This weekly feature for Warranty Direct about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America’s Car Show on satellite radio. Below are some recent Q&A from the America’s Car Show email bag.

Dear Tom,
I’d like to “swap-out” the Halogen headlights on my 2008 Chrysler T & C for a HID kit. The HID kits come in different brightness values. Are these kits legal for use in New York State? Also, do ceramic disc brake pads make the brake rotors wear out faster than semi-metallic brake pads?
Rick from Sarasota, FL

Rick,
The best place to ask what headlight intensities are legal in NYS is the NYS Dept of Motor Vehicles. I am not sure what the law states; they will know. As for ceramic brake pads, they dissipate heat better, wear less, create no brake dust, are quieter, and are less taxing on rotors than semi-metallic brake pads. In short, a far superior braking product compared to semi-metallics. Buy them and enjoy them. Just make sure you resurface the rotors before installing the new pads. Success to you.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I own a 2002 Mercury Villager. Recently, I had the rear set of fuel injectors replaced. Afterwards I smelled gas fumes coming from the air vents inside the car, as well as outside in the front of the car. The smell stopped for a few days then started again. There is no sign of anything leaking. What could be wrong?
Jane from Haugen, WI

Jane,
Have the engine scanned for codes. It sounds like the vehicle could have a faulty coolant temperature sensor dumping raw fuel into the engine, a faulty injector driver, or a bad PCM (Power Control Module). Please don’t start replacing parts. Have the proper diagnostics performed to identify the problem and then proceed with the repairs. Otherwise, you could waste a lot of time and money. Success to you.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I drove my 2005 Toyota Camry for a simple oil change and, when I left the quick lube place, it needed a water pump. I couldn’t drive the vehicle so I had it towed to my home, and then I had it towed to a local garage. The local garage said it needed a whole new engine! What happened? You might ask if I maintain service on my car and the answer is yes, every six months.
Barbara from Philadelphia, PA

Barbara,
I would go through my maintenance records to see what exactly has been done in recent months to determine what could have happened. It’s possible that the engine suffered from oil gelling that caused lubrication starvation. Toyota extended engine warranties on their engines for this problem a few years back. Ask your dealer about this possibility. Also, it sounds to me like the vehicle might have had a bad water pump and all the coolant leaked out, which caused the engine to overheat followed by a blown head gasket. This, in turn, caused engine coolant to mix with the engine oil, causing the bearings to fail and thus catastrophic failure of the engine. Good luck to you.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I own a ‘99 Dodge Grand Caravan. The digital dash cluster shuts off intermittently. If I tap the face it will turn back on. Is there a chance it could be a loose connector on the back that I can tighten? Do you know if this is a common problem on older vans? It has 178,000 miles and I hope to get more miles out of it.
Gary from Lewiston, NY

Gary,
The circuits that feed or operate the cluster will need to be tested. Sometimes there is a bad power or ground connection at the plug, or a faulty circuit board. If these connections and circuits test okay, then the problem is in the printed circuit of the cluster. This will require either replacement or repair of the cluster. There is a company online called www.mrwhizard.com. This company specializes in repairing digital instrument clusters. You simply send them your old cluster and they either repair it or sent you a newly rebuilt one. It’s a great service and much less cost than a new cluster. Good luck!
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I own a 2001 Chevy Impala, and every so often the brakes make a fast clicking sound like the ABS is kicking in, then all of a sudden the ABS light comes on and it stops making the sound until the next time. Recently, the ABS light comes on more frequently. Any ideas?
Dustin from Dallas, TX

Dustin,
I checked my ALLDATA database and there’s a TSB regarding this condition, Apparently there’s a software update from GM. Take it to your dealer for this update; it should solve your problem. In addition, I suggest having the ABS computer scanned for codes, and check the wheel speed sensors, electrical plugs, and wiring harness for cracked or broken insulation. All these faults could cause these symptoms. The TSB number from GM is Bulletin #: 09-05-25-001.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I own a ’98 Chevy Lumina with a V6 engine. There is a tapping noise when the engine is running. My tech said that it is a lifter problem and the engine should be replaced. Is there anything I can do that would be less expensive?
Ellie from Burtonsville, NC

Ellie,
First, run an oil pressure test with a mechanical gauge and verify that the oil pressure is really low. If the oil pressure is up to specs, then identify which valve tappet is making noise and open up the valve cover/s to have a look at the valvetrain. This process will allow the tech to get a better grip on what’s happening with the valvetrain and what it will cost to fix. I wish you success.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I own a ‘95 Ford F-150 with 282,000 miles and it runs well. However, the front and rear engine seals leak oil. If I replace them, will I cause additional problems?
Craig from Chicago, IL

Craig,
Seal replacement could stop the leaks. However, if the crank journals are worn then the leak will continue. With this kind of mileage, I think you’re looking at a power plant replacement. Have the crank journals, and rod & main bearings inspected along with the oil pump before proceeding with seal replacement (which would require removing the engine). It may be wise at this stage to replace the engine with a rebuilt unit. I recommend the Jasper replacement engines because they come with the best warranties and are high quality remanufactured units.
Tom

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‘Til next time…Keep Rollin’

Find Tom’s new book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever” in local Barnes & Nobel, Borders, and Walden booksellers. Find it online at Amazon.com.

For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com

Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals, and many other websites. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at noon and on Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday afternoons – 5PM EST, listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com.