Dayton Daily News

Q My 2002 Chevroelet Silverado 2500HD truck with 42,000 miles is giving me some problems. I start the 6.0-liter engine and start to drive, but the engine stalls. After I restart and drive a short distance, the check engine light flashes. When this happens, I pull over and shut off the engine. When I restart, the engine runs normally. This has happened about six times. I took the truck to my local shop. The technician says that cylinders 2, 4, 6 and 8 are misfiring. All of these cylinders are on the same side of the engine. What's the cure? S.D., e-mail

A The trouble could be the result of a lack of fuel to the cylinders on that side of the engine. A test of the fuel pressure and tests of the fuel injectors might verify this. The repair may be as simple as cleaning the injectors, or perhaps there is an electrical issue such as a faulty ground connection that causes the injectors to malfunction. Maybe the fuel pressure regulator or fuel pump is not functioning as designed.

It's also possible the spark plugs or spark plug wires are in need of replacement, but it's more likely there is another issue. Computer diagnostic tests should lead a technician to the source of the trouble. With a little probing, he should be able to pinpoint the cause of this trouble.

Needs radio suppressor

Q The radio reception in my 1997 Ford Explorer with about 95,000 miles has very poor reception on the lower half of the AM band. There is a lot of static. The upper half of the AM band is fine. Also, FM reception is fine. The static interference stops when I turn off the engine.

I am tempted to replace the wiring harness, but I am looking for other ideas. I spoke with personnel at my local dealer, but no one has a solid recommendation. Can you help? D.J., e-mail

A The trouble may be caused by interference from the fuel pump electrical harness. With the radio turned on, turn off the engine and ignition key. After a minute or two, turn the ignition on to the accessory position without starting the engine. If interference is heard only for a short time when the electric fuel pump is running, it's likely the electrical harness to the fuel pump is emitting static and noise. If this is the cause, installation of a radio interference suppressor may end your concerns.

A dealership parts counter person can set you up with the parts you will need for this installation or you can ask a technician to handle the job for you.

Battling battery terminal corrosion

Q My neighborhood kid has a 1991 Toyota truck with a 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. Both battery terminals develop corrosion every few days. He has replaced the cables, battery and fuse box. He also installed an extra ground wire. Despite this, corrosion develops within a few days. It's obvious to me that something is not properly connected, or there is reverse polarity. What should he do? B.R., e-mail

A This likely isn't a case of reverse polarity or improper electrical connection. If it were, your neighbor would have many other issues with the truck, such as it not running.

The trouble with corrosion is that once it starts, it's almost impossible to eliminate and prevent. Despite this, he can thoroughly clean the battery terminals and battery posts inside and out with a solution of baking soda and water. Once everything is as dry as a bone, he should use sandpaper or specialized battery cable clamp and post cleaning tool to remove a thin layer of metal from the connections. Then he can clean the terminals again with baking soda and water. He should also clean the exterior of the battery using caution not to get any of the cleaning solution in the cells.

Once everything is dry he should connect the cables to the battery terminals and apply anti-corrosion compound to the exterior of the connections. He can purchase everything he needs from an auto supply store. Also, many Toyota dealer parts departments sell battery terminal anti-corrosion compound.

Phil Arendt is an automotive columnist, consultant and ASE-certified master technician. E-mail him on the Web at www.drgizmo.com.