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Question: 1994 Dodge Shadow mileage: 140,000. It recently overheated and the heater would not work, so we changed the thermostat. This appeared to fix it. Then nine months later my radiator started leaking and the car overheated again. We ended up replacing the radiator and cap, thermostat, water pump, timing belt, and the AC belt. This appeared to fix it again, for a month or so. Now, After one to two minutes, the car overheats (way past the H on the gauge), but it doesn't seem like it's really that hot (no fumes/steam or ticking noises). Occasionally, I notice the oil pressure light come on (especially on sharp turns), even though I had the oil changed last week. I also noticed a greenish-yellow slime on the inside of the oil cap after I had my oil changed, but the oil looks fine when you check the dipstick. Any ideas?

Answer: If your car is overheating in a minute or so, the thermostat may be stuck and needs replacing. The greenish-yellow slime inside the oil cap is probably due to a seeping head gasket and/or a cracked head.

Question: 1994 Dodge Shadow Convertible mileage: 102,650. A couple of days ago I got into my car and after turning on the ignition I was unable to shift out of park (I have an automatic). The gear stick slides through all of the gears without doing anything and I am unable to move the car out of my driveway, which makes it difficult to take in for an estimate. Have you ever heard of this problem?

Answer: It sounds like the transmission shift linkage has come off either the transmission or the shift lever inside the car.

Question: 1993 Dodge Shadow mileage: 79,000. When putting in a new battery does it matter which post you hook up first? The positive or the negative.

Answer: For safety purposes, it is better to hook up the positive first.

Question: 1992 Dodge Shadow mileage: 100,000. I know it is time to replace the clutch. But could you tell me if there is an adjustment for the clutch cable? I am having trouble getting the car into gear. It grinds especially when you try to go into reverse. Thanks

Answer: Sounds like your problem points to replacing the clutch. We do not believe your clutch is adjustable, even if it was, it would not help your problem.

Question: 1993 Dodge Shadow mileage: 127,000. I just had the head gasket, water pump, and timing belt changed. Since the head gasket blew, my car idles rough. I replaced the cap, rotor, and wires, which did not help. Last year the idle air speed motor was replaced. The person who did the work said the engine looked great inside. Any ideas? As always, I don't want to spend too much with the amount of miles on the car. Thanks for your help!

Answer: Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system. An independent auto service center can scan your computer for fault or error codes. The information should pinpoint the malfunctioning components.

Question: 1992 Dodge Shadow mileage: 158,000. I just bought this car and I noticed that the antifreeze was a light brownish rust color should I have the radiator flush or just replace it?

Answer: The reddish-brown color indicates that your coolant has broken down chemically. Flushing the cooling system and refill with new coolant will work if there is no damage to the inside of the cooling fins, but a brand new radiator is cheap insurance that your car will stay cool when you need it.

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Question: 1993 Dodge Shadow mileage: 91,000.  I noticed smoke coming out of my dash when running the heater yesterday. My mechanic replaced the heater control and switch, and showed me where the switch had burnt the plastic in the old housing. Is this an indication that something else made this happen, and it might happen again, or should this replacement take care of it?

Answer: Check the amp or current draw from the blower fan motor. If it is starting to fail, it can cause high current flow through the switch.

Question: 1992 Dodge Shadow mileage: 84,000. My question is about my aunts car actually. She has had the car for almost five years with no problems. Now in the last year it has started doing this weird thing quite frequently and every time she takes it someplace it never duplicates the problem, so everyone thinks she is nuts. I didn't believe her either until it happened to me several times when I was driving it. This is what it does; you will be driving along usually on the highway when all of the sudden your speed will start dropping from say 65 all the way down to say 20 mph. If you push on the accelerator, it doesn't do a thing it just sounds like you are revving up the engine. It will last that way for quite awhile, and usually you have to pull over because of the speed decrease. Then all the sudden it will be okay again. Like I said, she has taken it several places and even had it hooked up to various computers, but the car will never do it when a mechanic is looking at it. Can you think of anything that they may be able to check? The car is an automatic. Thanks!

Answer: Is the car low on transmission fluid? If no, your aunt’s car may be ready for a transmission service. Replacing the transmission filter and fluid may fix the problem. After the transmission service, if the problem persists, a transmission overhaul may be next.

Question: 1994 Dodge Shadow mileage: 84,011.  I am in need of some non-partial advice. When I first got my car (used in '98) the fuel pump (located in the gas tank) was making noise. Supposedly the dealership replaced it, but within about six months, it was making the same noise again. I've been told that the after-market pump for this car is usually rather noisy and I've checked out how much t would be to have it replaced (around $400!), so I've been a bit reluctant to have it fixed. (The mechanic did suggest that I should replace the pump.) Recently however, it's had rather loud days and that's part of the problem, the volume varies, it sounds like a high-pitched friction whine, and can be very annoying. So, I guess my question is this: A) does the after-market pump make noise? and B) should I have it fixed? Thanks for your help!

Answer: We have found after market pumps to be equal in quality, as noise goes, to a factory pump. You did not mention if the fuel filter was also changed. If the fuel filter is partially plugged, the pump must work harder to supply fuel to the engine. This may cause extra noise from the pump. Also, have the fuel pressure regulator checked. If the regulator is faulty, it will cause the pump to be noisy.

Question: Sorry to bother you one more time. I have changed the fuel filter and that didn't seem to change the noise. It did stop the car from stalling, which was good. I took the car to a mechanic, and he ran a diagnostic. Would that have told him anything about the regulator? If it's ok, and the filter is ok, what should I do about the pump? Today it was rather quiet, so that false sense of security makes me wait another day. I'm just afraid that one day I'll be stuck somewhere with a dead car.

Answer: A diagnostic check of your car may not find a fuel regulator that is working but not quite "up to par." If you are concerned about the fuel pump failing and leaving you stranded, it would probably be best to change it. Being stuck on the side of the highway is not fun.

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