Q: I have a 2007 Hummer H3 with an automatic transmission that slips in first gear. It’s still under warranty but the problem is sporadic and the dealer wants me to leave it for a week to see if they can get it to act up. I can tell when it’s going to happen when I start the car the motor starts to race until I can get it out of first gear. I had a 2008 rental H3 and it had the same problem but like mine, not all the time. What could cause this problem? It happens in cold and hot weather and usually after sitting at least 4-5 hours but not every day. Sometimes, I can go a week before it happens. -- R.O., Oswego

A: R.O., the most likely cause of your H3’s slipping first gear is low fluid pressure. However, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the transmission’s pump, which develops the pressure, otherwise the problem would be evident all the time. The fluid pressure in your H3’s transmission is regulated by electronics. Apparently, under certain conditions, there’s a delay in getting enough fluid pressure to provide for normal first-gear operation. You’ll need to leave your vehicle at the dealer so they can have a look. They’ll likely connect a diagnostic tool to see if there are any faults related to the transmission. Maybe there’s some new software (a flash) available to address this concern. You should at least have this concern checked out, so it’s documented in case the condition worsens down the road.

Q: In March 2007, I purchased a new Jeep Wrangler 4 door X. I have had the dealership do oil changes every 3000 miles. Since the day I purchased the vehicle I have noticed that it is consuming oil. I repeatedly mentioned it to the dealer and they stated that it was normal as long as it uses no more than one quart per 1,000 miles. I've never had a car use oil and was very concerned so the dealership ran an oil consumption test on my vehicle. It consumed 1 ½ quarts of oil in 2,500 miles. My Jeep has 17,000 miles on it and I spoke to a Chrysler representative who is insisting that this is normal and I shouldn't be concerned. This sounds crazy. The mechanic at the dealership understands my concerns but advised me that he cannot do anything without Chrysler’s approval. What should I do? -- F.B., e-mail

A: F.B., about all you can do is to closely monitor the oil consumption rate, especially as you get closer to the expiration of the warranty. Some engines consume very little oil. Others, like your Jeep, consume more. This could be due to some oil not being scraped off the cylinder walls by the piston rings. I, too, wouldn’t be happy with 1 ½ quarts every 2,500 miles, but apparently, Chrysler won’t do anything until your engine begins consuming more than one quart per 1,000 miles. As long as the engine continues to run good and your Jeep passes its emissions test, don’t be too concerned. Just keep an eye on the oil level and don’t let it get low. There is another option, though: You could trade your Jeep in for another vehicle.

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.