Dr. Gizmo Column

"Dr. Gizmo"

By Phil Arendt

Cold Weather Brings On Whistling Sound

Question 1
I have a 2002 Dodge Intrepid.  When the outside temperature gets below 20 degrees my car whistles off and on.  Sometimes it lasts a few seconds at other times longer.  Any ideas?
M., email

Answer 1

When the weather is cold unusual noises can develop.  This likely is an annoyance and not a sign of big trouble.  If the noise was a ticking sound from inside the engine or transmission there might be some concern that something is amiss.

The noise may be the result of air rushing over parts in the air induction system likely due to contraction of parts as a result of cold temperatures.  The noise also could be the result of fluids such as power steering fluid or transmission fluid pressurizing in either system.  Sometimes sounds can develop in the evaporative emissions system due to frozen moisture in the canister or vapor lines. 

Make sure fluid levels are proper.  Check for loose clamp connections in the air ducts between the air filter housing and engine.  Also, make sure the serpentine belt is in good condition and has proper tension.

Engine Fails To Start In New Car

Question 2
Recently, I purchased a 2013 Cadillac XTS from a local Cadillac dealer.  At 180 miles the car would not start 13 times in one day.  I called the dealer owner at my selling dealership four times but he never called me back.  All I want is another car with the same options.

I can’t sleep because of this problem.  I paid $45,000 and can’t get past this problem.  Can you help?  K.B., Woodstock, IL

Answer 2

Obviously there is a problem starting the car.  At this juncture you must follow protocol.  Since your dealer has not responded, contact the manufacture and explain what has transpired.   More than likely you will be directed to contact a dealer service department.  If your dealer still does not respond after receiving notice from the manufacture your next option is to seek repairs at another dealership if your dealership refuses to look into the trouble.  If the no start condition is not resolved after four repair attempts seek arbitration from the manufacture.  A third party arbitration mechanism will hear your claim.  Since you are seeking a replacement vehicle an arbitrator will take into account evidence you present and evidence presented by the manufacture.  The arbitrator will then render a decision which is binding upon the manufacture and not you. 

If the arbitrator’s decision does not fall in your favor, seek the advice of an attorney.

Warning Light Shines Brightly

Question 3
The AWD light is shining in my 2007 Subaru Impreza with 127,000 miles.  I purchased the car three months ago.  When I bought the car the light was on.  The seller told me that the light shines all the time.  Since the purchase the car has been running fine but the light is annoying.  Is there a way to turn it off and not affect the operation of all-wheel-drive?  T.O., email

Answer 3

The fact the light is illuminated indicates a problem in the all-wheel-drive system.  The light is a warning light and not a light that indicates the system is functioning normally.  It’s time to take the vehicle to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair.

Misfire Eludes Diagnosis

Question 4
My 2000 Ford Focus has a misfire.  When it happens which is not all the time the speedometer jumps to 140 mph.  I’ve taken the car to two good repair shops but neither has been able to determine the cause of the trouble.  The first shop did a bunch of tests and did not find codes in the engine computer.  They replaced the spark plug in the third cylinder.  The second shop did a bunch of tests with the same results.  They replaced all of the spark plugs stating that the third cylinder occasionally misfires.  Neither shop knows why the speedometer jumps at the same time the cylinder misfires.  Both shops told me to bring the car back when the trouble gets worse.

Do you have any suggestions?  D.W., email

Answer 4
This indeed is a weird condition but it’s time to do some deep troubleshooting of circuits.  A check of the integrity of ground connections is in order.  Also, a review of wiring diagrams may find a circuit that has a relationship between the misfiring spark plug and speedometer.  The part that may be key to finding the cause might be the ignition coil pack as it could send signals to the spark plugs and speedometer.  A technician might consider tests of the coil.  He might find some type of internal problem that requires replacement of the coil. 

The next time you visit a repair shop ask your technician to consider these suggestion as it appears up until now technicians have limited their search for the trouble.

Brakes and Power Steering Share Pump

Question 5
The power steering in my 2002 Hummer H2 is difficult when parked or when the engine is idling but as soon as I raise the engine speed a little the power steering becomes normal and the steering is easy to turn.  Also, I noticed that when I apply the brakes the steering stiffens a little.  Do you have any idea what might cause this problem?  N.B., email

Answer 5

There’s no need for power steering in your vehicle.  All kidding aside many baby boomers remember days when cars and trucks did not have power steering.  In your vehicle the brakes and power steering systems share hydraulic pressure that is developed by the power steering pump.  More than likely the power steering pump no longer develops the pressure the systems need for proper operation.  Replacing it might be the cure.

Failed Brake Lights Earn Ticket

Question 6
The brake lights in my 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 turn on with light pressure on the brake pedal but if I apply normal pressure or have to jamb on the brakes the brake lights don’t turn on.  I learned this after a cop stopped me for not having brake lights.  We checked the lights and sure enough we found a problem that I was not aware of.  I did receive a ticket and was advised to have the trouble repaired.

Is this something I can repair?  What should I look for? P.D., email

Answer 6

You are lucky no one has slammed into the rear of your truck as tailgating is so common.  Apparently, you drive faster than everyone else.

As for the electrical trouble, it’s difficult to determine the cause without test equipment but it is possible replacing the brake light switch will cure the issue.  If that does not do the trick it’s time to authorize diagnosis at a shop where tests of modules may find a module for trailer lighting and or fuel pump has a fault and needs replacement.

Thanks for all of your great questions.  Dr. Gizmo can’t wait to answer more.

Phil Arendt is a columnist, consultant and A.S.E.-Certified Master Technician.  Readers may send questions to Dr. Gizmo at P.O. Box 548, Cary, IL. 60013 or e-mail address drgizmo@hotmail.com  02/04/2013 ® DR. GIZMO © 1989-Present