Q I bought my 2008 Nissan Rogue new. The front windshield fogs up on the inside when I get in the car after work or after it's been parked at the gym for an hour in the morning. Other cars in the parking lot don't have this problem. The dealer resealed the windshield, but it still happens. Any suggestions?
A Fogging or condensation on the inside of the windshield is caused by moisture in the car's interior. As the glass cools after a drive, moisture condenses on the inside of the glass. Check the floor mats, carpet and carpet padding for wetness. If the padding is seriously wet, it will likely need to be removed for cleaning/drying or even replacement. Wet carpets can be caused by rain leaking past the door seals, around the windshield or from a lack of proper drainage from the heater core/evaporator housing.
If the windshield is the source of the leak, it may not be properly bonded into the windshield frame. Modern unibody vehicles feature windshields that are glued into the opening to become a structural part of the vehicle. In fact, the passenger-side airbag uses the windshield as a backboard, so to speak, to deflect the inflating airbag into position to protect passenger-seat occupants. If the windshield is leaking, the bond is somewhat suspect.
I'm not sure how the windshield could be "resealed" without removing and reinstalling it properly. Check with the dealer, and check the status of your glass coverage on your automobile's comprehensive insurance coverage.
Q I have a 1995 Mercury Sable with a 3.8-liter engine that had an intermittent starting problem for several months. The car would crank over fine but not fire. After waiting 10 minutes, it would finally start and run normally. I haven't been able to get it started for a week now. There is no fuel pressure (the pump will not run when the ignition is turned on) and there is no spark. I tested the ignition module, fuel pump and the inertia switch in the trunk, and all function properly. Is there something else in the electrical system that will shut down the fuel pump and the ignition?
A Sure, the ignition switch. An old vehicle with lots of miles may well have worn or intermittent contacts in the ignition switch. Also, the constant control relay module works with the powertrain control module (PCM) to control the fuel pump and includes the power relay for the PCM. It might also be worthwhile to check the electrical ground connections among the battery, chassis and drivetrain.
Q I have a 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan with 104,000 miles on it. I have been told that my leaking fuel rail will cost $810.81 to fix. Is there any way this can be plugged for now until I can afford to replace it?
A Very unlikely -- and if there were, it wouldn't be safe. Pressurized fuel leaking into the engine compartment is a recipe for fire. But you should find out exactly where the leak is or what part is leaking. The individual fuel injectors, injector O-ring seals, fuel pressure regulator and rollover valve can be replaced individually. The fuel rail itself costs about $165 plus 1 1/2 hours of labor to replace. In other words, it seems likely that a leaking component in the fuel rail assembly can be replaced for way less than $800. If your budget is tight, a used fuel rail with regulator from U-Pull-R-Parts costs $13, and injectors are $5 each.
