Dear Tom and Ray:

I was driving to work recently, and my car overheated, which caused
the engine to smoke and fail. I received no warning. The temperature
gauge did not go up, and no lights came on. But my extended-warranty
company is refusing to pay for the overhaul of the engine. They are
stating that it was my thermostat that broke, and that since I drove
the vehicle after it overheated, I was guilty of abuse, which is not
covered. But if the gauge doesn't tell me the thermostat is broken
and the engine is overheating, then how am I supposed to take
responsibility for it? It's a 1999 Ford Explorer. I bought it eight
months ago with 36,000 miles, and I got a warranty for an additional
24 months or 24,000 miles. It now has 47,000, so it's still covered.
What do you think? -- Heather

RAY: I think this is why "Judge Judy" was invented.

TOM: I don't think they can know that a bad thermostat caused the
overheating. It could be the exact opposite. It could be that the
overheating ruined the thermostat. We've seen that happen, too. I
think they're just trying to weasel their way out of paying up,
Heather. Have you ever read John Grisham's "The Rainmaker?"

RAY: Here's a plausible scenario: If the temperature gauge or the
temperature sending unit, which sends the temperature to the gauge,
were broken, then there's no way you would have known that the
engine was running hot. And in that case, they should pay not only
for your engine, but for a new gauge, too.

RAY: If I were you, I'd have the vehicle towed to a mechanic you
trust. Have him remove and test your TSU and your temperature gauge.
If either is faulty, have him write a letter saying so, and you'll
have a slam-dunk case in small-claims court.

TOM: And even if both parts check out fine, then you have to
consider the possibility that a) they're misbehaving intermittently,
or b) you're a ditz.

RAY: But if you're convinced that you had no warning, I'd still take
the company to small-claims court. They're the ones who have to
prove "abuse," so the onus is on them. I think you'll win because
you don't sound abusive to me, Heather. Good luck.