Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a '90 Acura Integra with 85,000 miles. For the greater part of seven years, the fan/blower has worked fine. Recently, it started not coming on right away. It takes from two to 10 minutes for it to start up in either heat or AC mode. My girlfriend has threatened to leave me for someone with more class if this problem is not resolved quickly. What should I do? -- Ralph

Tom: This is an easy one, Ralph. I'd dump her.

Ray: Me, too. If that's all it takes for her to threaten to leave, I don't think she's going to be a very reliable mate. I'd break it off now.

Tom: After that, you might want to replace the fan relay. That should take care of that other little problem you mentioned in your letter.

Everybody wants a new car. But from a purely financial point of view, there is no question that buying a used car is always cheaper, even in the long run. To learn more, order Tom and Ray's pamphlet How to Buy a Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1997 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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