Air Bag Repair Becomes Check Engine Problem
A reader with a 2004 Toyota Corolla took the car in for an air bag recall but now the check engine light keeps coming on.
Q. My daughter has a 2004 Toyota Corolla. She had her car in for a recall on airbags and ever since the check engine light has been a problem. When the light is on she has taken the car in for repairs but has yet to get the car repaired properly. Once it was the oxygen sensor another time it was the gas cap, gaskets and fuel line repairs. Why is this happening so often and why does it sometime go off? Shouldn’t it stay on until something is fixed? She likes the car but has doesn’t make much money and it is getting expensive. Do you have some suggestions for her?
A. The repairs you mention seem related to the evaporative emission system and this may be a case of not accurately diagnosing the vehicle. I think at this point it may be time to find a new repair shop that can more accurately diagnose the problem. The repair shop may use a combination of a bi-direction scan tool and a smoke machine. This way the technician can activate the solenoids and check for smoke leaking for the various valves, lines and solenoids. Unfortunately it will take time to diagnose the problem and time is money.
Q. My Nissan Maxima has a grinding gear sound on the front driver side when I apply the brakes. The ABS light is not on. Brake pads are fine at all four wheels. My mechanic said it is rust at the ABS gear and sensor, clicking on and off. Is this correct?
A. This is fairly common with some Nissan products. The ABS ring will build up with rust and actuate the ABS brakes. The repair may involve more than just cleaning off the rust but replacing the ABS rings and sensors. If this is the problem there should be a ABS trouble code.
Q. I recently purchased new a 2015 Toyota Corolla with a 1.8 L engine. It has approximately 2500 miles. I’m noticing, for lack of a better description, a light tapping/knocking noise in the engine when stopped and at low speeds (the noise may be there at higher speeds but would be drowned out). It immediately disappears when I put it in park or neutral. Is this normal or do I have a problem?
A. I have not heard of any particular problems with this model. The noise is certainly worth pointing out to the dealer. Since the noise disappears in park or neutral it could be related to a engine or transmission mount and not internal to the engine. Most likely nothing to worry about but with a new car the noise is worth documenting with Toyota just in case a problem comes up in the future.
Q. I heard you mention you were at the New York Auto Show, what did you like or not like at the show?
A. I liked the new Cadillac CT6 it really looks like Cadillac is trying to really trying to compete with world class luxury cars. The Lincoln Continental concept was stunning and shows some direction of where Lincoln is headed. The Honda Civic was very nicely done and the two-door model on display was reminiscent of some of the sportiest Civics.
Q. I have a 1999 Chevrolet Blazer “winter beater’’ with 210,000 miles on the car. I am told I need a transmission. I have been quoted the following prices: a rebuilt transmission with a one year warranty for $2650 and a remanufactured transmission with a three year warranty for $3300. What would you recommend?
A. As a general rule a rebuilt transmission will have all seals, gaskets and friction components replaced. A remanufactured transmission will have all those same parts replaced and any bearings, washers, bushings, pump and torque convertor replaced, if they show signs of excessive wear. To me it really depends on how long you plan to keep the vehicle. Spending an additional $650 may give you some peace of mind if you plan on keeping your truck for several more years.
Q. I just had four new tires (that I bought online) installed at a local gas station in the Boston area (I work in Boston and live on Cape Cod) and they charged tax on their labor fee. Is ‘labor’ taxable?
A. According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; charges for personal or professional services such as: accounting, insurance, legal and medical services, as well as services such as haircuts and car repairs are not taxable. Looks like you are owed a refund.
If you in the neighborhood stop by Jaffarian Volvo Toyota Scion in Haverhill from 9-10am today Saturday April 18th where I will hosting the Car Doctor radio program or give it a listen on WROL AM950.
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