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Cash For Clunkers Ending Again ?

August 21st, 2009

Its been reported that on Monday August 24th the cash for clunkers program will end. Seems they have succeeded in giving out almost $3 Billion in rebates. Now if only the dealers could get their money!

If you are in the market for a new car, and you have a clunker, this is the weekend to act on this free money. Just remember to thank your neighbor for it ! (it is tax payer funded)

 

Kevin



Mitsubishi Lancer Battery Drain?

August 11th, 2009

Question:

Kevin,

I have a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer that has a dead battery every time I turn off the car, but also leave the radio or air conditioner on, or leave any devices on whatsoever. This is weird because the radio is no longer playing and looks exactly like its off, but somehow, even with the car completely off and the keys completely removed, if the A/C or radio switches were left in the on position, then the battery will be dead if I return a few hours later, or overnight.

These devices never used to do this before — whenever I used to turn the car off and remove the key, these devices would not only go dead also, but they would also cease to draw power and deaden the battery.

Does anyone here have any ideas what might be going on? Im going to show this message to my brother, so if you have any ideas whats going on, he will be able to understand what youre explaining. Thanks.

- Rebecca

 

Answer:

I would do a full checkup on the charging system.

1. Remove battery, fully charge and load test it. Most parts stores can test your battery or a mechanic should be able to do it for you.

2. With engine running, check voltage, should be at 14 Volts or above. If not, your alternator is not working properly.



Ford Freestar high pitched noise?

August 11th, 2009

Question:

I have a 2004 ford freestar. They replaced the rotors,pads,tires ect..
I replaced the power steering hoses..

my question..

while driving at higher speeds (over 80kms on the freeway) I hear this high pitched squeal sound coming from the front end. It doesnt do it when I drive under 60km p/h or when I stop, just when I go really fast.

My hubby thought it might be a belt, but I dont know..

help..

 

Answer:

It could be a belt, but you would hear it at upper RPMs as the van goes through the gears and gets up to speed. It could be the air vibrating some of the body work, if something is loose in the front end. Does the van click when turning sharp left or right? A bad CV joint could be the culprit, but it would be a very loud whining. I would have a mechanic look at it ASAP since at high speeds things happen fast and if its a CV joint, you dont want to chance it.



Smoke from A/C vents.

August 11th, 2009

Question:

I have a 2003 dodge neon se, my daughter was driving my car and noticed smoke coming from the vents when the a/c is on. A friend of hers was nice enough to put anti freeze since it was low ( I thought when you get an oil change that also includes topping off the radiator flud?) What exactly does that mean? There is no smell but now I have to put it in the shop.

 

Answer:

Smoke can mean many things. Was there a sweet coolant smell coming out of the vents? Its possible the low coolant and the smoke are related to a blown heater core. The heater core is basically a radiator, where the hot engine coolant runs through to heat the interior of the car. There is a fan which blows over the heater core and heats the interior air. While she had the A/C on, the heater core could still be bad and leaking coolant, causing the smoke.

If there was no sweet smell, it was more than likely the A/C working so well that it was causing an icy fog which does happen from time to time, depending on the humidity levels outside.

I would keep track of the coolant level, see if you lose anymore and if so, get the heater core checked out.



Free Gas Cards? Fact or Myth?

August 5th, 2009

gasWe have all seen the free gas card offers floating around the internet, here is the low-down on these cards.

Is it really free? Yes, if you feel your time is worth nothing. The way these cards work is that you have to answer surveys, fill out forms or purchase some items you may already be shopping for. So it takes some effort on your part, and may or may not be worth the hassle. I personally put a high dollar per hour value on my time, and for me, its not worth it. However if you have time to kill, and dont mind spending it online filling out forms, and getting $250 in Free Gas check out the offers.

 

Good Luck,

 

Kevin Schappell

www.AutoEducation.com



    

 

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