Q. I have a 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser, the battery was dead a few weeks ago, so I replaced it with a new one. The next morning I went out to turn it on and the battery was dead again. Assuming there was a short, I took it to my mechanic and he found that the driver side seat adjustment control was shorting the battery. He searched all his contacts and dealers in the area and was told that the part was ordered or obsolete. I searched the country through the internet and got the same result. Any idea where I could find a replacement part or a way to bypass the fuse and put in a toggle switch?
A. If the switch is really the problem with a bit of “junk engineering”, there should be a method to disconnect power from the switch. The problem may not be the switch itself, but some module or wiring that goes to the switch. These systems are not exactly simple, as much of the electronic communication is done through a CAN BUS (computer network). Depending on the parts needed, a salvage yard may be the answer, as in many cases these modules are interchangeable with other Toyota or Lexus models.
Q. I bought a 2021 Miata RF from a dealer with 4 miles in March 2023. The radio volume fluctuates. I understand that the Bose system does this when selected, but the volume fluctuates when not selected. I had the car serviced at the dealer last week and mentioned the problem. They said a software update was done. The update did not fix the volume issue. This is my third Miata and both radios in the previous vehicle did not have this problem. Do you know of any other Miata radio volume issues?
A. There have been several software updates to Mazda’s infotainment systems, but I didn’t see any mention of the volume control. To try to help the dealer, do your best to determine when the volume fluctuation occurs. It’s an AM radio only problem, FM only, FM HD or SXM or using a connected app. What I have experienced is that when FM is selected and the radio is set to HD as you move in and out of the HD range the volume will fluctuate as the radio switches from the HD signal to the standard FM signal.
Q. If you had the budget, would you buy a new Corvette Z-06 or an F-Type Jaguar R?
A. To me they are similar but different cars. I had the opportunity to drive the 2022 Corvette and it ran great and was very fast. I recently tested the Jaguar F-Type, and it’s also incredibly fast and handles very well. Both cars have completely different but great-looking designs and pretty comfortable interiors, and both have similar prices once you add options. The Corvette is faster because of the more powerful supercharged engine. Both cars handle very well, but the Jaguar has more of a touring feel. Both are exceptional sports cars with unique personalities of their own. Personally, I think I’d lean towards the Corvette. But luckily, I don’t have that kind of budget and will never have to make that decision.
Q. I have a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. I replaced the rear brake pads and brake rotors as well as the serpentine belt in December 2022. After a week or two, there was a loud noise after I pulled out of my driveway and put the car in gear; this noise doesn’t happen every morning. The noise disappears in a few seconds. I took the car back to the service station/dealer and they kept the car for a week hoping to hear the noise. They never heard the noise. They said that when they manually turned the tensioner and tensioner pulley, they heard a noise and then replaced both parts. I took the car home and within two days I heard the noise again. The noise only occurs the first time I use the car in the morning and always after I pull out of my driveway and then start the car. I’m waiting for an appointment to bring the car back in but I’m worried they won’t be able to find the problem since they had the car for a week and they repaired something that didn’t fix the problem.
A. Since the noise only occurs while the car is moving, this rules out belt, tensioner and other strictly engine-related issues. I would look at the rear brakes again. Quite common on this vehicle are the parking brake sticks and it causes the rear brakes to drag slightly. This drag could be the source of the noise.
Q. Is it better to lease or buy a new car? If I rented it, I would buy it at the end of the contract.
A. Always an interesting question, it really depends on the lease payment and if the manufacturer adds cash to lower the monthly lease payments. Leasing generally allows you to drive a more expensive car with a lower monthly payment. That said, you’re basically “renting” the car for the duration of the lease. When you buy a new car, at the end of the payment cycle you own the car, when renting you only have the receipts paid. The best option is to finance as little as possible (or pay in cash) in the shortest possible time. If you listen to some financial experts like Dave Ramsey or Suzy Orman they will tell you never to rent a car. I tend to agree with one exception, which is an electric car. The technology is still new, and as new models come out with lower prices and better range, it can have a dramatic effect on the value trade. In this case the lease in my opinion makes sense.
Q. I have an older Toyota Prius and the fuel gauge was stuck. I took it to a shop and they said the entire fuel tank would need to be replaced. After doing some research online, I was able to fix it myself for free. I thought I’d just share.
A. On some second generation Toyota Prius models, the fuel tank tilt is out of calibration. With a somewhat complicated series of push button steps and a level parking area, the meter can be recalibrated. It’s always great when you can DIY something and even better when it’s free.
Have a car question, email the Car Doctor for a personal answer. jpaul@aaanortheast.com
