Q: I own a 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The problem is that there is a ticking noise in either the transmission or the engine. I took it to the dealer and they told me it needs to have the timing chain replaced. Someone else told me that the noise is coming from the valve lifters. By the way, the engine only has about 80k miles on it. How can I tell who is right? -- G.R., Chicago

A: G.R., I suggest you get another opinion from someone who specializes in engine repair. It’s more likely that the ticking noise is coming from the engine and not the transmission. A technician should be able to be pinpoint where the noise is coming from by using a listening device. This could be accomplished by using a mechanic’s stethoscope.

Another method is to take a long screwdriver and place the tip against different parts of the engine or transmission, while putting an ear against the screwdriver’s handle. If you’re going to do this yourself, make sure that the screwdriver is not placed near any moving parts or injury could result. If the noise is loudest with the screwdriver tip against the engine’s front cover, then the timing chain and/or timing chain tensioner is suspect. If the noise is loudest when the screwdriver tip is against the valve covers, then the noise could be the result of faulty valve lifters.

You should know that I located two service bulletins pertaining to engine noise for your Grand Vitara. One bulletin (TS 07 03014R2) mentions that a rattling noise, especially when the engine is first started, could be the result of a faulty Number 1 timing chain tensioner. The other bulletin (TS 02 12112) mentions that a ticking noise could be due to air trapped in the hydraulic valve lifters. The bulletin suggests running the engine at 2,000 rpm for 20 minutes with the transmission in Park to attempt to bleed the air from the lifters. If that method does not eliminate the ticking noise, the engine may need to be partially disassembled for inspection purposes.

I suggest you find an engine repair specialist to keep from having unnecessary repairs made.

Q: I have a ’96 Chrysler Sebring convertible. Last month I got a tune-up and they also replaced the fuel pump. Since then, the car has died on the highway quite a few times and it never did that before. I took it back to the repair facility and they can’t find any reasons as to why this is happening. One time the engine stalled I came close to getting rear-ended. The car put-putted all the way home and now I’m scared to drive my car. Do you have any ideas? --G.B., Warrenville

A: G.B., it could be a coincidence or it could be something that wasn’t done right when your Sebring was repaired. I’d recommend you take your Sebring back to where the work was done. The repair facility needs to connect test equipment and operate your Sebring until the problem acts up so they can determine if your Sebring is losing spark or fuel, causing the engine stall and run poorly. If the original shop can’t find the problem, take your Sebring to someone who specializes in diagnosing engine performance concerns. If that reveals something done wrong by the shop that did the tune-up, go back and ask them to pay the new bill. If they don’t, report them to the Better Business Bureau.

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.