Dave’s Free Car Repair Advice

Subject:  4t60e transmission

Steve asks:  1992 Cadillac Eldorado goes in reverse but wont engage in any forward gears, how do I troubleshoot?

Hey Steve, I’ll bet your neck is sore from driving backwards. Just kidding…

Check the condition of the fluid along with the level. Check the linkage. I would have the fluid changed along with a filter replacement.

If it still doesn’t want to move, then a rebuild of the transmission is most likely needed.

Just for the heck of it check and make sure the emergency brake is releasing.

Good luck Steve…

Jenny tells me:  I have a V6 96 Mercury Mystique. It has been knocking for a couple of months now. The sticker says the oil isn’t supposed to be changed for another 100 miles or so but when I checked the oil there was barely any in there so I put some in.

Kay notes:  my Honda Accord is cranking but not starting. The fuel pump is working, spark plugs good, I think it could be my battery. Or would it not start due to no oil in the car? I checked the oil, and there is nothing on the stick.

Kay, if the battery is cranking the engine over it surely has enough juice to power the ignition. Now to get to the problem.

I wonder how long the oil has been that low. There could be serious damage to the engine without oil. Not only are the hydraulic lifters not going to function but EVERYTHING else inside the engine could be trashed.

Subject:  CAR LEAK

Kim writes:  MY CAR KEEPS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT AND DONT KNOW WHERE IT IS COMING FROM AND ALSO HAVE TO KEEP ADDING WATER TO RESERVOIR CAUSE IT KEEPS GOING DOWN AND WATER LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON COULD YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS

Kim, the problem is you have a leak in the cooling system, thank the person who installed that light or your engine would be toast by now.

You are going to have to look or have someone with some mechanical knowledge find the leak and fix it before your light burns out. Soon, if you like your car.