Q: The 4WD system in my wife’s Kia Sportage doesn’t feel like it’s working properly. We noticed the problem ever since we took it to one of those drive-through car washes. There’s no problem switching the transfer case into 4WD, but it does not feel like the front wheels are pulling when the system is engaged. Do you have any ideas as to what might be causing the problem? -- A.D., Palos Hills

A: A.D., it’s likely a problem with the vacuum-operated front hubs. One or both of the vacuum hoses going to the front hubs may have become dislodged or damaged. Or, it’s possible that water has entered the vacuum system. Even though the transfer case is placed in 4WD mode, the system relies on a vacuum system to lock the front hubs to the front drive axles in order for the engine to provide power to the front wheels. The vacuum system utilizes a metal pipe near the engine and rubber hoses near the wheel hubs to carry vacuum to the front hub units. You may look underneath the vehicle on the backside of the front wheels to see if the vacuum hoses are attached. If not, they’ll need to be repaired or replaced. If the vacuum hoses look good, it’s possible that water has entered the system and that may require clearing out or replacing the metal vacuum line. You should also be aware that Kia released improved hub seals to prevent future troubles and they refer to this in a service bulletin released in March, 2001.

Q: I own a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier and it has an annoying clunk noise that I can feel in the steering wheel at times. My repair shop diagnosed it as a faulty steering gear assembly and after replacing it, the noise is still there. Now, they think it’s in the steering column and said that it would cost a lot of money to repair. I’m afraid something bad will happen and only feel comfortable driving my Cavalier around town. Do you have any suggestions? -- S.P., Matteson

A: S.P., take your Cavalier either back to the dealer or to a shop that specializes in steering/suspension and alignment. It’s possible that the noise is the result of an improperly lubricated intermediate shaft. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) No. 01-02-32-001H provides details that may involve replacing or lubricating the steering system’s intermediate shaft.

Q: My son was involved in an accident with his ’93 Honda Accord and now the engine won’t start. There’s no sound when turning the key to start and the dash lights don’t work. By the way, he rear-ended a car in front of him while he was just beginning to accelerate. He was only going about 10 MPH. The bumper is pushed in, the hood buckled slightly, and the driver’s side headlamp is broken. There doesn’t appear to be any damage to the radiator but everything does look like it got pushed back a bit. Do you know why the engine won’t start? The battery tested good. -- J.S., Alsip

A: J.S., if the impact caused the radiator and cooling fans to be pushed back, it’s possible that something metal (and sharp) may have contacted the alternator’s B+ terminal, causing the 80-amp Main fuse to blow. This fuse is located in a fuse box in the engine compartment near the firewall on the passenger side.

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.