MOTOR MATTERS - ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR
DIGITAL DASH CLUSTER FLICKERING NEEDS SPECIALTY REPAIR
Dear Doctor: My daughter owns a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. The problem is the digital dash display flickers on and off. She has to tap on the dashboard to get it to work for a while. Any ideas on the problem? Robert
Dear Robert: I see a lot of digital dash cluster problems on vehicles. We usually remove the clusters from the vehicles and send them out for repair to a specialty shop. In some cases, when it cannot be repaired we get a rebuilt unit from the dealer. But please note: used dash clusters will not work in a lot of vehicles due to programming issues.
Dear Doctor: My 1999 Chevy Cavalier overheats to 260 degrees sometimes when idling after it has warmed up. As soon as the car moves, the temperature returns to normal and stays normal at highway speeds. The cooling fan turns on at about 195 degrees. There is a slight change in the sound of the idling when the engine overheats. The system has been back-flushed. The thermostat and radiator have been replaced. There are no leaks of coolant or oil, and the fluids look fine. The antifreeze does not overflow and it stays at the same level. The car has plenty of power and is in great shape otherwise. The car has been driven for an hour at highway speeds with no problem, but later it may overheat after idling for several minutes. Could it be the EC-Module? Mike
Dear Mike: There are certain functions that need to be checked. First is the radiator flow rate. Just flushing a system does not mean the radiator can flow the coolant at idle. Next, check the water pump impeller. Is it worn? Then check the cylinder head and/or head gasket for failure. The cooling system needs to be checked with a gas analyzer or a special liquid for hydrocarbons in the cooling system. You need to check for air in the cooling system, too.
Dear Doctor: I recently purchased a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited. The car is exceptional, except for the harsh ride. I've always used a fuel additive in my previous vehicles, but the dealer and the owner's manual say not to put any additives to the gas. What are your thoughts? CK
Dear CK: The Sonata you purchased does have a tight suspension and that's the way it is designed. The tire size and profile are all engineered into the design of the car. There is nothing you can do about the ride. Fuel additives are not needed in this vehicle.
Dear Doctor: I have a 2003 GMC Envoy XL with about 123,000 miles in it. About six months ago, I changed the battery myself. Since then I've noticed the drive is sluggish. Was it because the computer system be should have been reset/adjusted when the battery was changed? Feliciano
Dear Feliciano: Sometimes when replacing the battery in certain vehicles the main computer will lose memory and it will take a few miles of driving for the computer to relearn the driving style. In some vehicles there are computer software updates available. At 100,000-plus miles, your SUV should have a spark plug replacement and a check of the upstream oxygen sensors. The oxygen sensors wear with time and mileage and slow down, causing a sluggish lack in power. I recommend having the SUV checked by a qualified technician.
Dear Doctor: I am thinking of buying my daughter a new Ford Fiesta and I have thoughts of the old Fiesta that was not a good car. I really want to believe the new Fiesta is a good car. What do you think? Jake
Dear Jake: I drove the new Ford Fiesta with the automatic transmission. The car was parked in front of my shop and it had many lookers for a test-drive. Everyone was impressed with the car. I enjoyed the fit and finish attention to detail. It does take a little time to figure out the audio system with all the voice control features. -- Junior Damato, Motor Matters
Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician.
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Copyright, Motor Matters, 2010