Tom and Ray speculate on the causes of a 9-day traffic jam in China.
Cathy Cobb Medford, New Jersey - 2000 Chrysler LHS
They were planning to sell her husband's car at a yard sale for $1600 but it caught on fire when he drove it around the block. What caused the fire and can they still sell it? They probably can't sell it for more than around $8 now--not a lot of demand for these, even in good shape. They would have done better to let it burn and collect insurance!
Rosemary St. Louis, Missouri -
She's a probation and parole officer, and is having trouble finding people--she thinks it may be because her car is making so many noises that it's tipping them that she's coming. When she backs up it hits "high C", then it makes a sound like sleigh bells ringing, when she hits the brakes it hisses like a cobra, and when she is parking and turns the wheel all the way to the left, it growls.
Mitch Miller Bobcat Mountain, Colorado - 2002 Subaru Outback
His cousin stashed a 'redneck horn' somewhere in the car--a hand-held device that shouts insults. Mitch can't find it, and it keeps going off when he drives on bumpy roads. He checked the headliner and under rear seat. Where else could it be? Guys think it could be behind the dashboard.
Anne Morgan Canaan, Vermont - 1993 Mazda Miata MX-5
Her car needs a new clutch--old one is slipping. Husband says its her fault, because she 'under revs'--goes uphill in 4th or 5th gear. More likely husband drives like a maniac (or just could be time, since clutch has over 100k miles on it.) She should tell her husband to leave her alone, or buy an automatic.
Ian Talent, Oregon -
Occasionally, the horn starts going as soon as he starts the car, and won't stop. It begins softly, then gets louder as he accelerates. This has happened about 8 times in the last year. Problem is likely in the horn pad - bad or worn contacts, or loose wiring. Next time it does this, remove the horn pad and see if noise goes away. If it doesn't, it could be a short in wiring in steering column.
Staci Williams Peoa, Utah - 1990 Toyota Camry
When she turns car left or right, she hears clicking sounds, like a roller coaster. The noise seems to be coming from underneath, around the wheels. Guys think it's a bad axle, or bad axles. They could break soon,so she needs to get them fixed.
Brooke Simons Kennet Square, Pennsylvania - 1999 Saab 9-5
Her Mom loves Saabs, but her last two have been totaled by Brooke's brothers--one in a collision with a horse. Mom needs a new car, but is worried about Saab going out of business. Guys tell her Saab has new owner, so they will still be available, and can get serviced. If Mom wants to change makes, but get similar features and ride, she can try an Audi. But don't let brothers anywhere near the new car!
Josh Holleb Boulder, Colorado - 1992 Toyota Previa
Car always starts when it's cold, first thing in the morning. But if he shuts it off after driving a while, it sometimes won't start and makes a noise like Darth Vader exhaling. He can make it start by banging on the starter. He needs a new starter--he's hitting a 'flat spot' on the old one, and it will only get worse.
Rebecca Alley Santa Cruz, California - 2001 Honda Civic
She can't unlock the back doors with the remote or with power door lock switch. This has been a problem for several years, but she's about to have a baby, so needs to be able to access the rear. It could be a wiring problem or a faulty power lock module. But they need to fix it quick, because once the baby comes they won't have time.