Car Doctor Q&A

QI have a one-year-old battery that wouldn’t start my 2010 Nissan Altima one morning. My neighbor came out to help me and jumped my car and the car started. He said since the battery was new it could be my alternator. How do I find out where the problem lies? He suggested I run car 45 minutes every two weeks. I find that unusual, since I just use my car for local errands. What should I do?

A

I would certainly start with a complete test of the battery (even new batteries can fail), starter and charging system. Today the electrical system of most cars can be tested quickly and accurately. At AAA we have been using a portable tester from B2Q (https:// b2qtech.com) which is quite accurate. At this point I would bring the car to a shop (or call AAA if you are a member) to have the car checked out. Keep in mind the jumpstart didn’t fix the problem only the symptom of the car not starting. Your neighbor is correct that very short trips don’t do much to keep the battery charged. In fact it can take several miles of driving just to recharge the battery from starting the car.

Q

I hope you can you advise me. My 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will not start, security dash light flashes rapidly, and I was told there is an error code B1681. Do I go to the dealer, independent auto garage or locksmith?

A

The error code is for the Ford PATS (passive antitheft system). This system uses a chip in the key that is read by the ignition lock. The issue could be the key, lock, or even the body control computer. All three types of facilities could handle the diagnosis and repair providing they have the correct equipment. The dealer may have or be able to get the necessary parts a little quicker than an independent shop or locksmith.

Q

I drive a 2012 Nissan Sentra. The non-skid function dashboard light is constantly on. I don’t remember this light always being on. I’ve tried turning it off, but it stays lit. I press the “off” button which appears on the dashboard, but it doesn’t stay lit after I turn the ignition off. Is it a non-skid computer sensor problem?

A

The light should be off unless you turn the traction control system off-then the light will come on. Generally, the problem is a faulty speed sensor/brake sensor. You will need to have the car diagnosed find the exact issue. So, expect to spend about $150 to find the problem

Q

I have a 1998 Mercedesbenz 500SL and cannot find a dealer or locksmith in my state to obtain a new key fob or valet key. The one key fob I have is on its last leg. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

A

The dealer appears to be the only option. The Mercedes key fob needs to be ordered by the vehicle identification number and needs to be picked up in person to be programmed by the Mercedes Benz dealer. The person picking up the car has to be the owner of the car and they have to prove that they own the car. I called Mercedes headquarters in Georgia who said that the dealer is the one who has to get the key fob. Even with Right to Repair, in this case it appears the dealer is the only choice. The dealer can do a search to find the part and may need to source the part in some other part of the country.

Q

My son needs to buy a new/used car, he recently received $5000 from an insurance settlement. The plan is to buy an older vehicle and not

have a car payment for a few years (he just got a job). He would prefer an SUV, any suggestions on what kind of SUV or maybe a car he should look at?

A

In my opinion any SUV in the $5000 price range is going to need work and generally won’t be dependable or economical. A better choice might be a compact or mid-sized car. Looking online there are many cars in this range. Although with any used car purchase, I

would have a repair shop perform a pre-purchase inspection. In addition to normal mechanical repair items have the technician look for rusted brake, fuel lines and any other structural rust issues.

Q My husband and I are senior citizens and don’t drive much these days. My question is how many days a week and for how long each time should we run the cars to keep the batteries from going dead. One of the cars, which doesn’t get driven much does have a Battery Tender on it.

A It is a good idea to drive no just start and run a car ever week for about 30 minutes. This will help keep the battery charged, and the brakes and other moving parts “exercised”. As an example, brake rotors can rust from lack of use. The Battery Tender will keep the battery fully charged, and although not necessary

to drive it, lack of use for a car is in same cases worse than abuse. Since you have more than one car, alternate using a different car on different days.