Dear Doctor: I own a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with only 36,000 miles. The "check engine" light comes on intermittently with the code P0441. I replaced the purge solenoid and that eliminated the code for a while. When it came back again I replaced the forward oxygen sensor. That solved the problem for a few months but now it has returned. Do you have other suggestions? -- Steve 
 Dear Steve: The P0441 code is EVAP evaporative emission-related and is not the oxygen sensors. The EVAP system is the ventilation system of the fuel tank. The code indicates a small air leak in the system. It could be as simple as a poor gas cap seal (always use a factory non-locking cap). Leak detection pumps are also a common problem. 
 Dear Doctor: I own a 1989 Pontiac Trans Am with just 13,500 miles. Lately, my battery has been going dead (even the new one I purchased). I believe it's because the two cooling fans have been starting and running for short periods of time at intervals when they are not supposed to activate. I think their only purpose is to accelerate the engine cooling after the engine is turned off. My dealer says the thermostat is fine and they are stumped. I've also heard the fans kick on for no apparent reason. Do you have any suggestions? -- Lawrence 
 Dear Lawrence: You have a rare car with very low miles. You did not mention how long the car sits before the battery goes dead. For the cooling fans to be the problem they would have to run for an hour-plus. The technician will have to connect a digital volt amp meter in series and check the parasitic drain. There should be no more that 60 mili amp current draw. You can install a battery cut-off switch, or battery low voltage shut-off electronic switch. Current draw on some computer-controlled vehicles will kill batteries in less than 60 days. 
 Dear Doctor: Some of my school students are claiming that when they sit in the front passenger seat of their parent's car once they put on their seat belt, the airbag light goes on. Is it the person's weight or is there a malfunction with the seat belts or airbags? -- Carl 
 Dear Carl: The vehicle's airbag system uses the weight of a person to energize (arm) the airbags in the seat occupied. Airbag technology has come a long way over the years, both in sensors for deployment and the force they deploy. 
 Dear Doctor: Have you test-driven the 2014 Chevy Silverado? Can you tell me what's new about it? -- Dave 
 Dear Dave: I drove the 2014 Silverado LT Crew Cab 5.3-liter V-8 with the 6-speed automatic 2WD. What's new are triple-sealing in the doors, combined with redesigned mirrors, making for a very quiet interior. The tailgate is now spring-loaded and the rear bumper has small steps on either side, along with built-in grab handles in the rear section of the bed. The electric power steering has quick response and great road feel. Base price of the LT is $35,855. 
 Dear Doctor: I'm interested in buying a used Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Some time ago you reported on the improvements made on the Unlimited over the years. What are they? I would also like to know your thoughts on the Jeep Liberty. I value your recommendations. --Ken 
 Dear Ken: I personally own a Wrangler automatic six-cylinder with conventional smooth summer tire tread pattern. The Wrangler Unlimited has a longer wheelbase and is much roomier than the standard Wrangler. It has a smoother ride because of the longer wheelbase. I service a lot of Wrangler and Liberty Jeeps. There were some problems with a small number engine head gaskets (most covered under warranty). With the Wrangler the top comes off, so it's a whole different feeling when driving. The Liberty will offer a quieter ride. These are two distinct vehicles. I would suggest which ever Jeep you buy to go with an automatic transmission.&nbsp;-- Junior Damato, Motor Matters 
 Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. Email questions to info@motormatters.biz. Mail questions to: Motor Matters, PO Box 3305, Wilmington, DE 19804

Dear Doctor: I own a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with only 36,000 miles. The "check engine" light comes on intermittently with the code P0441. I replaced the purge solenoid and that eliminated the code for a while. When it came back again I replaced the forward oxygen sensor. That solved the problem for a few months but now it has returned. Do you have other suggestions? -- Steve Dear Steve: The P0441 code is EVAP evaporative emission-related and is not the oxygen sensors. The EVAP system is the ventilation system of the fuel tank. The code indicates a small air leak in the system. It could be as simple as a poor gas cap seal (always use a factory non-locking cap). Leak detection pumps are also a common problem. Dear Doctor: I own a 1989 Pontiac Trans Am with just 13,500 miles. Lately, my battery has been going dead (even the new one I purchased). I believe it's because the two cooling fans have been starting and running for short periods of time at intervals when they are not supposed to activate. I think their only purpose is to accelerate the engine cooling after the engine is turned off. My dealer says the thermostat is fine and they are stumped. I've also heard the fans kick on for no apparent reason. Do you have any suggestions? -- Lawrence Dear Lawrence: You have a rare car with very low miles. You did not mention how long the car sits before the battery goes dead. For the cooling fans to be the problem they would have to run for an hour-plus. The technician will have to connect a digital volt amp meter in series and check the parasitic drain. There should be no more that 60 mili amp current draw. You can install a battery cut-off switch, or battery low voltage shut-off electronic switch. Current draw on some computer-controlled vehicles will kill batteries in less than 60 days. Dear Doctor: Some of my school students are claiming that when they sit in the front passenger seat of their parent's car once they put on their seat belt, the airbag light goes on. Is it the person's weight or is there a malfunction with the seat belts or airbags? -- Carl Dear Carl: The vehicle's airbag system uses the weight of a person to energize (arm) the airbags in the seat occupied. Airbag technology has come a long way over the years, both in sensors for deployment and the force they deploy. Dear Doctor: Have you test-driven the 2014 Chevy Silverado? Can you tell me what's new about it? -- Dave Dear Dave: I drove the 2014 Silverado LT Crew Cab 5.3-liter V-8 with the 6-speed automatic 2WD. What's new are triple-sealing in the doors, combined with redesigned mirrors, making for a very quiet interior. The tailgate is now spring-loaded and the rear bumper has small steps on either side, along with built-in grab handles in the rear section of the bed. The electric power steering has quick response and great road feel. Base price of the LT is $35,855. Dear Doctor: I'm interested in buying a used Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Some time ago you reported on the improvements made on the Unlimited over the years. What are they? I would also like to know your thoughts on the Jeep Liberty. I value your recommendations. --Ken Dear Ken: I personally own a Wrangler automatic six-cylinder with conventional smooth summer tire tread pattern. The Wrangler Unlimited has a longer wheelbase and is much roomier than the standard Wrangler. It has a smoother ride because of the longer wheelbase. I service a lot of Wrangler and Liberty Jeeps. There were some problems with a small number engine head gaskets (most covered under warranty). With the Wrangler the top comes off, so it's a whole different feeling when driving. The Liberty will offer a quieter ride. These are two distinct vehicles. I would suggest which ever Jeep you buy to go with an automatic transmission. -- Junior Damato, Motor Matters Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. Email questions to info@motormatters.biz. Mail questions to: Motor Matters, PO Box 3305, Wilmington, DE 19804

Classifieds

Cars

carsAUTODOC21

Auto Doctor: Recommendations on 2014 Silverado, used Jeep Wranglers

Newsday

2012 Jeep Wrangler -crop

Most Popular

Latest Videos

Latest videos

A new report finds more than 36% of Suffolk schools and nearly 34% of Nassau schools had tests above state lead standards.

Report finds many LI schools have lead in water fixtures

A renovated Belmont Park unveils new amenities on Friday, as it reopens after more than three years and $550 million in renovations, NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Something for everyone': New grandstand, new grounds

A Human Rights Commission finds Suffolk cops failed to use body cameras properly 179 times in 2025-26. Newsday reporter Michael O'Keeffe explains.

'They all agree body cameras are good'

The victim's identity has not yet been released. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Homicide probe launched in Nassau

Residents say deer have been spotted in backyards and local streets as a result of the uptick in population. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'There are just too many'

Sign up for the Daily Business newsletter

Business Newsletter Widget

Long Island has dealerships in Huntington, Glen Cove, Southampton and Freeport.

Jaguar Land Rover to cut 4,000 jobs globally

Business Article Bottom Module

They cook, build, care for seniors and run businesses. What happens when these workers disappear?

How deportations are disrupting 7 key LI industries that rely on immigrant workers

A new lawsuit claims that Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google illegally agreed to slow their AI development.

Lawsuit says Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google made illegal agreement on AI slowdown

Promotions, hires and new jobs for Long Islanders

People on the Move: See who's been promoted on LI

Wall Street will get a key update this week on the U.S. housing market, along with an unemployment update.

Wall Street week ahead: housing market, unemployment updates

America is the land of possibility and the land of cockamamie schemes.

One thing that hasn't changed in 250 years: Americans' willingness to get suckered

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time since 2023 in an effort to quell stubbornly high inflation, and the central bank signaled another rate hike could occur later this year.

America In Focus: Affordability concerns rise as Fed hikes key rate, mortgage rate reaches nearly 7%

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

From the Long Island Pizza Festival to Ompahfest, check out all the fun things to do and explore this weekend.

What's up on LI this weekend

Lawrence football earned its first victory in four years and is hoping to start a memorable winning streak. NewsdayTV's Gregg Sarra has more.

Lawrence football on the rebound to winning ways 

Sample knishes, loaded mashed potatoes, a beer garden and more at the Long Island Potato Festival at Farmingdale State College on Sept. 26-27.

A carb-lover's dream

As fixed-rate mortgages approach 7%, the highest level since 2007, Long Island homebuyers are also contending with low inventory and high prices. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Homebuyers face high mortgage rates and prices

Supporters of "through-running" would like to see LIRR trains adding stops beyond Long Island. NewsdayTV's Alfonso Castillo reports.

What is through-running and will it work at Penn Station?

Ken 'Batman' Buffa heads to 4th World Comics in Smithtown.

LI Works: The Dark Ken sells comic books

NewsdayTV's Andi Berlin visits No Good Burger Joint in Baldwin.

Newsday's Top 50 restaurants: A burger joint joins the list

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed checks out a beloved local staple where visitors near and far gather to grab tomatoes for their Sunday sauce.

Out East: Lenny Bruno Farms

New York State is mailing out energy rebate checks between $100 and $200 to taxpayers who qualitify. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'A check is always nice. A little more would be nicer.'

Long Island is the strongest seller's market in the country as limited inventory drives up home prices, according to a new study. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

LI bucking the national trend

Business Video Playlist

They cook, build, care for seniors and run businesses. What happens when these workers disappear? NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

'We can expect negative repercussions'

Affordability concerns on Long Island leave some residents wondering if it's worth staying. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday business reporter Brianne Ledda have more.

'Yes, I would leave'

ScieGen Pharmaceuticals wants to build a 60,000-square-foot factory and warehouse in Hauppauge to meet consumer demand. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Very important for us'

Housing advocates and local officials were set to break ground on Thursday on a building with 52 affordable apartments slated to replace blighted commercial buildings on Port Jefferson's Main Street. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Port Jefferson entering new phase of revitalization

Bonsai tree-making classes, trivia nights, mocktails and private events are among the ways local venues are trying to draw customers. Newsday business reporter Tory Parrish has more.

'We have a lot of different things going on'

Some East End businesses already house workers priced out of the area. Now East Hampton is weighing rules that could expand the model — and the debate over tying housing to a job. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'It's something I felt we had to do'

If the deal goes through, Giunta's Meat Farms will also acquire four Wild by Nature natural food stores. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Giunta's Meat Farms acquiring 24 King Kullen stores

Fake listings, bogus fees and stolen data target renters squeezed by Long Island's high housing costs. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'It's been a nightmare'

The price of childcare can be prohibitive for many Long Island parents. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports along with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa, Newsday business reporter Victor Ocasio and daycare owner Janna Rodriguez.

'Probably as much as rent or mortgage'

The overall inflation rate for the Long Island area is now 5.1%, up from 3.4% in May 2025. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

'Long Islanders are feeling the pain'

Recently passed state auto insurance reforms could help lower car insurance rates as much as 10% for New York drivers, according to some estimates. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'If it ain't now, it ain't happening. It's a dream.'

If approved, it would be the first new hospital on Long Island since 1980. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

'There are steps still to go'

Cars - megaslot

Read the latest news, reviews, recalls and more for the vehicle makes and models that Long Islanders drive.

Most Popular

Latest Videos

Stay logged in.