Junior Damato -- Newsday.com

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Junior Damato

Ask the Auto Doc

ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Salvage yard is good resource for old parts when money is short

October 3, 2008

Dear Doctor: A careless driver backed up and cracked the left rear lens on my 2002 Buick LeSabre -- and fled the scene. I am retired and do not have the $500 for the repair. What are my choices? Howe

Recent columns

ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR; Car's air conditioning stops cooling in very hot weather

September 26, 2008

Dear Doctor: I own a 2006 Mercury Milan and have been having problems with the a/c that the dealer and the Ford Motor Company don't seem to be able to diagnose or fix. In hot humid weather when the sun is strong and I drive the car for about an hour at highway speeds the cold air stops blowing. One of the a/c lines under the hood (the fat one going from the front of the car back through the fire wall) freezes up with a quarter-inch of ice. What should I do?
ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Build up of rust on brakes is normal condition

September 19, 2008

Dear Doctor: I purchased a new 2008 Nissan Maxima. As I was slowing down I heard noises that were coming from the front brakes. I went back to the dealer and the service department manager said that the front brakes and rotors had rust build-up on them from the car sitting on the lot for four months. He said this is a normal condition. They replaced the brake pads and resurfaced the front brake rotors. Is this a normal practice? Sam
ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Power window motor failure not an uncommon problem

September 12, 2008

Dear Doctor: I live in the Sun Belt and own a 2000 Buick LeSabre with 78,000 miles. I have already replaced both rear window motors and now both the front window motors are very weak. These motors are very expensive and should not have failed. I spoke with GM and did not get any satisfaction. My previous 1988 Oldsmobile with over 100,000 miles has never had power window problems. I spoke with other Buick owners and they had experienced the same window failure. What are your thoughts? Leo
Auto Doctor: Age of car may dictate how well the parts continue to hold up

September 5, 2008

Dear Doctor: I really like my 1997 Cadillac Eldorado. It has just 78,000 miles. The quick lube shop talked me into a power steering flush. The next day the power steering failed. I had the power steering rack unit replaced and then the airbag light came on. The dealer said it was an open circuit and fixed it. The next problem was stability and service ride control. I had the suspension fixed. What caused all the problems to surface after the power steering fluid change? Could it be a coincidence?
ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Find source of jerk with a scan tool

August 29, 2008

Dear Doctor: I own a 2005 Saturn Ion with 28,500 miles. Under light acceleration I notice a slight jerk. I went back to the dealer and they could not find the jerk sensation. I have a 5-year/50,000-mile warranty. Do you have any suggestions? Bob
ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Stalling problem may not be the plugs, need scan test done

August 22, 2008

Dear Doctor: How do I remove the rear 3 spark plugs on my 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan with the V-6 motor? The car stalls as I am driving, but when taken out of gear seems to run fine. Could this be a TPS, clogged fuel filter or converter problem? I replaced the front 3 plugs and the van ran decent. Drove for a while and died again. Frederic
ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Car horn not blowing right, problem might be airbag

August 15, 2008

Dear Doctor: I own a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The problem is the horn works intermittently. The dealer said the cost to fix could run $550 or more. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Philip
ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Does a brand new car need fluid change at 1,000 miles?

August 1, 2008

Dear Doctor: I purchased a brand new Toyota Corolla. I have been receiving mixed opinions on whether I should do an oil change and a transmission fluid change at 1,000 miles. The owner's maintenance schedule shows an oil change at 5,000 miles and makes no reference to a transmission fluid flush. What do you suggest? Pat
ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR

July 25, 2008

It's a hot summer; motor is working hard to keep cool Dear Doctor: The air conditioning and heater motor failed on my 2005 Cadillac DeVille. I purchased a new motor from the dealer at a cost of $400. I live in the extreme southwest where the temperatures are very hot, but I feel the part should not have failed so soon. I wrote to Cadillac customer service and they declined to reimburse me for the cost of the part. Do you have any idea on how I can pursue this matter? Robin
ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Drivers must refuel with premium gas if the car requires it

July 18, 2008

Dear Doctor: I read an article that claimed unless you own a high-performance car using premium gas is a waste of money. My sister owns a Cadillac and the dealer says she must use premium gasoline. What do you think about using a lesser grade fuel? Dan
ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Interior light system has burned before its time

July 11, 2008

Dear Doctor: I own a 2003 Buick LeSabre with 47,000 miles. Many of the interior LED lights have burned out, such as on the steering wheel, climate controls and radio panel. I'm wondering what would cause the light failure since I don't do much night driving. I was under the impression the LED lights use very little power and last a long time. The dealer said they have to replace the panels as needed. The cost will be about $1,000. What caused the premature failure of the LED lights? Sam

Junior Damato

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