This weekly feature for Warranty Direct about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America’s Car Show on satellite radio. Below are some recent Q&A from the America’s Car Show email bag.

Dear Tom,

I recently saw a mechanic on cable TV replace the standard stop light bulbs in a 2004 Honda Accord EX with LED bulbs. I am trying to purchase the bulbs for my Accord, but no one carries them, not even the Honda dealerships I contacted. Do you know where I can purchase them?

Paul from Henderson, NC

Paul,
LED (Light Emitting Diodes) replacement bulbs are very sturdy, waterproof, longer lasting, and brighter than standard bulbs. For this reason our military retrofitted most military vehicles (tanks among them) with this great lighting alternative. It’s important to note that LEDs require a special replacement-bulb assembly. Check out your local speed/accessory shop. They will have an application book for the LED lighting assemblies you need. Good luck to you.
Tom

I own a ‘93 Jeep Wrangler. It died while I was driving it the other day. First the speedometer stopped working, then the radio, and finally the engine quit (it all took about 30 sec). My husband said it sounded like the alternator went bad and the battery died. Actually, the batter was dead so I got a new one and hooked it up. Then my husband replaced the alternator with a new one, and still the car stalls. What’s wrong with this picture?

Marianne from Brooklyn, NY

Marianne,
According to my ALLDATA database, this make/model of vehicle has many electrical problems with the starting/charging system. As a matter of fact, there were two recalls on this vehicle for faulty electrical connectors at the bulkhead connector. Get it to a dealership and have the recalls performed; this should fix your problem. Make sure you explain the problem to them clearly so that they will know what recall applies. The recall repair should not cost you any money. Best to you.
Tom

The front suspension on my ‘94 Chrysler Town & Country is very sensitive to potholes and pits in the road. The car bangs very hard. I heard that there is a pattern problem with the front stabilizer arm bushings on the Chrysler minivans from this period. Is this true?

Don from Kennebunkport, ME

Don,

Go ahead and check the stabilizer bar links. However, the sway bar insulator bushings are the main problem with these vans. When the insulator bushings crush from wear and degradation, the sway bar comes in contact with the undercarriage, banging on it when going over bumps. This is the sound you are hearing. Success to you.

Tom

Recently I changed the oil in my 2005 Corvette. I used Valvoline Fully Synthetic rather than Mobile One because it’s a little cheaper. Is there any difference in fully synthetic oils? I hope the one I used wasn’t a compromise.

Barry from Wash, DC

Barry,

There can be many blending differences in the chemical packages when comparing synthetic oils. Specifically, some blends offer more protection and lubrication. AMSOIL and Mobil One are number one and two respectively. Why chance damage to the very expensive powerplant in your ‘Vette to save a few dollars? You’re okay for now. But next time you change the oil, use the best products out there.
Tom

My son just bought a ‘97 Chevy 3/4-ton pickup to use as a work truck. It has a LOT of miles on it, but it has a new timing chain. The truck also has new spark plugs and wires, and a new rotor cap. However, when the engine levels out, it makes a popping sound (almost sounds like a carburetor backfiring). It has power to spare and runs well under a load, but the popping speeds up with acceleration. Any ideas?

Ray from Joliet, IL

Ray,
Try to isolate the cylinder that’s popping by removing one sparkplug wire at a time while the engine is running. Once you isolate the cylinder, remove that valve cover and inspect the valvetrain while the engine is running. Sounds like you have either a collapsed lifter or rounded cam lobe. I suspect there’s internal engine wear and the engine needs to be rebuilt. You will be able to determine if this is the case when you remove the valve cover and/or the oil pan to inspect the bearings for wear. Good luck.

I own a ‘98 Buick Century with 48,000 miles and it’s in very good condition. However, as the weather warms up, the car acts up. When I stop the car after a long drive on a warm day, I have difficulty restarting it. The car has to sit for about an hour before it will start. Every time I take it to the repair shop they can’t duplicate the problem. Can you make a suggestion?

Samuel from MT

Samuel,

This is obviously an intermittent problem, so you may have to leave the car at the shop for a few days so they can duplicate the condition. That’s the best advice I can give. Sounds like the problem is an ignition component that’s subject to hot soak. But don’t replace any parts until you confirm this suspicion. Good luck.
Tom

For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site:  www.americascarshow.com

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Filed under: Americas Car Show, Maintenance, Vehicle repairs, Warranty Direct

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