Car: 1999 Honda Civic CX (Hatchback) Miles: 242,000 Location: Southern California Symptoms: Sweet smell when I started the car Monday morning. Thought my daughter had dropped some candy or something and ignored it. Tuesday afternoon, while driving up a hill at ~50mph, I noticed the engine temp...

On a routine coolant change, I noticed that the radiator is spewing out a lot of rust. I filled and drained the coolant a couple of times, but there still seems to be a lot of it. The rust wasn't there during the last coolant change. What could have caused it? Is it a bad sign?

I seem to have a D4 light which sometimes is on (solid) and other times is not on. At first I thought the LED was failing but then in the service literature it appears that D4 is used as a TCU diagnostic readout. Do you think the TCU is trying to tell me something? From online reading it seems...

I just bought a 2005 civic SI (V-tech) that had the orginal engine changed out due to hydroloc. While putting on a new AEM air filter assembly, I noticed a small rubber line from the orginal air tube going over to the top of a screwed in fitting on the water ? housing. The outlet was broken on the...

I've been following the thread on Honda brand antifreeze, and I noticed the comments about Prestone not belonging in a Honda. I noticed green antifreeze in my 93 civic that I bought from a friend recently. What potential hazards am I dealing with? What's the best way to get it all out if I'm...

I have a 2004 Honda Accord with just over 26 thousand miles and the original battery. Is it time for me to replace the battery yet? On the one hand, I do NOT believe in waiting for the battery to go bad. Some people say that can tell by the fact that they need to crank a bit longer to start the...

I was just quoted $1,500 to fix an oil leak, they claim, after dropping dye to locate leaks, I'm leaking from the following: Reseal oil pan, Replace Timing belt, water pump, and front engine seals, Replace rear main seal. OK, my car has close to 200K, but is it possible all spots are leaking at...

Now that was an experience. I re-used the old springs and top caps. I had to fabricate my own spring compressor, as I couldn't find anything on the market for those skinny Honda springs. I did have a bit of help from a supplier of ours that does laser cutting. They cut the top plate from my CAD...

Nice writeup on opening your old torque wrench. Is it right that the upper nut in the handle was held in place by the plastic molding of the handle? So there is less chance of it rotating out of place than the lower nut? Also, didn't exactly see where the detent feels come from. I guess from the...

I admittedly know next to nothing about cars. Honda emails me I need the 45K service. I made an appointment & took it into my local Honda dealer for the service. When I made the appointment I said, "My check engine light is on also. Can you check that?" Yes, not a problem. When I came in on...

On my "antique" '83 Honda Civic 1300 FE, I can find no reference on changing the timing belt other than an "inspection" at 60K (miles). I have the factory manual and owner's manual. The current belt is new but would I be correct to assume that 60K is a good time to change it out? BTW, I'm still...

My 2002 Accord SE 4cyl is using up 1L oil every 3000Km. The Honda dealer says that is normal. My previous cars never uses that much oil, and I never had to top up oil between changes of 8000Km. Any input. -- Later 'gator remove NOSPAM for email

Hello all, In a few weeks, I may get my tires replaced. Previously, I had bought tires at Walmart. I'm considering heading over to Firestone or Goodyear. Are they good at balancing and alignment work at these places? My current tires's tread is worn out well before the expected mileage, it's only...

Yesterday coming home from work in -10 C, a 26 km drive, I was getting just cold air through the heater. I was watching the temp guage all the way home and as I got near my home about 20 minutes in, the temp guage on my pickup was at the red line. Once parked in driveway, I noticed the rad...

Because of my recent enhanced upderstanding of the safety features listed below, and how my '05 Accord LX doesn't have them ... Traction Control Stability Control Emergency Braking Assistance Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (newer Honda LXs have ...) Rear disks

I had the Motorvac service done today by a local Canadian Tire franchise. Stupid, stupid me. I figured, how bad could they possibly **** up something that simple? (I've never said "****" before, have I?) Well, the monkey they'd hired DID **** it up that bad ("but he's been a mechanic for 15...

There is a clacking noise that just started inside the distributor. What is it caused by? I assume I can fix it by changing the distributor cap and rotor. Correct? (1990 civic DX) Thanks, Chris

Many are familiar with the static electricity problem when exiting their car. Apparently it has something to do with some of the newer tire compounds. I have heard solutions ranging from spraying cloth seats with a fabric softener solution to "remembering" to touch the metal frame before leaving...

Condensation on the inside windows. I hate it. How do I get rid of it? What's the cause of it? Why does it take so long to remove with the defroster? How can I seal up the outside of my car. What's the best way to check for air/water infiltration. Ugh. Help! :)

my 91 accord had problems starting tonight, could it be the starter? Something seems to be messed up where I turn the key. is that the starter or is a starter located under the hood? Sorry I dont know **** about cars! RAT