Car Repair Help

[sodakjoe]

Alright everybody,

First off, I don't know cars. My car is about 7 years old, and is in some dire (i assume) need of what most of you would probably consider "regular" maintenance. I've pretty much treated my car like crap for the 5 years I've had it because I've been a poor college student, so it needs a little TLC. Other than (mostly) regular oil changes, and new wiper blades, I've pretty much neglected it.

So basically, I'm wondering if there are places I can take it in to to get, essentially, a list of things that should be fixed/maintained, in some order of priority. How much should I expect to pay for this kind of service, if I can get it? I live in Ames, so where would you guys that know your stuff recommend that I go?

Thanks for any help you guys can give.

 

[khehr]

Alright everybody,

First off, I don't know cars. My car is about 7 years old, and is in some dire (i assume) need of what most of you would probably consider "regular" maintenance. I've pretty much treated my car like crap for the 5 years I've had it because I've been a poor college student, so it needs a little TLC. Other than (mostly) regular oil changes, and new wiper blades, I've pretty much neglected it.

So basically, I'm wondering if there are places I can take it in to to get, essentially, a list of things that should be fixed/maintained, in some order of priority. How much should I expect to pay for this kind of service, if I can get it? I live in Ames, so where would you guys that know your stuff recommend that I go?

Thanks for any help you guys can give.

Too many variables to guess at cost, but I do all my car business with Trickle's on Lincoln Way down near Burger King. Great place, good service, good work AND ISU fans!

Even has a piece of Hilton hanging on the wall!

 

[CO4Cy]

I always took my car to Buds Service Center when I lived in Ames. Good peeps.

They also rent Uhauls and gave me a special deal on a Uhaul when I moved to Colorado since I was a regular customer.

 

[Cyclonesrule91]

Well you have changed the oil so that is probably one of the key maintenance that a car needs.

Does it burn any oil between oil changes?
Any strange squeals, squeaks, weird noises?

Don't take it somewhere if nothing is wrong because I guarantee you take it most places and they will find something that don't need fixing.

 

[sodakjoe]

Well you have changed the oil so that is probably one of the key maintenance that a car needs.

Does it burn any oil between oil changes?
Any strange squeals, squeaks, weird noises?

Don't take it somewhere if nothing is wrong because I guarantee you take it most places and they will find something that don't need fixing.

Well I know I've got some things going on. My horn doesn't work, and every once in a while i hear this click like my turn signal is on, but it's not. It clicks really fast, like twice as fast as the signal. I also have a headlight I need to replace (although with some youtube and google help I hear I should be able to do that myself), and one of the knobs on my dash for my heating system is busted. I also think my power steering is messed up, because when I take it in they top off the fluid and it's okay, but after like two weeks it's rough again.

Basically I'm just wondering how much it would cost to have somebody do some diagnostics on it and stuff. But if the gearheads here don't think I should, then I won't.

 

[terryk]

Too many variables to guess at cost, but I do all my car business with Trickle's on Lincoln Way down near Burger King. Great place, good service, good work AND ISU fans!

Even has a piece of Hilton hanging on the wall!

When i owned my company i bought all my tires from Trickles, good folks. Also have cool Cyclone things on the wall.

 

[Cyclonesrule91]

What do you have for a car?

 

[sodakjoe]

What do you have for a car?

2003 Grand Am

 

[FarminCy]

I used to use Big 8 Tyre (yes it's spelled Tyre) in Nevada alot for work and have never had a bad experience with them. Have been using them for either work and now my wifes car that it is just recently off warranty for about 7 years. Have bought several rounds of tires from them for car, farm truck, and wifes old car. I highly recommend them if going to Nevada isn't a problem for ya.

 

[Cyclonesrule91]

2003 Grand Am

Replacing the headlight is pretty simple. If it's that new then it has a socket the you turn a quarter turn counterclockwise and pull the socket out. Then pull the bulb off the wire carefully, put the new one in and then push the socket in, turn the quarter turn clockwise and your headlight is fixed.

First thing with the horn I would check is your fuse.

As far as the clicking noises you are hearing? You need to figure out where the sound is coming from and then it's easier to diagnose what the issue is. I can help you.

With your power steering, are you leaking power steering fluid? Either on the ground when you park overnight or do you see oil underneath the steering pump or behind it?

The heater knobs you say are broke. Is the metal tab the knob goes on still there? IF so you can go to a salvage yard and get one cheap. If the control arm is broke, then what does it control? Some can be fixed. Others can be tricky.

The problem with taking a car into a shop with the problems you are asking about can be an expensive fix. Since shope rates vary from $50 - 110 / hour a shop can not fix your issue but still charge you for 3-4 hours of trying to diagnose it.

 

[heyguy85]

The clicking is quite possibly your half-shafts. They click quickly when turning your car and if that's the case, you want that fixed. About $200.
Your power steering problem could be a number of things. Bad pump, belt, leak, or other. Best of luck. Make sure you report back to what was all fixed on it.
A radiator flush and new battery would be ideal considering we are entering winter.

 

[sodakjoe]

The clicking is quite possibly your half-shafts. They click quickly when turning your car and if that's the case, you want that fixed. About $200.
Your power steering problem could be a number of things. Bad pump, belt, leak, or other. Best of luck. Make sure you report back to what was all fixed on it.
A radiator flush and new battery would be ideal considering we are entering winter.

Like I said, I don't really know cars, but the sound doesn't really sound mechanical. It sounds more like the clicking that your turn signal makes when you turn it on, inside your car. It just randomly pops up, regardless of if I'm driving straight, turning, stopped at a light, whatever. It makes me think that it's some sort of electrical issue, but I really don't know.

 

[VTXCyRyD]

The clicking sound could be your AC/Heater fan. Something may have fallen down one of the vents.

Everything else you talk about like the headlight and turn signal light being out (causes the blinker to flash fast) can be fixed very cheaply, just buy the lights and replace them. I think most auto parts stores, maybe even WalMart's auto dept, might replace them for you if you bring your vehicle to the store and buy the part from them.

 

[cyclonefan1983]

My dad had a 2000 Grand Am and it made those same clicks you were talking about, he had it check and it seem like it never got fixed..

must be something with the Grand Am

 

[kilgore_trout]

That clicking is a bad multi-function switch - a known issue/irritant on that era Grand Ams. You probably need a new set of tires...

 

[ce1]

One additional maintenance - replace your belts and hoses. That is if you want to keep it another five years. Good way to keep from breaking down in the winter. Probably run about $250

 

[vincentaldrich]

One additional maintenance - replace your belts and hoses. That is if you want to keep it another five years. Good way to keep from breaking down in the winter. Probably run about $250

I hope you don't mind asking this question. but first of all i would like to say sorry for the late response. im also concern with my cyclone 2004 and i want this car to last for five years. Is the cost $250 a DIY or a repair service...?

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Looking for car repair guides. Any suggestion?

 

[ISUAlum2002]

Spamming for automotive forums. This has to be a first.

 

[Cyclonepride]

Well I know I've got some things going on. My horn doesn't work, and every once in a while i hear this click like my turn signal is on, but it's not. It clicks really fast, like twice as fast as the signal. I also have a headlight I need to replace (although with some youtube and google help I hear I should be able to do that myself), and one of the knobs on my dash for my heating system is busted. I also think my power steering is messed up, because when I take it in they top off the fluid and it's okay, but after like two weeks it's rough again.

Basically I'm just wondering how much it would cost to have somebody do some diagnostics on it and stuff. But if the gearheads here don't think I should, then I won't.

Not sure if it's related, since you're saying that your signal isn't on when it's clicking, but in my truck, when one of my turn signals is out, it clicks about twice as fast.

 

[CyPride]

the clicking sound in your turn signal may be indicative of a turn signal bulb being burnt out.