What's That Noise?

Starter Problem?

2009-12-11T10:08:00.003-07:00

Leslie in asked:
When I go to start our standard transmission, occasionally there will be no response whatsoever. No clicking, nothing. So, I make sure I have the clutch in all the way and try again. When it decides to do this, it takes a few tries before I get a response, and then it will start normally. It doesn't seem like the starter because there's no clicking sound. Is it the clutch? Or something else??

Leon (Transmission Exchange) replied:
Thank you for the great question. It always helps to have the year make and model of what we are working on. It is also helpful to know where you live (city and state). All of that can have a bearing on giving you the best answer. My guess right now is that you may have a corrosive connection between your battery and the battery cables. The cable needs to be removed from the battery and the surface on the inside of the cable needs to be down to bare metal and the battery post needs to be shiney clean. Cold weather effects that connection if it is corroded.

AC/Heater Fan in 2002 Jetta GLS Wagon

2009-12-11T10:05:00.002-07:00

Curtis in DC asked:
My question is this: the air conditioning/heater fan of my 2002 Jetta Wagon will only work when it's turned all the way to 4 (full blast). Is this something I can fix myself with the help of my local auto part shop?

Leon (Transmission Exchange replied:
There is a resistor that goes bad and then you only have high fan.
Resistor 1J0819022A
$90.00
That's the part number and approximate cost.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wagon L4-2.0L (AZG)
Vehicle Level Heating and Air Conditioning Blower Motor Resistor Locations
Notes
N24 - Fresh Air Blower Series Resistance With Fuse forward of glove box, beneath fresh air blower -V2-

Replacing / Rotating Tires

2009-12-10T17:27:00.002-07:00

Aimee Asked:
First Question: How often do tires need to changed? What is the standard for general drivers and cars? I drive a Honda. I never know if they guys at the shop are telling me the truth when it comes to my tires.

Leon (Transmission Exchange) replied:
When you say change your tires I assume that you are meaning to rotate them. You should change your motor oil every three thousand miles, so using that as your reminder every other oil change would be six thousand miles. If you rotated them at that interval (every 6,000 miles) it would get the maximum wear out of your tires. In Utah if your tires are worn down to the wear bars near the bottom of the grooves in your tire tread they fail the safety inspection and must be replaced. There are many different grades of tires, buy ones with a good mileage rating if you are going to keep the car. It will be cheaper in the long run.
(Leon) Transmission Exchange SLC

ABS Light is On

2009-12-10T13:22:00.001-07:00

Anonymous Asked:
Question: The "ABS" light just came on in our 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. I checked the brake fluid level, and it was full. The brakes don't seem soft, what do you think could be causing the light to be on?

Leon (Transmission Exchange) Replied:
Each wheel has a sensor that tell the computer what that wheel is doing. The sensor is connected with wire to the computer. In this kind of weather with the snow and the slush it can get to that wire and sensor. Sometimes the the snow can break a weak wire or if the insulation comes off the wire and the snow can short the signal to ground it will set the ABS light. The system is such that even if the ABS systems fails the brakes still will work, only you won't have the added protection that the ABS gives.

Should I do a Transmission Flush?

2009-12-10T10:31:00.003-07:00

Jesse Asked
The workers at Jiffy Lube suggested that my '95 Grand Caravan (193,000 miles) needs a transmission flush. I've heard both good and bad about these. What exactly is involved in a "flush" and would you recommend it?

Leon (Transmision Exchange) Replied
I would need to know more before you could give you the best answer. If all they do is disconnect a cooler line and hook up a machine and pump out the old fluid and pump in new fluid, then no. The problem with this is that it doesn't change the transmission filter which is probably partially plugged already. The new fluid, which is highly detergent, loosens up the old debris in the transmission and then it gets sucked into the filter and plugs it off and burns up the transmission. If that is the original transmission with 195,000 miles it just might hasten it's failure. Pulling the pan and cleaning it out and changeing the filter and the fluid is the safest proceedure. It is also wise to cut the filter apart and inspect the inside of it and the pan and magnet, this will be helpful in understanding the condition of your transmission.

We are Here

2009-12-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

This blog is designed to become a reference. Ask us your car questions, and we will respond as soon as is humanly possible. Over time, the questions and responses posted will create a searchable reference for people with a wide array of interests and needs. So leave a comment with a specific question, and we will create a post with your question and a detailed answer.