Questions & Responses...
Allen asks - My 2005 dodge Dakota 4x4 check engine light was on , the error code P0344 B1 S1 Cam Sensor.  Can you confirm that this would be covered under the 5 year power train warranty.  My vehicle currently has 85000 klm. and I believe the warranty runs our in June.  I am in your system if you need to check the warranty term.  I didn't receive any warranty book when I purchased my truck and I can't find any detail online.Thanks
Todd answered - Thanks for getting hold of me.  I'll have to be honest with you, off the top of my head I'm not sure if it's covered. I checked with my service department and have been informed that if your diagnosis is correct then it would NOT be covered by the power train warranty. Who diagnosed the error code? Could they be mistaken?

Bill writes - As a retired senior, I'm looking for something challenging to occupy my time and it occurs to me that chemical engineering sounds attractive ... the science of turning beer, wine and Scotch whisky into urine.  I could manage that, don't you think.  I'll check back for a simple Yes or No.  That's all I need.
Todd replied - To be honest I was expecting automotive questions, but I'll do my best.  I think it's a great idea.  I'm a firm believer that age is a state of mind, so being a senior only means you have more experience.  As for becoming a Chemical Engineer for this your experience may come in handy, especially for this kind of fluid analysis. I did a little research and found the definition of Chemical Engineering, includes the following:..".the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms."  This may cause a bit of a problem as most people feel that the fluids you are converting are much more valuable than the one you are converting them into.  I would suggest that you proceed with your studies of this challenge carefully, ensure you share the work load with those around you and most importantly DO NOT STUDY AND DRIVE!
Bill then wrote back - Well Todd, I'm vastly impressed with your response and the amount of time you've taken to assemble such sage advice.  Your encouragement to continue my research is heartening.  There must be some use for urine and my studies may find it.  And I shall be happy to share the workload with whoever is so inclined, bearing in mind your kind advise: NOT to combine my experimentations with my driving.  Thank you again. Signed: A Happy Chemical Engineer and BowMel Customer.

Roger asked - If I were to buy a Nitro, what would the trade in value of a 2005 Dodge 3500, 5.9 ltr. diesel, 8' box, Laramie dually, 4x2, equipped for towing 5th wheel, spray on box liner, premium aux. fuel tank in box, retrax premium rollaway tonneau, BD exhaust brake, tow brake controller, CB radio etc.?
Todd replied - It's a little difficult putting an exact price on a vehicle without seeing it.  But this might help out, a couple of months ago w sold a 2006 Ram 3500 Turbo Diesel Quad Cab with 40,000 km. it too was all set up to tow a 5th heel, had number of extra and was in excellent condition.  It sold for $23,000.
the next step would be to bring your truck in so we can see what condition it's in, the number of kilometers and determine if any declarations apply.

Carol asked - I like the '02 Hyundai Stock #5524A.  Do you have a documentation fee for your vehicles?.
Todd replied -  We do have a documentation charge of $179.00. Thanks for getting hold of me, let me know if there is anything I can help with

Rachael writes - My birthday is in February, and I get a large sum of money when I turn 19.  I would like to purchase a new car/SUV on my birthday, but I don't have any credit.  I've tried applying for credit cards under my parents name, but even then it won't build me any credit.  Is there a way I can finance a car until I turn 19, which then I will be paying off the rest owed on the car?
Todd answered - Thanks for getting hold of me.  This is a bit of a tough one, not because it can't be done, but because there are so may things that can effect the outcome.
In effect what you would like to do is borrow money today using the money you get next year.  This future money would then become collateral.  A bank will want to secure their claim on the money (the collateral)  you will be getting in the future.  If you default on the loan payments they can then exercise their claim on the collateral.  For them to even consider doing this their claim  has to be iron clad and that can be difficult.  A key point is where the money is coming from.  Another option would be to use a co-signer, this is an excellent way to establish your credit rating.  Theloan would be in your name and someone with good credit would co-sign the loan, in the case if you defaulted on the loan the co-signer becomes responsible for paying it out.  Banks like this optionbecause it shifts the risk away from them and onto the shoulders of the co-signer.  Of course, if you default on the loan your credit rating goes right down the drain and it could also affect your co-signers credit rating as well.
Your credit rating is only one piece of the puzzle, you also have to show that you can make the payments and the payments can only be a certain percentage of your income.
I know I really didn't answer your question, to give you a definite answer I'd have to get some moreinformation.  I'll discuss it with our Finance Manager as well, he may know of some other angles Ihadn't thought of.
Keep in touch and let me know if you'd like to look into this further.

Dallas asked - I have a '90 Jeep Cherokee and I need to know a few things.  It overheats, the front axle is more to one side than the other and I'm having lots of troubles with it.  I would like to know what you think it could be, thank you.
Todd replied -Thanks for getting hold of me.  A couple of things that come to mind are a sticking front brake caliper or a worn bearing or gear. If it's a sticking brake it will overheat at the wheel if it's a worn bearing or gear you will usually hear a quite grow.  Both of these situations are quite dangerous so you should not drive the vehicle until you are sure it is safe.  this is by no means the only possibilities, the only thing that will create heat in an axle is friction.  What are some of the other problems you are having with it?
Dallas came back - O sorry, I didn't really word that very good.  It overheats and the fan doesn't kick in but tells me it's overheating...and then my front axle is like shifted to one side , driver's side tire sticks out .  Thank you
Todd then said - Well that's a little different.  these are some serious issues, the fan not turning on when it should could be any number of things, most likely it's going to be a wiring issue or a sensor.
As for the front axle it's either been hit or something is loose.
I think it's time to have a technician look at it, I wouldn't drive it

Kaylee asked - I have a 1991 Cadillac DeVille, v8 engine, the twilight sentinel is gone, 167,000 klm and I'm just had thw alternator replaced.  body wise it's in good condition.  How much do you think I could trade this in for if I was looking for a used car int eh $3000-6000 range?
Todd replied - We don't get a lot of people looking for this type of vehicle, as you can imagine many people would be concerned about the fuel economy.  I would venture to guess it would be worth $200 to $500, it may be worth more but we'd have to take a look at it.