Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise When driving Not applicable
Q: When I hit small bumps, there seems to be a chatter coming from the front of the car. It sounds like metal bumping on metal.
What would cause this noise? If the struts were bad (which they are), wouldn't the car just pitch and dive?
Why would there also be noise coming from them, which sounds like metal? Thanks. Nick
A: A broken stabalizer bar can do this... they break in the bushing bracket and you cant see it.. Ed
Q: I have a 1992 Eldorado which has 77,000 miles
on it and I have never changed the timing belt. When would be the best time before any damage will be done?
A: Right about now is good. It calls for 80K to 100K. Ed
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: I have a 1990 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. Last June ('99), I had new tires (Bridgestone Taranza T's) put on the car to replace the Goodyear Eagle GA's that were originaly on the car.
I have noticed that at high speeds, there is a high amount of front end bouncing. Upon taking it to my local Cadillac service center, I was told that it must be a tire out of round. They rotated the tires and computer spun balanced them.
The High speed bounce is still there. My Cadillac service center assures me that it cannot be my struts as my car only has 85,000 miles on it and the struts should be fine.
What knowledge can you provide me with as I do not want to do anything until I know for sure what is wrong. Cadillac parts and accessories (unless you buy a cheep aftermarket part) are very expensive.
Thank you.
A: The tires are the only thing I can think of also. If you rotate them to the rear axle, does the problem follow the tires? Ed
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: A 447 current code comes up on the climate control center, which means very low refrigerant according to a chiltons manual.
So I took my car to two different AC Techs and both said that I had plenty of refrigerant even with compressor cycling.
One of these Techs thought I had an electrical problem. So I took my car home and did a thorough visual inspection. I found two wires leading to the (hi or low?) pressure switch to be worn through and continuously touching.
I repaired them and now I am wondering if something burned up, like the switch because I still have the B447 code coming up. AC will not stay on because the compressor shuts off when it recieves the B447 code.
Can you help me fix this AC problem? Your box for my e-mail address is not big enough so here it is jcratty@tampabay.rr.com
A: You will have to clear the codes from memory or they will keep resetting.... Ed
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: I had an electricial problem with one of the pressure switches but I think I fixed it, the wires coming into the switch had worn through to each other, could this have burned the switch up?
An EO 48 code keeps coming up on my climate control center. An AC tech said I have plenty of refridgerant in the system.
A: Clear the codes first and drive for a bit...
If it resets, then the code and the problem are for real.. And can be diagnosed..... Ed
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: A B447 Current code comes up on the climate control center, which means "very low refrigerant", according to a Chiltons manual.
I took my car to two different mechanics and both said that I had plenty of refrigerant. One AC tech thought I had an electrical problem.
I then took my car home and did a thorough visual inspection. It turned up a set of two wires leading to a (hi or lo) pressure switch, and these wires had worn through to each other, making them touch constantly.
I repaired the wires, cleared the B447 code, and then tried the AC again. It worked for about a minute and then the code came up again, "low refrigerant, AC compressor is off".
Could that pressure switch have possibly burnt up? Any ideas what my problem is?
PLEASE HELP! NO A/C!
A: These are big systems.... so its tough to troubleshoot from here. It could be a defective switch....
Drive Train / Driveline Other When accelerating When cold
Q: I've noticed a late upshift when I step on the gas. Is there a sensor or adjustment for the transmission on this car? It seems to get better as it warms up or if I take it out of overdrive. What type of automatic does the 85 Eldorado 4.1 V8 have? Does it use a modulator valve? Does it have a torque converter solenoid? Or could this be a problem with the thottle position sensor? It seems not to be as noticable as long as I accelerate slowly.
A: I have an '85 Eldorado as well with the same engine type and size. Mine and others I have driven do the same as yours. It's normal.
I believe since these cars are fairly heavy and that the 4.1L is only rated at 135hp and 190 ft/lbs. that in order for the car to "get out of it's own way" when you give it a decent amount of accelerator pressure from a stand still the transmission is designed to stay in 1st for a fairly long amount of time to give the car the power it needs to get going.
Q: The transmission will not shift out of second. Any advice?
A: Does it just stay in second or shift out of second into never never land....engine just revs up and car does not accelerate???....
If so, the forward clutch pack band is probably broken.... needs a rebuild or used replacement....Ed
Q: I am looking for the plastic fillers for the front right and back left/right on a 1976 Cadillac Convertible. These are the sections right near the headlights and brake lights. A picture is found at http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1828932222 for the rear one.
A: Jamie, there are several sources for these parts, pick up a copy of Hemmings Motor News and look in the Cadillac section. I have a 75 Eldo and hve only replaced the back sections so far. I bought them from a guy who advertises under the name "Eldorado Jeff" in Florida. He claims that his fit the best and he has tried them all. He tells a pretty good lie because the pair that I bought from him didn't fit for shit. You also try the Cadillac Club website, they have a message board where you get other opinions on whose fit the best. Gary
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