This weekly Q&A session answers your questions about cars and trucks. This week explores a 1999 Jeep Cherokee and a 1997 Cadillac Catera.
Question: 1999 Jeep Cherokee
Hi Vin
I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. Yesterday I had to replace a radiator hose and added Prestone and water. The car functioned fine after that.
This morning when I started the car up, it would not start unless I gave it gas and as soon as I removed my foot from the gas, the car stalled. I believe the car has electronic fuel injection.
Please help with a diagnosis.
Thanks,
Phil
Answer:
There is very little chance that replacing the radiator hose and coolant has anything to do with the running problem. Of course you should inspect the vacuum lines and electrical connectors to see if you, by chance, broke or knocked something off. Assuming that you didn't then at least you got the basic inspection done.
The next thing to do is check the PCM for any stored codes. If there are codes stored that will give us a direction to go in. If there are no codes stored then you need to check the Auto Shut Down (ASD) relay. 78267899.gif The easiest way to check it is to swap it with another relay with the same part number.
If it checks out as good, then you will need to do a fuel pressure and volume test to see if the fuel pump is working properly.
Question: 1997 Cadillac Catera
I saw that you answered questions from other owners, and was wondering if you can help me? The brake light switch is what I was curious about. How does it fit I under the dash? My switch is just hanging there. Parking lights work, fuses are not blown, pretty sure it's a bad switch, just don't know how to put it in. If you had pictures that would help also.
Thanks!!!
Answer:
The brake light switch locks into the support just above the brake pedal. It locks into place from the top. What probably happened is the locking tabs broke off allowing the brake light switch to fall out. If that is indeed the case, you will need to get a new brake light switch.
- Pull both the actuating pin (2) and the retaining collar (1) out of the brake light switch to the full-extended position of about 17 mm (2/3 inch).
- Engage the tangs on the brake light switch with the brake pedal bracket to install the brake light switch to the brake pedal bracket. Important: Do not push the actuating pin into the brake light switch. The actuating pin self-adjusts to the brake pedal position when the brake pedal returns to the at-rest position.
- Install the wiring harness connector to the switch.
That's all for this week. Feel free to browse the archives for past topics. And, as always, if you are stuck and need an immediate answer you can always call Vince on the phone.
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