Four new tires were installed last June; i.e., june of 2012. A month later mechanic noticed that the front control arms were rusted; they were replaced with new ones.
Today brought in for miscellaneous work. Mechanic observed that each front tire was badly worn and in need of replacement. The tires had about 12,000 miles on them; the rear ones were normal. Problem was toe-in misalignment of about .1 deg left side and .075 deg right.
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posted by Kevin S
on Apr 11, 2013 -
8 answers
A few weeks ago I asked
this question. Consider this a follow-up question.
I have a 1993 Honda del Sol 5-speed Si that has a "mystery" problem of sometimes starting and sometimes not starting. It's always a cold-start problem. I put the key in the ignition, switch it to ON until the check engine light goes on, the fuel pump pressurizes, and the main relay clicks, and then crank it. Sometimes it will fire up right away. Other times the engine will turn over but not ignite. Once it is started, it will start up fine for the rest of the day. It only gives me trouble when the engine has gone completely cold and has been left untouched for upwards of four hours.
A new issue has developed since I first posted my question. Even after getting the car started, sometimes just a few minutes later during a sharp acceleration (approaching 4000rpms or more) the engine stalls out. I have to pull the car over and start it up again. It always starts up fine after that and will usually not stall out again. I had this issue looked at by several mechanics, most of whom hadn't the slightest clue what it was or willingness to investigate. The last mechanic I took it to said it was a faulty ignition switch and replaced it . . . but that has done no good whatsoever. Also, just FYI, the spark plugs are relatively new.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
posted by fignewton
on Feb 28, 2013 -
10 answers
I am a Rhode Island resident. I'm in San Francisco, CA for several months, working. I've decided to buy a car from a friend here, and today I'm going over to give him the money (I've been driving it for a week or two, since he already bought a new car and we trust each other).
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posted by betsbillabong
on Feb 26, 2013 -
6 answers
It's time for me to get a new car. I'm leaning towards a smaller car. What should I get?
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posted by reenum
on Jan 21, 2013 -
55 answers
Tips and advice for first time selling a used car? I am trying to figure out if I should fix up some cosmetic damage before selling my 2005 Honda Civic EX, as well as looking for general advice on selling on the private market.
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posted by Peemster
on Nov 7, 2012 -
5 answers
I watch movies when I go to bed at night. When I wake up in the morning my iPad is exhausted. I would like to have a reminder happen (that if I don't respond to) shuts down my iPad and preserves its battery. Is there a commercial or free app that does this or can I create one easily in
this suggestion?
posted by unliteral
on Sep 18, 2012 -
14 answers
On Friday morning I was in what I consider to be a no-fault fender bender, but Illinois isn't a no-fault state. The other party has already contacted my insurance; I'm not sure what I should be doing to best protect myself. Details inside.
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posted by ictow
on Aug 6, 2012 -
8 answers
My car is doing something kind of alarming, intermittently. I'd love to get some guesses as to whether I need to see a transmission specialist or not before I take it somewhere.
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posted by restless_nomad
on Jul 24, 2012 -
12 answers
My 1994 Volvo 850 Turbo sedan failed inspection for a tie rod, a ball joint, and front tires. I took it in and am sitting around waiting on my estimate. Just curious. How much should I expect to pay for this? Labor is $70/hr.
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posted by even butter
on Jun 28, 2012 -
5 answers
Is it a bad idea to slightly accelerate on a steep uphill slope to keep a car with an automatic transmission stopped?
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posted by saeculorum
on Jun 16, 2012 -
24 answers
Is there a relatively painless way to jump start
another car using a 2000 Buick LeSabre?
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posted by kmz
on Jan 6, 2012 -
14 answers
Hey!
So i am about to buy my very first vehicle and am pretty excited about the whole deal. My budget is no more than 5k and I am looking to get me a used small pickup truck. It seems like my best options are either a T100, Tacoma, frontier or a b2500. Are those considered reliable used pick ups? What kind of year/mileage y'all think 5k could bring? I am thinking a 2000 with about 120000 miles. Does that seems reasonable?
The truck should be very reliable and could take some abuse, I don't really care about towing much because it will be used mainly for tools.
I know VERY little about cars and mechanics and wouldn't even know the first thing to look out for when looking at a potential truck... I've been told to insist on a clean title, see that the engine and transmission are in good order, and pass it by a reliable mechanic. Anything else?
Thank you for your time!
posted by Sentus
on Jan 3, 2012 -
17 answers
My car was rear ended last night and it's starting to look like the guy who hit me does not have a driver's license or insurance. So I'm not really sure what my next move is.
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posted by dhammond
on Nov 13, 2011 -
20 answers
I know very little about car tires. Having problems finding a Blizzak-type winter tire, and retailer of same, for lady friend's older car. Advice gratefully accepted!
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posted by Alaska Jack
on Nov 11, 2011 -
13 answers
I gave my '07 Honda Civic to a mechanic who said it needed a replacement of the steering rack and/or pump, which he did. Problem: aftermarket XM radio was working perfectly before it went in, antenna had intermittent short which prevented radio from getting signal at least 50% of the time when I got it back.
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posted by randomkeystrike
on Oct 28, 2011 -
4 answers
As I was pulling away from the parking spot along the street this morning, my car ran over this
gray light
metal thing. I'm guessing that this cantaloupe-sized object fell off from the bottom of my car, but what is it and is this
vital??
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posted by of strange foe
on Oct 18, 2011 -
10 answers
What are the mysterious, apparently non-sensical, religious-sounding words that are appearing as small white text on white background on Craigslist car+truck ads across several cities?
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posted by Extopalopaketle
on Oct 10, 2011 -
3 answers
Is it possible to make a claim against someone's auto insurance for lawn repair and removal of the debris their car left in my yard?
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posted by salsamander
on Oct 2, 2011 -
8 answers
Help a guy with bad credit or no credit or no good credit (not sure which I have) get a modest car loan.
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posted by DuoJet
on Sep 27, 2011 -
10 answers
Going to need auto insurance soon. Where can I find the best rates if I have 3-4 points on my driving record?
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posted by goalyeehah
on Sep 13, 2011 -
6 answers
What automatic used 4runner should I buy that will be best for both rugged roads and daily driving? Specific project plans inside...
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posted by jnnla
on Aug 30, 2011 -
14 answers
A lady hit my car when it was parked at a mall. I have her insurance details and she is willing to take responsibility.
My dilemma is this:
- Even though this is a minor accident (scrath on the side) its going to show up on carfax as a accident - Correct???
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posted by r2d2
on Aug 19, 2011 -
20 answers
I need to get rid of a car that is in pretty bad condition and has a gas leak. How can I get it off my property and out of my life?
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posted by devotion+doubt
on Jun 26, 2011 -
14 answers
Rainy day + Replaced timing belt (2005) that's loose + Car won't start.
Could it be the loose timing belt or just a wet distributor cap?
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posted by bitteroldman
on Apr 16, 2011 -
10 answers
Is there an easy way to transfer and rename files automagically from a micro SD card?
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posted by Brockles
on Mar 21, 2011 -
3 answers
Gmail question: Is there a way to set up a script to auto-respond to an email with included attachments? I asked a guy if I could send him my resumé and cover letter so he can circulate to relevant people at a staff meeting tomorrow, but he hasn't responded and I cannot be sure I will be awake to get his response before the meeting. It seems that it would be a faux pas to send them blindly after asking for his go-ahead. If this is possible, is there a way to do it only if a specific person emails you, or will it have to be an automatic response to anyone who emails me during this period?
posted by Alcibiades.
on Mar 13, 2011 -
4 answers
How should I clean my EGR port? The check engine code says "inadequate flow through the EGR valve."
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posted by noonknight
on Sep 9, 2010 -
3 answers
I'm stuck in Adair, Iowa (pop 800) with a probably unfixable car which was towing a trailer hauling all my possessions. OMG help.
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posted by zug
on Sep 1, 2010 -
38 answers
My air conditioning suddenly conked out on my 2002 Volkswagen Golf TDI (diesel). The mechanics at the dealership are having trouble finding the cause and I'm spending a lot of money on diagnostics, with no definitive end in sight. It's hot here in Toronto - help.
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posted by analog
on Aug 5, 2010 -
14 answers
If my 2001 Honda Accord's blower motor resistor goes out, should I expect the air conditioner not to come on at all, or is there something more seriously wrong with the car than just the resistor?
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posted by tybstar
on Aug 2, 2010 -
3 answers
I have a 1999 Toyota Avalon. I noticed the small plastic grille below my left headlight missing and there's a dangling plug inside. I can't figure out what used to be in there. The car still runs fine. Inside the passenger-side grille is a grey plastic box, probably connected to a similar plug.
posted by boognish
on Jun 27, 2010 -
4 answers