Q. I have a 2013 Lincoln MKS and I just started having problems with the climate control. Right after the start, on cold days, the climate control goes crazy. I have it set to 70 degrees and after it warms up and I have it on the road the temperature starts to rise until it maxes out. I turn it off and it turns on by itself. I keep fighting him until I can get him back to normal. But that’s distracting and a fight. Is it an expensive repair?
A. From your description, it sounds like the HVAC module is faulty, but it could also be the dash control unit. You need to start with some diagnostic tests to look for error codes. If the module is defective the cost is about $200 plus labor and the control unit is about $400 plus labor.
Q. I have a 2016 Ford F350 with a 6.7 liter diesel. I read on a Ford site that Ford does not recommend using a full synthetic oil in this engine. They say that a full synthetic oil will not properly lubricate the valvetrain and recommend using their synthetic blend oil. I always thought oil was oil and synthetic oil was the best. What do you think about this?
A. Ford recommends using API CJ-4 compliant oil, such as Motorcraft WSS-M2C171-F1. Check this Motorcraft website for Ford Motor Company approved diesel engine oils, there are both synthetic and synthetic blends that meet specifications. Ford still recommends against using FA-4 oils in larger Ford diesel engines, such as the 6.7 liter diesel engines. Ford continues to recommend motor oils that meet Ford specification WSS-M2C171. So you can use full synthetic oil in your Ford diesel, as long as it meets Ford specifications.
Q. Are you familiar with Honda TSB 16-002? My starter motor grinds or spins from time to time and I was wondering if I should get it fixed?
A. If you hear an occasional grinding noise from the starter, it would be a good idea to replace the starter before it damages the engine ring gear. Honda actually recommended turning the flywheel/flex plate/gear ring one bolt location after installing the starter to minimize any additional wear.
Q. You are going to be at the New York Auto Show, I would like to meet you because you have helped me in the past?
A. Unfortunately, no, but several of my co-workers will be at a AAA booth and we will have one of our mobile charging trucks for electric vehicles on display. We’ll also announce the 2023 AAA Car Guide winners at the press preview. Also, if you are interested in electric vehicles, please check our website https://ev.northeast.aaa.com/.
Q. I’m in the market for an SUV that’s comfortably equipped with some nicer features. One problem is that my wife is 4’10 and will be the passenger most of the time. Sitting in the passenger seat, she can’t see past the dash. I find that only high end cars have height adjustments for the passenger seat. Can a mid-priced SUV be equipped to allow seat height adjustment?
A. With enough time, talent and money, you can change anything, but you don’t have to build something custom. I recently evaluated the Hyundai Palisade in the premium calligraphy trim level. In this mid-size SUV, the passenger seat is electrically adjustable. Although it does not have as many adjustments as the driver’s seat, it is adjustable in height. Overall, this Palisade is a very nice vehicle that seats seven, has a great warranty, and gets decent fuel economy. It is also very comfortable to drive and an easy vehicle to recommend.
Q. My 2002 Honda Accord has conventional DOT 3 brake fluid. Is it a bad idea to buy synthetic brake fluid and pour it in?
A. Brake fluids have several classifications as an example. DOT 4 brake fluids have higher dry and wet minimum boiling points, so in most cases it is fine to use DOT 4 fluid instead of Dot 3. DOT 5 fluid is silicone based and not must be used on systems using DOT 3 or 4 unless the entire brake system has been rebuilt. DOT 3 and DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid is still glycol based and can be mixed with conventional DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid. I’m not a chemist, but technically all brake fluid is synthetic, and with the exception of some additives, there’s probably little difference between conventional and synthetic brake fluid. Readers and chemists feel free to comment.
Q. I have received a code reading for P0446 that has come on off and on for years on a 2000 Cadillac Eldorado. I have not noticed any irregularities whether the service engine light is on or off. I have heard all the horror stories about EVAP codes and how you can spend $1,000.00 in diagnostic fees and repairs for just one error code to save our planet’s ozone layer. I don’t have the time, patience or resources to go down that “Rabbit Hole” either. Is there a simple and reasonable way to fix this code? I’ve done the “gas cap” check, but haven’t seen any reason to replace it.
A. One of the best methods to look for the problem is with a smoke machine, synthetic smoke is pumped into the system and you look for where it comes out. Typical problems are, as you noted, the gas cap, bleed valve, canister and any tank vapor hoses and even the gas tank or filler neck. At 23 it could be any of these, but if I were to guess I’d change the gas cap.
Q. I have a 2010 Dodge Challenger 5.7-liter V-8 with a six-speed manual with the track package option. 13 years old but only 12,000 original miles, should I replace the spark plugs at this time? What other maintenance recommendations do you have?
A. I would at least pull the spark plugs and see how they are, change the coolant and brake fluid, check the caliper slides, air and cabin filters, and check the drive belt for old cracks. Also, if the tires are original, it’s time to replace them as well.
Q. I have a 2018 Honda Accord with 101,000 miles. Do I really need to replace the water pump and spark plugs? The car is fine.
A. You are most likely considering replacing the spark plugs. Using the dash maintenance reminder when a number 4 is displayed it’s time to replace the spark plugs. If the coolant is well maintained and the water pump is leak free and quiet, there is no reason to think it needs to be replaced.
Have a car question, email the Car Doctor for a personal answer. jpaul@aaanortheast.com
