Ask the Auto Doctor
Q: My 2007 GMC Envoy V-6 is displaying a check engine light and a lean code; when the temperature drops around 65 degrees then the same month rises back above 65 the check engine light goes out. The truck runs fine with the code on or off; on the highway I get up to 24 mpg. I do most of my repairs and did a tuneup, changed the oxygen sensors, and put injector cleaner in the gas. Hope you can help me with this ongoing problem. — Jim
A: The lean code can be caused by multiple problems including, but not limited to, a vacuum leak, coolant temperature, dirty or faulty mass air flow meter, leak after the mass air flow meter, carbon buildup, or dirty fuel injectors (cleaners may not clean all of them). I don’t think your problem is fuel-pressure related. This may need the diagnosis of an ASE technician who will need to see when the computer sets the code and look at all of the sensor information. This is the only way to locate the problem; the live data is needed for all sensor values. The needed information can be found at Alldata and Identifix, along with sensor and component location.
Q: I’m a young 73-yearold grandmother and interested in the 2018 Mazda Miata. I would very much appreciate your opinion on this two-seater. — Helen
A: Congratulations on wanting to buy a twoseat sports car. I drove the Miata for a week and the top was down almost every day. The 2.0-liter engine with 155 horsepower is very smooth and quiet, and has ample power. I enjoyed my week spent in the car and if you feel comfortable in the two-seater and enjoy driving it, then buy it!
Q: In about 18 months I’d like to purchase a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. What can you tell me about Subaru cars in general, and about the Crosstrek? — Rich
A: I spent a week in the 2018 Crosstrek and it’s significantly different from the 2017. The all-new Crosstrek automatic features a 7-speed CVT transmission that feels very positive and which can also be manually shifted. The quiet engine boasts 152 horsepower and great gas mileage. Manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing spreads from $21,795 for the manual to $26,295 for the Limited trim level with automatic (destination and delivery fees add about $900). You can pick and choose the options you want or need. Since it’s an all-new model for 2018, there won’t be significant changes to the 2019 Crosstrek.
Junior Damato is an ASEcertified Master Technician. Email questions for publication to info@motormatters.biz.