Q: I own a 2004 Dodge Caravan. The problem is that the headlights dim like there’s a strain on the electrical system whenever I operate the power windows. Also, the headlights dim when I apply the brakes and bring the vehicle to a stop. Do you have any ideas? – Peter, e-mail

A: Maybe the alternator, which provides electrical power when the engine is running, is not operating at full capacity. Also, if the battery in your Caravan is original, it likely needs to be replaced. A battery and charging system test should be performed to determine if either the battery or alternator are not at full strength.

Q: I enjoy reading your column. I have a 2003 Chevy Cavalier (54,000 miles). It has an intermittent hard-starting problem. Sometimes I have to pump the gas pedal for car to start. It only happens occasionally. It seems to happen when the car is hot. There are no problems starting when the car is cold. I’m pretty handy with cars. Do you think this would show up on a scanner? I changed the battery, air filter and spark plugs. I also cleaned the mass air flow sensor. Any help would be appreciated. – K.F., e-mail

A: Thanks, I’m glad you enjoy the column. Your Cavalier’s intermittent hard-starting problem may have caused the powertrain control module to set a fault code. A scan tool should be connected to see if there are any active or stored fault codes. These could help in figuring out what’s wrong. If there are no fault codes found with the scan tool, the technician should carefully use a heat gun on various components (like the crankshaft position sensor and ignition module) and attempt to start the vehicle. When the hardstarting problem occurs, the technician should look at fuel pressure and spark at the spark plugs. Low fuel pressure (due to a weak fuel pump) or weak spark (due to a faulty ignition module or ignition coil assembly) could cause your hard-starting concern.

Q: I have a 2003 Saturn Vue. About a year ago my fuel gauge stopped showing a full tank when I fill my tank all the way. The marker is about 1/16 inch left of the full mark. Both fuel sensors in my gas tank were changed. I still have the same exact problem. I was told I need to have my instrument cluster changed to the tune of $600. I took a pass. Also, when I put the car in gear, the headlights are supposed to automatically turn on. That doesn’t happen. My mechanic, who is very good, can’t find the problem. He said he needs two or three hours ($75 per hour) of going through the entire car’s wiring to try to find the problem. I took a pass. I told him that since the gear shift lever is supposed to turn the lights on, maybe a connector came off. Do you have any ideas? – Lester, e-mail

A: I’d try another mechanic. It should not take two or three hours. And it should not require looking at all the car’s wiring. As for the fuel gauge, the connectors and ground circuit at the fuel sensors should be checked for corrosion. As for the daytime running lamps, there’s a DRL relay that should be checked.

Questions for Ira Siegel? Call the Auto Advisor Hotline at (708) 633-6839 or e-mail autoadvisr@aol. com. Siegel is an automotive instructor and an automotive service excellencecertified master auto technician.