How do I repair the frame rust and rot on my 2001 Dodge Dakota? | Car Doctor
Q: I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota that has frame rust and rot that needs repair. Where do I start?
A: Depending on the rust, you may be able to buy a prefabricated cap to go over and reinforce the rusted spots. One company that I have heard about from readers is Auto Rust Technicians. Check out their website at autorust.com. Other than that, you can replace the frame (very expensive) or find a welder who can fabricate something to keep the truck safe.
Camry doesn't warm up at highway speeds since engine replacement
Q: I recently had to replace the engine in my Toyota Camry. It had 234,000 miles, but I expected more out of it. The newer engine has around 50,000 miles on it. I have noticed when it is really cold, the car does not warm up when driving at highway speed. When it is idling or going slow, the engine warms up and therefore the heater works. What is up?
A: Start with a check of the engine thermostat. If the engine was sitting in a salvage yard for a while, the thermostat might be opening at too low a temperature. This would be most noticeable at highway speeds.
Are aftermarket parts as good as those from the manufacturer?
Q: I love my 1998 Nissan Maxima. It is kept in a garage and has only 120,000 miles on it. I would like to keep it forever. The issue is that the Nissan parts are getting harder to get, due to the age of the car. I would like to understand aftermarket parts. Are there various qualities? Should I be asking for a specific manufacturer, given that I plan to keep this car as long as possible?
A: The parts made for the vehicle manufacturer typically will fit better and, in some cases, may even last longer than some replacement parts. That said, many replacement parts are equal to and, in some cases, may surpass the original equipment parts. Look for name brands from reputable parts stores such as NAPA.
As a general rule, if the replacement part is dramatically cheaper than the original equipment part, the quality may not be as good. If ordering parts online, you might see notations of original equipment manufacturer, which generally guarantees a high-quality part.
What's causing knocking noise from Pathfinder engine in cold weather?
Q: I recently purchased a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder with only 27,000 miles on it. Lately, I hear a knock from the engine that is fairly apparent until the car warms up (10 minutes), and it's worse when under a load cold.
I took the car to Nissan and had someone test drive it. They told me there are no trouble codes and the knocking noise is normal. I do not recall hearing the noise when I first bought the car, although the weather was warmer then.
Does my truck have a problem? It is covered by an extended warranty.
A: It is not unusual to hear a slight knocking noise when the engine is cold, but it should not last 10 minutes. I would return to the dealer and have them fully document the noise. If the engine does fail and, even if it is out of warranty, you will have documentation that there was a problem while the car was under warranty.
Trouble diagnosing 'evap system' malfunction
Q: I have a Honda Accord and the “service engine” light came on. The repair shop told me it was the “evap system,” but they could not find anything wrong. They said the problem was not on the fuel side.
They reset the computer, and all was well for almost three weeks. But this morning, the light came back on.
What exactly is the “evap system,” and should I be concerned about the light?
A: The “evap system” is the term used for the evaporative emission control system, which prevents gasoline fumes from escaping into the atmosphere and causing additional pollution. Since 1996, most cars have had an onboard test of this system to ensure it does not leak. Although the car’s performance will not change when the “check engine” light is illuminated, your car is causing air pollution. The most common cause of an evaporative failure is a loose or faulty gas cap or leaking purge valve.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: How do I repair the frame rust and rot on my vehicle? | Car Doctor
