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ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: A low-mileage car fails state inspection due to steering leak

Junior Damato | Ask the Auto Doc

June 27, 2008

Dear Doctor: I am the original owner of a 2004 Nissan Sentra with only 40,000 miles. The car failed the N.Y. state inspection because of a power steering fluid leak. I went to the dealership where I purchased the Sentra and they had to replace the power steering rack unit. The total cost was $964. Does the cost seem reasonable? Would a leaking power steering system cause an inspection failure? Dominic

Dear Dominic: A state inspection includes the safety of the vehicle. A power steering system with leaking issues classifies as a safety failure. The reason being that if the power steering fluid goes low enough you could lose power assist and lose control of the car, resulting in an accident. Secondly, the fluid leak could also present a fire hazard. The cost of the replacement is correct.

Dear Doctor: I own a 1999 Chevy Colorado pickup. The gas gauge does not work properly. It goes to full when the key is turned off and to empty when the key is turned on. Why is the gas gauge showing inverted readings? Fred

Dear Fred: Some GM vehicles have had problems with both the fuel sender and dash cluster. Vehicles built since 1996 have computers that can read what the fuel level is via a factory scan tool -- and in your case with the Chevy, that would be with a Tech II tool. The factory scan tool has much more capability than generic multi-use scan tools. A technician with the factory scan tool can identify where the fault lies.

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Dear Doctor: I own a 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII with 76,000 miles. About nine months ago I hit a small bump in the road and the suspension changed. The car feels like there are no shocks. The ride is very hard and uncomfortable. I went to the dealer and they adjusted the suspension and said this is the best they could do. The ride is still very hard. We would like to keep the Lincoln, but cannot drive it like this. Can you help? Gregory

Dear Gregory: We see a lot of air suspension problems on Ford cars and sport utility vehicles. For your 1998 Lincoln, I would recommend converting the air suspension over to a regular coil-spring suspension system. There are a few companies that offer conversions. The cost of the conversion should run you about the same as what you would pay for an air suspension repair.

Dear Doctor: I own a 1999 Lincoln Continental. The rear of the car sits too low. Are there any inexpensive options to make the repair? Kari

Dear Kari: Your nine-year-old vehicle has an aging air suspension system. A simple inexpensive coil spring conversion is all you would need in order to bring the car back to normal condition.

Dear Doctor: I own a Dodge Caravan with 140,000 miles. I have always changed the oil and filter every 3,000 miles and topped-off the oil between changes using 10W30. I'm starting to hear some knocking noise after driving on the freeway. I assume this is from normal wear. Should I switch over to heavier oil? Kris

Dear Kris: Yes, with the high mileage and the slight knocking sound, a switch to high mileage oil with a heavier viscosity would bring big benefits. However, make certain to use "high mileage oil" because it has a different combination of additives, and in most cases, reduces engine oil consumption without any side effects.

Dear Doctor: While changing the fuel filter on my 2005 Ford F-150 with the 5.4-liter V-8 engine I broke the small plastic clip that holds the fuel line onto the filter. Ford does not offer a replacement clip only. They want to sell a new line with clip for $180. Do you know of another way to fix the problem without replacing the line? Larry

Dear Larry: The new style retainer clips do not release the same way as the older style line clips. You are not the first person to find out the hard way. At my shop we have successfully used the old style clips that are cheap and available in auto parts stores. Take the old style clip and file or grind it down to fit. Use a safety clamp, such as a small hose clamp, to ensure the plastic clip does not fall out.

Dear Doctor: Please give me your opinion on whether I should use any of these gasoline additives that I see advertised in magazines and on television. Ray

Dear Ray: Save your money. There are no additives or devices that are worthy of mention.

Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. E-mail questions to info@motormatters.biz Mail questions to: Auto Doctor, 3 Court Circle, Lakeville, MA 02347 Listen to Junior online at www.1460wxbr.com Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. eastern time. Copyright, Motor Matters, 2008