Q: I own a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. The problem is that there's a problem with some of the wiring under the hood. The dealer wants $1,000 to replace the wiring harness in the engine compartment. The car isn't worth putting that kind of money into it. I took it to another place and they charged me $100 just to look at it. Do you know where I could go to have it repaired for a reasonable charge? -- L.H., Lansing

A: L.H., you might be able to find a repair shop that could make repairs to your vehicle's wiring harness. If the harness is in bad shape, though, repairing it might not be an option. To find a reputable repair facility, visit www.asashop.org and click the link that says, "Find Nearest ASA Shop." You should also visit www.ase.com and click on the "Motorist" link, then "Find a Blue Seal Shop." If the cost to repair your Cavalier exceeds the value, it might be time to replace it.

Q: I have a 1999 Ford Explorer. For a while, the transmission has been giving me trouble. It would take about 4 - 6 seconds for it to move after moving the shifter from drive to reverse and reverse to drive. Recently, I heard something snap under the vehicle. Since then, the vehicle no longer moves in reverse, but it still goes forward. Do you know if my transmission needs to be rebuilt, or should I get a new transmission? -- J.C., Chicago

A: J.C., delayed engagement could have been the result of low internal pressure. Your transmission utilizes an electronic pressure control solenoid to maintain proper operating pressure. There was a problem identified (TSB #99-16-10) whereby the solenoid's attaching bracket could crack, resulting in low operating pressures. However, when you heard something snap underneath your vehicle, more damage likely resulted due to this low pressure. Your Explorer probably needs a major overhaul. If hard parts are needed, which don't come with an overhaul kit, the cost to rebuild it could exceed the cost of a replacement unit. I'd recommend you take your Explorer to a transmission shop for repairs.

Q: I took my 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis into the dealership for an oil change. I was told that my fuel injectors needed to be cleaned and that my mass air flow also needed to be serviced. I have never heard of this and was wondering what you thought. -- E.B., Calumet City

A: E.B., I'll bet you read your owner's manual. Good for you for questioning these "maintenance" items. You're assumptions are correct; you don't need to have these two services performed. According to the maintenance guide for your vehicle, there is nothing listed about cleaning the fuel injectors or the mass air flow. Although, I believe there may be a misunderstanding and instead of the mass air flow, they meant to say throttle bore housing. If the engine was stumbling, or you noticed a slight hesitation, I'd say, yes, go ahead and have the fuel injectors and throttle bore cleaned. But since, you didn't mention any concerns with the way the engine was running, you don't need to have these services performed.

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