1996 land rover discovery SE7 gone wild

this morning my Land Rover self accelerated to the floor, the car would not stop with application of the brakes, had to take it out of gear to stop. At this point the engine ran to full charge spewing black smoke from the exhaust. Turned the engine off immediately. attempted to restart and nothing happened, pushed the car out of traffic and then it restarted and ran normal. When I put the gear in Drive, nothing happened, same in reverse, etc. the transmission is totally non responsive even as it appears that one thing has nothing to do with the other.





Just called the Land Rover parts and advice center in new England and they tell me that they are without a clue as to both events as they have never heard of a LR doing this.



any ideas as to what happened that made the car go crazy with acceleration, and what if any relation may this have with the transmission not engaging????



Response:

1) Stray radio interference. Someone experimenting with radio gear near by.





2) 1996 Land Rover Discovery Problems

2004 Ford Focus put key into ignition and it won't turn

2004 Ford Focus

QUESTION:

'04 Focus with 28,000 miles. Problem: put key into ignition and it won't turn, steering wheel NOT locked. called local Ford dealer, said recurring problem on Focus, needs new ignition. Too expensive for me, so Ford dealer mechanic said to 'hit' the key into the ignition. It worked but now have to carry rubber mallet in car to hit key to turn ignition to start car. What's going on? Is this a recall issue? Why should a 4 1/2 yr old car with LOW mileage have this problem? I am not happy with this Focus. There have been other problems that were partially resolved. I still get very poor gas mileage but that's another problem for another time. What about this ignition problem?

Answer:

Yes this was a common problem and they did redesign the new cylinder to prevent this from going bad again. And no Ford never did issue a recall on this problem. So yes unfortunately you will have to replace the lock cylinder to prevent carrying a hammer around. And the hammer trick will not last forever. So yes I see why you are upset about the car but no company ever issues recalls every time they have a common problem they all have them. I wish you luck Steve
PS there are programs that dealers are provided with the option of helping the customer out one time after the warranty has ran out. If you have a good relationship with the dealer and if you are NICE then they may help you. But they do not HAVE to.

How do I remove the rear brake drums on a 1999 Dodge Ram Van 1500 ?

After removing the wheel and tire, remove the clip from one of the studs. Bang on the drum and try to pull it forward. If it won't move, remove the rubber plug from behind, and adjust your shoes inward, with a brake adj. tool, and then try pulling the drum off.



http://www.freeautomechanic.com/brake-drum-brakes.html

1996 Chrysler Sebring the key is stuck in the ignition

Question:

I only had 1 key to my 1996 Chrysler sebring, so about a month ago I went to a local locksmith and they made me a copy of the original key. I am not for sure, but I am guessing that my original key has a chip in it because it is a factory or dealership key w/ black top. My sebring is equipped with the anti-theft system, of which when I purchased the car used, I did not receive the key-less remote to. Anyways, my question or problem is this: I have been using the copy key for the entire month with no problems until a week ago...the key is stuck in the ignition on acc. and will NOT turn all the way to lock so I can get it out! It is STUCK and WILL NOT COME OUT!!!! What could be causing this and how do I get it out? Is it because it isn't the chip key and if so how could I use it before now without any issues? HELP!!!!



ANSWER:

Any Chrysler's keys with a black top do not have a chip, they are usual blank keys.
Keys with a chip ( transponder) have a gray top, like this one:




Your anti-theft system contains the switches that are located inside the front doors and when you turn your door lock cylinder ( driver or passenger) a switch send an ON or OFF signal to the Body controller.
Your problem with the stuck key is only mechanical failure of the ignition lock cylinder.
There is nothing related to a "chip" technology.
You should replace the ignition lock cylinder.

Advice on Questions to Ask When Buying A Car

2009 Smart fortwo

When Purchasing a New Vehicle there are a few things you may wish to do before walking into the car dealer. Know the questions to ask when buying a car. Be sure you are prepared with all the information you can get. Spend time deciding what it is you want and stick to it. There are a few tips listed below to help you prepare for your next vehicle purchase.

The best advice I can give you is to take your time when looking for a car, and don't make any rash, emotional car buying decisions.
Every car salesman you come into contact with will have only one thing on his or her mind; to get you to buy a car "today!" These people work under the assumption that you will never come back, so they have to close the deal while you're in there the first time.
Don't give into the pressure. Take your time and sleep on it . . . for several nights! You'll be amazed at how different your perspective will be on a car deal after a couple of days.
Don't let the car salesperson talk you into giving them any .... read more

1997 Chevy Express 1500 350 ci TBI won't start

Our van won't start, just cranks. After changing the air filter I attempted to start it and had just a click. I charged the battery, still just a click. I thought maybe a pulley had frozen up so I sprayed with lubricant. I had a friend beat on the starter and solenoid and it turned over but would not start. Any suggestions would be appreciated.



Response:

If it cranks, check your fuel line to make sure gas is getting to the injectors, it sounds as possible fuel starvation.



Check your battery cables at the battery for corrosion. In fact just remove them and clean them real good. Remove negative cable first and when putting them back on, put the positive cable back on battery first!





If this doesn't help, check the cable at the starter to see if the connection is loose.



If that doesn't help, have the battery checked by load testing it, not with a hydrometer.



For it to run you need fuel, compression, and spark. If you have all 3 it should run. However, in cold weather if you dont know the age of your spark plugs, they will fail causing your engine to flood very easily. Even Fuel Injection systems as they spray a small amount of fuel before you crank. Another thing you can try on Cold Hard starts is to turn the key 3 or 4 time before cranking. You should hear the Fuel Pump running for a few seconds, turn the key off and repeat like I said 3 or 4 times. This acts like the old fashioned Choke.

If your not getting Spark, check you Engine Control Module they run $20 and up. Oh, it's under the distributor cap and also controls your Fuel Pump

Blower Motor is rubbing and vibrating the whole dash board

Question:

I have a 2003 Chevy Impala and the blower motor is rubbing on something and it vibrates the whole dashboard bad can i fix this and how?

Answer:

You can fix it by replacing it with a new one, but make sure the one that is already in there has all the retaining screws (no empty holes). I have added the replacement procedures below.

Heater System Blower Motor
Removal & Installation

To Remove:
1) Remove the insulator from under the right side of the dash.
2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the blower motor.
3) Remove the blower motor retaining screws.
4) Remove the blower motor.

To Install:
1) Install the blower motor.
2) Install the blower motor mounting screws.
3) Connect the electrical connector to the blower motor.
4) Install the under dash insulator.

theft system has locked my car down can't start it. took battery

theft system has locked my car down can't start it. took battery cables of for a few minutes, but did not help. 97 Cadillac Deville. let sit four hours, took positive cable off battery for a while, now my battery is dead used another car and booster cables for battery no luck

Answer:

There is a problem with the "passkey ll " system. The best way to diagnose that would be the "interrogator" tool. Most lock smiths will have that. There are 13 different resistance values in the diodes, (in the key) and most times it is a problem with the ignition switch sending the correct information to the decoder module.

The best thing to do would be to get a lock smith to come and check it. They will normally charge about $65, which is less than the dealer, minus the tow charge. They will pinpoint what part is needed.

1996 Saturn-Starting Problem

I have a 1996 Saturn SL1 and suddenly it won't start. It is low on gas so, my first thought was that with the severe cold yesterday had caused gasline freeze. The odd thing though, is that it isn't turning over. I put some gas line antifreeze in it and let it sit. It hasn't started yet but, I haven't tried it yet today. It has a new battery etc. Everything works. he radio, the blower, the lights all have plenty of power so, any ideas as to why it isn't attempting to turn over?





Thank you for any suggestions you may have!

 

Response:

http://www.freeautomechanic.com/nostart.html it seems to be an electrical problem. Before you do anything else make sure the blinkers work at normal pace, sometimes lights and all other electrical equipment work with a low battery, not the blinkers. Also, if the battery is not delivering sufficient power to crank the engine you should hear a ‘clicking’ noise, which is a sure sign of insufficient crank power and the battery needs to be charged and the posts cleaned and make sure they are tight.



Often, when the battery is new and fully charged the battery posts are no tight enough, or have enough corrosion –which is not always visible- to prevent from sending sufficient power to the starter. If this is the case, simply cleaning and retightening of the posts is enough to solve the problem.



If you have plenty of power and none of the above symptoms are present, the most likely alternative is a possible loose connection in the starter system.

1997 Lincoln Town Car rear suspension

just got an almost mint condition 97 Town Car, the rear suspension is almost sitting on the ground and there is a warning light that says "check compressor". There is nothing in the owners manual that talks about this light, if it is the compressor, the shocks or the on/off switch. i have played with the switch with no response and various friends tell me it is just a matter of changing the shocks, the mechanic nearby rapidly said $600. would love some guidance to avoid wasting time and money before I go pick up the car which is two hours away from home





Response:



These came out as an after market accessory about 40 or more years ago. I installed two on friends cars. If you have a volt-ohm meter, you should be able to ring out everything in that circuit. Starting with the fuse, the switch, and the compressor. The ones I installed had 1/8 or 1/4 inch plastic lines from the pump to the rear axle where they teed off towards eack shock. There was also a switch to deflate the system, if memory serves.



Contact the dealer for the locations of these items. I've done a ton of plumbing during the last 40 years, and do not like plastic lines on anything. Could be just an open line.

 

9 out of 10 times it's the switch that connects to the rear axle. In particular it's the pivot connection (like a hinge). However, running this system without air WILL cause the air shocks to become defective. I have had a couple compressors burn out also due to the leveling switch on the rear axle. On Lincolns the pressure relief valve is on the compressor. It also controls the light on your dashboard. There is also a switch on the older compressors to turn them off. You can substitute the compressor with Cadillac Air Ride they are almost identical and found at most salvage yards.

 

The reason that you should turn it off before jacking is so that you do not over pressurize the air chamber when lifted so that the rear of the car is jacked up once you let it off the jacks. Some of these have air shocks while others have air bags inside of the coil springs. Those with the bags are made by Air Inds of Lansing on Terminal Rd. They have the air supplied to them via a 1/8 inch plastic air line and if you must repair that line you cannot use a standard union. It must be for plastic or vinyl line as big trucks use. Use of anything other and your asking for more headaches. Like Ben, I've been there and done that too.

I have a 1996 GMC truck that has a p0154 code

Question:

I have a 1996 GMC 350 truck that has a p0154 code replace the o2 sensor.It was bank 2 sensor 1 replace. The code came up the same what could it be?

Answer:

The computer is not seeing any action from the drivers side front oxygen sensor. Either you changed the wrong sensor or the wire from the sensor to the computer is damaged somewhere.

Has anyone put snow tires on a minivan?

We're considering snow tires for my Honda Odyssey, but wondering if it's worth it. The minivan just seems to need more grip even though we have all-weather tires on there now. Depending on any bells and whistles we get it will cost from $650 to $1,100 with installation - yikes! We've been told it's best to get wheels *and* tires, since it makes changing them not as expensive each time it's done.



I understand you can get two, maybe three, years out of them, but I haven't had this verified. And when you're not using them is it okay to store them in the garage? Or will they deteriorate there with the heat of summer?



Please chime in if you have experience with snow tires (cost, durability, handling, tire brand, etc), especially if you have an Odyssey.



Response:

What part of the country do you live in? How much snow do you get in an average winter? Is your car front or rear wheel drive? I'm near Detroit and the last time I had snow tires was 1961, and will never use them again. Tires will age, and most mfrs will advise between 6-10 years. The are starting to put expiration date. on the now instead of the date they were made.





I haven't heard much about putting snow tires on the front of minivans but it would give you more traction in the snow and mud. But it may affect the handling and stopping of the van. Buying new rims for the tires is the way to go. That would save the cost of remounting them each year. Seems like a regular set of snow tires should work without having to special order some.

auto dealer said that they would fix anything wrong with it.

I just bought a 2002 Saturn L300 in July and the auto dealer said that they would fix anything wrong with it. My Problem is that when I am getting onto the highway it don't want to shift into 2nd gear. I cant check the trans fluid so I am not sure if it's low or that it may be in the trans it's self. I am supposed to take my car back Thursday and I would like someone else opinion and not just the repair shops opinion saying I drive my car like a race car. The place I bought it from in Lansing (RPM) said that they would fix what ever is wrong but when I took my car back to them they are giving me the runaround and I took the mechanic for a ride to show him what it was doing I took my car onto the highway when It gets to 2nd gear it just starts winding out till I let off the gas. The Mechanic says I drove it like a race car. I have had a few cars and worked on most of them and I have never had a car do this so I knew it was something wrong. It has a sealed trans and no dipstick and I don't have a hoist to lift it up. You have to lift it up on a hoist to check it.



Response 1) If this is an automatic transmission, it could be as simple as a VSS (vehicle speed sensor) or a failed shift solenoid. Neither are too expensive part wise so I wouldn't think the dealer would give you much guff over it. Besides, a deal is a deal and they said thy would fix it....... no worries.



Response 2) 1. Why can't you check the trans fluid?





2. Perhaps your Prndl is off



I drive an old Dodge Dakota and the prndl is off by one step. Drive is in neutral, 2 is drive etc. The little floss sized string has stretched over the years.

How to change rear brake pads on a 2001 Mazda Miata

Question:
How to change rear brake pads on a 2001 Mazda Miata. I can't get the caliper to fully retract so I can put on the new pads.

Answer:
Sometimes you need to remove the brake fluid reservoir cap. This will allow the fluid to move so the caliper piston can be compressed. This happens when fluid has been added at any point.

Brake Replacement Step by Step with Photos

Windshield fogging inside on a 1996 Dodge Caravan

My daughter has a 1996 Dodge Caravan. When it is cold out and she turns the heater or defroster on the windshield fogs up on the inside. I told her I think it's is caused by a leak in the heater core. Anyone else with any other ideas? Thanks





Response:

This depends on IF the van has an operational Air Conditioning System. This "Fog" is caused from Air Density changes. When you first start it up and turn on the Defroster(hence the name) it also turns on the A/C Compressor. Pop the hood and watch the compressor clutch. Especially these past few days. But this SHOULD evaporate within a couple minutes unlike Anti-Freeze.

I have a 89 ford escort that has been setting for 10 years.

Question:
I have a 89 ford escort that has been setting for 10 years. want to get it going again but am having brake problems. Replaced brake booster. both rear wheel cylinders and shoes, both front calipers, master cylinder and cleaned the lines and I still don't have good brakes. I have to stand hard on the brake pedal to stop but it will not stop as fast as it should. Could it be the brake pressure control valves locates on the bottom of the master cylinder or is it something else. It just doesn't stop like it should in case of need to.

Answer:
Below is are quick diagnostic steps for hard brake pedal. You have done most everything but we need to take it a step further. Either the new booster is bad(it happens) or you do not have sufficient vacuum at the booster most likely caused by an engine vacuum leak. Since the car has been setting for some time it is more than possible for there to be cracked hoses, etc that are creating a vacuum leak. A higher idle than normal is a classic description of a vacuum leak.

Brake pedal feel is firm, but brakes lack sufficient stopping power or fade
1) Check the operation of the brake booster and brake booster check valve. Replace worn or failed parts.
2) Check brake linings and brake surface areas for glazing and replace worn or damaged parts.
3) Check for seized hydraulic parts and linkages, and clean or replace as needed.

1996 Jeep Cherokee won't start

My Jeep has a new battery and starter. The fusible link and alternator are also good but the damn thing will not start. All fuses and relays are good too. When I turn the key I get nothing, no sounds what so ever. Anyone have an idea of what it could be? we can however start the car by "shorting out" the starter from underneath the car but that is the only way we can get it to start.

http://www.freeautomechanic.com/nostart.html

Response:



Ignition switch

Neutral / park switch if the unit has automatic trans.

OR

Clutch depressed switch if manual transmission.







simple test. Run a wire from the positive battery post to the alternator output *that red wire on the back of the alternator). Try starting the Jeep. If it starts you've blown a fuse link. If not you've got other problems. With the Key on in the Run position does ANYTHING work?? Radio, Gauges???

 

Just because an item has been Replaced does not ensure that it is NOT Defective. No Power to any electrical with the Key on is a Prime example of a Wiring problem. Usually a Fusible Link on the Starter. Fusible Links look like a wire and may look fine to the eye however, like a fuse be burnt under the protective coat. This is why I asked if you have power with the key on to your accesories. If NO power simply run a wire to the Alt from the Pos on the battery and leave the key and radio on. If the radio starts as soon as the battery is connected then you have a Blown Fuse Link. Skipping steps lead you astray.

If you have power to the accesories then is it an Automatic Trans or Stick? If it's a stick check tyhe clutch Depression Switch on the top of the Clutch Pedal. Hint it's that plastic thing that has 2 wires and moves with the Clutch Pedal. If it Automatic, wiggle the shifter in Neutral while holding the key on the start position. This checks the Neutral Safty Switch.

my 93 F250 is warmed up, it will stall on heavy acceleration

Question:
after my 93 F250 is warmed up, it will stall on heavy acceleration and heavy brake more often. Check Engine light is on. Already Tried: I have replaced the following: fuel pumps, fuel regulator, fuel filter, ignition module,distributor, stator, plugs, wires, cap and rotor

Answer:
The first thing to do would be to check for codes. This can be done without a scan tool. Here are the instructions.

Let me know what codes come up and we will move to the next step.

I want more power and was told to get a supercharger

Question:
Where can I get a super charger for my 2002 Nissan Maxima ? I want more power and was told by several of my friends and several mechanics that I should get a super charger. Where can I find more information on turbochargers for my Audi and where can I get one.

Answer:
I would have to agree with your friends and the mechanics that you have spoken to that a supercharger is the best way to go for more power. Since you are looking for a Nissan Supercharger I would recommend checking out superchargerpros.com for more information and purchasing your supercharger. They have a Toll Free number and staff standing by ready to assist you. And the pricing is comparable to others. I am considering installing a pontiac supercharger on my firebird.

1991 corsica throttle position sensor

I was told this sensor is bad. Would it make the car stall and not start? But start 10 min. later? Cad doesn't want to speed up very well at all. Any ideas?





Response:

Could be. Any Codes? It could also be any number of other things or a combonation of things including a plugged Cat Converter. Without Codes your guessing. Heres how to get the codes: http://www.freeautomechanic.com/diagnostictroblecodes5.html