Burnaby NOW • Wednesday, May 1, 2013 • A23
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WHEELS Deals
Try cheap, easy ignition fix before costly one CLICK & CLACK TALK CARS Ray & Tom Magliozzi
Dear Tom and Ray: I have a 2001 Dodge Neon with more than 150,000 miles on it. Until very recently, it’s been an extremely reliable vehicle,
and I’ve loved it. Lately, and at random times, however, the engine will not shut off – even with the key removed from the ignition and in my hand! I’ve already gotten a new key and replaced the entire ignition cylinder, but it happened again yesterday evening. Luckily, yesterday I was able to fiddle with the key a little bit and finally get the stupid thing to shut off. What could be causing this? At this point, the mechanics I’ve
taken it to haven’t been able to identify or fix the problem, and I can’t find anything on the Internet. Each time it’s happened, my local mechanic has disconnected the battery, which made the car turn off. After that, though, it runs perfectly for maybe a couple of months, until it happens again. Any idea what could be wrong? – Grace TOM: You’re a lucky woman, Grace – you can’t get your Neon to stop.
ing column to the ignition switch at your fingers, the ignition switch signals a power relay under the hood. It’s that relay that actually sends current to the engine’s computer, which enables the engine to run. That relay could be faulty and sticking in the “on” position. RAY: The relay probably costs 20 bucks, and it takes two minutes to replace. So start there, and see if that fixes your problem. TOM: If not, then it’s
Most of our customers with Neons can’t get them to start! RAY: You say you replaced the ignition cylinder. But that’s just the locking mechanism the key fits into; it’s not the ignition switch itself. So you easily could have a bad ignition switch. TOM: But before you replace the switch, try replacing the ignition relay. Rather than have a huge amount of current running through the steer-
almost certainly the ignition switch, because there’s really not much else that could cause this. But since replacing the ignition switch will cost you several hundred dollars, don’t do that until you’ve ruled out the $20 fix. Good luck, Grace.
Have a question for Ray and Tom Magliozzi? Write Click and Clack by visiting the Car Talk website at www.car talk.com.
Vote for province’s worst potholes and more The British Columbia Automobile Association wants to know if flat tires, potholes and traffic congestion are driving British Columbians around the bend. The association is inviting British Columbians to vote for a road they feel is the worst in the province as part of its third annual “Worst Roads” survey. Until May 27, the public is invited to nominate a road in most need of repair or redesign by voting at bcaa.com/worst roads. Once final results are verified, the association will publish the top 10 list and share the results with government to encourage improvements. During recent years, the associ-
ation has observed tire problems such as flat or blown tires and damaged rims as ongoing issues. On average, BCAA receives close to 50,000 calls annually throughout the province for tire-related problems alone. “Tire issues can be caused by a number of factors, but poor road conditions certainly don’t help,” Ken Cousin, the association’s Road Assist associate vicepresident, said in a press release. “Swerving to avoid potholes or hitting them head-on is a safety risk, not to mention the damage it does to vehicles. We want to help our members and British Columbians have their say about the state of our roads.” The association also stated that congestion is worsening, espe-
cially in B.C.’s urban areas. Recently, Vancouver was named the worst city in Canada for congestion, according to a 2013 survey by Tom Tom, a manufacturer of car navigation systems. The survey ranked Vancouver as second worst in North America next to the notorious gridlock of Los Angeles. “Roads that are deteriorating, inadequately maintained or poorly designed affect the pocketbook, stress level and more importantly – personal safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” Cousin said. “We encourage British Columbians to take five minutes to vote and draw attention to deteriorating, unsafe or inefficient roads in their community. And we will continue to
share our results with decision makers to help them plan for current and future road improvements.” Throughout the campaign, participants can check the website to see where their road ranks and which roads are close to taking the dubious title of “B.C.’s Worst Road.” The BCAA “Worst Roads” survey defines a “worst road” as any piece of paved infrastructure – including a bridge or tunnel – that is in need of repair, has damaging potholes, needs resurfacing, is unsafe and contributes to frequent accidents, or is often heavily congested. Roads that are poorly designed or are too narrow for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to share
safely also qualify as a “worst road.” Westside Road in Kelowna topped the list last year for its potholes and crumbling pavement. Next was Domano Boulevard in Prince George; Tabor Boulevard in Prince George; Station Street in Vancouver; Cosens Bay Road in Coldstream; Massey Drive in Prince George; 15th Avenue in Prince George; George Massey tunnel in Richmond; the Malahat highway on Vancouver Island; and the Pacific Rim Highway in Port Alberni, south of Clayoquot Plateau Provincial Park. For details on the survey and past results, go to bcaa.com/worst roads. editorial@burnabynow.com
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