Q. I have a 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante with over 200,000 miles. I recently put in a radiator, tires and alternator and would like to keep the car through the winter. I have been told that in order to clear the light, I have to go to a Mitsubishi Dealer. When I called the service department they want a $100 just to tell me what the code is and that the repairs could range from another $100 to $700. Are there any other alternatives? I do not want to put that kind of money into the car but can't afford another car right now. I’m due for a state inspection, now what?

A. Unfortunately, your Mitsubishi requires a scan tool to check for air bag codes. Some cars have self-testing diagnostic capabilities, but not your car. Although you do not need to go to a dealer, Mitsubishi vehicles require an Asian-specific scanner to read and clear air-bag codes. Although I believe you should have the air-bag checked, it is not necessary to get the car inspected.

Q. I have a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am. For some reason, my horn goes off randomly. It even happens when the alarm is not on. It doesn’t go beep-beep it just sounds a long and annoying beeeeeppppp. Please help me. My neighbors are ready to run me out of the neighborhood.

A. This is a fairly common problem with some General Motors vehicles. My understanding is the airbag cover shrinks. When this happens, there is just enough pressure to cause the horn to sound. The correct fix is to replace the airbag assembly, because the horn switch is made into the airbag cover. Considering the cost of an airbag, I would be tempted to put a switch on the horn so you can shut it off at night.

Q. I just purchased a 1993 Chrysler LeBaron from an estate. The car only has 10,000 miles on it. It runs great but makes a strange snapping noise when the car goes into gear. I have had two people look at it, and no one found anything serious. One shop did find the exhaust pipe was shifting, but that didn’t seem to solve the problem. Any ideas?

A. Chrysler did have an update to the engine mounts for a similar reason. This engine mount is a new two-piece slider type. Once the long support bolt is tightened to specifications, the split slider tube locks and will not slide or move within the aluminum core of the mount. This new design should eliminate the snapping and clicking noise.

Q. I have a Honda Civic, and the power windows have all started to move slowly. Does this mean the window motors have started to wear out or is it something else?

A. The most common issue is the channel that the window slides in. You can try cleaning it with hot soapy water. Once the window track is clean, lubricate it with silicone. Do not use any petroleum-based lubricants because they will only attract dirt and cause more binding.