QuestionQUESTION: Hey Roland,
I've been experiencing some odd symptoms with my car in about the last two weeks or so. For starters, I've noticed that when I am accelerating, my car ('99 Chrysler sabring convertible, 2.5L# will create a high#ish# pitched moan from about 30 mph until it reaches 35 mph AND upshifts. The moan is greatest in volume at the point of my gears shifting. 35mph brings the most occurrences of that moan, though it doesn't happen every time I accelerate and sometimes it happens at different speeds though always right before a gear shift #as far as i can remember# Also, while my fuel economy gauge hasn't had any changes, I feel like I am not getting as good of fuel economy. and last week I was on the highway when my A/C lost about 85% of it's strength and came back when I got off the freeway. It happened again while I was driving through town except when I was stopped at lights. Mind you the A/C problem has only happened that one time and it was pretty hot outside. If it makes any difference, I had been noticing a high pitched squeal under heavy acceleration #like on a freeway on-ramp) but I haven't heard that sound in a while.
Thanks Roland!!!
ANSWER: Hi James,
Noises are not very specific as diagnostic tools, so may I suggest using the ignition key to question the powertrain controller if it has noticed problems and coded them as 4-digit numbers in its memory. Turn the key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see if the mileage reading changes to show any 4 digit numbers prefaced with a P. Let me know and we'll go from there.
Roland
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QUESTION: I did the on-off-on-off-leave on test just now, and the numbers on the odometer did not change. Would an OBD2 tool at autozone be able to find anything or do they rely on the same memory bank?
ANSWER: I would get a fault code readout using a plug-in code reader as that would not only check the engine codes but also the transmission codes. So let me know what that approach shows
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QUESTION: I went to autozone yesterday and asked them to do a code read for me, which came up with zero results (also I should mention the check engine light is NOT on, I have suspicions based SOLELY on these noises and my reduced engine output). I could tell they were using an OBD2 scanner: is that the plug in code reader you were referring to or should I ask for something different/go somewhere else? I have decided to replace the transmission fluid components as I do not believe those have been serviced since I have had the car and it may just solve some issues.
AnswerHi James,
You have done the best you can to get a code readout. If you decide to change the fluid, first smell it for the absence of burned oil and check whether the color is pink. If it passes on those test it probably is not the cause. If you do change it, do it via a power flush that would remove all 10 quarts. Only use ATF +4 for the refill. In the meantime, a periodic readout for codes if the problem persist. I assume the the check engine light does illuminate briefly when you turn the key to the 'run' position before trying the starter as an indication that the bulb is working.
Roland
PS I would be most appreciative if you would 'rate' me and consider a nomination for 'volunteer of the month'.
