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ASK THE NEIGHBOURHOOD MECHANIC
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Did you know that March 28th is Mechanic Appreciation Day. You didn't? Well don't feel bad I just made it up. On the 28th of March I want you to call your mechanic and tell them how much you "really love them". We in the trade can always use a little encouragement. Don't be a stranger with the folks under your car. Take the time to talk about your servicing and driving needs. On a more serious note, a coffee and a donut would go a long way too…..
My friends don't believe me when I say that shifting your transmission to neutral at lights reduces the strain on your engine and transmission and helps the car last. My friends think it's "BS". Can you give me your opinion on who is right. (I have an '89 Olds Cutlass Ciera with 573,000kms with original engine and transmission, my friend has a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am with 50,000kms and he already had his transmission replaced).
David
I had to do some thinking and research on this one...Shifting the transmission to neutral definitely has some advantages. When the unit is not under load the heat generated by the driveline is greatly reduced...reduced heat is a major factor in extending the life of the transmission. Secondly the engine will throttle down when running in neutral. This actually will save some fuel. The down side? Increased wear on components and more importantly the fact that you are in neutral could cause problems if you had to get out of the way in a hurry.
I have been having problems with the transmission sensor on my Honda Civic LX for about a year now. When it (the speedo) first stopped working I had it replaced with a use one, as cost was a consideration. About 8 months later I had the same problem. Took it to my local mechanic this time as I had no available time to go out of town again. This time I was told it was an electrical problem and got charged 5 hrs labour for the trouble. Guess what? It's gone again! Not sure what I should do now?
Helen
Technically you are referring to the speed sensor. We have experienced problems with this component in Accords but; not the Civic line. However; have your mechanic check the wiring harness that is located behind the engine under the intake manifold. This harness has a tendency to chafe and abrade the wiring. This will affect the speed readings...
Dave Redinger a mechanic with over 40 yrs of experience operates his shop "DOCTOR H HONDA SPECIALISTS in Toronto for the last 25 yrs. You can hear Dave on the Neighborhood Mechanic Saturday mornings on AM740
Email: davidredinger@rogers.com or am740.ca ( we respond to all emails)
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