Dave Redinger's The Neighbourhood Mechanic 9/20/06
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Dave Redinger who transitioned to his Heavenly home on February 7, 2022 was a licensed auto mechanic with over 40 years in the trade. He operated Dr. H. Honda Specialists in Etobcoke (Toronto). Dave was heard here on The Auto Channel, RIP Dave your knowledge and helpfulness will be welcome by concerned motorists forever.
DAVE
REDINGER
ASK THE NEIGHBOURHOOD MECHANIC
When that little light on the
dash comes on, your car is trying to communicate with you. The colour of
the light has a direct relationship to it’s importance. Green or blue
signifies that things are normal. Usually these lights are an indication
that something is on or engaged. Orange signifies attention is required.
Red, look for trouble, red signifies that a severe failure is imminent.
Best example, a lack of oil pressure, or a lack of coolant etc. Be prepared
to pull over and check the engine. It’s always amazes me how many
times I see a piece of tape covering a warning light, because it’s
glow is bothering the driver. When it comes to warning lights it’s
just like kinder garden “red says stop, green says
go”.
One of my friends that read your articles said that you might be able to help me with my car problem. You are my last hope before I get rid of my Honda 1999. For the past three years this car has been stalling when it wants. I have brought it in many times to the dealer and other Mechanics and no one seems to know what it might be. They have checked the starter, Battery, Coil, Distributor. They have also kept it over night to see if the problem would present it self but never does. They tell me wait till it happens more often and they do not want to just replace things that might not be the problem, fair enough. But I can not continue to drive an unreliable car.
Sharon
Experience leads me to believe your problem to be electrical
in nature. First off I would suspect the ignition switch. Honda's of this
vintage have serious ignition switch failures. Some models are under
recall. Secondly check the operation of the PGMFI relay. Mention these to
your mechanic. Don't give up on HONDA it's a great brand.
I been having trouble with my ride . I start my car and let it idle. After five minutes it will get a rough idle and stall , try to restart and will not catch. After letting the car cool-down or waiting 20 mins. It will start normally. I do not use this car very often and leave parked in my garage for extended periods of time. Once restarted it will run as normal.
Donn
Thanks for your question. It's really hard
to diagnose this without access to the car, However; your situation is very
characteristic of a failing sensor. Look for a pick-up coil failure when
hot. What you’re looking for is a lack of spark in the no start
condition. Best thing here would be to use a scan tool and check for pulse.
If you have spark, then focus on the fuel system. Weak pump or plugged
lines. Seek the help of a pro.
Dave Redinger a mechanic with over 40 yrs of experience.
Dave operates his shop “DOCTOR H HONDA SPECIALISTS in Toronto for the
last 25 yrs.
Email : davidredinger@rogers.com (
we respond to every email)
LISTEN TO DAVE ON 1050 CHUM EVERY SATURDAY @ 9:00 AM OR ON THE WEB LIVE “1050 http://CHUM.COM" target="_blank">CHUM.COM
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