J A Blazer

I thought I would share my story. Second owner, 2000 4-cyl OBW, 112K. Previous owner had at some point installed an Interstate battery. I had no problems whatsoever until a week ago. While idling all the warning lights (ABS and AT) came on. Car died and would not restart. Could jump start, but car would still die. Couldn't remove key from ignition (even with the instructions in the manual for manual over-ride). Security alarm would come on when I opened the door. Replaced battery and all is now OK; Sears confirmed that the old battery was 'bad.' I have never had a battery die as precipitously as did that one.

Its definitely MWE

My 2000 OBW needs new tires. Costco is having one of its periodic discount campaigns. I'm thinking B F Goodrich Traction T/A, H-rated. Anyone have experience - good or bad - with these?

Pay attention to my post in that earlier thread. I had your problem and couldn't get around it without disabling the security system, the particulars of which I no longer recall but its documented somewhere.

I don't think that the 'Limited' model had the 6 cylinder engine.

It now appears that the mount had not failed, but a previous mechanic had forgotten to reinstall the spacer that sits between the spring cap and the strut mount. I now have the spacer, which is like a big tapered washer. Does anyone know whether the narrow part goes up or down?

That may be true but in my experience (2000 OBW) its the inners that fail more often than the outers; may have something to do with proximity to the heat of the exhaust system.

In my 2000 OBW I have the OE radio head unit with single disc CD player. Does anyone make an auxiliary-in adapter that connects through the CD input so that I can connect an ipod or other such device? TIA.

The bearing in the driver's side front strut mount has gone bad in my 2000 OBW with 110K. Should I replace both, on the assumption that failure of the other can't be far behind?

Its an automatic. Reason I posed the question is because my owner's manual simply says to 'inspect' every 30K, but unless the vehicle sees 'severe driving conditions' there is no recommended replacement interval.

My 2000 OBW has 110K. What is the recommended service interval for the front and rear differential fluid change?

I remember having similar difficulty when I tried to program a 2nd remote for my 2000 OBW. One of the eBay vendors has instructions on his site, but the one step not mentioned was that you have to first disable any OE security system that may be on your vehicle.

Looks like a great suggestion! FYI, the model is Pioneer FH-800BT.

My 2000 OBW has the standard head unit with tweeters, subwoofer, and single disc CD player. I want to upgrade to a head unit that controls an ipod and includes or accomodates XM satellite radio. Playing CDs is of no concern. Recommendations?

While replacing the front axles on my 2000 OBW I noticed that the driver's side top strut mount moves quite stiffly (when compared to the passenger side), which would explain the audible groan when turning at low speeds. How hard is it to replace the bearing, or must the entire top mount be replaced? TIA.

My 2000 OBW needs a timing belt job. Any thoughts on who is best? Stohlmann in Tysons clearly has the largest service department, but appears to also be the most expensive. What about Stohlmann -Herndon (formerly Paul Brothers)? TIA.

Now that my 2000 OBW w/ 110K is back on the road with new MWE front axles, I still have a pronounced shudder on braking, easily felt through the steering wheel, and is at its worst when descending a grade while braking. Most likely causes? Tie rod ends? Inner or outer? Ball joints? Pads and rotors are fairly new.

Axle side. Housing still attached to control arm etc.

Replacing the front axles on my 2000 OBW. Installing new seals. Problem: After 110K enough corrosion had occurred around the old seals that it is proving very difficult to install the new seals, even with a quality seal installation tool. Tips?

So what you are saying is that it is not possible to make it too tight?

I am replacing my front axles on my 2000 OBW. What is the torque setting for the axle nut?

But I thought that as long as I marked the eccentric strut bolt and reinstalled it in the same orientation, the camber would not be disturbed. Not true?

I thought that it would be sufficient to remove the strut pinch bolts, but not the tie rod end or ball-joint. Not so?

My MWE axles arrive tomorrow and I need advice on installation. Do I place on the transmission end first, or do I insert the spindle through the hub first? Does the steering need to be cocked in a particular direction and if so which one? At what point are the roll pins installed? TIA.