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 listen to your radio show here in Savannah, GA. Thanks for all you do for us drivers. I drive a 2004 Lincoln LS with an auto transmission. This auto has NO dipstick, much to my dismay! When driving, the shift from 2nd to 3rd can be very rough at times. The dealer tells me he can’t duplicate this! I have had the transmission drained and fluid replaced twice, once by the dealer and another by an independent shop that I trust. I can use any advice you can offer!
Patrick from Savannah, GA

Patrick,
Thanks for listening down Georgia-way! I researched your problem and came up with a possible solution. Ford issued a TSB on this condition, it is TSB # 05-21-8. According to this bulletin, there may be a problem with the shift solenoids in the transmission causing harsh shift points. If you have your local dealer reference this TSB they will probably be able to solve your problem. Best to you.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I would like to know why my truck (2006 Ford F150 4WD pickup) vibrates when I go 70 miles per hour? It feels like I am driving in the ruts on the side of on the highway; the front wheels shake and that makes the whole truck shake.
Thanks,
Dottie from WY

Dottie,
Ford Motor Company issued a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on this condition. It involves checking the tires for flat spots, tire-to-wheel fitment, and overall tire diameter. Flat spots on the tires will cause vibration. Also, if the tires are too wide for the rims, vibration will occur. Finally, vibration also occurs when the overall diameter of one or more tires is greater or lesser than another. The TSB number is: 08-24-2. Have your repair shop look this up and perform the service. Success to you.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I own a ‘96 BMW Z3 4-cylinder 1.9 Liter. Auto-Zone did a diagnostic and it showed that there was a malfunction in the electrical circuit for “Camshaft Position Sensor A”. I have never heard of this part. What does it do and is it something I can replace myself.
John from Brooklyn, NY

John,
The camshaft position sensor measures the position of the cam lobes and adjusts ignition timing to achieve maximum combustion efficiency in the engine. Before you get in way over your head with this repair, call your local dealer and ask them about TSB # 12 12 99 from BMW. It involves replacing the camshaft position-sensor with an updated one. Apparently there were problems with the cam sensors that were installed at the factory. Good luck.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I own a 2008 Pontiac G8 with 80,000 miles, and I recently got new tires. Lately, the ride is SO rough! Every seam and small pothole makes the car bang loudly! What’s going on? Thank you for your help.
Cookie from Ft Lauderdale, FL

Cookie,
Your car has a strut/shock configuration. Have the front struts and strut mounts, as well as the rear shocks checked. Sounds like they are at the end of their respective lives. If you had them replaced recently, or they’re in good shape, then have the stabilizer bar links and mounts checked. Oftentimes, when the links or mounts go bad, the bar will bang on the underside of the vehicle when going over bumps in the roadways. Good luck.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I hear a scrubbing noise on the left rear side of my car when I come to a stop. It sounds like some part is rubbing against another part. When I drive into my driveway it sounds really loud. And when I am driving down the road, it isn’t as loud but I can still hear it. Can you help me?
Mary from MA

Mary,
That car has rear drum brakes. It sounds like a brake shoe is hanging up. There are a number of things that can cause this to happen: A lack of lubrication between the shoes and backing plate, or a bad wheel cylinder, or a frozen emergency brake cable, or the lining is coming loose from the steel backing. At any rate, get it into a shop so they can take the wheels off and find the source of the problem.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
I own a ’98 Nissan Altima and the stoplights stay on at all times. What’s wrong with it?
Lulu from Detroit

Lulu,
I suspect that you have a bad brake light switch. Typically, these switches go bad over time and an electrical short causes the brake lights to stay on. The switch is located at the top of the brake pedal arm and is easy to replace. To check it, simply disconnect the electrical plug and see if the lights go out. If they do, the switch is bad. If they don’t, your car has wiring issues that must be traced down in order to do the repair. If this is the case, take it to a shop.
Tom

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Dear Tom,
When I turn the key to start my 2000 Tundra it won’t start. Everything lights up on the dash, the radio comes on, and I can hear the starter clicking, but it won’t turn over. It often takes 4-5 times of turning the key to get it started. I just had the battery replaced and the starter checked and it was okay. The problem doesn’t occur all the time, just sometimes. I took it to my local Toyota dealer with no luck. Every time I take the car in, it starts right up! Can you help me?
Jerry from Baton Rouge, LA

Jerry,
I just had the same thing happen with my Toyota pickup, same year and model. A starting system analysis revealed that it was the starter. I removed it and took it to a rebuilder and, when they opened the starter up, they found that the contacts inside the motor had burned which caused the intermittent starting condition. They replaced the burnt contacts and the truck starts every time. The repair cost was $45 as opposed to over $200 for a rebuilt unit. Sweet.
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.