CAR DOCTOR Q&A
Q. There is a very odd sound coming from the dash of our 2014 Mercedes GLK250 (Diesel). It occurs at speeds as low as 45 mph but more reliably at higher speeds, especially if there is a crosswind. My spouse has named the gremlin that causes the noise “Squork. ”The sound seems to emanate from somewhere near the center of the dash.The dealership’s service department has admitted defeat.- Mercedes USA has been no help, declaring that any communications must be through the dealer.- I have removed the cabin air filter to no effect (filter reinstalled).- Likewise I have removed the insulating large gaskets in the engine compartment to no effect (gaskets reinstalled). Otherwise the vehicle performs well, delivering trip fuel efficiencies as high as 43 mi/gal.
A. The first thing you need to do is determine if the noise is engine or body related. Something as simple as a poorly fitting air filter cover or leaking turbocharger hose could make a noise at certain speeds. If it is not the engine, then it could be wind whistling through the body of the vehicles. In 2014 there were a very low number of Mercedes GLks that had an issue with poor sealing from pillar along the windshield to the floor. Typically, it causes a water leak, but it could also cause a whistle too. Any poorly fitting body seam or even the windshield could be a problem. Wind and water leak specialists will take painters tape and tape over seams/windshield to try to find/isolate noises. Some specialist will use ultrasonic testers, smoke machines and even several specially designed microphones. I have seen some of these “leak- detectives” or in your case perhaps Ghostbusters even use an electric leaf blower to try to get the noise to happen without all the extra road and engine noise.
Q. I have a 2015 BMW X5 with 60,000 miles, it does not have an oil dip stick. How do I check the oil and transmission fluid? I purchased the car used and it didn’t have an owner’s manual It seems silly to build a car with no dip stick! I stopped and asked the salesman where I purchased the car and he did not have a clue.
A. The oil level is read from the instrument panel/display, You will find the information under vehicle status in the digital display—the engine needs to be warm and the vehicle level.
The automatic transmissions have an extended life oil filling, which translates into you don’t need to check the fluid level. These transmissions require no oil change for their entire service life and unless there is a obvious leak or repair there is no need to add or check the fluid. Actual fluid checks are performed under the vehicle with a special plug that is removed to check fluid levels. You can get a digital owner’s manual from BMW online, just enter the vehicle 17- digit vehicle identification number from the registration or directly off the car.
Q . I have a 2008 Toyota Solara convertible and the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter was replaced in January of 2019. I recently noticed it appeared to be hanging low, I checked it more closely and found the pipe sturdily secured but only 4.5 inches above the ground, noticeably lower than any other part of the car’s underside and well below the exhaust heat shield. Online specs say ground clearance for this model should be 5.3 inches. I suspect the installer installed a pipe that, while labelled for my car, is used for several models because at this date no one makes my specific pipe any longer. Do you think my suspicions are correct and if so, how can I get the pipe raised?
A. It really depends on how much you want to spend to gain the additional clearance and improve the esthetics. With most vehicles, I always believed that with very few exceptions a good exhaust system is heard and not seen. At this point I would go to an exhaust shop that does custom work and see if they can cut the pipe and remount it closer to the body of the car They may be able to use the existing pipe and add a piece with a slight bend or they may want to start from scratch and bend a new custom pipe. A shop with an exhaust tubing bender can make any exhaust pipe.