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ASK THE NEIGHBOURHOOD MECHANIC
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Recently in Phoenix at the Barrett-Jackson auction a vintage GMC Futureliner "Parade of Progress" tour bus sold for over 4 million dollars. You might think that's a lot of money for a tour bus, but there's more to the story than that. This bus was a specially designed and modified by famed designer Harley Earl. This unit was part of GM's "Motorama". Back in the 50's General Motors had a fleet of these buses, touring with latest offerings off the factory floor. "Motorama" would travel from city to city bringing the "Parade of Progress" to the great unwashed. The" Motorama" eventually developed into the extravaganza we now know as the Autoshow.
I have a 1994 Mercury Topaz. The car has 95000 miles on it and runs great except one thing. After
When you're going and put the car in park the idle revs up to 2,000 to 5,000 rpms and stays there. If you stomp on the gas peddle it just speeds it up faster and stays there. If you shut the car off and start it again it idles normal. What up?
Darrick
Something is jamming in the throttle linkage...it may be as simple as a throttle return spring that has let go or in the case of the Topaz a seizing kick down linkage off the transmission. Ether way this is a safety related items and should be dealt with immediately by a pro. Do not stop, do not pass go..get it looked after. This could be a disaster in the making.
During winter month, when the temperature dips below -5 degrees Celsius, I am unable to remove the ignition key if the car is run for a short distances ( for less than 10 minutes).However, if the car is run for more than 15 minutes or so, the key comes off easily. This problem has puzzled me and my mechanic for some time . He is unable to explain why the key comes off only after the engine warms up sufficiently. Could you please explain how this problem can be resolved?
Arul
Really an interesting problem...I had to do some research on this one. The key lock is connected by interlock to the transmission. The consensus is that the interlock is not adjusted properly or the shifter is sticking when cold. Have the vehicle tested by a competent mechanic. This is a safety item as the tranny may not actually be engaging the park position. This may compromise parking the vehicle if you don't use the emergency brake.
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 Neighbourhood Mechanic Saturday mornings on AM740
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Does your emergency brake work? When was the last time you actually applied the system to check it's function. On some vehicle's regular application of the E Brake actually adjust the regular braking system and keeps it functioning properly. Putting safety aside for a moment "does the emerg system work?" usually the second question the cop asks just before he calls the towing service. Vehicles with a non functioning emergency system are considered unfit for road use. Just a thought.
I have a 2002 Kia Sportage EX 4x4, just purchased. I still have the Kia warranty till July, 2007 or 100,000 km; I also have a 30-day dealer's warranty. My questions: 1) what would cause a high-pitched rattle both when the car is idling and moving 2) what would cause a strong gas odor in the car? The vehicle has 90,300 km on it. Thank you in advance.
Fredrica
When you are experiencing a rattle something is loose. You stated it happens when your idling so I would assume it's not in the driveline. Check the exhaust system. Muffler baffles and damaged catalytic converters rattle. Gas smells are an indication of a gas leak. Have the fuel system inspected, pay attention to the venting system. Bear in mind that the body of this car is square. Smells that originate in the rear will be sucked into the cabin as the vehicles passes through the air.
He's my question: about a thousand years ago, before fuel injection, computerized this, that and the other thing, even before the automatic transmission, the golden rule for the best rate of speed for the best fuel consumption was to drive at a steady fifty-five miles per hour. Is it still the same, or does it now depend on things like super chargers, air conditioning, or whatever?
Frank
Speed Costs! The faster you go the more it costs. I would suggest cruising just under 110 kms for max performance. (also there's less chance of getting pulled over). Rule Two... Cheaper to use A/C on the hwy with the windows closed then A/C off and the windows open. The extra drag caused by the lowered widows makes the vehicle less efficient and wastes fuel. Rule Three....Drive like there is an egg between your foot and the accelerator. Easy on and easy off. Keep a steady pace on the HWY. and avoid jack rabbit starts.
Follow these basic rules and not only will you save gas you will reduce wear on you car. However; your social life my suffer due to on set of acute boredom.
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 Neighbourhood Mechanic Saturday mornings on AM740
Email: davidredinger@rogers.com or am740.ca ( we respond to all emails)
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