A Ford, Toyota and an Acura
A 1993 Ford Taurus, 1990 Toyota Camry and a 1989 Acura Integra
A Ford Taurus with a bad BOO, a Toyota Camry that won't start after a week or so, and an Acura Integra that fails the test.
Question: 1993 Ford Taurus
I own a 1993 Ford Taurus station wagon with the 3.8 liter V-6 engine. While driving it yesterday, the cruise control did not disengage when I pressed the brake pedal, and after parking the vehicle, I could not put the shifter in gear anymore. Am I correct in my assumption that the brake light switch is either defective or out of adjustment? Can you give me a hint as to where this switch can be found?
Thank you and have a great day!
Dietmar Schlei
Answer: Sounds like a bad brake light switch to me too Dietmar. The Brake On/Off (BOO) is located behind the LH side of the instrument panel, on the brake pedal support. The BOO sends a signal to the PCM to disengage the cruise control and a signal to the shift interlock system to release the shifter.
Question: 1990 Toyota Camry
My 1990 Toyota Camry, with just 70,000 miles on it and in perfect condition, won't start when not driven 7 to 10 days.
The Toyota mechanics with sophisticated diagnostic equipment have not been able to pinpoint the cause. They suggest I leave the car with them for an undetermined length of time, with no guarantee they will find what is wrong and, if they do, no guarantee they can fix the problem.
Given the high cost of labor, I am reluctant to commit to such an iffy proposal.
What might be the problem and how should I proceed to get it fixed?
Anne Roosevelt
Columbia, SC
Answer: There are 2 possibilities here, Anne: a weak battery or a parasitic current draw. If the battery is more than 4 years old, I would recommend replacing it. Then see what happens.
For information regarding charging system and parasitic draw testing read Charging System Troubleshooting.
If Toyota can't find the draw, then take it somewhere else; current draws can be difficult to locate but not impossible.
Question: 1989 Acura Integra
Hi! Thank you for your help! My problem with my 1989 Acura Integra RS is that it fails California's smog test when it is at idle, but "cleans" up to well within specs at the higher RPM's. Where should I start with the troubleshooting process and how far should I go? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you again for your time.
Regards,
Daniel Kesselring
Answer: I think a good tune-up will clear this up for you just fine. A new distributor cap, rotor, ignition wires and spark plugs.
I would recommend using NGK BCPR6E-11 OR BCPR6EY-11 SPARK PLUGS. Acura's don't really like anything else.
