Dave’s Free Car Repair Advice

Subject:  Collapsed Hose

Mike tells me: I have a collapsed upper radiator hose on my 2001 Alero. When I open the cap slowly air rushes in and the hose returns to normal.

Mike, I think you need to add more antifreeze/coolant, and I think your overflow tank is not allowing it to go back in the radiator once it cools down, which ts should if your radiator cap is in working condition.

The reason for the vacuum is that when your engine is relieving pressure into the reservoir when hot from the expanding coolant, all is well, then as your engine is cooling, the radiator cap is not allowing for the overflow to get back into the radiator.

Subject:  2002 Chevy Cavalier

Susan says:  I’ve been having a problem w my 2002 Chevy cavalier dying on me. I took it in and there were no codes thrown to the computer, but they replaced the ignition module. it is still dying on me though. there is not indication of when it will die, but it does shut off everything including power steering and I am unable to brake when it dies. there is also no pattern of when or how it will die.

Susan, when the engine dies your power brakes and power steering are not powered by the engine anymore and thus, hard steering and braking.

Subject:  2001 Dodge Grand Caravan

Michael tells me:  I replaced the battery yesterday, now the control panel and signal lights don’t work.

Sounds to me like a fuse replacement is in order. If the fuses are OK then check the flasher relay.

I hope when you say the control panel that you mean the instrument panel. If the whole panel is out I would check under the dash for a wire harness that is disconnected or a ground wire that is loose or disconnected.

Good luck Michael…

Dave

Subject:  2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue

Mary asks:  Hello I actually have 2 questions on the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue what is the worst case scenario when the front passenger axle is not replaced correctly and is it always necessary to change the seal when change the gasket and why. Thank you

Mary, the worst case scenario would be that your front wheel would fall off while driving.

Secondly, if it was put in really bad it would probably vibrate and make a lot of unnecessary noise.