Q. This Sunday my truck was running very badly (almost dying). Monday I went to start it and it was dead. I put it on a battery charger right away, and later that night it started up just fine but would die when I took my foot off the gas. After a couple times of trying to keep it running, it just went dead again. Do you think this is a battery, alternator, fuel intake or some other problem? I can’t get it to my mechanic since it won’t stay running, so I’m considering repairing it myself. Where should I start?

A. The problem is most likely related to the charging system. If the battery is in marginal condition and the alternator is faulty, the truck is “running” out of electricity. A good repair shop will charge and test the battery. Once the battery is determined to be OK, they will test the alternator. Many larger auto parts stores have equipment to test the alternator and the battery to see if it is the problem.

Disappearing switch

Q. The last time I used the hazard light switch on my Oldsmobile Alero, it pushed right into the dashboard and disappeared. I called GM and they told me it was beyond the warranty and therefore not covered. I explained that I had used the switch about a dozen times in six years. It seemed to me simply a case of poor American workmanship. I have had it fixed at a GM dealer. It cost me nearly $72, and of that amount, $30 was for the plastic collar for the switch that was broken and needed to be replaced. Is there any way I could get GM to pay for this? It seems to me that one should be able to push the hazard light switch more than a dozen times before it breaks.

A. In most cases I would say this is well beyond the warranty, but in your case there might be a possibility. In January of 2006 General Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin No. 04098: “Special Policy Adjustment” — Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Flashers. This bulletin was revised to include the 2000-2001 Alero. Although the deadline has passed by a few months, I would still send your receipt and proof of ownership of your car to General Motors customer assistance and reference the special policy adjustment number.

Acura noises

Q. My brother and I each drive a 2005 Acura TL. We’ve noticed that each time we accelerate, we hear a noise — not necessarily a knocking sound but a noise. I was using a mid-grade octane and returned to a higher-grade octane gas, but the noise is still there. Both cars still are making this noise. Since it is the same thing in both cars, is it an inherent defect? Or is it as simple as something is loose underneath our vehicles?

A. The most common issue I am aware of is a vibrating heat shield. Depending on the car’s mileage, the repair may be under warranty. At this point, road-test the car with a technician to demonstrate the noise so it will get properly repaired.

Replacing the PCV valve

Q. What is a PCV valve and why would it need to be replaced? And is this usually covered by a warranty?

A. The positive crankcase ventilation valve lets the engine breathe, allowing crankcase vapors to return to the combustion chamber rather than be discharged into the atmosphere. PCV valves need to be replaced when they become clogged and don’t allow for proper engine breathing. Depending on the year and mileage of the car, the PCV valve may be covered under warranty. Your best bet is to check your vehicle owner’s manual.

What about the Skyline?

Q. I have been following the Nissan Skyline from video games to movies. Will we ever see this car outside of Japan?

A. Nissan just showed the GT-R based on the Skyline GT-R at the Tokyo Motor Show.

This two-door coupe will be all-wheel drive powered by an estimated 480-horsepower engine.

The transmission will be a dual-clutch Formula 1 style paddle shift.

It looks like the GT-R will come in three models, including a track model. It is anticipated the GT-R will come to the United States as a 2009 model in mid-2008.

Look for prices to start at $80,000.

projocars@projo.com