Can you settle an argument for me with my wife? I was always taught to put on the emergency/parking brake whether you had an automatic or manual transmission, especially if you were on a hill (I'm 56, and grew up with Mustangs). The manual transmission question is obvious, but recently she had her car in for a parking brake adjustment, and the mechanics told her you did not need to ever use it — just throw it into park and hop out. They said sticking it in park and letting the weight of the car rest on the transmission while in park did no damage whatsoever. Other than making it easier to take it out of park on a hill, does it help or hurt to engage the parking brake with an automatic transmission before throwing it into park?
The emergency brake should be used on a regular basis. All too often, a car goes in for a state inspection, and when the brake is checked it stays engaged and makes it necessary to do an on the spot repair. If the emergency brake is used regularly, it will be usable when it is needed. The mechanic who told her she never needs to use it is dead wrong. That's the worst advice you could ever give a person. Builders of cars equip vehicles with an emergency brake for a specific purpose. Thus the use of the word "emergency." Everything you told your wife is right.
We have a 1999 Mercury Sable wagon with 108,000 miles on it. We have always had the transmission serviced at the proper intervals. Lately it has developed an intermittent problem. When you put your foot on the gas (from a dead stop), the transmission won't grab for a second or so, then it kicks in hard. Sometimes the car drives for days without this occurring, and then it might do it a couple of times in one day. This car has been good to us over the years, but if the transmission has to be re-built, I think that might cost more than the car is worth. Would you care to share your thoughts on this?
First, check the fluid level as described in the owners' manual. If the fluid level is correct and the fluid is clean, there is a possibility the filter may have dropped. This will be a simple fix and cost you less than $150. If the fluid is dirty, you may want to consider a flush at the same time. Although a BG transmission flush is only meant as maintenance, I have seen this repair problems many times. If the car is good in every other way, that is, tires, brakes, interior, and engine all in good condition, I wouldn't hesitate to drop $2,000 for a complete transmission overhaul with a three-year guarantee. Tell the repair facility to first check your gear position sensor while they are in the area working, as this has been the root of many Ford transmission problems.
Car Care Tip: When you bring your car in for repairs, it's a good idea to write down the problems you want looked at, as well as instructions to call first before making repairs. Have the service writer sign this paper, and keep it for your records.
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Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears Sundays in WheelsNorth. Write to Larry c/o The Eagle-Tribune, 100 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.
