Dear Doctor: I have a 2005 Hyundai XG350 that I purchased last year. It has about 47,000 miles on it. A couple of months ago, I noticed the "airbag" light showing on the dash. Is this something I should be concerned about? Ruth 
 Dear Ruth: When the airbag light is illuminated there is a problem in the SRS system. A simple scan of the system will send a trouble fault code in the area of failure. The most common problems are corrosion at crash sensors and seat belt buckles as well as connections under the rugs. 
 Dear Doctor: I took my 2003 Subaru Forester to a local repair station that I've dealt with previously. Cold air was not blowing from the a/c, so I provided them with two cans of a/c refrigerant and asked them to put them in. I was shocked when I was told that they are illegal and that the system needed to be drained and vacuumed and they would put their freon in at a cost of $145. When the job was done I called the place I bought the refrigerant from and was told they most definitely are not illegal. Am I being taken for a fool? -- Chris 
 Dear Chris: At my shop when it comes to a/c refrigerant we do not use any off-the-street small cans, which we call "hand grenades." Instead, we evacuate the system and install the recommended amount of R134A with 1/4 ounce of dye-oil. The cost of $145 is the industry average. However, the place you bought the refrigerant from should have been able to install it for you. 
 Dear Doctor: I have a 1996 Ford Ranger V-6 with 500,000 miles on it. I change the oil every 3,000 miles and have only had to replace a pulley and a front-wheel bearing. Why can't they make vehicles like this? I still drive my truck. -- Walt Merritt 
 Dear Walt: Automakers do a lot of research on what customers are looking for in the purchase of a vehicle. If vehicle sales are profitable, the vehicle stays. There is also the time when companies think it is time for a model change. 
 Dear Doctor: My daughter had her battery changed by one of the national repair shops. When the car was returned the radio was "fried" and one speaker made a constant noise. Removing a fuse solved the noise problem. The facility told my daughter that changing a battery could not damage the radio. They also denied responsibility since the radio was aftermarket. Can changing a battery damage a radio? -- Ken 
 Dear Ken: With the aftermarket radio a voltage spike could cause this problem. When it comes to battery replacement -- or even if the battery goes dead because of a short or drain -- there can be electronic complications. For example, I've seen engines run poorly and automatic transmissions not shift properly following a battery change. Anytime a battery is replaced on a late model 1996 and newer car, a battery backup has to be connected to the vehicle before the battery is disconnected (This also applies to starter and alternator replacements). The computer memory, high-tech radio and navigation system needs to be powered up or else they can lose memory and a code may need to be entered to get them to work again. The engine computer can lose its learned information and can take up to 100 miles to relearn the driver's habits. 
 Dear Doctor: I'm interested in the new Ford Fiesta and Focus ST models. Do you know anything about these small ST cars? -- Roger 
 Dear Roger: I had the opportunity to drive both the new Fiesta ST and Focus ST. They are available in six-speed manual transmissions only. The Focus ST looks fast just sitting, open the door and what a surprise with custom multi-adjustable Recaro front bucket seats. The clutch is easy to push down and as I pulled out there was a great exhaust note and sound of air being sucked into the turbocharger when under acceleration. The suspension is tight and very forgiving over broken pavement. The six-speed manual transmission is easy to shift and the gear ratio felt perfect. The Fiesta ST is for the younger folks or the young at heart. It's smaller than the Focus and gives more feedback to driver and occupants. There is no question that the EcoBoost (turbocharged) engines deliver power from these smaller engines unlike any before. -- Junior Damato, Motor Matters 
 Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. Email questions to info@motormatters.biz. Mail questions to: Auto Doctor, 3 Court Circle, Lakeville, MA 02347

Dear Doctor: I have a 2005 Hyundai XG350 that I purchased last year. It has about 47,000 miles on it. A couple of months ago, I noticed the "airbag" light showing on the dash. Is this something I should be concerned about? Ruth Dear Ruth: When the airbag light is illuminated there is a problem in the SRS system. A simple scan of the system will send a trouble fault code in the area of failure. The most common problems are corrosion at crash sensors and seat belt buckles as well as connections under the rugs. Dear Doctor: I took my 2003 Subaru Forester to a local repair station that I've dealt with previously. Cold air was not blowing from the a/c, so I provided them with two cans of a/c refrigerant and asked them to put them in. I was shocked when I was told that they are illegal and that the system needed to be drained and vacuumed and they would put their freon in at a cost of $145. When the job was done I called the place I bought the refrigerant from and was told they most definitely are not illegal. Am I being taken for a fool? -- Chris Dear Chris: At my shop when it comes to a/c refrigerant we do not use any off-the-street small cans, which we call "hand grenades." Instead, we evacuate the system and install the recommended amount of R134A with 1/4 ounce of dye-oil. The cost of $145 is the industry average. However, the place you bought the refrigerant from should have been able to install it for you. Dear Doctor: I have a 1996 Ford Ranger V-6 with 500,000 miles on it. I change the oil every 3,000 miles and have only had to replace a pulley and a front-wheel bearing. Why can't they make vehicles like this? I still drive my truck. -- Walt Merritt Dear Walt: Automakers do a lot of research on what customers are looking for in the purchase of a vehicle. If vehicle sales are profitable, the vehicle stays. There is also the time when companies think it is time for a model change. Dear Doctor: My daughter had her battery changed by one of the national repair shops. When the car was returned the radio was "fried" and one speaker made a constant noise. Removing a fuse solved the noise problem. The facility told my daughter that changing a battery could not damage the radio. They also denied responsibility since the radio was aftermarket. Can changing a battery damage a radio? -- Ken Dear Ken: With the aftermarket radio a voltage spike could cause this problem. When it comes to battery replacement -- or even if the battery goes dead because of a short or drain -- there can be electronic complications. For example, I've seen engines run poorly and automatic transmissions not shift properly following a battery change. Anytime a battery is replaced on a late model 1996 and newer car, a battery backup has to be connected to the vehicle before the battery is disconnected (This also applies to starter and alternator replacements). The computer memory, high-tech radio and navigation system needs to be powered up or else they can lose memory and a code may need to be entered to get them to work again. The engine computer can lose its learned information and can take up to 100 miles to relearn the driver's habits. Dear Doctor: I'm interested in the new Ford Fiesta and Focus ST models. Do you know anything about these small ST cars? -- Roger Dear Roger: I had the opportunity to drive both the new Fiesta ST and Focus ST. They are available in six-speed manual transmissions only. The Focus ST looks fast just sitting, open the door and what a surprise with custom multi-adjustable Recaro front bucket seats. The clutch is easy to push down and as I pulled out there was a great exhaust note and sound of air being sucked into the turbocharger when under acceleration. The suspension is tight and very forgiving over broken pavement. The six-speed manual transmission is easy to shift and the gear ratio felt perfect. The Fiesta ST is for the younger folks or the young at heart. It's smaller than the Focus and gives more feedback to driver and occupants. There is no question that the EcoBoost (turbocharged) engines deliver power from these smaller engines unlike any before. -- Junior Damato, Motor Matters Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. Email questions to info@motormatters.biz. Mail questions to: Auto Doctor, 3 Court Circle, Lakeville, MA 02347

Classifieds

Cars

carsAUTODOC22

Auto Doctor: Airbag dash light points to common problems

Newsday

Hyundai XG350 -crop

Most Popular

Latest Videos

Latest videos

Some of the largest water consumers in Suffolk are commercial customers. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'Conservation is a shared responsibility'

New court filings show the girl was allegedly isolated in her room and told not to leave the bed or speak with anyone for a full day while her appointed caretaker, Emily Kelly, visited the girl's father in prison. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

New court documents in Jor'Dynn Duncan case

Nearly $1.2 billion in unclaimed funds is available across more than 5 million accounts on Long Island, according to the state comptroller's office. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

$1.2B available across 5 million accounts on LI

Marine life experts said two juvenile humpback whales became stuck due to sandbars created in last month's nor'easter. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

2 whales stranded on LI

The parking shortage at Jake's 58 Casino Hotel has been a common complaint. Now, the site is set to get an additional 800 parking spaces. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'When it gets late, you can't find a spot'

Sign up for the Daily Business newsletter

Business Newsletter Widget

Long Island has dealerships in Huntington, Glen Cove, Southampton and Freeport.

Jaguar Land Rover to cut 4,000 jobs globally

Business Article Bottom Module

Promotions, hires and new jobs for Long Islanders

People on the Move: See who's been promoted on LI

An Anthropic artificial intelligence model submitted a false tip to Philadelphia police about an unsolved homicide case, authorities and Anthropic said.

Anthropic's Claude AI submits a false tip on a Philadelphia unsolved homicide case

Since OpenAI disclosed this summer that its artificial intelligence system hacked into another AI company in what is now referred to as the Hugging Face incident, other AI companies have jumped on the bandwagon with their own concerning events, such as hacking or runaway bots seemingly evading human control.

A timeline of developments in AI safety since the attack on Hugging Face

The upcoming week promises to deliver notable updates on inflation, a topic sure to dominate the U.S. midterm elections now less than a month away.

2 Inflation reports, retail sales and big bank profits all arrive in the coming week

The United Auto Workers is working to regain political influence in closely contested Michigan.

The United Auto Workers tries to reassert political power in Michigan as it faces internal divisions

At Tech Week in San Francisco, venture capitalists and AI founders have been ebullient about the White House's hands-off approach to AI regulation.

In Silicon Valley, AI founders cheer Trump's calls for the industry to police itself on safety

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano has your look at what to know ahead of the 2026 Oyster Festival.

What to expect at this year's Oyster Fest

Billy Joel will be auctioning off more than 70 motorcycles at Gooding Christie's in Manhattan next month. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger got a sneak peek at three.

A sneak peek of Billy Joel's motorcycles going to auction next month

The firefighter says her free speech rights were violated. The case demonstrates the depths of the divisiveness of politics in America today. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

LI fire department removes volunteer after Facebook comment about ICE

The Mineola High School marching band and wind ensemble have been invited to perform at London's New Year's Parade in 2028. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

LI High School marching band to perform in London New Year’s Parade

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed heads to Seven Ponds Orchard in Water Mill where you can pick crisp apples, gather garden-fresh veggies, and let the kids burn off some energy at one of the island's largest playgrounds.

Out East: Seven Ponds Orchard

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visits Das Biergarten in Long Beach.

It's Oktoberfest every day at this Long Beach restaurant

Stuart Cameron, now the chief of the Old Westbury Police Department, said "The Long Watch" began as an attempt to share his experiences during 40-plus years in law enforcement with his children and grandchildren.

Chief Stuart Cameron talks new book 'The Long Watch' and Gilgo investigation

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Bisqo in Hicksville to try the Miso Overload, a Dubai-inspired creation which combines a frappe with a slice of tiramisu.

 Trendy Bites: Have your frappe with a slice of tiramisu on top

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano tries a crafty coffee at The Caffeinated Bunny in Melville.

Coffee cart opens at Melville flower shop

Business Video Playlist

Changes at the Lake Grove property will include new tenants, such as LongHorn Steakhouse and Coach. Newsday business reporter Tory Parrish has more.

New plaza, stores, games, 'park-like' setting coming to Smith Haven Mall

They cook, build, care for seniors and run businesses. What happens when these workers disappear? NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

'We can expect negative repercussions'

Affordability concerns on Long Island leave some residents wondering if it's worth staying. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday business reporter Brianne Ledda have more.

'Yes, I would leave'

ScieGen Pharmaceuticals wants to build a 60,000-square-foot factory and warehouse in Hauppauge to meet consumer demand. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Very important for us'

Housing advocates and local officials were set to break ground on Thursday on a building with 52 affordable apartments slated to replace blighted commercial buildings on Port Jefferson's Main Street. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Port Jefferson entering new phase of revitalization

Bonsai tree-making classes, trivia nights, mocktails and private events are among the ways local venues are trying to draw customers. Newsday business reporter Tory Parrish has more.

'We have a lot of different things going on'

Some East End businesses already house workers priced out of the area. Now East Hampton is weighing rules that could expand the model — and the debate over tying housing to a job. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'It's something I felt we had to do'

If the deal goes through, Giunta's Meat Farms will also acquire four Wild by Nature natural food stores. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Giunta's Meat Farms acquiring 24 King Kullen stores

Fake listings, bogus fees and stolen data target renters squeezed by Long Island's high housing costs. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'It's been a nightmare'

The price of childcare can be prohibitive for many Long Island parents. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports along with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa, Newsday business reporter Victor Ocasio and daycare owner Janna Rodriguez.

'Probably as much as rent or mortgage'

The overall inflation rate for the Long Island area is now 5.1%, up from 3.4% in May 2025. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

'Long Islanders are feeling the pain'

Cars - megaslot

Read the latest news, reviews, recalls and more for the vehicle makes and models that Long Islanders drive.

Most Popular

Latest Videos

Stay logged in.