CAR DOCTOR Q&A
Q. I have a periodic issue starting my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. The dealer has replaced the battery recently, but the car would not start a few days later. Sent to the shop overnight and they found no issue. Recently the Jeep did not start at night, in the morning it fired right up. When it does not start the lights come on, but it does not start. Obviously, there is an issue. Is there a known problem or do you have a recommendation as to what might be wrong? I do not want to get stranded!
A. At this point the shop needs to look in two areas. The first is the wiring from the battery to the starter. They should be looking at voltage drop across the starter circuit. They should also be looking at the starter and neutral safety switch. The second issue may be the key fob may be weak. The next time it does not start hold the key fob right up against the start button. IF the car starts up you have a problem with the fob.
Q. I have a problem that I can’t quite understand. We recently bought a 2011 Kia Forte and while looking under the hood I noticed there was no dipstick to check the transmission fluid. So thinking this was a defect I went to the dealer and was told that this is a sealed unit and does not require maintenance. I was totally amazed at what they said. So I called Kia Motors company and was told the same. My question is, does the fluid ever have to be changed and is it something that only the dealer can handle? What is your view about the transmission fluid never being changed?
A. Over time we are starting see dipsticks disappearing from transmissions and even engines. Checking transmission fluid is not required unless there is evidence of a leak. If the vehicle is driven under “severe” conditions then the fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles. If the vehicle is driven under what would be considered normal driving practices, there is no interval for changing the fluid. The vehicle owner’s manual will list a description of what is considered normal/severe service.
Q. The dealer also recommends a “front and rear differential service” - does this simply mean that they are checking/changing the fluid. The vehicle owner’s manual for my car says “it is not necessary to check the gear oil level. Only check that there are no cracks, damage, or leakage. And if that’s the case, I assume there’s no need to do this if the manual says it is not necessary? Unless of course I notice a fluid leaking but so far, I have not.
A. There was a time when any oil change included a check of differential fluids and manual or automatic gear oil. Over very long periods of time these f luids can become contaminated and break down. Depending on how you use your vehicle and its age, the fluids according to your vehicle owner’s manual are a “lifetime” fill.
Q. I have a house on Vineyard and was thinking about a small car, even though everyone else has a Range Rover. I’m in no rush and don’t get back there until spring at the earliest. I want something used very small and fuel efficient and was looking at the Smart car, Fiat 500 or maybe a Mini- Cooper. What car do you like out of these or is there something else you would consider?
A. In order I would go with the Mini Cooper (most fun), Fiat 500 (cutest) and then the Smart. A small car worth the look is Scion, IQ. This car is only about 10 feet long, seats four- sort of has 11 airbags generally quite reliable. One other option is a used Nissan Leaf. The leaf is fully electric, has a range of about 90-100 miles and can be purchased rather economically today.