Start-stall-restart roblems require scan recorder

Dear Mario: Yes, it could be the crankshaft sensor, along with a number of other possibilities. When we have start-stop issues that are hard to duplicate, we drive the car with test equipment connected or let the customer take the car with the test scan tool connected. I would even suggest having the dealer hook-up a fuel pressure gauge, too. Then when your vehicle stops, push on the scan recorder. It will record events before and after the stall, as well as when you are trying to restart the engine.

Dear Ennio: Water is leaking into the vehicle. We use a garden hose without the nozzle and let the water run over the affected area. If your vehicle has carpeting it should be removed for cleaning and the leak repaired before it is re-installed. I recommend you go to a body shop to help locate the leak and make the repair.

Dear Diveda: For your coolant leak, a coolant system pressure test should be performed. It's possible that the clamp is still not tight enough. As for tire wear, a check of the wheel alignment should be done before any tires are replaced. The correct air pressure is another factor. Having a plug repair in the tire should not cause any unusual tire wear. If your Rogue is all-wheel-drive, then your tire life will naturally be less than that of a front-drive only vehicle.

Dear John: Since the noise was not there prior to the rear shock or rear strut installation and a second set replacement was made, we do know the problem is suspension-related. An often-overlooked area is the rear sway bar bushings and links. Other sources of noise are rear brake calipers. To check for rear brake caliper noise drive over road bumps and lightly apply the brakes and see if the noise lessens. Upper strut mounts, even an exhaust pipe hitting the rear cross section, will also cause noises. Have a different technician road test and also have the car checked on a drive-on style lift.

Dear Larry: A fluid drain on the Odyssey, and other Honda vehicles, requires 3 to 4 quarts when the drain plug is removed. We handle a fluid change in one of two ways at the customer's request. We will either use a fluid flush machine with Honda fluid or we will change the fluid three times. Many Honda drivers make the same gearshift error, as your friend did. However, this will not cause a problem. Regarding that color change in the fluid, we find that the transmission is the weak link on Honda vehicles. -- Junior Damato, Motor Matters