If seal for filter is not installed correctly, transmission can slip
Q . I have a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited edition which has 249,000 miles on it. I recently had the transmission serviced, (drained old fluid, replaced the filter and added new fluid) and replaced a “bad” transmission mount. Since then, I have noticed some slipping and slightly hard shifting in first and second gear which wasn’t present before the service. Any idea what has happened? I have maintained the vehicle very well throughout ownership. Would it help to add transmission fluid conditioner such as Lucas?
A . Since this slipping happened after the transmission was serviced the first thing I would do is check my own work. If the seal for the filter is not installed correctly the transmission can slip. The other possibility and what the shop may say is, “well the car has 250,000 miles on it and changing the fluid caused the issue”. There are times when the new fluid washes out accumulated varnish and can cause shifting problems. Lucas makes good products, but I still would want to check the filter. If everything is installed correctly, then try the Lucas transmission conditioner, it may help.
Q . I’m buying a Tesla Model Y so wondering if EVs are covered under AAA services. Searching the AAA website and found no info, Tesla is not even listed in the “Car Guide.” Is there roadside assistance for EVs? Does AAA provide flatbed towing which is necessary for all Tesla models?
A . AAA does provide towing for Tesla and other EVs just like we tow any other vehicles. If, according to the AAA Towing manual it requires a flatbed truck that is what we will send. We are also testing mobile charging in several locations.
Q . I was just reading your article on the Ford Edge engine failure. It doesn’t state where the car was purchased from, but if it is a California emissions vehicle, purchased new in CA or MA, shouldn’t it have an 8 year/80,000-mile powertrain warranty?
A . The powertrain warranty is standard across all 50 states. The vehicle emissions warranty does vary. Ford and other companies have a federal emissions warranty and a California emissions warranty. Currently, 14 states and the District of Columbia follow the California guidelines, which increase warranty coverage on some parts to 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Q . I have a 2019 Hyundai Elantra value edition. For the last six months or so, my phone isn’t staying connected to the Android auto system, so I can’t use the navigation or stream my music. I have a Samsung Android, and it worked fine before. Now I plug it into the USB port and it works for a few minutes, map comes up, but then it starts flashing saying it’s not connected. I’ve been to the dealership four times for issue. They changed out the drive but that didn’t help. It works fine when they try it in the shop, but as soon as I drive away, it stops. They claim they have taken a drive with it and worked using their phones, but I don’t believe them. Interested on what your thoughts are on this. It’s not the phone as it still charges my phone when plugged in. And it also stops working when my husband’s iPhone is plugged in. I’m at my wits’ end on this.
A . I looked for technical services bulletins and didn’t find any specific to your car and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Some things I would try, make sure the operating systems in both your Android phone and your husband’s iPhone are up to date. Additionally use phone-specific cables. I have had problems with “universal” convenience stores or department store cables not connecting, but still charging the phone. The dealer should also check to see that the Hyundai software is up to date. Unfortunately, phones technology changes quickly and I have seen in some older cars, that when a person gets a new phone, it isn’t compatible with their current car.
Q . I recently saw two videos online that
have me concerned. One is how easy it is to steal some Kia and Hyundai models using a USB drive. The other video showed
someone using a piece of paper over the lock and banging on the door and the air pressure between the paper and door lock unlocks the door. I have Kia Soul and I’m concerned about theft.
A . The piece of paper over the door lock is false and can’t work, just internet nonsense.
The Kia and Hyundai issue is real. If these cars don’t have a vehicle immobilizer and a thief breaks the steering column the ignition can be manipulated.
The USB drive isn’t plugged into anything, it is used like a screwdriver to turn the ignition. To prevent theft of any car, lock the doors, park in well-lighted areas and always take the keys and remove any personal and valuable items.
R eader Comment, Dick M. wrote in to say that at his age headlights are one of the most important safety features when buying a new car. He also suggested checking out the headlight ratings at www.iihs.org. Agreed, in fact, if possible when car shopping roadtest the car at night, you can evaluate both headlights and interior lighting.