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Thread: Ask me anything...auto related

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    Veteran Member TJAndDani's Avatar
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    Default Ask me anything...auto related

    I hate seeing people screwed over by mechanics. So I offer my services since this is the only site I goto that is not auto related. I am not offering to work on vehicles. I am only dispensing free information. Use it how you will.

    Some of you may think mechanics are nice people. They arent. A mechanic will lie to you without problem. Remember he is in sales too. He doesnt make any money if its a quick fix. Just to let you know some of the things I have seen done to friends cars:

    -rtv stuck on the parking brake to make the "brake" light to stay on

    -rtv stuck in a fuel filter

    -an exhaust weld broken, that i welded

    -an "adjustment" on the brakes to make the dust shield rub so it sounds like you need new brakes

    I have about 10 years wrenching on cars in my time, yes i started when i was 13. I've rebuilt 4 cyl turbos, 4 cyl n/a's, stock v-8's, small block 383's, even a few rotary engines. Never rebuilt a diesel, but i've worked on a few.

    So the main point of the thread is, you have X problem. You tell me the situation, any noises, and what, if any, mechanics have told you about it.


    Ask away.

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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Ok I have a 2000 mitsu galant its over 80,000miles and needs a 'service'. I'm really hurting for cash at the moment- so what should I take it in to get done first?

    As of right now there isn't a problem with it...but I'd like to take preventive measures, seeing as it has been trouble free for this long.

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    Veteran Member TJAndDani's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Depending on what model you have, the v6 or the 4 cyl, i recommend getting it serviced immediately. The major thing that could happen is one of your balance belts, depending again on the engine you have one or two, will snap and rip your timing belt in half. Causing the pistons to slam into your valves. It could wreck one set of valves or all of them.

    So at minimum this is what you should replace, any other problems can be detected by driving:

    -balance belts
    -timing belt
    -tensioner

    Normally most people replace the water pump while they are in there. But you can get away with it, just watch your tempature gauge.

    Now, I have seen mitsubishi timing belts last for 120k. But that is also a risk.

    Prices for replacing it should run you about $300-$500.

  4. #4
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Not to be mean. But my mechanic and i have a great relationship! I run nitrious. We agreed to do this, he owns a huge shop in town, he was a friend first. Mechanic second.

    So not ALL will screw you. As women you have to walk in like you already know the answer, and be assertive, these guys calm right down!!! Simply get the laughing with one, tell him "now don't bullshit me here!" You will have most purring!!!!
    Pamela

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    God/dess PleasureVictim's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Oh my God TJandDani, I had a 1996 eclipse it was at 95,000 miles I was driving doing 85 on my way home and all of a sudden it just died, I was going so quickly I was able to coast onto the shoulder- when it went into the shop, the belts broke and destroyed the engine basically. It would have taken 2300 bucks to fix.

    Now I'm really scared, I'm not going to drive over 55 now until I get the belts changed. My stepdad is a mechanic, he looked at it about 20,000miles ago and said everything is fine I didn't have to worry. I was sitting around waiting for him to take care of it since he'd do it for free, but I think I'm going to have to take it in somewhere.
    I have a V6 btw, so I guess that will up the price even more.
    Also, how can I find out with tires are the best for my car?

    And thanks so much for the advice. :-)

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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    My dad is my mechanic man, so I hope he wouldn't try to mess me over! Besides, my car is still registered in his name (and HE paid for it), so I doubt he'd do anything to mess it up on purpose. *Sigh* My dad's the bestest!

  7. #7
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Oh, you're not kidding. I have a 2003 Hyundai I bought new; she's my baby and I love her. I spend more on this car than on anything else in my life, including rent. I take her in to get the oil changed every 3000 miles, and now that she just turned 30,000, they're pulling every trick in the book.

    Took her in a few months ago and the guy showed me black, sludgy transmission fluid and said I needed to have the transmission fluid drained and replaced. I really don't have the money, but I let him do it because it was about that time. Six weeks later I was back for another service, and that guy showed me some even blacker transmission fluid and told me it was time to change it. I said, "I don't know where you got that sludge, but it was NOT from my car!"

    I don't know shit about cars so I know they pull even more garbage that I do fall for. Pisses me off.

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    Veteran Member TJAndDani's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Ok I'll start at the questions:

    -I own a 96 eclipse. I need to know your trim level. If it doesnt say on the back trunk lid. Give me your vin MINUS the last 5 numbers. dont need the whole thing plus it protects your identity.

    your car only came with 3 engines, all 4 cyl, they are 420a, 4g63, and the 4g64(spyder only). if your timing jumped you wouldnt be able to drive, there would be no power and/or alot of noise.

    i need more info to make an accurate guess as to price.


    Yeh, they are throwing you for a loop. Open your hood, you will see the oil dip stick. You are checking your oil after you fill up with gas right? Next I am guessing you have an auto, if not this could be a problem. Let us assume you have an auto, there should be a yellow handle for oil and a red one for tranny fluid. pull the red one out and look at it, does it smell burnt? does it look like that fluid they showed you? if its not dark its good. if you can take a pic that would be awesome.
    Last edited by TJAndDani; 10-05-2005 at 06:06 PM.

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    Senior Member TorontoGuy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    I'd like to defend mechanics, as I know a couple of dozen. One excellent and 100% honest, most average and 99% honest, and one who should have been fired on his way to jail for fraud. If you're dealing with a dealership garage, you're more likely to get screwed by policy than the mechanic's diagnosis. If you're dealing with an independent, the techs are often there because they can't get hired at a dealership.

    Of course, I'm talking about Canada where I believe we have a much better education/licensing scheme going for vehicle techs than in the majority of the U.S.

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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    ewwwwwwwww
    If you're dealing with a dealership garage, you're more likely to get screwed by policy than the mechanic's diagnosis.
    good chit dude,thanks for saying it,right on point!
    And your right about american mechs,they all work from the same book-o-prices,the one that says a certified mech needs 1 hour to change a tire.

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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    ok,heres a question........

    In catalitic converters.

    I have heard they all have a compound,that ounce for ounce,is worth more then gold or platinum inside.

    true???

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    God/dess PleasureVictim's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    TJandDani- I was just relaying my experience with the eclipse's belt being broken after you had brought it up.

    That car already got a rebuilt engine....

    Now I'm driving the 2000 galant, and that is the one that needs the belts changed- sorry for not making that clear. I would hate to have that happen to me again this time around.
    The galant is a V6.

    I always go to the dealership, I feel that they are more competent in dealing with the type of car you drive since they work for the company. But the price for the work- yuck!

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    God/dess DancerWealth's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    There's a lot to be said about having a good mechanic. I only have one guy work on my cars and he's a 68 year old little Italian guy who used to work for Fiat years ago. The guy is an Einstein with cars...especially the Italian ones. Thanks for the positive input TJ (BTW, I drive an Exlipse too. I've had it 4 months and been in two accidents with it. Both not my fault...grrrr).

    On a side note, this happened to be my 1000th post on here and it happened to be about cars of all things...good grief.

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    Featured Member MinahSky's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    I NEVER take my car to a dealer. NEVER. They overcharge for things and take FOREVER. Go to your friends, ask who they use and go to that mechanic, make him your best friend. I have the best mechanic in Los Angeles, and she's a woman...
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Do unto others as you would have them do to you...it's less work to be nice than it is to be evil!

    "Miss ChiChi, if you was my girl you would never cry from anything...except maybe happiness."

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    Featured Member Lola Lee's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Maybe you can help me. I have an 05' Toyota 4Runner SR5. The maintainence light came on for my 5K mile service.

    I can't figure out how to get it to turn off and the manual doesn't explain. Do you have any clue???




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    Veteran Member TJAndDani's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Quote Originally Posted by Lola Lee
    Maybe you can help me. I have an 05' Toyota 4Runner SR5. The maintainence light came on for my 5K mile service.

    I can't figure out how to get it to turn off and the manual doesn't explain. Do you have any clue???

    Quick way? Unhook the positive side to your battery. It may come back on. Due to it being an 05 it may be required to hook up to toyota's equipment to turn it off. You will loose all personal settings in the car.

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    Veteran Member TJAndDani's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Any emergencies I can be reached today at [email protected]. I'll be back to check the thread/pm's in about 14 hours.

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    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Quote Originally Posted by Lola Lee
    Maybe you can help me. I have an 05' Toyota 4Runner SR5. The maintainence light came on for my 5K mile service.

    I can't figure out how to get it to turn off and the manual doesn't explain. Do you have any clue???
    I have an '04 Subaru Forester, and my check engine light came on all the sudden one day. I took it to the dealer and after they looked at it, they found that the gas cap was on properly...but not tightened all the way.

    It's rare that the check engine light will come on for a "milestone" service check...but make sure that you have tightened the gas cap all the way and then wait a few start-ups to see if that helps. If it doesn't...take it to the dealer...it's under warranty.

    TJ...my dealer said that I have to have all of these check-ups on my car every (literally) 5-10,000 miles. of course, each of these check-ups cost almost $700 a crack. Now, I'm at 30,000 miles now and it's time for a check-up...but is it really that important to have my car "re-checked" every single time?

    Here is the list of things they do for the 30,000 mile check-up:

    Inspect Drive belt(s) [Except camshaft]
    Inspect Camshaft drive belt
    Replace Engine oil
    Replace Engine oil filter
    Perform Replace engine coolant and inspect cooling
    system, hoses and connections

    Recommended Performance Replace fuel filter and inspect fuel
    system, hoses and connections
    Replace Air cleaner element
    Inspect Transmission/Differential (Front & Rear) lubricants (Gear
    oil)
    Inspect Automatic transmission fluid
    Replace Brake fluid
    Inspect Disc brake pads and discs, front and rear axle boots and
    axle shaft joint portions
    Inspect Brake linings and drums
    Inspect Steering and suspension
    Replace Spark plugs - 2200cc
    Replace Spark plugs - 2500cc SOHC
    Inspect Clutch and hill-holder system

    Then, there is another reccommended service to be performed at 33,750 miles. While I want to stay on top of things and find the problems before they happen...I do not like having to pay for things that I really do not need. What do you think?

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    Veteran Member TJAndDani's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Save the cash, continue to change the oil every 3-5k miles. Make sure you're using synthetic. please dont ask what kind thats a huge debate with any car person.

    When you goto change the oil, have them do one of their higher end changes where they check everything for you. Most spark plugs today can run for 100k miles, but that doesnt mean they should be left in there that long. Due to you have a subaru with a boxer engine makes it alot tougher for the average joe/jill to peek at some things. I would wait until you hit the 60k mark +/- 10k and have them change out the plugs, wires, timing belt.

    Give me until tonight I'll come up with a better list, kinda like a timeline on when to do all that so it doesnt all hit you at once for $700+. this way you can space it out and only pay $50-$200 a time.

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    Featured Member WiseGuy_TX's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Quote Originally Posted by Lola Lee
    I can't figure out how to get it to turn off and the manual doesn't explain. Do you have any clue???
    Might try this too....

    1. Set your odometer to the "odometer/mileage" with the trip button on the dashboard (not displaying trip settings but displaying odometer/mileage).
    2. Turn key to "off".
    3. Hold down the trip reset button while turning the key to "on" (or start the car.)
    4. Keep holding down the button till the light goes off. Before it goes off it illuminates for three seconds, flashes for two seconds, then illuminates for one second, then its off. (...or some zeroing/blinking/dashing displaying effect until the light finally goes out.)
    5. Let go of reset button and turn key to "off".
    6. The MAINT light is now reset and should come on about 5,000 miles later.

    ...Honda's and some other makes are the same.
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    I do research before taking any auto into the shop...that's my way of preventing any 'unnessesary' repairs and/or being taken advantage of. There have been countless mechanics that I had to tell them what to do; most of the time they'd look at me wierd and basically be in shock that this pretty young gal knew what she was talking about!

    --This works very well when looking at an used vehicle too--I have them show me the dang engine, ask for all maintenence records and do a online search for the autos past owners, past problems, ect...you will SHOCK the sh*t out of most salesmen(women) and they will be less likely to try to "pull one over on you" if you have done your research prior to purchace and/or repairs!
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Quote Originally Posted by justine08
    I do research before taking any auto into the shop... There have been countless mechanics that I had to tell them what to do; most of the time they'd look at me wierd and basically be in shock that this pretty young gal knew what she was talking about!
    That is hot! My favorite sports girl shocks people that way, too.

    Great idea, TJAndDani.

    When you own a car, your best info friends are
    * the owner's manual
    * a Haynes repair manual for that car
    * for technical service bulletins (TSB)
    * for online parts catalogs and prices

    Infotraxx shows you the technical service bulletin titles for free, along with recall notices. If you find a recall, you can go to any dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN), and they'll check to see a) if the recall applies to your vehicle and b) if the work has been done. If not, they generally have to do the work for free.

    You can read and download the complete set of technical service bulletins for your car for $20/yr as I recall and $10/yr for a second car.

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    Veteran Member TJAndDani's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Inspect Drive belt(s) [Except camshaft]

    -You should do this everytime you check your oil. You are checking it every other fill up right?

    Inspect Camshaft drive belt

    -60k miles is the standard for replacing one. I say it can go for a 10k +/- and still be safe. But never let it go too far without one.

    Replace Engine oil
    Replace Engine oil filter

    -Every 3-5k miles. Depending on your car and driving you may need to change more/less. My daily driver is a turbocharged monster, so I change the oil every 3k or less. Most new cars can go a long time without changing the oil. I say 5k, but check your owners manual.

    Perform Replace engine coolant and inspect cooling
    system, hoses and connections

    -Should be done before every winter and summer. But its not really clear cut, before it starts getting really cold like below 50 and before the weather turns above 70 average daily.


    Recommended Performance Replace fuel filter and inspect fuel
    system, hoses and connections

    -Not sure what recommended performance means but fuel system should be good. Buy a bottle of fuel system cleaner, the 1.88 bottle of the walmart brand will work. as for the filter it should be good as long as you havent let yourself run out of gas. I would say a good fuel filter will allow 5-10 years of running as long as you keep your fuel level above 1/4 of a tank.


    Replace Air cleaner element

    -This is an iffy situation, some people live in really dusty areas(i.e. directions include "turn off the paved road") and some of us live in moderate areas, and some of us live in the desert. You dont need a mechanic to look at your air filter, ladies most of you can go into autozone and simply ask them to look at it for you. More on this below. If you plan to own the car for a while, might as well drop the cash on a K&N, it will get you better gas mileage and a little bit more power. I know $50 seems like alot for an air filter, but it will help in resale value. it shows that you care for the vehicle, The filter is reusable. it has a million mile gurantee which is just retarded, but onto the math if you drive your vehicle for 115k before selling it, and changed the filter 23 times(every 5k) with and average cost of $10 a filter that would be $230. K&N doesnt seem so bad does it?

    Inspect Transmission/Differential (Front & Rear) lubricants (Gear
    oil)
    Inspect Automatic transmission fluid

    -Believe it or not with an auto you do have to check the fluid. If the fluid smells burnt thats BAD! check the level make sure its good. Have it changed about every 30k miles just to keep yourself good.


    Replace Brake fluid

    -Dont bother, wait until you need new brakes then have them replace the fluid.

    Inspect Disc brake pads and discs, front and rear axle boots and
    axle shaft joint portions
    Inspect Brake linings and drums
    Inspect Steering and suspension

    -Have them do it under the oil change at a 3rd party place

    Replace Spark plugs - 2200cc
    Replace Spark plugs - 2500cc SOHC

    -15k miles to 30k miles not bad wires should be good for almost ever

    Inspect Clutch and hill-holder system

    -If you dont burn your clutch, and you will know when you have burned it out. There isnt much you can do to prevent clutch failure, they can just watch it so you arent stuck on the side of the road.

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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Quote Originally Posted by TJAndDani
    You dont need a mechanic to look at your air filter, ladies most of you can go into autozone and simply ask them to look at it for you.
    I almost forgot for information. You can register (free) with your car year, make and vehicle identification number (VIN). Then you can

    * read the Chilton repair manual for your car online
    * look through their online catalog as if it was written just for your car.
    * have any new technical service bulletin titles e-mailed to you
    * have any new recall notices e-mailed to you

    The free online Chilton manual is a nice complement to the Haynes manual you'd want in your car. This website makes your local AutoZone an even better resource.
    Last edited by SportsWriter2; 10-07-2005 at 07:29 AM.

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    Featured Member rusdancer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ask me anything...auto related

    Quick question for you.How often do you have to do allignment and how often a tune up?I just put brand new 4 tires on my SUV,and wonder how long should I wait to do an allignment (they told me to come back very soon,but I would like to put it off,since the tires cost me $$$). Thank you!

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