Q: I have a Hummer H3 with 7,100 miles. At 4,000 miles I had to have the transmission rebuilt. Now, it slips in first gear, but not all the time. It might go a week and then every morning it will slip. Something I did notice was when I start the car and the engine is racing more than normal it will slip and not really move for about a block. The dealer says to bring it in. But after driving, it doesn’t slip. Any recommendations? -- R.O., Oswego

A: R.O., for the dealer to be able to duplicate your Hummer’s slipping first gear; you’ll need to leave it with them overnight. Have them keep it until they can experience the slipping. Hopefully they’ll be able to repair your vehicle in a timely manner. Continued driving with the slipping condition will cause further damage to the transmission. Based on your symptoms, it appears that there’s low fluid pressure for first gear when the transmission fluid is very cold. Transmission fluid is thicker and doesn’t flow as well when it’s cold, but there should not be any slippage, regardless of temperature. If the dealer is unable to fix your vehicle, call Hummer’s Customer Relations Department at 1-800-732-5493.

Q: I own a 2001 Ford Mustang Convertible and it takes a while for the engine to start when it’s cold. When the problem occurs, the engine cranks for a while and then I try starting while depressing the gas pedal. It will eventually start, but then it takes a while for the idle to stabilize. This has been happening for the past couple of years and a number of mechanics have not been able to pinpoint the source of the trouble. I tried switching from the recommended 87-octane fuel to 89-octane and I tried adding gas line antifreeze, but it doesn’t help. I’m wondering if this is common to this car or if something is wrong. What do you think? -- J.S., Park Ridge

A: J.S., extended cranking or hard starting is not normal, nor common to your particular vehicle. Also, you should not need to depress the gas pedal while starting your vehicle. Save yourself some money and go back to using 87-octane fuel. As for getting to the cause for the hard-starting, take your Mustang to a repair facility that specializes in engine performance concerns. Look for a shop that employs a technician who is ASE-certified in Engine Performance as well as Advanced Engine Performance. Call around or check out this newspaper’s ads to find a repair facility in your area. You can try websites like asashop.org and ase.com. Your Mustang’s throttle housing might need to be cleaned or the fuel pump could be worn.

Q: My 2006 Chevy Aveo makes a crunching noise when driving over speed bumps. I can hear it on bumpy sections of pavement, too. The garage I go to could find nothing wrong. Can you help? -- G.T., Chicago

A: G.T., the stabilizer shaft bushings likely need replacement. Service bulletin (#06-03-08-004A) mentions that the bushings have been redesigned. The bulletin lists the new part numbers. You’ll need to visit your local Chevy dealer’s parts department to obtain the correct bushings.

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.