A salvage yard may have the parts you’re looking for
Q . I own a 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser. A few weeks ago the battery was dead, so I replaced it with a new battery. The next morning, I went out to start it and the battery was dead again. Assuming there was a short I brought it to my mechanic, and he found the driver’s side seat adjustment control was shorting the battery out. He searched all his contacts and dealers in the area and was told the part was back-ordered or obsolete. I searched the country via the Internet and received the same outcome. Would you have any idea as to where I might be able to find an aftermarket part or a way to bypass the fuse and put in a toggle switch?
A . If the switch is actually the issue, with a little “junk-yard engineering” there should be a method to disconnect the power to the switch. The problem may not be the switch itself but some module or wiring harness going to the switch. These systems are not exactly simple, since much of the electronic communication is through a CAN BUS (computer network). Depending on the parts needed, a salvage yard may be the answer, since in many cases, these modules are interchangeable with other Toyota or Lexus models.
Q . I purchased a 2021 Miata RF from a dealership with 4 miles on it in March 2023. The radio’s volume fluctuates. I understand the Bose system does this when selected but the volume fluctuates when not selected. I had the car maintained at the dealership last week and mentioned the problem. They said a software update was performed. The update did not correct the volume issue. This is my third Miata and the two previous vehicle’s radios did not have this problem. Are you aware of any other Miata radio volume issues?
A . There have been several software updates to Mazda infotainment systems, but I didn’t see any mention of volume control. To try to help the dealer, try your best to determine when the volume fluctuation happens. Is it just an AM radio issue, just FM, FM HD or SXM or using a connected app? What I have experienced is when FM is selected and the radio is set on HD as you move in and out of HD range, the volume will fluctuate as the radio goes from the HD signal to the standard FM signal.
Q
. If you had the budget would you buy a new Corvette Z-06 or a FType Jaguar R?
A . To me they are similar but different cars. I did have the opportunity to drive the 2022 Corvette and it handled great and was very fast. I recently road-tested the F-Type Jaguar, and it also is stunningly fast and handles extremely well. Both cars have completely different but great-looking designs and quite comfortable interiors and both have similar prices once you add in options. The Corvette is faster due to the higher horsepower supercharged engine. Both cars handle extremely well, but the
Jaguar has more of a touring car feel. Both are exceptional sports cars with their own unique personalities. Personally, I think I would lean toward the Corvette. But lucky for me I don’t have that kind of budget and I will never have to make that decision.
Q . I own a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. In December 2022 I had the rear brake pads and brake rotors replaced as well as the serpentine belt. Within a week or two, there was a loud noise after I backed out of my driveway and put the car in drive; this noise does not happen every morning. The noise disappears within a few seconds. I brought the car back to the service station/dealer and they kept the car for a week in hopes of hearing the noise. They did not ever hear the noise. They did say when they manually turned the tensioner and idler pulley, they heard a noise and then replaced both those parts. I took the car home and in 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 back out of my driveway and then put the car in gear. I am waiting for an appointment to bring the car in again, but I’m concerned that they will not be able to find the problem since they had the car for a week and repaired something that did not fix the issue.
A . Since the noise only happens as the car is moving, that rules out the belt, tensioners and other strictly engine-related issues. I would take a look
at the rear brakes again. Fairly common on this vehicle is the parking brake sticks and causes the rear brakes to drag slightly. This dragging could be the source of the noise.
Q. Is it better to lease or buy a new car? If I leased it, I’d be buying it at the end of the lease.
A. Always an interesting question, it really depends on the lease payment and if the manufacturer is adding cash to reduce the monthly payments on the lease. Leasing generally lets you drive a more expensive car with a lower monthly payment. That being said, you are essentially “renting”
the car for the term of the lease. When you buy a new car, at the end of the payment cycle you own the car, when leasing all you have is paid receipts. The best option is to finance as little as possible (or pay cash) for the shortest term. If you listen to some financial experts such as Dave Ramsey, or Suzy Orman they will say never lease a car. I tend to agree with
one exception and that 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 trade in value. In this case, leasing in my opinion make sense.
Q
. I have an older Toyota Prius and the fuel gauge was stuck. I took it to a shop and they
told me the entire fuel tank will need replacement. After doing some online research I was able to fix it myself for free. I thought I would just share.
A
. On some secondgeneration Toyota Prius models the fuel tank inclination goes out of calibration. With a somewhat complicated series of push-button steps and a level parking area the gauge can be recalibrated. It is always great when you can do something yourself and even better when it is free.
Got a car question? Email the Car Doctor for a personal reply at jpaul@ aaanortheast.com. John Paul is an automotive consumer advocate with AAA.