Q. I have a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica that will not start at times. I have replaced the battery twice. The starter has been checked and was pronounced fine. The only symptom that I can tell you is that when it does not start, the message board will say "vehicle not in park." The car is in park, but won’t start. I had a wiring harness replaced, and it seemed better for a little while. I had this same problem with another Chrysler, and it turned out to be the neutral safety switch. Does this sound like it could be the problem? I just want to get it starting regularly so I can trade it in.

A. These intermittent problems can be the most frustrating to diagnose and repair. A technician using a scan tool should be able to check the operation of the transmission range sensor. Next time the vehicle doesn’t start, move the shift from park to neutral, and see if the car starts. If it does, then my suggestion would be to check the sensor/switch.

Practice makes perfect

Q. Is there a facility close to Rhode Island where a new teen driver can practice driving and build confidence? After a recent accident, my teen has lost a lot of confidence and interest in driving. I was considering something like the race track at Lime Rock in Connecticut, or another private facility that teaches advanced driving skills and would inspire some confidence.

A. Lime Rock race track does offer a new driver program as part of the Skip Barber racing school. Locally Advanced Driving and Security in North Kingstown ( www.1adsi.com) offers a car control course and In Control Advanced Driver Training is providing a similar program in Seekonk at the Seekonk Speedway ( www.driveincontrol.com). Both programs are designed to safely build driver confidence with hands-on exercises.

No ‘cooling off’

Q. Recently my mother, who lives in Rhode Island, bought a car in Massachusetts. I believe she was bullied into buying options that she didn’t want or need. I returned the car to the dealer the next day and wanted a refund, but was told all sales are final. Is this true? I thought you had three days to return a new car.

A. According to the Attorney General’s office in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island there is no “three-day-refund” law when it comes to vehicle sales. The three-day “cooling-off” period, as a general rule, applies only to door-to-door sales. If your mother is truly unhappy with the car, I would try to contact the owner of the dealership and see if you can both work something out.

Loooong refueling

Q. I have a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado with nearly 100,000 miles on it. The truck has been perfect up until now. Lately it can take what seems like forever to fill the fuel tank. I have checked for a collapsed fill-hose and it was fine. What’s going on?

A. The most common problem is with the canister vent valve for the evaporative emissions canister. When this valve fails it can cause extremely long refueling times.

Pay to play

Q. I am considering buying a used Honda S2000. I love the car. It is fast and fun to drive, but there is one problem: It needs premium fuel. Is it really necessary to use premium in this car? I believe you have said before that the computer systems in cars manufactured since 1996 prevent any engine damage due to pinging. Can I use regular?

A. While it is true that the car’s engine may not be damaged, the performance as well as the fuel economy will suffer if you use regular 87 octane gas. In this case if you want to “drive like a sport, you have to pay like a sport.”

projocars@projo.com