Q: The radiator cooling fan in my ’93 Buick Century isn’t working and it’s causing the engine to run hot in stop-and-go traffic. I tried replacing the fan motor and the relay and the fan still won’t operate. I checked all the fuses, too. When I bypass the relay, or jumper power to the fan, it works. What else could be wrong? -- T.H., Calumet City

A: T.H., if you’re sure that the electrical circuits at the fan relay are good, then look at the engine coolant temperature with a scan tool plugged into your car’s diagnostic connector. The radiator cooling fan is controlled by your Buick’s engine computer, also known as the PCM. If the PCM sees a lower engine temperature than what is actually present, it will not energize the radiator fan relay and turn on the fan motor. There might be some resistance in the coolant temperature sensor circuit or the sensor might be faulty. If the coolant temperature sensor and its related circuit are okay, then the PCM is faulty.

Q: I own a 1986 Cadillac DeVille that’s in beautiful condition. I’m 86 years old and not driving anymore. I’d like to sell my car and was wondering if it’s a collectible. Please advise. -- B.W., Huntley

A: B.W., I don’t think your car is a collectible, but it’s likely to fetch a decent amount of cash if it’s in excellent shape. You may want to contact the Volo Auto Museum (815-385-3644). They offer appraisals and can help sell it for you, too.

Q: I own a ’02 Ford Crown Victoria. Recently, the engine wouldn’t crank over and I suspected a faulty starter motor. Upon further examination I found a problem with the smaller electrical connector at the starter motor. When I bypassed this connection, the starter worked fine. I’m wondering if you are aware of any problems with this and what the fix is. I went to my local auto parts store and they weren’t able to help. -- J.G., Chicago

A: J.G., apparently Ford did have trouble with this connection on several vehicles. According to TSB #06-19-14, there is a replacement wiring kit available. Visit your local Ford dealer and their parts department should be able to help you out.

Q: The outside driver’s side door handle on my 2000 Dodge Durango wont’ open the door. The door opens fine from the inside handle but I’m tired of going around to the passenger side to open the driver’s door. I thought that maybe the linkage rod had come off so I pulled the door panel off to take a look. Upon inspection, I couldn’t find anything wrong and all the linkage rods look okay. Do you think a new door handle will fix the problem? -- N.K., Skokie

A: N.K., your Durango’s door latch mechanism has an adjustment screw that might need adjusting. If the screw is missing, or adjusting it doesn’t’ help, the latch will need to be replaced.

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.