Q: I’m responding to a previous column (April 20) in which E.N. from Demotte, IN was having trouble with the transmission in his ’94 Ford Taurus wagon. It had a harsh downshift when going from 3rd to 2nd. A lot of parts had been replaced and you suggested that the problem could be problem in the transmission or in the wiring.

I had a similar problem with the transmission in my ’92 Ford Taurus sedan and I’m wondering if the problem is common to the Taurus. My car’s problem was intermittent, though. I first went to a transmission shop like you recommended to E.N. and they spent a lot of time and miles trying to find the culprit. Unfortunately, they couldn’t pinpoint the cause. So I ended up taking it to a Ford dealer. First, they replaced some kind of sensor and it cost me around $500. Then the problem came back and I brought my car back to the dealer. This time they replaced the computer. The problem came back again and that’s when the dealer suggested that the entire transmission be replaced.

I didn’t think my car needed another transmission because the one in my car had been replaced a couple years earlier. I ended up selling the car for about $300. I wonder how many other Taurus owners had this problem and what was causing it. -- W.M., Chicago

A: W.M., I don’t know how many others had the same problem as you and E.N., but, again, before replacing the entire transmission, it’s important that the wiring between the computer and the transmission be thoroughly inspected. Many intermittent problems are attributed to poor electrical connections or problems with wiring.

Q: There’s a grinding noise coming from the front passenger side of my ’98 Dodge Durango 4x4 whenever I’m moving. The noise comes and goes but seems to be there after making a turn. What do you think would be causing this? -- S.K., Oak Lawn

A: S.K., the wheel bearing could be worn. You should have it looked at immediately. If the bearing is worn, it should be replaced right away. The grinding noise could be coming from the brakes, too. Take your Durango to have the bearings checked, along with the entire steering, suspension and braking system.

Q: Back in April you responded to my question about my ‘02 Mazda Protégé 5 that wouldn’t pass the emissions test. Two of my cars on-board monitors wouldn’t set to ready. There were no trouble codes and no check engine light. I was told by one dealer that the catalytic converter needed replacement but you suggested that I try driving my car on the highway and various roads to get the monitors to pass. That didn’t work. I ended up back at the dealer and they had to get help from their area training center. The technician finally pinpointed the problem as a bad power steering pressure switch. The bad pressure switch wouldn’t set a code, but it kept the on-board monitors from testing and setting to “ready”. My car passed its emission test and I just wanted to pass this along. -- P.H., Palos Hills

A: P.H., thanks for the good news and telling me about the interesting cause for failing in the past.

AutoAdviser: Ira Siegel is an Automotive Instructor and ASE Certified Master Auto Technician. If you have auto-related questions for Ira Siegel you can call and leave your questions at the Auto Adviser Hotline at 708-633-6839 or e-mail a question to Autoadvisr@aol.com.