The Motor Medics take your calls about vehicle repair every Saturday at 10AM on WTYM AM 1380 and FM 103.7.
Dear Motor Medics,
I have been a listener to your radio program for about ten years now and really enjoy the program. Although I am not a car lover or mechanically inclined in any form or fashion I love the entertainment of the show and have learned a thing or two about cars that has helped me out in the past. I know you are gentle with your listeners when one calls in with something that would seem stupid to most shops and that is why I decided to write you before I check with my shop in hopes that I can fix my problem on my own. I usually don’t do any car repairs myself, not even oil changes or light bulbs but last week I decided to check the fluids under the hood on my 99 Pontiac Bonneville and noticed my antifreeze was low so I added some to the little bottle on the fender. The problem is that the little bottle was for washer fluid instead of engine coolant. I have not used the washers since the fill and don’t want to go to my shop and tell them what I did.
Robert in Sterling Illinois
Dear Robert,
This happens more than you would think. On this car you can pull off the hose on the tank bottom attached to the pump and you can catch the fluid in a container. Then rinse with water and refill with washer fluid. That’s it.
Take care, the Motor Medics
Dear Motor Medics,
I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix with the supercharged 3.8 engine. I had the car into the shop about six months ago and had the brakes repaired as they were grinding. They replaced pads and rotors on the front and rear and a passenger side axle shaft at the same time. Recently the abs and traction lights have started to come on then go off while I drive. They stay on for a few minutes to several days. Is there something related to the brake job or is this some new problem that needs to be addressed and what.
Samantha in Muncie, Indiana
Dear Samantha,
I don’t think that the brake work you had done six months ago is related to the problem you are having today. The brake pads and rotors are part of the mechanical brake system while the abs/trac light is part of the electronics of the anti-lock brake system. On many GM cars and trucks these lights will come on in this way and it is usually a sensor that has failed or more commonly a broken wire on one of the front speed sensors. If it is a broken wire some shops may choose to repair it instead of replacing the entire sensor which will save you money. The wires move a lot when driving so they are subject to break with age. Have your shop take a look and advise you of what is needed.
Take care, the Motor Medics