'Service engine' light indicates a problem with vehicle

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October 24, 2009

Auto Scanner The Salem News Sat Oct 24, 2009, 05:45 AM EDT

Q.: Are you able to tell me what maintenance I will require for my 56,000-mile service? I have no operator's manual — my car was bought at auction, and the book was missing. Just yesterday, my "service engine soon" light went on. Is this a reminder for the above service? Anything you can tell me will be a big help.

A: The 56,000-mile service consists of inspection of air cleaner, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, belts, lights, power steering fluid, radiator hoses and hose clamps, as well as wiper blades. Tire pressure should be adjusted. The "service engine soon" light, however, indicates there is a problem. The computer recognizes a problem in the vehicle and is alerting you that diagnostic service and repair is needed.

Q: What is the difference between a vehicle with four-wheel drive and a vehicle with "all-wheel" drive? At what mileage should the automatic transmission fluid be changed? What is the name of the equipment that you use, and does it drain out all of the transmission fluid? Does the transmission pan have to be removed and a filter replaced on a 2008 Honda Accord four-cylinder with about 24,000 miles on it? At what mileage does the belt have to be replaced on this car?

A: All-wheel drive has all wheels powered at all times. With four-wheel drive, the operator of the vehicle determines whether he wants two- or four-wheel drive. It's my opinion that you should replace the transmission fluid at 30,000-mile intervals. The transmission pan does not have to be removed to replace the filter; the filter is an inline unit. The transmission flushing system and chemicals we use are made by BG products. If you have a chance, visit their Web site, as it is quite informative — www.bgfindashop.com. I can't answer your timing belt question without getting exact specifications of your engine.

Q: I have a 1992 Nissan Sentra GXE with a four-cylinder engine and 164,000 miles. It runs great, but my problem is I put a new exhaust system on it from front to rear, except I used the old catalytic converter. There were no markings on the converter for direction of flow. Could I have it on backward, because the gas mileage is horrible. Just wondering.

A: It is possible you have installed the converter backward. I don't believe it is the fuel mileage problem, since you didn't indicate you had a power loss problem. If you didn't install the oxygen sensors in the new system, or the oxygen sensors are not working properly, then that by itself would cause a fuel mileage issue.

Q: I have recently had a sticker rejection on my 1998 Honda CRV due to engine light. Also, and more importantly, the car will buck slightly and stall out once it warms up (approximately four miles). I have had the muffler, spark plugs, wires leading to plugs, distributor cap and catalytic converter replaced. The light went off briefly but is back on. We finally took it to a Honda dealer, and after paying $100 for a check, we were told it would need a compression test ($350) to determine the problem. The mechanic thinks it is a valve problem in the engine, which would run into a lot of money. He says the catalytic converter gets red hot at about four miles, and raw gas is going into the catalytic converter. The car has 119,000 miles. I would appreciate any direction you could give me.

A: Putting it all into perspective, a compression test does not cost $350; that's just ridiculous. Next, a simple vacuum gauge would tell you if there is a valve problem. From all you write, I would be looking for a vacuum leak in the engine or a shorted-out oxygen sensor. Using a good scan tool, and a great information system like All Data, the diagnostics should be very accurate.

Car Care Tip: You should check your owner's manual for factory-recommended scheduled services. If you are unclear after reading, spend some time with your service adviser for clarification.

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Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears every Saturday. Write to Larry at Salem News, c/o Auto Scanner, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.

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