Expert: Skip Bollinger - 9/21/2006

Question
I was just in to the garage to have my gas tank replaced on my 1997 Sunfire GT.  At that time another problem had arisen and they had to remove my "computer" to get at the clutch pad for the air conditioner.  At that time the garage advised me that the wires on my "computer" for the veh which are located under the rt front wheel were green.  Can you advise me if this is a common problem in a 10yr old vehicle and what steps I can take to avoid problems now.   Also would this have anything to do with my clock no longer lightening up.

Thanks

Answer
Beth,
  Please let me preface this opinion by telling you I'm a Parts Specialist, NOT a Tech. But I will offer this for you to ponder... You may want to look for another mechanic. I encourage you to ask another person on the panel at AllExperts but here we go..
  I have not seen a computer located in the engine compartment, they are too "heat & moisture" sensitave. They are located in the passenger compartment as far as I know. I have never heard of an Air Conditioner Clutch Pad. The A/C has a clutch but I have never heard of a "pad". The A/C unit is under the hood, the computer is inside the car... They are in different neighborhoods. I can't see what the mechanic is talking about.
  If they told you the wires were located "under the rt front wheel", then you are running over them. Again, I don't know what the mechanic is talking about. NOW, if there are any "green" connections on ANY wires in your car, it is caused by moisture and they are corroded. This can be corrected by cleaning them with a baking soda and water solution and a stiff brush. Be sure to UNPLUG the connections before you begin cleaning them. You may have to disconnect the battery also. Once cleaned, you can spray them with "Ignition Sealer" available at any parts store. I still think you need a better mechanic.  
  Depending on where the "green" corrosion is, yes, it could have something to do with your radio light but I seriously doubt it. I would just suspect a burned out bulb.
  Again, I STRONGLY advise you get another opinon. What you say your mechanic has told you makes absolutely NO sense to me.
  I hope I haven't complicated things for you. It just seems to me that you have found a mechanic that is trying to take advantage of a Lady. I don't like that and not many real Techs in this business do. Good luck....
Skip