Dear Doctor: I have a 2006 Cadillac SRX. There's a problem with the rear washer. I can hear it trying to pump, but no fluid reaches the rear window. How do I fix it? -- Ed 
 Dear Ed: Check whether the pump is actually pumping fluid and has pressure. If it does, then follow the line up to the nozzle connection at the rear window. It could have a small blockage in the nozzle, a kinked line, a leaking line, a bad pump, or in extreme cold, an ice blockage. 
 Dear Doctor: I own a 2003 Infiniti I35 with only 45,000 miles. I'm thinking of changing the spark plugs now as a precautionary matter because they might become difficult to remove over time, but the owner's manual says change them at 100,000 miles. A service station suggests pouring Techron in a tank of gas to prevent carbon build-up. Can you advise me what to do? -- Joel 
 Dear Joel: These engines are not prone to spark plug breakage. If you want to play it safe, then yes, you can use a couple of cans of Techron. It will not be harmful. You should also coat the spark plug treads lightly with some anti-seize compound. On this vehicle car, like most Nissan vehicles, you must use the factory correct spark plug to avoid setting a "check engine" light for a ignition coil fault. You must also use die electric grease on the end of the spark plug for contact. 
 Dear Doctor: I had no problem with my 2007 CR-V car until I retired in March. Now I have had to have the battery jumped several times. I was told the car is not driven enough, but even after driving it for a longer distance the battery did not hold the charge the next day. I am trying a battery tender. Before I get an electric connection to make this permanent, I would like your opinion on other possibilities and on the continued use of the battery tender. -- Marie 
 Dear Marie: A battery should hold enough voltage for 30 days without needing a boost. Have someone check the battery with a "load tester" not just a continuity tester. If the battery has removable caps, then I advise the use of a hydrometer. I have found many batteries in question fail the hydrometer test. I use a battery tender on my vehicles and put them on every weekend and then unplug them, but you can leave them on 24/7, if you like. Batteries are one area that I recommend you buy the largest "cold cranking" possible that will fit in the vehicle. 
 Dear Doctor: I have the 2002 Chevy Astrovan (4.3L V6 RWD). It has a dead short that happens every couple of weeks. At first I thought it was the alternator, which I changed. I also went for a new battery. But the van still dies -- it intermittently drains the battery totally dead. What should I do? -- Anthony 
 Dear Anthony: There are many possibilities that can cause this problem. You will need to take the van to a qualified technician who will check the electrical system to determine the source of what's drawing the current. 
 Dear Doctor: I'm interested in the Infiniti Q60 coupe. Have you driven it yet? -- Jan 
 Dear Jan: Yes, I drove the Q60 AWD coupe powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 via a 7-speed automatic. The automatic transmission in Sport Mode has a downshift Rev Matching feature that mimics a manual transmission. The 330 horsepower V-6 does feel and sound more like a V-8. The transmission is quick to shift in the manual sport mode and the engine lets you know you are participating in the driving experience, not just going for a ride. There's engine noise under acceleration that lets you know you are in a sports car. &nbsp;-- Junior Damato, Motor Matters 
 Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. Email questions for publication to info@motormatters.biz. Mail questions to: Motor Matters, PO Box 3305, Wilmington, DE 19804

Dear Doctor: I have a 2006 Cadillac SRX. There's a problem with the rear washer. I can hear it trying to pump, but no fluid reaches the rear window. How do I fix it? -- Ed Dear Ed: Check whether the pump is actually pumping fluid and has pressure. If it does, then follow the line up to the nozzle connection at the rear window. It could have a small blockage in the nozzle, a kinked line, a leaking line, a bad pump, or in extreme cold, an ice blockage. Dear Doctor: I own a 2003 Infiniti I35 with only 45,000 miles. I'm thinking of changing the spark plugs now as a precautionary matter because they might become difficult to remove over time, but the owner's manual says change them at 100,000 miles. A service station suggests pouring Techron in a tank of gas to prevent carbon build-up. Can you advise me what to do? -- Joel Dear Joel: These engines are not prone to spark plug breakage. If you want to play it safe, then yes, you can use a couple of cans of Techron. It will not be harmful. You should also coat the spark plug treads lightly with some anti-seize compound. On this vehicle car, like most Nissan vehicles, you must use the factory correct spark plug to avoid setting a "check engine" light for a ignition coil fault. You must also use die electric grease on the end of the spark plug for contact. Dear Doctor: I had no problem with my 2007 CR-V car until I retired in March. Now I have had to have the battery jumped several times. I was told the car is not driven enough, but even after driving it for a longer distance the battery did not hold the charge the next day. I am trying a battery tender. Before I get an electric connection to make this permanent, I would like your opinion on other possibilities and on the continued use of the battery tender. -- Marie Dear Marie: A battery should hold enough voltage for 30 days without needing a boost. Have someone check the battery with a "load tester" not just a continuity tester. If the battery has removable caps, then I advise the use of a hydrometer. I have found many batteries in question fail the hydrometer test. I use a battery tender on my vehicles and put them on every weekend and then unplug them, but you can leave them on 24/7, if you like. Batteries are one area that I recommend you buy the largest "cold cranking" possible that will fit in the vehicle. Dear Doctor: I have the 2002 Chevy Astrovan (4.3L V6 RWD). It has a dead short that happens every couple of weeks. At first I thought it was the alternator, which I changed. I also went for a new battery. But the van still dies -- it intermittently drains the battery totally dead. What should I do? -- Anthony Dear Anthony: There are many possibilities that can cause this problem. You will need to take the van to a qualified technician who will check the electrical system to determine the source of what's drawing the current. Dear Doctor: I'm interested in the Infiniti Q60 coupe. Have you driven it yet? -- Jan Dear Jan: Yes, I drove the Q60 AWD coupe powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 via a 7-speed automatic. The automatic transmission in Sport Mode has a downshift Rev Matching feature that mimics a manual transmission. The 330 horsepower V-6 does feel and sound more like a V-8. The transmission is quick to shift in the manual sport mode and the engine lets you know you are participating in the driving experience, not just going for a ride. There's engine noise under acceleration that lets you know you are in a sports car. -- Junior Damato, Motor Matters Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. Email questions for publication to info@motormatters.biz. Mail questions to: Motor Matters, PO Box 3305, Wilmington, DE 19804

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