Feel, Hear, See, Smell: Feel Part 1

   This week we'll look at some of the things you can feel are wrong with your car. As you drive you can feel many things in your car and when something is not right, you will usually feel it. It just doesn't feel right or different from how it normally feels.

   As with any car problem, the causes can range from a mere inconvenience to major repair. Here are some things to look for when you have a car that doesn't handle or respond properly.

   You should note that these are the most likely causes of a particular problem, but not necessarily the cause of the problem you are experiencing. Some of the possible causes listed may not even apply to your vehicle.

• Engine Hesitates:
  When you step on the gas there is a moment when nothing happens and then the engine picks up.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. You may have a dirty air filter: Replace air filter

  2. The spark plugs may be dirty or worn: Clean or replace spark plugs

  3. The spark wires may be bad: Replace spark plug wires.

  4. There may be some other type of ignition problem: Bad ignition module, distributor pick up. An engine scope is the best way to diagnose an ignition problem.

  5. If you have a carburetor, you may have a bad accelerator pump or power circuit: Overhaul or replace carburetor.

  6. The fuel filter may be clogged: Replace fuel filter.

  7. You may have water in the gasoline: Drain tank and refill with fresh, clean gasoline.

  8. Your catalytic converter may be clogged: Replace catalytic converter.

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• The Engine Surges Or Misfires While Moving:
  The engine seems to start fine and will normally accelerate fine. As you are driving and maintaining a steady speed, the engine seems to "speed up" slightly or it seems to miss and buck.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. If you have a carburetor, the choke may not be set properly, or the choke may not be working correctly: Check the choke plate and make sure it is opening completely.

  2. The engine may be running too hot: Check and repair cooling system.

  3. The fuel pressure regulator may be operating at too low of a pressure: Check fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge. Replace fuel pressure regulator. (Generally not a DIY job)

  4. The ignition timing may be set wrong: Adjust ignition timing.

  5. There may be some type of ignition problem: Check and replace distributor cap, rotor, ignition wires and spark plugs.

  6. There may be a fault in the computerized engine control system: Check engine control systems with a scan tool. Test circuits and repair or replace components as required. (Generally not a DIY job)

  7. The fuel filter may be partially clogged: Replace the fuel filter.

  8. The torque converter in the transmission may not be locking at the right time, or it may be slipping: Check lock up circuit or replace torque converter. (Not a DIY job)

  9. There may be a vacuum leak: Check and replace vacuum lines as required.

  10. The engine may have mechanical problems: Check compression to determine engine condition.

  11. The EGR valve may be stuck open: Replace EGR valve.

  12. The drive axles may be loose or worn: Check and replace CV/universal joints as required.

  13. The fuel injectors may be dirty: Clean or replace fuel injectors.

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• Bouncing:
  When you hit a bump the car continues to bounce for a while after hitting the bump. The problem seems to get worse over time.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. Shock absorbers are bad: Replace shocks or shock mounts.

  2. Shock mounts are broken: Replace shock mounts.

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• Pulling:
  When you are driving down a road, the car wants to drift to one side or the other. To keep the car moving in a straight line you must keep moving the steering wheel or hold it firmly in position. This problem usually appears gradually. Most times a slight drifting to one side or other is often overlooked and only severe pulling is noticed.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. All of the car's tires do not have the same air pressure: Check and adjust tire pressures to specification.

  2. The wheels are out of alignment: Get a front end or four wheel alignment.

  3. One brake is dragging or isn't releasing: Front brake calipers may be bad, replace brake calipers.

  4. Loose steering parts and/or linkage: Inspect front end and replace worn parts.

  5. The car's tires are not worn evenly. Rotate or replace tires.

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