Q: I recently purchased a 1998 Ford Contour with 60K miles. There were no apparent problems with the vehicle until I drove it on slippery pavement. While braking on slippery pavement, the anti-lock brakes engaged and then the headlights and dash lights went out. This has happened again and I'm wondering if there's a connection between these circuits. Please help. -- Joe

A: Joe, there are no common fuses, no common power or ground circuits for your Contour's anti-lock brake system and headlamps. Each of those systems has separate circuits. There's probably a poor connection with the headlamp circuit in your Contour. There was a safety recall for the headlamp switch connector in certain 1996 - 1998 Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique vehicles. It's possible that the previous owner of your Contour did not take care of this recall. Safety recall "99S14" states that the headlamp switch connector could be defective and require replacement. The headlamp switch may also have heat damage due to excessive resistance in the circuit and require replacement, too. You should contact your local Ford dealer and ask for a service advisor to see if the recall applies to, or has been performed on your vehicle. Be prepared to provide them with your vehicle's VIN. Further information regarding this recall can be obtained by calling the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-800-424-9393. If the recall applies to your vehicle, there will be no charges to you for making the necessary repairs.

Q: I own a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan that is specially equipped for wheelchair access. The fuel tank is leaking and I'd like your opinion regarding the repairs. -- M.R.

A: M.R., I suggest you contact your local Dodge dealer immediately. I'd recommend that you do not drive the vehicle and have it towed to the service department. Driving a vehicle with a leaky fuel tank could end in tragedy. You should know that there were several safety recalls regarding the fuel tank in your van. Safety recall "95V236000" involves replacement of the fuel tank filler tube. Safety recall "99V216000" involves the replacement of the fuel pump module o-ring and attaching nut. You should be able to determine if these and other recalls apply or need to be performed on your vehicle. Further information regarding these recalls can be obtained by calling Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 and/or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-800-424-9393.

Q: I recently had the tires rotated on my 2005 Kia Optima and now the vehicle pulls to the left while driving on a level road. I went back to the repair shop and they said that it's probably a tire causing the pull and they could rotate them back if I want. Have you ever heard of this? What should I do? -- M.W.

A: M.W., yes, I have heard of this and it's fairly common. You'll probably feel more comfortable if you have the tires rotated back to their original positions. But before you do, make sure all the tires are properly inflated. Also, have a technician check to see if the tires are wearing evenly. If not, that could be a sign that your vehicle needs an alignment, too.

Questions for Ira Siegel? Call the Auto Adviser Hotline at 708/633-6839 or e-mail Autoadvisr@aol.comAutoAdviser: Ira Siegel is an Automotive Instructor and ASE Certified Master Auto Technician