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Question: 1994 Dodge Spirit mileage: 145,000. I just bought this car and found the daytime running lights not to be operational. Sometimes they come on and then they go off. I picked up a couple of modules and tried changing them, still no lights. I have the Haynes manual on this vehicle and the associated wiring diagrams. My buddy seems to think I have a faulty plug end or a short in the harness. Normally I wouldn't worry about this little nuisance but in Manitoba Canada we have to pass a safety check to register a new used car. I would really appreciate any feedback that you may provide.

Answer: Electrical problems are often difficult to troubleshoot. Check wiring for damage and or bad connections, especially the ground wires. There also may be a faulty switch or relay somewhere.

Question: 1994 Dodge Spirit mileage: 120,000.  We bought this car used about eight months ago and haven't had any problems until recently.  The car already had an alarm system added and we thought this was a good feature, but now we are having problems starting the car.  Our mechanic thinks it may be somehow connected to the alarm system and disconnected the wire to the starter.  The car will start sometimes but lately it is so unreliable we don't know what else to check.  The engine won't even turn over and all we hear are the click of the door locks and maybe one click and then nothing.  Help!  What should be checked next?  (We have already replaced the battery and the starter!)

Answer: Here are some things to check.  Load test the battery.  Check that the battery cable connections are clean.  Check for 12 volts to starter solenoid with the key in the start position.  These things should be checked first then the ignition switch, neutral safety switch, starter and starter solenoid.  One of these may be faulty.

Question: 1993 Dodge Spirit mileage: 125,000.  We just dropped in a motor in this car.  When we cranked up the car, it sounded wonderful.  Then after about ten seconds, the gasket blew out from the oil filter.  Blew out the oil filter and oil started spurting out. What could be causing this?  Someone said it has too much compression somewhere. 

Answer: The problem is not too much compression; rather the oil pump pressure relief valve is probably stuck causing extremely high oil pressure.

Question: 1993 Dodge Spirit  mileage: 152,000.  My in-tank electric fuel pump is getting increasingly noisy, so I'm thinking about replacing it.  However, I have heard stories that this is a job best left to a professional garage because of the danger of draining, removing, and handling a gas tank.  I heard that empty gas tanks have exploded as a result of tiny sparks generated by the friction of tools and components on and around the tank.  Is this true?  How safe is it to tackle the job myself?  Are there any special safety precautions I should take?

Answer: Replacing the fuel pump in the gas tank can be dangerous.  It may be best to have the work done at a qualified auto service center.

Question: 1992 Dodge Spirit  mileage: 170,000.  My alternator over charges, periodically it puts out about 18 V and I can hear the battery sizzling. 1. I have swapped out the alternator- makes no difference (so the alternator is not the problem). 2. I have swapped out the battery- makes no difference. 3. Last Dec. I replace the computer so I would like to think this is not the problem. 4. I have checked the wiring harness. Any ideas?

Answer: Your problem may be simple like a loose or poor ground wire. On the other hand, maybe not. The voltage regulator is part of the computer. We have on occasion installed an external voltage regulator, not using the computer to control the voltage from the alternator.

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