Starter problem solved
Q: Recently you replied to a question about an intermittent starter problem on a 2 0 1 5 Honda Accord. Honda has TSB 1 6 -0 0 2 about the issue. There is an issue with the clearance between the starter and the torque converter ring. Replacing the starter and rotating the torque converter did not work for my car and I needed the torque converter replaced. I was lucky it was still under extended warranty. — S.K., Hanover Park, Illinois A:
I checked the NHTSA website and verified the technical service bulletin (TSB) that covers 201316 Accords and 20132015 Crosstour models. According to Honda, the fix is to replace the starter and rotate the ring gear clockwise one bolt hole. I originally suspected the Bendix unit in the starter, but stand corrected.
Q: I own a 2 0 1 6 Corvette with about 3 1 ,0 0 0 miles. About eight months ago, the check engine light came on and Chevrolet’s OnStar system emailed me stating that there was a problem with the emissions system. Brought the car to a dealer who, after $8 0 0 -plus, said the issue was corrected. About
6 0 days later, the check engine light came on again with same emissions diagnosis. Brought the car back to the dealer and I was advised that there was no emissions problem but that the check engine light was caused by “a random cylinder misfire.” He reset the system. Since then, at least once a month, the same issue occurs. My real concern is that one of these times there might be a real
problem. Also, several of the convenience features like remote start do not function while the check engine light is on. — R.M., Boynton Beach, Florida A:
The check engine light comes on whenever there is any issue that can increase emissions. A random cylinder misfire (P3000 trouble code) is typically due to a bad spark plug, plug wire or ignition coil. The misfire increases emissions. You need a technician who will hunt down and fix the problem. Although most check engine lights will go out if the problem goes away, if the light comes on and flashes, drive to a safe place and shut the engine off. There is likely a serious problem.
Q: I have a 2 0 1 8 Genesis G9 0 . On all of my other cars I could hold down the unlock button on my key fob and all the windows would roll down. I have talked to the local dealership and also to Genesis and they say nothing can be done to include that accessory. Just wondering and hoping that you might know of a miracle to add that extra accessory to my car.
— P.H., Virginia Beach, Virginia
A: This trick works on
some cars, but in my research, I did not find the Genesis among them. Check your owner’s manual. On cars where the trick works, you may have to press the unlock button once and then press and hold the button a second time. There may be a delay, so keep pressing for about five seconds.
Q: A reader asked why vehicles with automatic transmissions have RPM gauges. My question is why don’t they seem to have charging system gauges anymore? These would be useful. — R.D., Westmont, Illinois A:
Some cars do have charging system information, but seldom do they report the actual voltage. Most just have a tic showing that the system is doing OK. Charging system voltage should be 14.2 volts DC.
Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certification every five years. Weber’s work appears in professional trade magazines and other consumer publications. Send questions along with name and town to motor mouth.tribune@gmail.com.