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DEAR?DOCTOR:
I have a 2004 Nissan Xterra and my “service engine” light is on. The scanner says #2 cylinder misfires and is running rough. I changed all of the wires, checked the coil and changed the fuel injector for that cylinder. What am I missing?
– Giuseppe
DEAR?GIUSEPPE:
The first step is to check all of the vital signs; look for a vacuum leak, especially at the hoses that are around the cylinder in question. Next, do a simple compression test. If compression is good, then check the fuel delivery, including injector pulse time on. The computer is in charge of the on/off time of the fuel injector and each injector has its own circuit. Also, there could be a mechanical problem that is causing the “service engine” light to remain on.
DEAR?DOCTOR:
I have a 1999 Nissan Altima with 51,000 miles with an intermittent problem. When braking to stop after driving at 30 or 40 mph, the engine does not begin to slow down, but rather it keeps racing for a few seconds and fighting against the braking before it stops racing and slows down to slow idle. The gas pedal has been checked and is not sticking. The brakes are fine. Sometimes I have to floor the brake before the engine suddenly slows to idle and the car stops. Can you help?
– Norman
DEAR?NORMAN:
This is a very dangerous condition and needs to be checked by a qualified ASE-certified technician. I would look at the idle air control motor, as well as the throttle body for carbon buildup. On some vehicles the idle motor is part of the throttle body and is expensive to repair. If the transmission has a pressure cable connected to the throttle body, then make sure it does not bind up. A throttle body replacement is cheaper than a new car.
DEAR?DOCTOR:
I own a 2001 Toyota Corolla. After sitting for a long period of time the car starts well without issues, but it drives for only a few miles and then stops. I turn off the engine and restart and it drives fine. My mechanic said nothing is wrong, but it might be bad gas and that I should always fire it up whenever that happens to improve gas circulation. Please advise.
– Chichi
DEAR?CHICHI:
Bad gas? No. It may be time to find an ASE-certified technician who is knowledgeable and has access to Alldata and Identifix. I would take a close look at the throttle body for carbon buildup. I have also seen this same stalling problem after a simple battery replacement or if the battery went dead. To properly clean the throttle body it would have to be removed and cleaned by a qualified expert.
DEAR?DOCTOR:
I have a 2010 Toyota Avalon with 45,400 miles. It did not come with a compass on the rearview mirror or a GPS system. My children have offered to have both items installed by an accessory installation center. Would this cause harm to my car in any way? I am 82 years old and the only driver of the car.
– Vicky
DEAR?VICKY:
Aftermarket products, such as a GPS system and mirror compass, and backup cameras are all great if you have a need for them. I see no disadvantage to you or your car by getting this equipment installed. It will make the kids happy to spoil you.
DEAR?DOCTOR:
I like the ease of use with liquid car waxes, but I’m wondering how much protection the liquid version offers over the paste. What kind of car wax do you recommend?
– John
DEAR?JOHN:
There are many brands of wax and combination cleaner/wax products. I have used them all. They all have different feels and their own secret formulas. Any of the top brand names, such as Mothers, Meguiars, Turtle Wax Ice, are easy to apply and remove. I personally like the paste wax over the liquid.
Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. E-mail questions for publication to info@motormatters.biz
Mail questions to: Motor Matters, PO Box 3305, Wilmington, DE 19804