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DEAR?DOCTOR: I own a 2005 Buick Rendezvous with 63,000 miles. It is having severe overheating problems and I just had the water pump, and thermostat replaced, which did not fix the problem. My mechanic is now delving into gasket heads, etc., and it will cost a fortune. Someone recommended removing some of the rubber weather striping under the hood so the heat can escape. Help.
– Diana
DEAR?DIANA: First, check that the electric cooling fan is operating. Then bring the car to a shop that can check for hydrocarbons in the cooling system. This is performed with a gas analyzer or a liquid leak detector. Both are simple to use and are accurate. As for removing weather striping: Absolutely no way.
DEAR?DOCTOR: I just purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry Solara convertible with 29,000 miles. On flat roads it has a normal ride, but on bumpy roads it handles lousy and I feel every bump. The dealer says that’s normal for this car. Do you agree? Also, when should I replace the timing belt, and should I replace the water pump at the same time? The owner’s manual says to do so at 9 years or 90,000 miles.
– Jeff
DEAR?JEFF: Suspension noises on these cars are not unusual. Sway bar links and sway bar bushings are a common wear part. The timing belt replacement is as the manual recommends. Even with its low mileage over time the rubber on the timing belt will separate, crack and fail.
DEAR?DOCTOR: I have a 2014 Audi A6 with 28,000. About three months ago I started hearing a squeal when applying the brakes. I ignored it for awhile, but it’s starting to drive me crazy. The dealer told me that the rotors are perfect, but the brake pads are at around 40 percent in the front and 70 percent in the rear. They recommended I put new pads on the car at a cost of close to $1,000. I got a second opinion at another Audi dealership who told me the pads were like-new and that the rotors had rust pits. They cleaned the rotors and everything seemed okay when I pulled out of the dealership, but then the noise came back. What’s my next step?
– Jeffery
DEAR?JEFFERY: I see a lot of import vehicles with brake squeal. In some cases, removing the pads and rotors and sanding the friction surface to remove the glazing will help eliminate the squealing. There is also a coating that can be applied to the non-friction surface.
DEAR?DOCTOR: I’m the original owner of a 1997 Dodge Sport Caravan with 124,500 miles. It runs great, but if not used for several days the transmission doesn’t engage for a few minutes. The fluids are fine and the electrical connections have been cleaned. Any ideas would be appreciated.
– John
DEAR?JOHN: The transmission is not engaging and moving the vehicle because some amount of fluid has drained out of the torque converter. The other issue is the seals inside the transmission become hard when cold and allow fluid to flow past the seals, causing a loss in fluid pressure. In some cases a fluid change will make a difference. In other cases a transmission overhaul is needed – or just live with the late engagement problem.
DEAR?DOCTOR: I own a 2014 Honda Pilot and left the rear liftgate window ajar, which left the battery nearly dead and not able to open with the remote. I’m shocked that I can’t get into the back without the remote. Why did the battery die so quickly and should I get a battery charger?
– Joyce
DEAR?JOYCE: A door left in the open position with interior lights illuminated can kill a battery in 8 hours or less. Most vehicles with key fobs have an insertion key that can be used in the door or rear hatch for unlocking in the event of a dead battery. There are many battery maintenance charger brands available at any parts store or Interstate battery store. You also need to have the battery checked to make sure it is good. If you need to purchase a new battery, then I recommend getting one with the highest cold cranking amp power available.
– Junior Damato, Motor Matters
Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician.
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