I've got quite a few questions.

[DM616]

Right, since this is a camry forum and you guys seem to love them, help me out here. 1997 Camry LE

1) When I bought the car, the rear brake pads are new, the front are like a year old, I hear some squeeling on the driveway, then again I haven't really driven the car due to the hood not being attached. Does this mean they need to be replaced? I also don't think it's normal for tires to leave a some-what gray tire track...tires are new.

2) My transmission is stuck. I'm not sure it's because it's been sitting out on the driveway for a month (started every few days) or if it's a bad wire. I can use the shiftlock key to get it out of park and it's fine after that. Brake lights go on, and I hear a click from the brake pad when I lift my foot off of it. Yes my foot is depressing the pedal when I try to move out of park. it's just the tranny won't let me push the button in.

3) What color is coolant? I know it's red but what kind? I have some-what red/brown coolant, and the owner said it was flushed a few years ago. Should I get it flushed again?

4) Is it normal to have something leak by the front right tire? It only leaks when the car is turned on, so it might be the A/C...it's not clear, I rub my hand on the driveway's cement and it's a dark brown or black, no smell I think.

Thanks!

[oldfirebird]

> the front are like a year old, I hear some squeeling on the driveway
> Does this mean they need to be replaced?

The brakes sound to be glazed. If there's meat on the pad you don't need to replace them, I'd surface the rotors and put the anti-squeal stuff on the pads. It's orange, available at just about any parts store.

> I also don't think it's normal for tires to leave a some-what gray tire track

No idea about that. Unless manufactures are putting something on the tire to keep them soft while they sit on the shelf and it's all washed off as it sat in your driveway.

> My transmission is stuck. the tranny won't let me push the button in

Luckily it sounds like your shifter, not transmission, is stuck. The solenoid for the lock may be hung up or out of adjustment. I haven't had to get in my cars center console but I'd bet it's mounted on the side of the shifter, under the gear indicator.

> What color is coolant? I know it's red but what kind?

Coolant should be a neon green color. Dexcool is orange, but that's for GM, unless someone put one of those "universal" coolants in your car. Transmission is the only fluid I can think of that's red or red/brown after many miles

> Is it normal to have something leak by the front right tire? It only leaks when the car is turned on, so it might be the A/C

The normal leak for AC will be water and only water. Turn the AC off, start it up and see if it's leaking. Without the air on, you shouldn't see anything..
If you've got brown or black fluid, that's oil.

[73sport]

1) need more details. ??? how do tires squeal if the car is not moving?? Sun aged tires will leave makes as they weather. NBD but it sounds like an engine belt squeal. Perhaps check and tighten the belts to the power steering and/or alternator?

2) check the fuses, but its a good sign the brake lights work as the brake pedal does disengage the shift lock solenoid. Check all fuses. Any known modification to the dash or console?

3) It should be Red or Green but not Brown. Perhaps they are heavily mixed or the system is full of rust? Suggest flush and fresh fluid. Replace anything that looks aged, leaking. Check records for water pump and timing belt replacement. If due, now would be good time. What engine is this? I4 or V6

4) That sounds to be power steering fluid. Check the fluid level. Look for the power steering fluid lines and inspect the rack boots. Its a good possibility the system has leak. How does it steer when cold. If the wheel goes hard during light steering, you may need a new rack. Black fluid should be red. Suggest flushing...

Please use the search button and read up, lots of info and links in here. . . .

[DM616]

Well I backed up the car to see the leak, and it was squealing. The only modification so far has been a new radio and taking off the hood of the car. I'll have to get the car checked out by a mechanic then because I have no clue on anything like the shifter or anything like that lol. I forgot to mention it's automatic, not stick :3. but I think you already knew. I'll get the coolant flushed and whatever changes I need.

I found out when I put my car in drive or reverse, and when I let go of the brake, it makes a grinding noise, but goes away after a second or two, what the hell is that?

[DM616]

I don't mean to bump but this grinding noise is worrying me