Expert: Sean Halliday - 10/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: Several problems, first of all I was driving down the road last night when my car started to make a funny noise.  Just then as I was pushing on the gas the car was not going anywhere.  Then all of a sudden, it would take off.  It kept doing this until I got it home. It smelled really bad.  When I checked the ATF it was a dark color and smelled funny.  When I tried to put it in reverse this morning it jerked really hard!  Second problem, I noticed the car was running hot two days ago.  There was no water in the tank! I filled the car with water and noticed once again last night that the tank was empty!  I have noticed a leak anywhere.  Please help me.  I am a single mother of two making it pay check to pay check and I just can't have someone take advantage of me.  I would love to go to the mechanics and let them know I know what I am talking about.  Thank you so much for any help you may offer.

ANSWER: The problems are related.First off,your car has overheated because of i believe your head gasket is blown.This is because of no coolant leaks but the coolant is disappearing.Thats the sign of the gasket gone out.So,you need a lot of work or get a second opinion but you didnt say wht year it is or how many miles?Sorry to be the one with the bad news.The reason the car drives funny is the ATF is getting too hot with the coolant loss.Hence no drive as it needs to be in the temp range to work properly.As it is water cooled thats the problem.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for replying so soon.  I was concerned that would be the problem.  My car is a 2002 Mitsubishi Gallant.  Has 126,000 miles on it. I have only owned the car for 2 years and still owe almost five thousand on it.  I really got ripped off by the dealer.  How much does it usually cost to have a head gasket replaced?

Answer
Oh dear,another mitsubishi.Sorry but theyre not one of my favorite cars.Usually japanese engines go a lot longer with no major repairs but mitsubishi isnt one of them.The same story i have heard from especially women and like yourself you do get ripped off by theSe people who will sell you anything.Not your fault but anyway, 126000 miles its possible the gasket is gone on this car.If it had a small coolant leak which was neglected then it may have overheated and blown the gasket.Average price for this type of job is anywhere from what i charge about $500..up to $1200.depending on who does it.Then the price of parts and whats needed.Some head sets are expensive and i know your car is one of the most expensive for parts.Too bad you dont live in san diego i could look at it and give you an honest opinion.