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I check the trans fluid regularly, and it was just changed a few months ago. The fluid is bright red, does not smell burned, and does not have metal abrasives in it.

Is the transmssion going to die a slow and painful death at this point? I read that sticking valves and solenoids going bad can also cause this to happen.

No problems shifting through the other gears. Should I get this thing to a technician before its too late? Please and thanks.

jmw ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125039.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125039.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125038.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125038.page GMT I tried cleaning it with a CD cleaner disc and no response.
Help is appreciated!!!]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125036.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125036.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125035.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125035.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125034.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125034.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125033.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125033.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125032.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125032.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125031.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125031.page GMT
I took my 2002 Saturn L200 today to the dealer because the "security" idiot light was on. Other symptoms were that the warning alert would keep sounding, the car would not come out of Park, and most of the gauges didn't work.

The dealer said the Body Control Module (aka BCM) was bad and it was nothing $500 couldn't solve... except the dealer couldn't find one. I don't mean they didn't have one in inventory, the service manager couldn't find one anywhere in the country. He said he would call to find out the availability of the part, but he was concerned that it was no longer available.

So... if that can't be replaced, what options do I have short of junking the car and getting something else?

Also, I seem to recall that car manufacturers are required to maintain a parts inventory for a certain period of time. Is this correct and, if it is, how long?

Thanks, George]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125030.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125030.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125029.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125029.page GMT
it's been running great has 126K miles and I had a dealership tune up done at 98K miles been a very good vehicle.

lately however the brakes sound like someone stuck another disc in between the pads and the original rotors. constant grinding noise. as soon as I hit the breaks it goes away then comes back. also the break peddle vibrates only when braking hard downhill. I realize the breaks need to be changed is there any chance it's just the pads or should I be saving for calipers and rotors.

2. there is a small coolant leak in the area of like 1 Gallon over 3-4K miles so not much but the oil change place was pretty sure it's the water pump I am wondering if that's something someone who is handy but inexperienced should try would buying a repair manual or spending the money on having someone else do it right be more beneficial

3. the coolant temp sensor only moves up to 1/4 point where it should be at 1/2 which is normal I am guessing it might either have something to do with the thermostat going out which may or may not explain why I also get very mediocre air conditioning. or might it just be a symptom of the coolant leak. It hasn't overheat during the course of the past months it's been doing this but I would hate for the gauge to be lying to me and it do that without me every knowing it.

any and all answers or advice would be appreciated I'm a poor college student so any of this I can end up doing myself without ruining anything I need to do to save money and there is a parts store within walking distance

Thanks ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125028.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125028.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125027.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125027.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125026.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125026.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125025.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125025.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125024.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125024.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125023.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125023.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125022.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125022.page GMT
Leslie]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125021.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125021.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125020.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125020.page GMT Problem 1. The AC isn't working, again. It only worked for about a month after this second compressor was put in.
Problem 2. Once the gas tank is below half a tank the needle will go up and down on the gas gauge as I accelerate, decellerate.
Problem 3. And this one just started lately, the car will vibrate, not much but enough to make me nervous that I am going to stall at any moment.
Problem 4. The car will stall. It happened one time on a regular road, it stalled, restarted, then lost power again, and after about a minute it restarted again. Another time it lost power on the highway. It didn't end up actually stalling, but I kept pressing the gas and it just kept losing more and more speed, until after a couple of seconds I had to pull over because I thought it was dying, but just as I pulled over, it regained power again.
Problem 5. I took it in for an oil change today and it stalled three times (after vibrating all the way there) trying to get it into the oil change bay. The guy actually suggested I not get an oil change and take the car to my mechanic for a look over and an oil change. In the meantime, he did say that the fluids all looked fine and said that the problem could be 101 different things. No check engine light is on.
Please help, I am clueless. I appreciate any advice or suggesions. Like I said, I just bought this car in April (its now early July) and I am terribly afraid that I bought a big old lemon. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125019.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125019.page GMT
I had it checked out at Sears. They put it on the computer and could not get a reading. They said it would take an IQ over 50 to figure it out, so I should take it elsewhere, preferably the dealer.

I kept failing to get to the dealer early enough in the morning for them to accept my car for the day.

Now it is back to normal. Can I just forget about it now? Is this just something that happens and means nothing, except perhaps the limitations of Check Engine lights?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125018.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125018.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125017.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125017.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125016.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125016.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125015.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125015.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125014.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125014.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125013.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125013.page GMT I also need to replace the belts. I have sprayed the bolts and nuts, any other suggestions?
This is a wheel chair van with a lift. It as an Ez lock to hold a chair. I no loner have a use for the vehicle. It is not fitted for a handicapped driver. I would like to sell it to some who needs it. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125012.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125012.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125011.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125011.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125010.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125010.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125009.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125009.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125008.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125008.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125007.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125007.page GMT
It is a manual trans with the 4wd shifter on the floor next to the stick shift in the same console. It has a display behind the console that lights up with the mode indicator and a diagram of the drive train that lights up. None of the lights are on in the display, so it's like there's no power going to it.

I peeked under the console and it looks like everything is plugged in, fuse is good also. Checked all the switches I could find on the drive train and can't see anything disconnected. It has a 4wd indicator lamp switch on the transfer case and another on the front differential. I'm thinking maybe one of these switches went bad, don't know what else to look at. I don't know if I should replace the transfer case switch or the differential switch or both, don't know what else to look at. The switches look easy to replace.

Oh, the 4wd still works fine otherwise, just no display. Thanks for any suggestions.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125006.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125006.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125005.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125005.page GMT
When it is cold, there is a relatively loud vibration when it is in Park, Reverse, to a lesser degree Neutral, but it goes away when in Drive. Once the vehicle warms up, nothing in any "gear".

I have checked the tranny fluid, and that's apparently not the issue.

Any ideas?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125004.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125004.page GMT Does anybody have any suggestion?
Thx.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125003.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125003.page GMT
I own a 1983 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale 1/2 ton pick up. This truck still has the original 305 c.i. motor and well, I feel that it is time to replace the engine..it is leaking oil and smokes.

I've been looking into a "GM turn-key package" the the prices do not seem too steep. I do not personally know any mechanics that can install this engine. I really hope that you guys will be able to please recommend a good mechanic in my area (Austin, Texas) that could do this job. Many thanks!!

I look forward to your reply.

Respectfully,

Paul
US Army-Retired]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125002.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125002.page GMT
What's going on?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125001.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125001.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125000.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2125000.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124999.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124999.page GMT
How hard is this thing to change. The van is on a parking lot 25 miles from home. Would I be crazy to try it to avoid having to call the tow guy? ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124998.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124998.page GMT
bat is about 8 months old.
Headlights are on with but slightly dim.
Hook a jumper start to it and the alarm goes off.
Headlights at normal intensity with jumpstarter on.

Pull the fuse for the alarm and all the correct inst panel lights are lit but no crank.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124997.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124997.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124996.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124996.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124995.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124995.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124993.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124993.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124992.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124992.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124991.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124991.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124990.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124990.page GMT I took it into the dealer for an oil and filter change on 1 July 09. I supplied a carton of 6 qts of Mobile 1 and a filter element which I got from the dealer parts dept. I had the work order note the oil & filter element in the rear of the car.

The glove box book quotes the 3.5 L V6 engine oil capacity as 6.1 liter or 6.4 qt (P430.) (actually 6.1 L = 6.45 qt at .946 L/qt)
I got the car back & checked the oil after the car had sat overnight on a flat surface. The oil level was ABOVE the second hole on the dip stick indicating a slight overfill. If they had used the 6 qts of Mobile 1, the dipstick should have indicated .45 qt LOW should it not?

So what’s going on? They probably changed the oil with the engine hot so was there a half a qt or so oil hidden in the hot engine that did not drain? Is the dipstick incorrect?

Or did they not read the work order & just fill with “Toyota oil” per normal. Then someone read the work order, said “Oh darn” and took the case of Mobile One home with them?

Neither the empty carton nor the empty oil bottles were returned to me.
]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124989.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124989.page GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124988.page http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2124988.page GMT