Q-I have a 1962 Cadillac Sedan DeVille four-door. It’s in good shape and runs well. Can you give me any information on this car? J.M., Clyde, Texas
A-According to Consumer Guide’s “Great American Automobiles from the ’60s,” about 20,000 DeVille hardtop sedans and about 26,000 hardtop coupes were built that year. The standard engine was a 390 c.i.d., V-8 that developed 325 horsepower. This was coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The car had a top speed of about 117 miles per hour and could accelerate from zero to 60 in 11.2 seconds.
Q-Last April, I purchased a new 1994 Mercury Sable. When I took delivery of the car, the window sticker that lists the options and price of the vehicle was missing from the side window. I have discussed this with the salesperson several times. He said that he would have to obtain the sticker from the manufacturer at the Torrence Avenue plant. He claims that this takes approximately six weeks. I asked him what happened to the original sticker. He said he doesn’t know. How can I get another window sticker? T.B., Palos Hills
A-The window sticker shouldn’t have been removed. That’s your job once you take the vehicle home. A call to the owner relations manager at the Ford regional office revealed that you may be able to resolve this by writing Ford Motor Co., 2225 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, Ill., 60160. State your concern and what you feel would satisfy the problem. Make your letter as short as possible. Include your name, address and telephone number, plus the year, make, model and vehicle identification number. Send it to the owner relations manager. Ford promised to act once they receive your letter.
Q-Last October, I purchased a new 1994 Chevrolet Camaro. In November, I began to hear a humming noise similar to a moan. The noise occurs between 30 and 40 m.p.h. I took the car to a dealership where I was told that I shouldn’t use the overdrive so much. Also, I was told that a new computer prom was being developed to cure the trouble. Parts were ordered, but haven’t arrived. Now the noise emits from the speedometer. I’ve written General Motors about the trouble without satisfaction. From what I’ve been told, this is supposed to be the best car I’ve ever owned. I’m supposed to love it more, the more I drive it. I’m supposed to get prompt attention. After 10 months, I haven’t had this experience. What’s up? R.J.W., Park Forest
A-The moaning in your car probably is caused by a vibration in the exhaust and body as a result of the automatic transmission remaining in overdrive at slow speeds. It’s not likely the moaning is a defect, operational problem or reduces vehicle safety. It’s an annoyance. Just about any modification, including a modified computer prom, could affect safety, exhaust emissions and fuel economy. So, it has to be tested and approved before it can be installed in the vehicle. This takes a long time. Also, field fix parts may not be available until after supplies are available for vehicles on the assembly line. Despite this, continue to communicate with the manufacturer and dealer. But don’t expect a cure.
Q-When I start my 1985 Buick LeSabre, the seat belt warning light and buzzer remind me to secure my seat belt. I buckle up and about 15 minutes later, the seat belt warning light illuminates. What’s wrong? L.K., Willowbrook
A-The warning light may come on because you have placed something on the passenger seat such as a lunch box or brief case. Bumps in the road and the weight of objects cause the seat cushion to collapse as you travel. This turns on the light. Test this theory by not placing anything on the seat or buckle up your brief case. Also, a control module may be faltering and need replacement.
Q-Last month, during a sudden downpour, I was driving my 1993 Eagle Talon with a turbo-charged engine down a street covered with four to six inches of water. I was traveling less than 25 m.p.h. when the engine stopped. The vehicle was taken to a dealer mechanic who determined that the engine was ruined. A new engine had to be installed at my expense. Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening again? Do I have to get rid of the car? G.A.R., Bloomfield, Mich.
A-Contact your insurance company to file a claim. What you experienced is known as hydrolock. Water enters the engine cylinders usually through the air intake system. When this happens, pistons try to compress the liquid, but can’t. So, the piston rods bend and often break. It’s difficult to judge the depth of the water. Also, you can’t see the road under the water to determine what’s there. If possible, drive around puddles.
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Phil Arendt is an automotive technical consultant for the AAA-Chicago Motor Club. Readers may send technical questions about cars and trucks to him at Dr. Gizmo, A+Automotive Career Counselors Inc., P.O. Box 548, Cary, Ill. 60013 or to America Online DRGIZMO.
