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Question:

I’ve jumped started my Toyota Avalon 3 times in the last week. After I jump start the car, every works except the rear window defogger. Just prior to that, I had the car detailed that included an engine cleaning. I suspect that this is the cause but I’m not sure. Is there a way I can comfirm and can I fix it. 

Answer:

You need to check the battery just to make sure-then install a amp meter in line (disconnect the battery cable and run all the power thru the meter)A draw of more then 30ma (.030 amps) is the limit-any more,start pulling fuse and relays to see which circuit has the problem,then see what is on that branch and start disconnecting them 1 at a time until you find the problem-its time consuming and may not seem easy but its the only way to find out what is draining your power.

Question:

I purchased a brand new Honda 2009 Accord 3 months ago and I have already had 3 episodes of battery failure trying to start the car in the morning.I checked to see if any electrical component had been left on previously and could not find any.Having jumped start via friends car everything functioned perfectly until the next battery failure .I have checked the battery terminals among other things and cannot identify any fault. What should I be considering now before I take the car to the Honda garage ? 

Answer:

The condition of the battery. Remove the caps & see if there is liquid in the cells, if not add some distilled water, hook the battery up to a charger & once fully charged load test it. I’m fairly certain that you can avoid the shop & that you just need a new battery. 

Question:

05 f150 5.4,IDLES ROUGH,LOW IDLE OR DIES ,SCANNER SHOWS ALL LEAN CODES,THINKING MAYE SOME TYPE OF VACUM LEAK

Answer:

The problem could be a vacuum leak but it could also be many other things like, MAF sensor, fuel pump, plugged exhaust, o2 sensor. this problem would be best solve by someone with a lot of experience with this type of problem so they know what data to look at to narrow this problem down.
 

Question:

My wife’s 1999 Acura TL, w/140,000 miles has started cutting off intermittently. It appears that it may be an electrical problem as the radio and other electrical items stop when the engine does. Thus far, she can stop the car, put it in park, and restart the engine. thus far all occurrences have been in town traffic. The Acura dealer has been no help, as the problem happens at no predictable time.  Already Tried:
The dealer replaced fuel relay, they thought it was a fuel problem. That did not help. The catalytic converter has also been replaced.

Answer:

There is a recall on the ignition switch for this problem. Refer to Acura TSB #02-014. There have been cases where the dealer says the recall was performed and the ignition switch failed again or was never replaced.

QUESTION:

2001 Isuzu rodeo sport v6, How the back drums/brakes come off . back tire is off. stuck screwdriver in back side in a slit. unscrewed 4 bolts inside/backside of drum housing. still will not come off.

ANSWER:

I have added the book procedure below. I will add that in most cases the use of a Sledge Hammer to knock the drums loose is required. And I do not mean tap on it, I mean use it. Use all safety precautions.

Brake Drums

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Amigo and Rodeo

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle. Release the parking brake.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Use chalk to mark the brake drum to one of the wheel studs as an index mark for reinstallation.
4. Remove the retaining screw that holds the brake drum to the axle flange.
5. Pull the brake drum from the axle flange.To install:
6. Align the index mark and install the brake drum to the axle flange.
7. Install the retaining screw to secure the brake drum to the axle flange.
8. Install the rear wheels. 

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QUESTION:

I replaced a front tranny seal and put it all back together and it still leaks. could I have put in a defective seal or could there be another problem that could cause tranny fluid to leak

ANSWER:

More than likely the seal is fine, you need to install a “speedy sleeve” over the worn shaft of the converter. This is if there is no play in the transmission front shaft bearings. If you can move the front shaft up and down then your shaft bearings will need to be replaced.

QUESTION:

1998 Ford Ranger 2.5 four cylinder. compression on #1-3 160lbs. #4 0lbs. Removed Head head gasket OK. Had head magnufluxed & pressure tested OK had a valve job done at machine shop. head back on truck #1-3 160lbs comp. #4 0-lbs I’m lost on what to do. Already Tried:
ran compression check cyl1-3 have160 psi compression cyl-4 has o psi.Removed head gasket ok had valve job done and pressured tested. Put head back on. ran comp test same results as before. Piston showed no damage cylinder walls showed no damage ether.

ANSWER:

You have taken the right steps so far. About the only thing left, after ruling out the head and gasket, that would cause this would be a cracked piston ring or piston(where you can’t see it). This will require removing the piston and rod assembly for inspection.