Q. Hi. I have a '93 Buick LeSabre that usually runs really well. I tried to start it this morning and nothing happened. I checked the battery cables and they're clean and tight, the radio and door bell work fine. The steering wheel was locked in place and the gear shifter wouldn't move. After fiddling with that it finally came loose so I shifted into neutral and still nothing. I took the key out and went back in the house, when I came back to the car about 15 minutes later it started, no problem. I haven't had any trouble with the starter, no hesitations or spinning when starting so I'm wondering if the problem could be the ignition switch. What do you think?

A. This is a great question…and one that I did not know the answer to! But do not fear, I am surrounded by mechanics who always seem to know the right answers! I took your question to our Operations Manager and here’s what he said: The symptoms could certainly be related. The steering lock, inability to move the shifter and ignition switch are tied together with a mechanism called an interlock that is designed to keep you from being able to shift or turn the wheel much without the key in the ignition and turned to a specific position. You have done an excellent job of identifying and communicating all that is happening with your vehicle and your description will be well received by the Car Care Center that you bring it to.

Q: I never had my service manual for my Nissan from when I bought it. Would the car care center on Albemarle Rd be able to tell me what my next scheduled checkup should be and when, according to my mileage?

A. Yes, of course! All of our locations are equipped with computer programs designed to tell us what services are needed at any interval for any make and model vehicle. The great thing is that our service consultants will sit down with you to explain the service intervals and answer any of your questions free of charge!

And if it's a more complex interval that requires more services, we can work with you on ways to break the procedures down so the cost can be spread out. Knowing what you need at each interval can really help you financially plan for these needed repairs.

Q: My husband was a wonderful handyman - could fix just about anything. Unfortunately he passed away 2 years ago. I am so intimidated walking into a garage alone. Here is my problem. The air bag light went on. My first stop was to Advance Auto - they would not touch it or look at it - said it was a safety issue - I need to take it to a dealer. Then I went to a Chevy dealer. They basically disconnected and then re-connected something; took it for a test drive - light didn't come on. They said if the light came on again it would require installing a part to the tune of over $700 plus labor. Does this sound right? I, like every other woman, do not want to be taken advantage of.

A. Being intimidated by car repair is one of the most crippling feelings, and it was the primary reasons I decided to write articles about car repair and maintenance. I commend you for taking the initiative to question whether or not a procedure is necessary. We only learn through questioning, so way to go!

First, I must address why Advanced Auto and even AAA Car Care referred you to the dealer. The manufacturer is responsible for safety issues like airbags. In the event of an accident, it is the manufacturer's responsibility for that vehicle to perform its safety functions properly. Most shops will refer you to your dealer to ensure that safety issue is addressed by the proper people.

Now to answer your question, it appears that the quote you were given is fairly accurate. When you went in to have this issue checked out, the dealer should have checked the circuits that control the part causing the light to click on. If after the circuits have been checked and the light comes back on, it means that the part needs to be replaced.

If the light comes back on and the problem goes unaddressed, you run the risk of your airbag not deploying in a crash. I know it sounds cliché and unfortunately I sound exactly like my mother, but it really is better to be safe than sorry.

Q: When my car is sitting still either in park or just sitting at a stop light it sounds like it is going to cut off and it kinda jerks sometimes. I was once told that it might be a hose that busted and sucking air, but I'm not sure. Also my engine light has been on for at least a year, but this problem just started about 2 months ago.

A. I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but you need to get that code checked! There are over 500 fault codes that can cause the engine light to cut on and any one of them could be serious enough to put you in danger.

That being said, it could very well be your vacuum hose that is causing this particular problem when you stop. If the hose is broken, it could start causing damage to your car that could be much more costly than getting your code checked. Staying on top of issues before they become even bigger will save you big bucks in the end, I promise!

As always, I look forward to hearing from you.

If you have any tip and tricks, or there is something you want to know about, email me at girlsgarage@mailaaa.com