Question:  1992 Mazda MX3 mileage: 154,000.  My car makes this loud squealing noise when I start it and then it stops. I was told it was my air conditioner belt, but I had it looked at and it wasn't worn so they put some belt dressing on it and it stopped, for awhile.  Now it's squealing even worst even when I'm just stopping at a red light.  What should I do?

Answer:  You will probably have to replace the air-conditioner belt.  Once a belt starts to squeal the sides of the belt glaze over and no adjusting or treatment will permanently stop the squealing.

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Question:  1994 Mazda MX3  mileage: 125,000.  The lights that illuminate my dashboard (speedometer, etc.) have gone out.  The headlights are working as well as the turn signals and hazards.  There does not appear to be a fuse associated with the dash lights.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer:   Check all the fuses in the fuse box and check, with the headlights on, for 12-volts in and out of the dimmer for the dash lights.

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Question:  1995 Mazda MX-3 mileage: 146,000. Hi, I recently noticed the outer CV boots on my car were torn on both sides so I got somebody to replace them. I noticed they took the CV axle out to replace the boots. The problem is that when I step on the brake and the car is about to stop it makes a repeating thumping noise coming from the CV axle area. I checked the brakes out and they were fine and I had a mechanic check it out, he drove the car and inspected and he said he heard the noise but he could not tell what it was. He said his van makes the same noise, well that didn't help much. So, what do you think it is? I live in El Paso Texas and I got the CV boots replaced in Juarez Mexico for cheap. They replaced the boots fine, but something else they did wrong. So, what do you think it is? I need your help! Please e-mail me. Thank you very much for your time.

Answer: When they replace the CV boot they may have gotten some grease on the brake rotor or they did not torque the front wheels on properly. This will warp the brake rotors. Have rotors re-machined and replace pads (they might have grease on them). Also, check that the axle nuts are properly torqued.

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