Q. I have a 1995 Ford Aerostar with the 3.0 liter V-6 engine. From time to time nothing happens when I turn the key. It has been checked by several dealers and an electrical specialist. When I turn the key, the engine doesn’t turn over, it just clicks. If I let the car sit overnight, it starts fine and will keep starting fine throughout the day until the problem reoccurs. Do you have any ideas what could be causing this problem?

A. Have the technician check all the wiring from the ignition switch to the starter and relay. There are several fusible links (a type of fuse) that can be on the verge of failing that could cause this type of problem. Many ignition switches on Ford vehicles have a high failure rate. The other problem often overlooked is the battery cable. Most Ford trucks have two negative cables, one can be corroded and cause an intermittent problem. Also, don’t overlook the obvious possibility that the starter is faulty.

Hate the rotten egg odor

Q. When my car had 2,000 miles on it, I briefly noticed a rotten egg smell when I turned off the engine. It happened again about a month later. I changed gas stations, thinking it was the gas. It happened again two months later when I was driving about 70 mph on the highway. Now, like clockwork, it happened again after about two months. I was driving about 70 on Route 195, and the smell was brief but intense. Could you please share what you think this could be?

A. This usually happens when the car’s engine momentarily runs too rich (too much fuel). The fuel can’t be fully processed by the car’s catalytic converter, causing the rotten-egg sulfur smell. This may be a normal, although not desirable, characteristic of the vehicle. Some brands of gas with higher sulfur content can cause this condition and changing brands may help, although it may take a couple of tanks. At this point I would periodically check with the Toyota dealer and see if there is any reprogramming of the computer that may eliminate this stinky problem.

It’s likely condensation

Q. I own a Lexus ES300 and have been noticing a lot of smoke and water coming out of the muffler. What would that mean?

A. The smoke and water may be nothing more than condensation. As a general rule, for every gallon of gasoline that is burned, one gallon of water is created. If the smoke is a gray vapor, it is probably nothing more than water. If the smoke is blue/gray, it could be oil burning, and if it is white, with a sweet smell, it could be coolant burning. At this point, check all the fluids on a weekly basis until you’re convinced the engine is OK.

A good deal? No, a scam

Q. I received an e-mail from Ford Motor Co. offering the Fusion Hybrid at half price. The e-mail looked official and it was from sales@ford.com. Is this possible?

A. Keep in mind the old adage, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is. This was an outright scam and had nothing at all to do with Ford Motor Co. –– I received it as well. This was just another attempt at trying to get your personal information. Recently, I received a phone call from a nearby Hyundai dealer who was offering a “buy one vehicle and get a second car for a dollar.” Most car dealers I talk to are pretty clear that you can’t be in business and give cars away.

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