Q: I have a
2001 Buick Century with 74,000 miles on it. For the past
few months I have noticed spots on the garage floor—mostly
in the right front area. I put newspaper down, then took
the paper to two different garages. They said it was not
oil. I thought it might be windshield wiper fluid but
it's not leaking. It's a puzzle. Any idea what it could
be?
A: My best guess is coolant, but color
should help solve the mystery. Here are the
possibilities:
Engine oil: Brownish black in color,
very slippery
Transmission fluid: Pink to reddish
brown in color, very slippery
Engine coolant: Green or orange in
color and watery, not as slippery as oil
Brake fluid: Clear to yellowish in
color, thin and slightly slippery
Differential fluid: Blackish brown,
thicker than oil, very slippery
Power steering fluid: Clear to
reddish, like transmission fluid
CV (constant velocity) joint grease:
Thick, black, less likely to drip
Windshield washer solvent: Bluish,
thin like water, not slippery
Are the spots landing in the area
behind and inboard of the right front wheel? If so, they
may be from the air conditioner evaporator housing,
which would be normal after driving with the A/C on.
Q: My '97 Dodge Caravan needed a new
timing belt after I drove it home one day and the next
morning it wouldn't start. My mechanic replaced the
timing belt, but it still won't start. There is no spark
and no power in the wires leading into the distributor.
What happened?
A: Start by checking the auto shutdown
relay in the power distribution center under the hood
next to the battery. This relay supplies voltage to the
injectors, ignition coil and heating elements in the
oxygen sensors. If this key relay has been removed
during service or has failed, there will be no spark.
MOTORING NOTE
For readers who reside in northern
climes, it's time to park our toys for the winter. For
the six months of long-term parking ahead, make sure the
fuel tank is full of non-oxygenated fuel with SeaFoam,
the battery is fully charged and disconnected or removed
(or connect a battery charger once a month or so to keep
the battery topped up), the tires are inflated a bit
above 35 psi and the interior is clean and dry. Place
dryer sheets on the carpets, fabric seats, cargo area
and engine compartment.
Make sure all scheduled maintenance is
up to date. If an oil change or cooling system flush is
due shortly, do it now so the vehicle is filled with
fresh fluids and ready to go in the spring. A light
aerosol lube spray on brake rotors, drums and exposed
unpainted metal on the undercarriage will protect
against light rust. If the vehicle will be parked
indoors, make sure the windows are open a fraction to
allow air circulation and cover the vehicle with a
light, breathable cover to keep it clean. If the vehicle
is going to spend the winter outdoors, give the paint a
fresh coat of wax and leave the vehicle uncovered so the
paint won't be dulled by the material constantly
flapping against the bodywork in the wind.
