And away we go!

Yes, vehicle fans, I’m back. After taking a year off, I’d like to thank all my family, friends and many church contacts for the support they have giving me to keep writing about cars. The biggest thanks goes out to my editor in chief, Dana, who is a gem to work for.

I have added a new twist to the “Talking Cars” stories, as I will focus mainly on car problems that can help you out. I may not have the perfect answer, but I’ll try my best to help you the reader, figure out what might be causing the problem.

Like Jackie Gleason used to say, on his variety TV show back in the 60’s, “And away we go!”

“Dear Larry, I have a 99 Chevy Caprice and my ABS light, and check engine comes on, and not shortly after that, it goes away and doesn’t appear for weeks. Then it’s back. What do you think is going on?” Carl.

Well Carl that type of problem can really be a doozy to figure out by way of a newspaper article. But I have some theories of what could be going on. First of all, the ABS sensor light is coming on which stands for ‘Automatic Breaking System.” It’s trying to tell you have a short in the wiring or a sensor. Most all ABS breaking systems has a sensor which leads into the wheel bearing. It may possibly you have a break or a short in that sensor or wire cable. Now, you mentioned that the ‘Check Engine” light is coming on too.

The “Check Engine” light coming on with it, means several things. The first thing I’d check out is the battery connections. I’d use a bright flashlight and look on top and below. Check to see that both positive and negative connections are tight or not broken.

When that “Check Engine” light comes on, and goes away, doesn’t mean the problem has gone away. Your car’s computer will record the error and it will show up when the mechanic puts a ECM on the computer. That’s a nice expensive gadget that ‘Reads’ the computer to pinpoint the exact cause of the ‘Check Engine “light.

To narrow your problem down better, ABS is one problem, the “Check Engine” is another but yet, they can still be telling you the same problem. ABS braking systems have an ABS Brake Module. Those are really expensive to replace, but rarely is that the problem. In fact, a short in the ground wire leading into the Brake Module can make it act up from time to time.

If you have smooth stopping and your car doesn’t die when running, then I’d say there’s a good chance your ABS sensor at one of the wheels is needing replaced. If your car is dying and the whole dash is going blank, you might need a new battery or all new battery connectors. Either way, you need to take it to a really good shop who can help you out.

One more thing, like Columbo says, you said your car is a 1999. Things get old at that point, and crusty. It might be time to replace some wires, and clean up the connections? I wish you luck Carl. The only other option I have for you, is to trade it in, for something of your choice. Cars with ABS lights and check engine lights are not safe to drive.

Got a car problem? I will go through all Emails to try to help you out. Sorry, I can only select two a month. You can contact me by way of Joseywales2@gmail.com.