[sanborna]

So let me start by saying this... I don't know anything about cars, this is why I'm here. I'm a single mom who doesn't want to be given the run around! Ive had my car for about 2 years and it seems about every 3-4 months my service engine soon light comes on and my car drives really rough and rumbles for about 3 days and the problem disappears. And I mean on the 3rd day I start the car and its running great! Well this time its running pretty bad and before I bring it in I would like to get some suggestions so I have an idea of what I'm looking at here! Any help you can give me would be great!

Thanks

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Without knowing the maintenance history of the car, I would approach the situation by 1) replacing the spark plugs, with the exact ACDelco plugs that came in the car, and 2) replacing the fuel filter. Cut the recommended service life of platinum spark plugs in half; i.e. don't leave them in for more than 50,000 miles.

If you haven't already done so, get the transmission fluid changed. Drop and clean the pan, replace the filter, and fill with the proper transmission fluid.

[sanborna]

Thanks! I will try all of the above (or have someone who knows how to those things do it) : ) Thanks again!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

If changing the plugs and fuel problem solves the current problem and you plan on keeping the car, I would advise you to switch to synthetic lubricants; e.g, 5W-30 Mobil 1. If you decide to go in this direction, change the synthetic engine oil and filter every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. As a single mom, you need to prevent the big unexpected repair bill. If you take care of the engine and transmission, everything else is relatively "nickle and dime-ish." I run Amsoil or Mobil 1 Synthetic Multi-Vehicle automatic transmission fluid in my 2000 Ford Taurus. If you buy these products at WalMart, the price is not too bad. In the long-run, they are much cheaper than using conventional engine oil and transmission fluid.