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Answer:  From what you have described, it appears you have a faulty computer.

Question:  1996 Esteem 1.6 SOHC  mileage: 160,531.  My car is trying to keep running after I shut the key off.  What would be causing this?

Answer:    Your problem may be that your idle speed is set too high.  Correcting to the proper specifications, should fix your problem.  Also, check that your car is not overheating.  Sometimes, too low octane gas can be the culprit.

Question:  1998  Suzuki Sidekick  mileage: 114,000.  Yes I have a question about the way my car starts.  About a year ago, my car started not starting when I turn the key.  I took it to the shop and they said it was the neutral safety switch.  They replaced the switch and it was fine for a while.  Then about a month ago, the problem started again.  I took it back to the shop and they said it was the overdrive button on my gear shifter.   They said the button was sticking and that I shouldn’t use it.  My question is this, have you heard of this problem before?  In addition, do you know anything I can do for the problem?  By the way, I can start the car by turning the key and hitting the copper bolt on 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, starter and starter solenoid.  One of these may be faulty.

Question:  1997 Suzuki Swift GT 1.3L DOHC mileage: 123,000.   A few nights ago, I noticed the temporary gauge in my Swift was not moving at all.  The car had heat.  I thought the gauge or sending unit had failed.  The next morning I did not have much heat either.  I now suspected a thermostat stuck open.  Today I replaced the thermostat.  I started the car and let it warm up a bit.  The gauge did not move as normal but it did register some temperature.  I went for a short drive and found the gauge showing cooler temperatures as I drove.  Obviously, the problem was not fixed yet.  The upper radiator hose was warm as were the hoses to the heater core.  The lower radiator hose, which branches off from the heater hoses, was cool.  I do not believe the coolant is low because I topped off the radiator after changing the thermostat, though I will triple check.  I do not see any leaks from the water pump or any noise.  What else is there?  Hoses plugged up?

Answer: Make sure the thermostat is the proper heat range.  Your replacement may be too low a temperature.

Question:  1998 Suzuki Sidekick 1.6l 16v mileage: 73,500.  I have a factory installed alarm system, which are known to have problems.  The hassle is I understand they install them at the dealerships, thus I cannot locate the way it is wired into the electrical system.  I have another alarm I would like to install utilizing the original wiring thus cutting down time and hassle.  Would you have this breakdown handy of the wiring diagram?  Your help would be much appreciated

Answer:   You cannot disconnect the factory alarm system.  It is an integral part of your car.

Question:  1996 Suzuki Sidekick JLX 1.8L mileage: 77,000.  I have a miss. Cylinder 4 is not firing.  Is there a distributor cap?  Where is it? I have replaced plugs, no change.  I have been told by repair shop igniter needs replaced, done, no difference, now repair shop says need computer.  I live in PA.   Dealer where I bought vehicle in WV says computer not the problem.  Each cylinder has its own coil pack with plug wire attached, how can I test coil or to see if cylinder is getting current to fire?

Answer:    Try switching coil packs with another cylinder.   Check cylinder compression and check injector pulse.

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