Problems

Here's the deal:
1) While driving today I notice a wierd sound coming from my hood when it would sit still. When I would start to drive, it would go away. I heard the sound at about 4 stoplights in a row and then it stopped. What could this be?
2) I know it is close to the time for a timing belt replacement. I looked at vfaq and saw how to do it for the 95 and 96 dsms. I have a 98, would I follow the same instructions? Also, are there things I need to watch out for while doing this?
3) While fixing my window rattle, afterwards I noticed that the door won't lock. I will push the lock button, and it will lock and automatically unlock itself. When I try to pust the little switch type thingy, it gets stubborn and won't move. I took the panel off and tried pulling to bar to lock it, and it moves but doesn't lock. Then I would reach in where the it latches on to the bar on the body of the car and do it manually. How can I fix the locking problem?

what kind of noise was coming from you hood?

1.)If it's the same sound i had. Stop driving the car around, unless it's to go get the timing belt replaced. If you do drive it, DO NOT hit the gas or abuse the car at all. The only reason i stress it is cause i had that same sound, didn't know what it was, little did i know it would cause a world of hell for me.
2.)If your gonna do it yourself, do it as soon as possible, keeping 1 in mind.
3.)If your battery is connected, and your key is in the ignition, and your door is open when you try to lock your door, it will automatically unlock and won't move from that position unless the remove the key. If that's not the case, i couldn't tell you. Sorry.

If you do your own tbelt job, follow the vfaq TO THE LETTER. There are at least 10000 different ways to f&ck it up... ;) But it can be done. Check, double check, and check it again, before starting up the car. And the tbelt job is esentially the same for all 90-99 DSMs. The part numbers are different forsome things, but they all lookthe same and are aranged the same way, etc.

duckydsp: Your power lock problem is EXACTLY what I just found happening in my '99 RS a few days ago. Living here in Phoenix, the weather has recently just dropped to a point where I have frost on my window in the morning. My key is stubborn to turn to open the door (both doors too). Once inside, I hit the lock button with the door shut, regadless of switch position and it will lock, then unlock it self. Pressing the lock lever manually is futile, as the switch might as well be solid. I figured it was cranky because it was cold so after warming the engine and subsequently the cabin, I was able to lock the doors and keep them locked. I do not think it is a temperature related issue, but I am not sure. I have owned my RS for about two weeks now, and this is the first sign of the issue.

Anyone else out there experienced this?

duckydsp: Your power lock problem is EXACTLY what I just found happening in my '99 RS a few days ago. Living here in Phoenix, the weather has recently just dropped to a point where I have frost on my window in the morning. My key is stubborn to turn to open the door (both doors too). Once inside, I hit the lock button with the door shut, regadless of switch position and it will lock, then unlock it self. Pressing the lock lever manually is futile, as the switch might as well be solid. I figured it was cranky because it was cold so after warming the engine and subsequently the cabin, I was able to lock the doors and keep them locked. I do not think it is a temperature related issue, but I am not sure. I have owned my RS for about two weeks now, and this is the first sign of the issue.

Anyone else out there experienced this?


You live in the phoenix area? I live in peoria, ever seen the blitzed viper red spyder gst around? Ive had alot of problems with my car, but time and determination has conquered them all so far. Also Code4 send me a private message if you want more about the DSM's in our area.

The sound from under my hood sounds like something might be a little loose, like a something is slapping against something else. I immediatle hoped it wasn't the timing belt, so now I am babying the car. With the lock, today I tried the iy again and it worked. I was pretty puzzled, but I don't think it has anything wit the temperature because there's been frost on and off here in CT for the past 2 months. With the timing belt, I am going to change it as soon as I get my hands on a timing belt.

Pull th upper timing belt cover and see if there is excessive play in the belt. Where the cams are can affect the amout of tension, so crank it over a half turn or whatever and check it again. Go for an average. IT should have some movement but shouldnt seem like it can skip a tooth...