Tom Torbjornsen
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With over 27 years in the automotive industry and nearly a decade in automotive talk radio, Tom Torbjornsen makes learning about cars easy with his personal manner, his expert advice, and his high energy and entertaining style. Tom has the unique gift of simplifying the complex and tearing down the technical, meeting you at your level of understanding. You will be encouraged as you gain the confidence to deal with problems related to the second most expensive purchase you will make in a lifetime - your automobile.
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- Auto Repair (8)
- Car Care (2)
- Car Safety (1)
- Emissions Control (1)
Search Under the Hood
My Car Is Overheating: What Should I Do?
Dear Tom,
My 2001 Olds Intrigue started overheating and all the cheap fixes I've tried have not worked. I installed a new temperature gauge, flushed the radiator, replaced the sending unit, and checked for air lock (it even failed the "sniffer" test for a cracked head). I was told that other people have had the same problem with this make and year. Were there any recalls? What else do you think I should check?
Barb from NM
My 2001 Olds Intrigue started overheating and all the cheap fixes I've tried have not worked. I installed a new temperature gauge, flushed the radiator, replaced the sending unit, and checked for air lock (it even failed the "sniffer" test for a cracked head). I was told that other people have had the same problem with this make and year. Were there any recalls? What else do you think I should check?
Barb from NM
My Transmission Fluid is Brown: Should I Change It?
Dear Tom,
I own a 2000 Volkswagen Passat 2.2 Turbo, with 140,000 miles. The transmission fluid is dark brown, but it has no burnt odor or visible particles. Can I change it? I was told that changing the fluid on a high mileage transmission might cause it to fail. Is this true, and if so, why?
Ed from Santa Barbara, CA
I own a 2000 Volkswagen Passat 2.2 Turbo, with 140,000 miles. The transmission fluid is dark brown, but it has no burnt odor or visible particles. Can I change it? I was told that changing the fluid on a high mileage transmission might cause it to fail. Is this true, and if so, why?
Ed from Santa Barbara, CA
Continue reading My Transmission Fluid is Brown: Should I Change It?
Am I wearing out my clutch?
Tom,
I own a beautiful 2006 Mustang GT with a manual transmission and hydraulic clutch system. I have been told that, with a cable clutch system, it is not good to leave the clutch engaged when stopped because it causes excess wear on the clutch system. Is this true? Does it apply to hydraulic clutches as well? Also, do you have any other advice that might save wear-and-tear on the clutch and transmission?
Jeannette from Boise, ID
I own a beautiful 2006 Mustang GT with a manual transmission and hydraulic clutch system. I have been told that, with a cable clutch system, it is not good to leave the clutch engaged when stopped because it causes excess wear on the clutch system. Is this true? Does it apply to hydraulic clutches as well? Also, do you have any other advice that might save wear-and-tear on the clutch and transmission?
Jeannette from Boise, ID
Various Factor Affect Oil Change Intervals
Dear Tom,
I own a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a hemi engine. I run it on medium grade gasoline. How often should I change the oil? Also, how much should I expect to pay for an oil change for a hemi engine? Thank you.
Patty from NJ
I own a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a hemi engine. I run it on medium grade gasoline. How often should I change the oil? Also, how much should I expect to pay for an oil change for a hemi engine? Thank you.
Patty from NJ
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