Storing a Car in Winter
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 own a ‘88 Mazda RX7 rotary car. I stabilized the gas and backed it into a dry cold garage for storage over the winter. Will this be okay, or should I start the car once in a while?
Mike from Buffalo
Mike,
I like to start a vehicle that’s sitting over the winter at least twice a month and drive it at least once a month, if possible. Why? To keep seals and mating surfaces lubricated. If left too long without running, seals dry up and mating surfaces (when started dry in an engine that’s lost its oil prime) suffer premature wear. In addition, engines, transmissions, and drivetrain components operate better when not deprived of the precious lube they’ve come to rely upon for proper operation. Start two times each month, warm to operating temperatures, and drive when possible. This regimen will ensure that your Mazda keeps going HUMMMMMMMMMMM!
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a 2001 Ford F150 FX4 Supercrew with a 5.4 engine (116,000 miles). My truck suddenly stalled out and would not start. It initially turned over but would not stay running. I tried jumping it and still the same problem. After trying for a while, when I turned the key, it wouldn’t do anything. I have the truck at a Ford dealer and they can’t find the problem after a 4-hour evaluation. Also, I’ve had the truck stall out when at a stop, but it would at least re-start (the rpm’s would always drop/idle at about 400 rpm’s when stopped). Is that normal? And could that be why it will not even start now? Any help would be appreciated.
Bob from Lancaster, NY
Bob,
I checked my ALLDATA database for anything pertaining to a no-start condition with this truck and found nothing. An engine needs three things to start: fuel, ignition, and air. Start with an ignition system check: coils, sparkplugs, and wires. If nothing is evident in the visual inspection, then do a computer scan in order to see if there are any codes in the memory. If the system is clean of codes, then the next step is a fuel system check. Hook a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail in the injection system. If fuel pressure is low then the fuel pump could be bad or you could have a plugged fuel filter. If the fuel system is found to be in good working order, then further engine diagnostics are in order to find out if it has proper compression and that the valve timing is in order. You should find the cause of your no-start condition in one of these areas. Good luck.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a haunted ‘97 Plymouth Voyager with starting problems. Upon initial startup the starter solenoid can be heard but no cranking of the engine. At times I will operate the ignition key through its cycle and it will crank. Other times I will run the shift selector through its range back to park or neutral and it will start. I can go days with no problems. I just had the neutral safety /back up light switch replaced and it seemed to correct the problem for 4 days then back to the same ol’ same ol’ routine. Can the recent cold weather spell we had in January be the culprit? It never seems to act up when I take it to my mechanic for an assessment.
Tom from Niagara Falls, NY
Tom,
No poltergeist here. You probably have a bad starter motor. When the armature shaft bushings wear out inside the starter, the armature is allowed to drag on the field windings. This condition eventually causes an electrical dead spot (or zone) to develop in the starter. Sometimes the armature lands on this dead zone after starting the engine, resulting in a no-start condition when you turn the key. Then like magic, after turning the key several times, the armature gets slightly bumped by the solenoid cycling and, like magic, the starter works. Have the starter removed and bench tested. Best to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
My friend in Taiwan drives an automatic and, when he stops for a light, he puts it into neutral and then back into drive when the light is again green. Is this action hurting anything in the car or saving any parts or future service? I told him I thought what he was doing was unnecessary, but could give him no reasons.
Bunny from Amherst, NY
Bunny,
You did not give me year, make, or model vehicle so my answer will be in general. No, shifting from drive to neutral will not do any internal damage to an automatic transmission. The only thing I can think of that could be affected would be premature shift cable or linkage failure from constant shifting. Otherwise your friend may shift away to his heart’s content!
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a ‘99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2WD. when I step on the gas pedal, the RPM revs up but the jeep hesitates, like it’s not shifting. What could cause this response?
Pooh from Randolph
Pooh,
Check the transmission fluid level. If it’s low, fill it to the fill line and drive it. If the problem is solved, then low fluid was the cause and you have to find the leak and fix it. If it still slips after filling the fluid, then there’s a problem inside the transmission. Perhaps the low fluid level caused internal damage to the bands or clutches. Also, check the fluid color; It should be red and clean. If it’s dark brown or black the unit has been overheated and might need rebuilding. Success to you.
Tom
‘‘Til next time…Keep Rollin’
For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, Edmunds.Com, At Home Portals and many other websites. Torbjornsen is the auto expert of record for Channel 4 WIVB TV, Western New York’s CBS affiliate. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights – 10PM – Mid EST. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com
Rate this article
(No Ratings Yet - Please Vote!)
Loading ...
Filed under: Americas Car Show, Auto News, Maintenance, Vehicle reliability, Warranty Direct
Thanks for the information! I personally really appreciate your article. This is a great website. I will make sure that I stop back again!.