Leon Kaplan hosts a show on 790 AM KABC Talk Radio in Los Angeles. Write to: The Motorized World of Leon Kaplan, Motor Trend, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515.
QI own an '86 BMW 535i with 106,000 miles. Ever since I installed a CD player, the clock dims when I use it, and sometimes the CD shuts off when I apply the brakes. Also, a few fuses have blown. The car worked fine before the CD was installed.Jerry E. AndersonWinston-Salem, N.C.
AIt sounds as if the installer tapped into the wrong power source, with the main wire going to the CD player. If this is the case, the circuit is overloaded. You may want to contact a stereo specialist for a second opinion on the proper installation wiring points.
QI have a '94 Chevy S-10 Blazer with air-conditioning and air-vent problems. Every few minutes, the airflow changes from blowing out the front vent to blowing out the windshield vent and vice versa. No one has been able to help me.Andrew BaldwinColorado Springs, Colo.
AThe ventilation system is activated through a vacuum process via motors that open and close specific air passages. Have your technician look for a vacuum leak. The problem area likely is between the engine vacuum-hose connection and the motor in the dash. This should be an easy problem to solve.
QI purchased a '94 Olds Achieva S with the Quad 4 engine and four-speed automatic transmission. When driving between 30 and 40 mph, I hear a whine/howl. I hear it at constant speed and when slightly increasing or decreasing speed. Even though the local dealer has been very cooperative, the problem still exists.Norman E. McCormickBlissfield, Mich.
AYour vehicle probably has a differential problem in which the ring-and-pinion gears aren't adjusted properly (they should've been set at the factory). No additive will help here; your dealer may have to adjust the ring and pinion inside the differential. This should be done under warranty.
QI have a problem with the power steering on my '94 Mitsubishi Montero, which has reached 5000 miles. Since new, in cool weather (below 50 degrees Fahrenheit) the steering is usually stiff until the car fully warms up. The colder the weather, the greater the force necessary to turn the wheel. I've changed the power-steering fluid and have spoken to the dealer a few times. Everyone says it's normal.Scott V. BullockRochester, N.Y.
ACheck the power-steering pump. If the pressure regulator valve (inside the pump) is sticking and not operating normally when cold, you'll notice hard steering. Also, your vehicle may have a defective power-steering gearbox. Have your dealer flush the power-steering system to remove any lingering contaminants that a regular fluid change doesn't remove. The pump pressure also should be checked.
QI have a '90 Toyota Celica GTS with the 2.2-liter engine and 69,000 miles. The car leans and sways when taking corners. When it was new it was rock-solid. My dealership has checked the suspension, but hasn't found a problem.Chuck GamacheMartinez, Ga.AYour technician needs to take a closer look at the suspension components. First, have him check the anti-roll bar, including all mounting points and rubber bushings. Then, check the anti-roll bar link. There may be a problem with the front struts.
Leon's Motoring Tip of the MonthThe first day of summer normally alerts enthusiasts to take a little extra care with their cars' fuel systems. However, this year more questions are surfacing in light of the new reformulated gasolines.
...
>>next page