ASK THE AUTO DOCTOR: Mechanic should have replaced the Toyota s...

Dear Doctor: I own a 2003 Toyota Camry and recently had the 60,000-mile service done.

[A GM Employee]

From your article "I recently tried an aftermarket fresh air filter system, free flowing exhaust and reprogrammed the computer in my 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT."

DO NOT reprogram GM vehicles using non-GM calibrations because it will void your new vehicle warranty. GM is seeing "hard part" failures in engines using non-GM calibrations.

[liner]

A GM Employee wrote:

From your article "I recently tried an aftermarket fresh air filter system, free flowing exhaust and reprogrammed the computer in my 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT."
DO NOT reprogram GM vehicles using non-GM calibrations because it will void your new vehicle warranty. GM is seeing "hard part" failures in engines using non-GM calibrations.

Don't worry GM employee. Vehicle electronics are maturing to the point that lots of people know as much, if not more, about them as you guys do.

[A GM Employee]

Liner, I am not worried for myself, I am worried for those GM customers that will find themselves with a major drivetrain problem that the customer will have to pay for on their own.

I would also be concerned with some of the states, who will probably start to get involved if the changes increase emissions.

[Todd Kent]

Dear Doctor, I have a 1988 Chevy Silverado F150 4x4 truck. I cannot get it started. The battery is new, all of the connections to the battery and starter are good. I have replaced all of fuses. It won't even turnover or even jump start. There are no dashboard lights at all. What could it be?

[liner]

Todd Kent wrote:

Dear Doctor, I have a 1988 Chevy Silverado F150 4x4 truck. I cannot get it started. The battery is new, all of the connections to the battery and starter are good. I have replaced all of fuses. It won't even turnover or even jump start. There are no dashboard lights at all. What could it be?

Bad ignition switch or neutral-safety switch (if automatic). While someone holds the key to start, voltmeter the ignition terminal on the starter solenoid, juice=yes, bad starter/solenoid. Juice=no, see first sentence.

[jerry k]

I have a 2006 GMC Envoy that when you fill up with gas the low fuel light comes on and stays on until some of the fuel is spent. What is causing this

[Mortimer]

Doctor, I have a 2004 Volvo V70. The vehicle would not start today making one clicking sound and the SRS light only came on. No accident. Dealer indicated problem was the ignition switch indicating he would replace same, but that the new key for the new ignition would not open the other doors for the vehicle and suggested I carry both sets of keys. I indicated that I did not believe this was an appropriate fix. Car was a certified used vehicle and is still under warranty. Is the dealers proposal within "reason" or shouldn't the new key be programed to operate the ignition and the vehicle doors?

[liner]

Mortimer wrote:

Doctor, I have a 2004 Volvo V70. The vehicle would not start today making one clicking sound and the SRS light only came on. No accident. Dealer indicated problem was the ignition switch indicating he would replace same, but that the new key for the new ignition would not open the other doors for the vehicle and suggested I carry both sets of keys. I indicated that I did not believe this was an appropriate fix. Car was a certified used vehicle and is still under warranty. Is the dealers proposal within "reason" or shouldn't the new key be programed to operate the ignition and the vehicle doors?

I believe you have to email this column to get a reply. This board is only for comments.
At any rate, my opinion is, does your car have an electronic key? If yes, he should be able to program the new key. If it's the old type key, with teeth etc, he might not be able to, unless the switch is separate from the key cylinder. Call another dealer and ask. Or maybe a good locksmith.

[Vance1]

foriegn cars lead to this

http://wwwamericanpatriot-vance.blogspot.com/...

[liner]

Vance1 wrote:

foriegn cars lead to this
http://wwwamericanpatriot-vance.blogspot.com/...

get lost, go back to the toyota board, leave this to the adults. maroon

[Vance1]

liner wrote:

<quoted text>
get lost, go back to the toyota board, leave this to the adults. maroon

I do so why are you here?

[upperbay]

Doctor,
My sister recently bought a used 2002 volvo S80 turbo, and today she calls saying it started jerking and feeling as if it was having some sort of fuel delivery problem or misfireing. I didnt have time to have her pull over before she pulled into my driveway. As she was turning I heard a squeeking sound as if the brakes were bad but smeeled her clutch burning. The smell was very noticeable and her trans fluid is bubbly and rather black. It is a automatic transmission. Could this be a parking brake failure or is it a clutch or torque converter? Do volvo automatic transmissions use a clutch? Thank You in advance, this is so amazingly usefull

[liner]

upperbay wrote:

Doctor,
My sister recently bought a used 2002 volvo S80 turbo, and today she calls saying it started jerking and feeling as if it was having some sort of fuel delivery problem or misfireing. I didnt have time to have her pull over before she pulled into my driveway. As she was turning I heard a squeeking sound as if the brakes were bad but smeeled her clutch burning. The smell was very noticeable and her trans fluid is bubbly and rather black. It is a automatic transmission. Could this be a parking brake failure or is it a clutch or torque converter? Do volvo automatic transmissions use a clutch? Thank You in advance, this is so amazingly usefull

Damato doesn't answer this board, you have to write/email him. At any rate, if the auto trans fluid is black, chances are you got a major transmission problem. Get it to a shop.(FWIW, I've had good luck with Lee Myles on Vets in Bohemia, but as they say, your mileage may vary).