newer GM cars have a radio with an auxiliary in port on the front that would allow me to plug in my mp3 player and not have to deal with the lousy FM quality sound. I'm wondering if I were to buy the radio from something like an 06' Impala or 07' Tahoe if I'd be able to have it installed in my car and have everything work. As you all know, the radio in the Malibu handles a lot of the car's readouts, such as oil life, gas mileage and so forth. I want to make sure I don't lose those. I compared pictures…

I just have a few quick questions in regards to changing a coil pack. What exactly is involved in changing one? I have a missfire on cylinder 6 on my series 1 3800 SC motor. Should I change all three and the plugs and wires and what do I have to do to change the coil pack itself? What am I looking at cost wise? I haven't been able to drive my Riv in a week now due to this, and with no other form of transportation at this time, I really need to get this thing fixed. Lastly what tools will I need? Thanks in advance guys.

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

I just went to the auto show. As some of you know, I am looking at the LaCrosse and the Grand Prix. I am somewhat pissed off with the poor visibility in both. I then sit in a Malibu. The cabin is so user-friendly and the greenhouse is awesome. I have rented about 5 of these. They are nice enough, though I have more confidence in a GM V6 than I do in a 4 cylinder. I went over to a Saturn salesman and he said they inagurated this engine. He told me of clients who have put beaucoup miles on these without a tear down. Any bits of information or stories on how Eco-tec 2.2 litre 4 cylinder fares over the long run?

I haven't needed to use them yet, but the hazard lights on my LeSabre dont work. The turn signals work just fine, the hazards, not so much. I assume its a relay issue (similar problems with my old '87 Dakota) but I'm not sure. Everything else electrical works just fine.

The other day a old line snapped on my 85 Riviera. I took it in even though i could of ran a new line because i thought i would save the stress of doing it myself. When i got it back it felt pretty good. Then after a few weeks the petal felt spongy. Then I took a look in the reservoir, there was no brake fluid left in the rear section. I looked around for leaks and i found where it was coming from. At the proportioning valve the dumbass that orked on my car didn't even have it more then hand tightened on and not just one line but all three. I think from now on I will work on my own brakes and trust myself.

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?

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…

So this is getting a little worrisome... It all started back in late October, I had the Cavalier in to the dealer to have it inspected before the snow flew and about 2 days after I got it back, I was driving home and the coolant light came on. When the engine was nice and cold, the coolant was just about an inch below the "Full Cold" line. I took it back to the dealer and talked to the service manager, he decided to fill it for me himself because it should have been checked... so he filled it up for me en gratis and it seemed fine, but now, on my way home, again the coolant light came on, so when I got home and the engine cooled off, sure enough, coolant is almost an…

Hi all. The past two months I've been having an issue with the rear wiper arm of my 2006 GMC Envoy. When it swipes, the arm will push out but not retract/spring back, so the first swipe it clears the rear hatch window but on the return swing it sticks out and looses contact with the glass. It then does not seat right into the wiper arm holder on the gate. Is this a known problem?

I purchased this wonderful GMC hood ornament while at the AACA show last weekend in Hershey, which I'm pegging to be from '58 or '59 and from a heavy duty truck (not the 1/2 ton to 1-ton models). I'd love to get it sandblasted so I can repaint it in the traditional colors of white with red centers (assuming I don't go for rechroming). Would a typical neighborhood body shop offer sandblasting services? Or would I have to find a restoration shop instead? Sorry, forgot to include the picture:

Ok, This is interesting.... My wagon has heat..when it wants... I turn the heat on-nothing comes out. Pop the hook-tap the fan-instant heat. Is something just stuck in there? Or could it be something more?

I'm usually right on with most of my stuff, but even this kinda surprised me...which begs me to ask the Question: How many do you guys use a Delco oil filter? I'm usually a Delco man myself, but within these last few rounds of oil changes, the filter themselves don't seem to last very long any more..... I was wondering if anybody knew if they changed em' or something.. Granted my wife does a good amount of city driving, but I expected the Mobil 1 inside to be a heck of a lot cleaner after 3k on the oil... My buddy used a Pululator (sp, I know) One filter, does almost the same amount of driving after 3k, but his oil (the same oil) looks much, much better.. M…

Our 97 Safari has 132,000 miles and after almost selling it I've decided to keep it. Other than fluid changes, keeping it clean and clear of Ohio road salt, and making sure it gets regular excercise what do you suggest to keep this thing "on the road?" Chris

I would like to find out which of my ignition wires is arching off my engine block since I only want to replace the bad wire since I'm short on money right now since I'm synthesizing some meth right now and my microbus is shaking like mad on acceleration any ideas????

Well I have a 2000 dodge intrepid and it wouldn't crank after I had a couple beers up at hooters and after that I decided it was a good time to take 5 minutes to blaze it up because I was pissed then I just started to look for a potential person that could jump me got it jumped runs great drove home now at home i restarted it 5 times in a row and I am running everything i possibly can got everything on works great this is the second time its happened any ideas?? Also when the battery died it was completely dead all together enough to light up the dash but then i would touch the brake petal and the whole car would go black with some trippy clicking noises.

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!

had an odd message come up on my display last night on my colorado. unlocked the doors and hopped in the drivers seat and the display said "RSA1" or "RFA1" i cant exactly remember which. i started it up and the code went away. turned off the engine and turned the switch but it wouldnt pull it back up. anyone have any idea what it is or has it happened to anyone else?

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?

Well, what else can I say but our family car is suffering from an ugly little bug. What bug you ask? Well, although I don't have a photo, the speedometer needle in our '04 Imp is resting on the gear selection display, all the way over at the park position. What I'd like to know is simple: is there a way to avoid the dealer? How can this be fixed? If the dealer has to be a part of this, what's the cost? Thanks.

Well, this might be pointless to post right now, because I don't have much information, as this isn't my car. My boyfriends car just broke down on him, and from what he told me and the 5 minutes of research I just did, it kind of sounds like a fuel pump - which seems to be a common issue on the Cavalier? Anyone familiar with this particular problem, or know what is involved in replacing it, or if there are any tests I could do to make sure that is the actual problem, and not something else? He pulled into the driveway, and the next day he went to start it and nothing happened. He said he turns the key and it doesn't crank at all, let alone turn over. He thought the b…

i have a 00 grand prix and when the wheel is cut all the way left there is an horrendous rubbing/scraping kind of noise coming from the right front. its most noticeable from a stopped position, as say pulling out of a parking space. it rides great and handles fine any ideas??.

I'm looking to replace the Uniwobbles that came with the G6, although at this point I'm not 100% sure if I'm doing it yet. The main reason for my thought was I almost got into an accident because of the damn tires, skidding towards the opposite lane. Since summer is almost here so I think it shouldn't be too bad for now. Although they also suck in handling. I'm currently considering these: 1. Continental ContiExtremeContact 2. BFGoodrich Traction T/A 3. Toyo Versado LX 5. Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S All of them are V-Rated or H-Rated. I'm leaning towards the Continentals, as I've heard good things about the performance and it's cheaper than the others, but I a…

anyone have copy of the TSB for this. Also can I get instruction how to remove the mirror. Dealer not helping, has excessive play where mirror face mounts onto guts inside mirror housing. thanks in advance

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....

Folks: Is it possible to remove the factory spoiler on a base MC or GP without making too much of a mess? Can it be done and then have the body shop where the car was delivered (no, not in a hospital) do a minor touch up on the paint? Let me know. Maybe you're not big on spoilers either. Thanks!

Alright, ever since I had my Millenia, it idled a bit rough as the engine seemed to miss. However, once moving and pressing the accelerator, it stopped and ran perfectly. Well, every once in a while it would suddenly run as if a spark plug was bad. It would bog down, but still be driveable, barely. Then it'd suddenly stop. I thought maybe the fuel injectors were dirty and possibly clogged so I tried some of that STP fuel addictive made for that. No real effect. Lately, I tried changing the spark plugs to some Bosch Platinum 2s. Still no real effect on any of them, but luckilly it has yet to get into one of its bogging down fits. The missing is getting worse, however. It n…

So.. I just bought a pair of SLP Loudmouth IIs for the Stang. That started me thinking about my '73 Camaro. I'm most likely going to try to replace the transmission in it early next year (hopefully my tax refund will be generous) The exhaust is all custom and welded up and that would be a perfect opportunity to put a better system on it. Currently, I'm running Hedman Shorties to 2.5 inch pipes into 3 inch Flowmaster single chamber Delta Flow mufflers (Probably the equivalent to what they call the 10 Series off road mufflers but I can't remember the series number from when I bought them) then reducing to 2 inches for the tail pipes (because at the time, they didn't make t…

Hi guys, My 2001 Olds Aurora 3.5 needs a new motor mount. My mech told me it's the "front motor mount," but he doesn't have the part number handy and I was wondering if I could find it cheaper online. Can someone track this down for me? Having difficulty... Pertinant info: SECOND GEN V6 ...and it's the motor mount that keeps the engine down in front. I've seen mounts listed as engine, transmission, right, left, front, back...a little lost as to what exactly GM called it for this one... THANKS

Just got a new set of shoes from my 2001 Sunfire. Now whenever I hit the brakes there's a constant whine, louder when speed is under 30kph. Its especially bad when the brakes are cold. Any idea's what it could be?

any help i could pass long to him? TIA

So the oher day my girlfriend was at a drive-thru in the Intrepid waiting on food when the car stalled (oil light came on but that was the only light). Later that day I waspicking my brother up from work, and was at a stoplight when it stalled on me. Just a slight shutter and then dead. Started right back up, although as I entered the highway on-ramp it reved higher than it should have, but it was fine after that. The problem is that it's been fine since then. Took it to the mechanic on Monday and they were unable to get it to stall. He suggested either the fuel pump or the timing chains. Today still no luck, and my girlfriend needed it so she picked it up and it was pr…

Hey Everybody, I'm wondering if anyone has experienced the same issue as we have. We have a 2000 Monte Carlo (88K miles). It's been a relentlessly reliable vehicle for the whole family since 1999, requiring no repairs (besides the typical W body ISS lube issue and constantly warped rotors). But, a really annoying issue has popped up: the factory-installed keyless entry system is being really tempermental. Rarely, it does work consistently all day. But most days, it works once and then ignores the signal for about 5 minutes. For example, if you open the trunk w/the remote to put groceries in, you'll have to unlock the driver's door manually w/ the key, or wait 5 min…

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?

This is on the old 92 Regal, nearing 250,000 miles. I think this issue has surfaced. You note it when the engine is torqued. Questions: How many are there (3800 + 4 sp transaxle)? Are they hard for the mechanic to get to? How much is parts and labor for this operation? I heard, once you're in there, to do all of them at the same time. Any experience and facts/figures? It would be appreciated.

Looks like someone wants a piece of the pie. I've seen numerous ads the last few days (print-now TV), where Valvoline is claiming that their syn oil is better than Mobil 1. They claim that it noy only wears better, but will last longer... It kinda suprised me.....usually Valvoline keeps to themselves.....so I wonder why the big claim there..... I wonder if Wallyworld will claim that their oil is better the Mobil 1 too? What do you guys think?

I am thinking about getting a 2001-2002 Impala LS, preferably with under 80K mi. My only concern is, I have heard conflicting stories of reliability with the transmissions, electrical system, and other mechanical issues. Is an Impala from the early 2000's a safe choice?

the nut i circled is right by the starter for orientation, also shown is the oil pan and trans pan i jacked up the car, from the front, and coolant streamed out, mostly in the area the red "box" is for a second or 2 and then almost stopped. so it's either coming from the back end of the engine, ?freeze plugs?, or from the left (rear facing) side of the engine, ?head gasket?...? any ideas?

Real quick: There should be a gasket where a master cylinder meets the firewall on a car such as my Cutlass, correct? Today I got a new master cylinder, the root of all of my brake woes, and the leak is still there. When I removed the old master cylinder, there wasn't any gasket in the area I've described, so I'm leaning towards no as being the answer to my question, but I still have some cause to think a gasket might go there.

I was wondering about getting a K&N Air Filter but i dont know if its worth the money? Do any of you out there have one? Since $40 bucks is alot for one. But I have been looking at one. E 1500 is the one i need. But Since friday i got some Flowmasters put in the Caprice. it was about $300 dollars. since i need a new muffler any way why not go all out. Also I increased the Exhaust by a 1/2 inch. Now the Car Has alot more go. Im just wondering about going with a performance air filter.

Though this is occurring to my '06 GMC Envoy, it also occurred on my leased '05 Envoy (dealer fixed under warranty) and I'm sure the equivalent Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Oldsmobile Bravada, Buick Rainier, Saab 9-7, and Isuzu Ascender all suffer from this issue too. The rear doors of my Envoy have rubber weatherstriping around the wheel well curves that come loose, allowing wind noise and air to enter the cabin while driving. Here's what it looks like when it's properly in its place: Here is what it looks like loose and out of place: I'm getting tired of constantly pushing it back in place, only to come loose again. I'm wondering if there is an adhesive that can be r…

I have a squeal in the left front area of my 02 Grand Prix GT. It usually happens when I am in a straight line, sometimes it goes away when I turn to the left or right, sometimes it doesn't. I researched and think that it might be the CV joint or bad wheel bearing. This sound right? And how difficult is it to fix this? Thanks, -mk

A friend of mine has a '01 Silverado that has just started to make a loud and "oh so very not happy" RPM related tapping sound when the engine is cool/cold. Noise appeared to go away when the engine heated up, and to his backyard mechanic's ear, it sounded like a sticky lifter, loose valve lash or other valve train related problem. As he had some other work to be done on his truck that required some professional expertise, he took the truck to a GM dealer workshop. He was totally not expecting the cause of the "valve train" noise to be driveline related, namely a cracked flex plate. GM used to be notorious for blowing flex plates. I'd like to think they've changed, bu…

I just got a set of Euro tailights for my 88 GMC for Christmas and I was wondering? I noticed that in the passenger side light two bulbs light up for the tailights but on the driver side only one bulb lights up? All the brake lights work and everything its just that it has this problem. My buddy has an 89 GMC and his lights do the same thing and they do it on the exact same side? Does anyone know why its like that or know how to fix it??? Thanks

Does anyone know where I can find out if a 245/75R16 tire on a 16x7 Cragar Soft 8 rim with 4" rearspacing will fit on a Chevy Colorado Z85 4X4? I've been to the bespoke forums. Thanks.

I know there are a lot of smart people on the board so I am enlisting your help. My Regal, 1992, with the above transaxle (no electronic control ... that came the following year). Under a cruise type of throttle, it will exhibit a shudder between 3rd gear and overdrive at a speed of about 50 mph....when it tends to hunt betwen 3rd and 4th anyway. OK, the car does have 222,000 original miles. The trans has been serviced every 20,000 miles and it is mostly freeway driving. Shifts from 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 are virtually flawless and so are most 3-4 shifts when under moderate acceleration. When it does do this little act (it's been going on for a couple of months), pressin…

I don't know how much help I'll get, this being a GM site and all, but maybe someone has delt with Chrysler's CD Changers. I have no idea how to work it or if it even works. I hooked up the stereo and CD changer to my car today to see if they worked. The Am/FM works, but the CD player doesn't...gives a disc read error every time I put a CD in. I'm not surprised since someone stuff change in the thing. The CD Changer powers up, but all that happens is all of the lights blink. I can't insert a disc in and when I press any of the eject buttons nothing happens. Meanwhile, the stereo doesn't seem to go to CD-C mode. The same button is used to toggle between the CD play…

I ask because I WANT these but the owner doesn't remember what kind they were (they came with the car, he sold them sooner after and regrets it).

As you may have read in my thread in the lounge, I'm looking at purchasing a 1994 Fleetwood which has been sitting for about a year and a half without being driven. I'm concerned that despite a proper inspection and whatnot that this could bite me on the behind later so I'd just like to be sure of what I'd be looking at replacing. I know the tires would be replaced by me sooner rather than later with a new set of Hankook Mileage Plus II whitewalls but for all I know they could be dry rotted now. The thing will be inspected and compression tested before I buy it, and it runs and drives fine now according to the seller. Haven't had a chance to drive it yet. Obviously t…

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)?

Well, the Cobalt is switched over... Put Mobil 1 in last night....not bad. Got a bit more pep...though I haven't driven enough to see if the operating temp is cooler....

Just acquired an 07 Suburban. It had an aftermarket radio/cd/dvd player installed. It was put in because the previous owner de-installed the previous aftermarket system. As a result, the rear a/c and rear radio do not work (appears no power to rear unit - though the rear heated seats work) and the audio volume controls on the steering wheel do not work. The local chevy dealer looked at it and said that the radio was not communicating to the amp (although the the audio was playing fine in all systems/dvd and indicated that the rear air needed to communicate with the amp/radio in order to work. The dealer recommends reinstalling teh OEM radio. Before we do that, we wa…

So since December the light for the engine temp gauge in the Intrepid has been out...I think. It's dimmer than teh other lights but there's enough glow that it's still readable at night. A month ago or so part of the tach (the right side) went dim. I've never pulled a gauge cluster part before...is it individual light bulbs or what? I'd like to think they're just blow bulbs...but the strange thing is that sometimes the temp gauge will light up normally...so I dunno. I wanna take it to the dealer tomorrow and have it looked at...I hope it's not that expensive. It's not a major issue since I can read all the gauges fine at night...it's just an annoyance. The trunk light h…

A buddy of mine is trying to get me to switch my brand of oil...and he is trying to tell me it is the same exact oil. He's driving me crazy! The wife's sedan currently runs on Mobil 1 Full syn oil, which I love. My buddy wants me to switch to the Wal-Mart brand, which is much cheaper. I pay 24 bucks or so for a 5qt of Mobil 1. Wal-Mart's brand is 14 bucks for a 5qt. Now, he is trying to tell me the Mobil makes Wal-Mart's brand, which I disagree with. From what I know, Quaker State/Penzoil makes all of Wal-marts oils..... Now I do agree with him in the fact that they all offer great protection, but It would be hard to make a switch when the Mobil works s…

We have an 06 Pontiac Wave and for the past couple of months, the alarm has been going off. There is nothing around to give it a reason (no airplanes, loud noises,people, whatever). Is there a resolve? Thank you Bill

Hi All, I have been reading through the forum on several topics,and one that really caught my attention was the tranny issues. My 09 GMC has either a 80 or a 90 trans., I do not have my paperwork with me, and I do not remember. Here are my questions. My tranny has a temp moitor and what shold it run and what is the max temp before issues start? I do not know where the reading is taken from,and I assume that would be important too. It has a factory installed cooler and it is in fromt of the radiator on one side and the engine oil cooler is on the other side, I believe. All that came with the trailering package. 2nd question is this,since the trans. comes with Dextr…

Yep, it was finally time to do the brake s on the Prizm. I've put it off for a while even though the rotors have been warped for at least a couple years. However they started to squeak while driving down the road, and since I had just finished the a/c on my car, I parked the Prizm until I had time to do the brakes. It's been at least 7 years since they were ever done, maybe longer. BUt the time came to do the front rotors and pads. For pads I went with ceramics, regular non-directional rotors, and Carlson hardware kit ($12 at Rock Auto and made in USA) vs $30 the local parts store wanted) I started by giving the rotors a quick coat of high heat paint to help protect aga…

Ok, I admit I did a stupid thing, but man it was seriously cold. I have a 1998 Chevy Lumina LTZ with 131,000 miles on it. The car has been really good to me for the most part and still runs well. Yesterday I went to get my weekly fillup. The car burns a bit of oil, and thus I get the "change oil" dummy light far more often than I think the car needs it. (I generally change oil every 6-8k). When the oil light starts coming on, I generally start adding a quart of oil here and there until I get in for an oil change. So I pull in, start gassing up and get a quart of oil. I didn't turn the car off due to the cold (I know, bad idea). I open the hood, unscrew the cap and start…

Got A 2.2L 1997 Cavalier, and I'm getting this intermittent "clip, clip, clop" (sorta like horse hooves on cobblestone) sound coming from somewhere in the front right of the car sometimes between 40&60KPH... I think it's coming from the suspension, but I'm not sure, but it only goes through one sequence of the above sound, goes away for a few hours, and then happens again... I don't think it's the pavement I'm driving on, but I'm concerned about what it might be and if it might pose a safety risk further down the road. Any Insight??

In my 99 Monte carlo 3.1L with 133k on it. been occuring for for the last 2 years maybe... this is in Southeast Missouri symptom: shudders at times, like a cylinder missfired ( best i can describe it at the moment) History: - the past winter(2 years ago i think) service engine light came on - went to auto zone, cylinder 4 misfire code, replaced wires at that time , no proof that did much - misfire code came on again last year during winter (pretty sure) did nothing - assumed misfire code 2 times in the past month, early month and late month - trans never serviced to my knowledge,but fluid is still at "full" level, bought second hand (the…

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?

Ok, I have the Regal with the 3800 V6 Series I 1992 that now has original mileage in the high 200,000s. Incidentally, they have no EGR valves. I will soon have to go get its emissions test to renew the tags. Here's the deal. In most states that I've lived in and in which the car has been registered, they test 4 emissions components (HC, CO, CO2 and O2). In California, they add NO (nitrogen or nitrous?). At any rate, the car has performed fantastically on the first 4 components...extremely clean and changed minimally over the years. However, it's not as clean on the N.O., though it has always passed. I heard that this is common: cars run clean on all the others and …

My G6 is equipped with remote start. Is it possible to program a remote without the remote start button with my car? I wanted to get an extra remote without the button so I don't play with it too much

In January of this year, the transmission took a crap in my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix with 128k miles. I replaced the car with a 2012 Ford Fusion SE with the 2.5 liter and 6 speed automatic transmission. Prior to buying the car, I had read about transmission issued with the car, but mostly in 2010, and I thought maybe they had the issue fixed. My car currently has 16,500 miles on it, and I'm having transmission issues. I'm curious if anyone is familiar with that transmission and might have any information. The three times it has been to Ford it has come back with "cannot duplicate", so it hasn't been fixed. The first trip in they did a software flash, which helped, bu…

even a week a go my car seemed to crank very normally, but the past few days it's seemed labored, it still starts). it's getting closer to 7 months w/o changing my oil (thinking ~2500miles is plausible), my battery, I tested, is still 12.3+V. at ~145k would the starter be going bad or is it more likely it's a loose connection...or something else? any advice? i'll also be asking my dad about it.

This is not exactly auto related, but I can see some instances where you might want it. I need to make some 7/16ths square holes in some 1/4 steel for carriage bolts on a project I am working on. My current idea was to drill 7/16th holes then use some kind of angled abrasive to notch the corners, but considering I need to do 6-10 of these holes, that could take some serious time. Plus I am no finding abrasives that will really suit my needs. I'm seeing different kinds of square punches online, but I assume these need a 100 ton press or something, and most do not list what thickness they will punch through. If anyone has a good idea, let me know. My backup plan is to…

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?

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?

So I'm driving home today and There is a light on my dash lit up. I'm Thinking what the hell is that? Looks like a Movie camera? Nah thats not it. What is it? So I get Home and look in the book, it's the service engine soon light. Remembering the loose gas cap thing from Somewhere, I check it. It barely on at all, soo I tighten it down. Restart the Car, the Light is still on. I can Assume it was'nt becuase the gas cap was loose? I did notice a very strong gasoline smell when I Started it this morning. But the light was'nt on during the drive to work. Saturn l200 2.2 liter.

I have a 2001 2dr 4wd 5 speed Blazer that is driven on almost billiard table smooth streets and had an oil change with lube every 3,000 miles. At about 55,000 miles when the steering was cranked from almost lock to lock, like when backing out of a parking space, a knocking sound could be heard. I had read a service bulletin on the sound saying it was due to ball joint wear and took it into the dealer and was told the lower ball joints were worn. They were replaced under warranty and the tech who worked on it said most Blazers don't make it to 50,000 miles without needing a replacement and he commented on how well kept and tight my Blazer was. I can't fathom l…