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AUTO DOC: Warning lights hint at speed sensor trouble

Junior Damato | Ask the Auto Doc

April 18, 2008

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DEAR DOCTOR: I am the original owner of a 1991 Honda Accord. It suddenly developed an intermittent operation of the speedometer. The "check engine" light will come on for a few seconds and then go off. My mechanic said not to worry because the car seems to operate fine. Ed

DEAR ED: The first step is to check any computer codes. The speedometer is electronic and there is a signal sent up from the vehicle speed sensor mount on the transmission. Identifix has a history of faulty vehicle speed sensors and poor connections in the wire harness by the strut tower. I recommend getting a qualified technician to check the car.

DEAR DOCTOR: I own a 1998 Volvo with 51,000 miles. Volvo has serviced the car for the past eight years and I have spent a lot of money on various problems. My latest: Starting in November, the "ABS" and "Trac" lights have been coming on and off. My local garage told me not to worry about it. What is your opinion? John

DEAR JOHN: In most cases when you're told not to worry, it means the mechanic does not have the experience or proper scan tools to check the vehicle. The warning light indicates a problem in the anti-lock brake system. I have had to have a number of ABS modules repaired by a local rebuilder.

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DEAR DOCTOR: The battery in my 2001 Lincoln LS goes dead when the car sits a day or two. I have had the Lincoln checked and replaced two new batteries. The mechanic I went to said the car is full of electronics and he would not be able to find the problem. Can you help? Carole

DEAR CAROLE: Something is draining the battery on your Lincoln when it's not running. I have seen clocks, alarms, alternators, power seat and door lock relays, as well as hood, trunk and glove box lights all play a part in battery drain. A qualified expert should be able to locate the drain on the battery in two hours. The procedure is done by hooking up an amp meter, waiting for the computer to go into the sleep mode, and then pulling one fuse at a time while monitoring the amp meter.

DEAR DOCTOR: I own a 1995 Subaru wagon and am looking to buy a new car. I like the Subaru but need more ground clearance, so I'm thinking of a higher ground-clearing sport utility vehicle with a hybrid or diesel engine. I am also debating between 4x4 and all-wheel drive. What should I be concerned about? KP

DEAR KP: For starters, some auto repair shops will not work on diesel or hybrid vehicles. And remember, diesel fuel is not as cheap as it was years ago, in most cases diesel costs more than gasoline. Diesel and hybrid vehicles will cost more at the initial purchase and the return could take five years or more. There are many vehicles that will fit your needs. You just have to narrow the selection to a few and then take them out for test drives.

DEAR DOCTOR: My wife drives a 2001 Toyota Camry with an automatic transmission. She has the seat all the way forward so she can reach the gas and brake pedals. She sits inches away from the air bag. How far back should a driver sit to be safe? Is there a way to shut the air bag off? Is there a way to extend the gas and brake pedal? Enzo

DEAR ENZO: The average distance the driver should sit away from the air bag is 12 inches, if possible. As for air bag shut-off switches: I have been installing them since the 1990s; the cost is $375 and you will need to get an approval slip from the government. There are pedal extenders that attach to the factory brake and gas pedal. Today, many carmakers are equipping their vehicles with adjustable pedals.

DEAR DOCTOR: Why is it that some engines have timing belts and others have timing chains that do not need replacement? Leo

DEAR LEO: Timing belts were needed to fit in small engine compartments. Later models and four-cylinder engines are getting away from the costly timing belt design. A few older engines also have timing gears.

Send questions to Junior Damato, c/o Special Sections, Newsday, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747-4250.