Q: I own a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria (38,000 miles). I've only had it for about six months, but it makes a clicking sound from the passenger side rear. The noise is a repetitive click-click noise and it comes and goes. What do you think it could be? -- V.L., Chicago

A: V.L., does your vehicle have a trunk-mounted CD changer? If so, it's possible that its electrical connector is loose or the device is defective and you're hearing it cycle on/off. If your vehicle does not have a trunk-mounted CD changer, have the brakes, tires, and rear suspension system carefully inspected. A special listening device can be used to aid the technician in pinpointing the source of the noise. The better units utilize wireless "microphones" that can be placed in areas of interest and a technician can switch between "microphones" with the flip of a switch while driving to identify where the noise is loudest. You may want to contact local auto repair facilities in your area and inquire if they have such a device.

Q: I own a 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup (V-6 engine). The problem is that there's a popping sound that you can feel when steering the vehicle. It steers okay but the noise is irritating. I had it to the dealer twice and they replaced the intermediate steering shaft and greased something. The truck was okay for a while after that repair. But soon after, the noise returned. Now, the vehicle is no longer covered by a warranty. Is there anything that I can do to eliminate this noise, or do I have to live with it? -- J.P., Portage, IN

A: J.P., you don't have to live with the annoying clunk. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) # 00-02-35-003N identifies the upper intermediate steering shaft as needing replacement for a clunking noise that can be felt in the steering wheel. But the TSB also suggests that a defective lower steering column bearing could produce the same symptoms. Since the steering shaft was already replaced, I'd suspect the steering column bearing as the culprit. But before having it replaced, have a technician who specializes in steering repairs perform a thorough inspection. The technician may need to separate the steering column from the steering shaft to pinpoint the problem. If the steering column bearing is defective, the entire steering column will need to be removed from the vehicle for servicing.

Q: I own a 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora V-8. The "Auto Theft" light is coming on when I start my car. The information display says "Auto Theft System Fault." Do you know what might be causing this to happen? -- D.A., South Holland

A: D.A., according to Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #00-08-56-003, your Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) Module may need to be reprogrammed. This can only be done with a factory scan tool so you'll need to visit your local General Motors (i.e. Chevy, Pontiac, Buick, etc.) dealership. According to the TSB, inputs to the VTD Module might be corrupted and setting false codes. A technician armed with the factory scan tool can check for diagnostic trouble codes and determine if this TSB applies to your vehicle.

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