Alright, I'm new here, so if I breach any etiquette unknowingly, hold your flames. :D

I have a list of quirky little things that plague my Daytona. It's a '93 ES with about 95,000 miles on it and an automatic transmission. None of these are really serious, but they're annoying in their own right. Any help is appreciated. Keep in mind that I have limited mechanical knowledge, so explain anything that an average 16-year old wouldn't know.

1. "Recirc" function on the fans doesn't seem to work, and air passes through the vents even in the off position. This seems like wiring or something... Wouldn't even really be a problem if I didn't drive by a septic pond every time I go south on the freeway. o_O

2. Electric locks are retarded. They can lock fine electronically, but they refuse to unlock without repeated pressing of the switch. Even after multiple attempts (10+), they won't work, and I just lift the lock manually. It's almost as if the motors aren't strong enough to lift the locks, as the locks jump a little, but can't quite pop all the way up.

3. Belt squealing occurs randomly when the A/C is turned on, but it functions correctly. I'm guessing it's the belt on the A/C unit itself. Belt dressing gives relief for about 5 minutes, then the car squeals again randomly. Great for scaring the crap out of anyone around due to the volume, but otherwise incredibly annoying.

4. The car seems to "kick" forward when coming to a complete stop. My guess is a delayed downshift on the part of the automatic transmission.

5. Parking brake works when it feels like it. Periodically, there will be absolutely no tension on the lever, so multiple applications are necessary before it "catches". Seems to work better in hotter weather.

6. The horn sounds like a dying farm animal and is rather quiet. Wiring, perhaps?

Again, any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Dying farm animal, LOL!

The bulk of your problems are very common.

Your door latch mechanisms are in need of lube and cleaning, or the plastic runners are disintegrated, in that case replace both door latches. Don't worry, the key lock is a separate thing.

You have a vacuum leak, or low manifold vacuum levels. (vents don't change) usually a disintegrated vacuum hose near the throttle body.

your idler pulley and A/C belt needs to be changed.

Your transmission needs service (namely change the fluid and use only ATF +3 fluid NOT "DEXRON")

Your back brakes need to be changed or adjusted if they are drum brakes. It is a PARKING brake not an EMERGENCY brake. the difference is that it was not meant to STOP the vehicle, just to keep it from moving while stopped.

Your horns are bad. Mine sounds like a dying cow, and only one of two come on and moan. Replace.


See, and we didn't flame you yet..... :)

Thanks for the suggestions, slantsixness. I'll attempt these as soon as I can find the time. :D

Atleast your horn works... If I hit the steering wheel any harder in frustration, I'm afraid I'll trigger the airbag... lol