Dec. 12--Q: Shortly after buying my 2006 Cadillac Escalade pickup, the air bag light went on. The dealer corrected it for me at no charge. About a year ago, I had the same problem. The dealer will not correct the problem unless I pay a steep hourly charge, since my warranty has expired. Am I in danger by driving the truck?
-- P.P., Algonquin, Ill.
A: You are in danger of the air bag not deploying if you crash, so get the problem fixed. The fact that the dealer quickly fixed it the first time at no charge makes us think that a connector has come apart. There are two connectors beside the driver's seat near the console. If that is not the issue, one of the sensors (behind the front bumper and in the seats) may be the culprit.
Q: I'm reading a book by Janet Evanovich, "Motor Mouth," printed in 2006 about the racing industry's cheating and murder. Who had the name first?
-- W.P., Chicago
A: We had the name first, and to prove it, we have it tattooed on our tongue. Besides, her book's title is two words. All right, the name is used by many people both inside and outside of publishing. Google it, if you like. The Chicago Tribune owns the trademarked name for the newspaper column. We are just glad the paper did not go with the other name it was considering: Mr. Dipstick.
Q: I have a 1989 Ford Ranger STX with factory striping. Can I remove the striping? I want to ready the truck for painting.
-- B.F., Allentown, Pa.
A: Yes, you can remove the striping tape. It takes a little patience and a heat gun (or hair dryer). The job will be much easier if you use a scraper equipped with a plastic razor blade. Plastic razor blades look just like regular, single-edge blades but are made of plastic that is about the hardness of your fingernails. With care, you can warm up the tape and scrape it off. Otherwise, you will have to peel it off, so be careful you don't get burned. You may have to remove some residual adhesive, but that's easy with a solvent.
Q: The link provided in Sunday's column appears to be out of date or broken. I would love to find straight gasoline or even E10 gas for my 1962 Thunderbird. Hopefully, someone will provide an updated link.
-- J.H., Morton Grove, Ill.
A: Numerous readers alerted us to the problem. The link is www.pure-gas.org. We regret the inconvenience.
Q: I recently purchased a certified 2011 Lexus GS350 with four-wheel drive. It says to use high octane gas, but one or two salesmen said regular was OK. There are 55,000 miles on the car. Is regular OK?
-- R.M., Manchester, Conn.
A: Page 83 of the owner's manual states: "Use premium unleaded gasoline. (Octane Rating 91 or higher.)" Trust your owner's manual over the word of a salesman. However, today's computer-controlled engines will adjust if you inadvertently use a lower octane fuel. At the first signs of engine knock (ping), the ignition timing will be adjusted to prevent engine damage.
Bob Weber is an ASE-certified master mechanic and freelance writer.
Send questions along with name and town to Motormouth, Rides, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Fifth Floor, Chicago IL 60611 or motormouth.trib@verizon.net.
