Auto Doc: Fuse test needed for charging problem
A 2003-2005 Subaru Forester photographed in Washington, D.C. on February, 14, 2012. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Dear Doctor: Until a few days ago, I was able to charge my laptop and cellphone with car chargers in my 2003 Subaru Forester's cigarette lighters. I changed the fuse, as shown in the manual but they still don't allow me to charge. Any suggestions? -- Viviane
Dear Viviane: Check that power is getting to the outlet. You also have to check the fuses with a test light or volt meter to make sure there is not another blown fuse. The ignition also has to be in the "on" position to check fuses. -- Doctor
Dear Doctor: I own a 2003 Subaru Outback with a four-cylinder engine. It has had a piston slap noise for the past 60,000 miles. Why hasn't Subaru ever done something about this defect? They tell me it won't hurt the engine. -- John
Dear John: Parts do wear and piston slap noise is not unusual in a lot of engines, though some are louder than others. The main reason why automakers do not go after some problems is that they know it will lead to a big expense. You can switch over to high-mileage oil, as this may lessen the engine sound. -- Doctor
Dear Doctor: My 18-year-old daughter loves her 1973 Buick LeSabre 350 2 barrel. The problem is I replace the points and condenser every 20 miles or so. The car runs good, then poorly, back fires, then dies. The contact part of the points are rainbow color (partly down the point shaft) presumably from excessive heat. I replaced the coil (the old replacement coil did not have a register - the new one has a built in register). Cap and rotor look fine. Timing is right-on, but the distributor point adjust window faces directly at the fan area. My buddy thinks I skipped a tooth on the timing chain. Can you shed some light? -- John
Dear John: Some basics to start with are good engine ground to body and frame; make sure the alternator is not overcharging; make sure the EGR valve is not staying open or opening too early. Look at all spark plugs for an eggshell brown color to make sure the fuel mixture is close to correct. You can also use a small spray bottle with water and spray a mist over the distributor cap wires and coil and see if there are any sparks or misfiring. I recently asked a young technician if he owned a timing light. He asked "What is that?" You will have to find an older technician who remembers how to check these older vehicles. -- Doctor
Dear Doctor: I have an 2005 Honda Accord manual transmission with 210,000 miles. At my last oil change the dealer said it was very low on oil. They put in 5W20 and I brought it back 1,000 miles later. They said I need new pistons and rings, etc., at a cost of $4,500, as the oil was low again. Should I do this? -- Hugh
Dear Hugh: A quart of oil every 1,000 miles is not unusual in a lot of today's vehicles. Try some top engine cleaner into the cylinders via removing the spark plugs. This will remove carbon from the rings and pistons. You must also make sure that any PCV system and oil breathers are not blocked. If this does not make any difference, then switch to a high mileage oil or full-synthetic high mileage oil. I would not recommend any engine service at this time. You can buy a lot of oil for the cost of repair. - Doctor
Dear Doctor: I recently purchased a 2006 Mercedes SL500 from a dealer. I was not given a "Command Book" that explains the operation of the vehicle's many controls and buttons. I don't even know how to turn on or operate the radio. I was given was a PDF file on a flash drive. Many of the car's features don't work properly. The first time I attempted to open the convertible top it was inoperative and I had to return to the dealer. When I questioned them about providing the books on the car operation they informed me that it was not their responsibility. Issues with the brakes came up and the dealer said it would be taken care of by the time I picked up the vehicle, but it still hasn't been corrected. What should I do? -- Wendy
Dear Wendy: Lesson 1: before you buy a used car, spend the $100-$500 to have a full vehicle inspection performed at any new-car dealer that sells the brand you intend to purchase. As for any brake problems, have a certified technician do a complete inspection on the vehicle. You may end up in small claims court. -- Doctor
Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. E-mail questions for publication to info@motormatters.biz
