Chicago Sun-Times: Don't play Russian roulette with brake system

Q. Warm weather causes the brakes on my 1995 Lincoln Town Car to act up by activating the anti-lock brake system (ABS) during right and left turns. To stop that, I remove the ABS fuse until the weather cools off in the fall. Then I replace the fuse and the brakes work fine until the next spring. -- J.H., Hoffman Estates

A. It always amazes me when motorists put up with strategic malfunctioning car systems such as brakes. Stop playing Russian roulette with the brakes and check for a faulty wheel sensor that fails when the temperature warms up.

Q. I've had the new Cadillac XLR two-seat sports car on order since last September, but can't get delivery information from the dealer. Is Cadillac having trouble producing this car? -- R.M., Hinsdale

A. You're not alone, although Cadillac is sympathetic and said it will look into the matter. Cadillac spokesman Rob Minton said the automaker has no trouble producing the XLR, but that it's having a hard time keeping up with strong demand for that limited-production two-seater, which has much hand-assembly. Cadillac is selling the XLR at the rate of up to 4,000 cars annually, which is a mere handful for a big auto producer.

Q. My 1964 Dodge Dart convertible with a six-cylinder engine and automatic transmission overheats, especially on hot days. The radiator has been rebuilt and both the thermostat and radiator cap have been replaced. --A.D., Chicago

A. Make sure there are no restrictions blocking air flow though the radiator. Also check that the car's old-style thermostat is functioning properly. And make sure the water pump is in good condition.

Q. I'm overwhelmed with today's traffic at any time of day. Any idea as to how many autos are in this country? -- C.B., Chicago

A. As of 2000, there were about 214 million vehicles driven by 104 million motorists.

Q. My 1997 Chevrolet Corsica V-6 vibrates through the steering column and steering wheel when the engine is warm and the car is stopped in traffic in the "drive" transmission position. The vibration disappears when the transmission is put in "neutral" -- and also when the car accelerates.

A. Worn engine mounts probably are causing the problem. Parts in different cars wear at different rates, and Elmwood Park's Caira Automotive says your car is due for new mounts.

Got a car question? Send it to Dan Jedlicka, Chicago Sun-Times, 401 N. Wabash, Chicago, 60611, or e-mail him at djedlicka@suntimes.com. Correspondence should include your name and hometown.