Q. I am hoping you can help me with a reoccurring problem I have with my 2009 Chevy Malibu. The headlights are constantly not working. First one will not go on and then the other one will not work. We have changed the wires and tightened up the bulbs, but it still happens. The lights are not dead because if I press the unlock button on the car, both headlights will go on. But if I start the car usually one of them will go out again. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
A. The connectors to the headlights (low beams) have been especially problematic. After checking them for signs of melting I would check the four fuses, associated wiring, and ground connections. Although each headlight has its own power supply, the four bulbs share two grounding points. I would remove those ground wires and clean the connections of any rust and corrosion.
Q. I am replacing brake pads on my car, they are maybe 75 percent worn. The rotors look fine, and the car stops smoothly. Is there anything I need to do to the rotors or other components except installing the new brake pads?
A. If you are happy with the condition of the rotors perhaps just knock any rust off the edge. Also, if you are removing the rotors, make sure there is no rust under the rotors up against the hub. It is always best to put the rotors back in the same orientation on the hub. Other than that, lube the caliper slides, and follow the brake pad kit instructions for proper break-in. This procedure is sometimes called burnishing or “bedding” the brakes. Typically, in involves four or five moderate to aggressive stops from 40 mph down to 10 mph in rapid succession without letting the brakes cool. Then five more stops from 35 miles per hour down to five miles per hour. Finally drive around for a few minutes without coming to a complete stop which helps the pads cool and cure.
Q. I have a 2011 Lexus ES350. The airbag light is on my dash and the passenger airbag light flashes “off”. I took the car to Lexus dealership which replaced the ECU but the problem was not resolved. I was then told I need the cushion assembly (part # 710001-33T20-C2) for the low price of $3,100. An auto cushion company said I can buy a used seat from a junk dealer and have its cushion removed to replace my original. Do you advise this? It is amazing that regular local mechanics won’t even touch this job and I am at the mercy of the dealership.
A. A used seat cushion could be an option -but I would worry it has the same issue as your car and since the car was likely in crash, it may not be operational. You could try a body shop for replacement, unlike a regular repair shop, they deal with airbags and sensors on a regular basis. The mat inside the seat is not replaceable but there are companies that may repair them. I had a tech on my radio show from a company called www.upfix.com, one of their businesses is airbag repairs. Your shop would pull out your cushion and send it to them for repair. Perhaps check with UPFIX and see if they work with any shops in your area. Other than that, the very expensive Lexus seat is the only option.
Q. I am writing to you from Australia, where I reside – it’s a warm sunny early spring afternoon over here. I will be 87 years tomorrow – have been retired for the last 35 years, and have owned an NA MX-5 in EUNOS trim imported from Japan in 1997, and an ND purchased in Australia since 2015.I have always used the local Mazda dealership for all service work, and until last week have never had to contend with any major repairs, when I had a leak in the air con evaporator, which they replaced at a cost of Australian $ 2414.00. I now appear to have another problem. There appears to be some white lines, in the bottom left-hand corner of the navigation screen The dealer has quoted Australian $1983.00 Australian for the replacement screen. Yes, I can and do use my mobile phone with a WAZE app, however, always prefer to have everything working as I have kept this car in top condition.
A. First off happy birthday. The display is actually delaminating due to heating and cooling. The display screen can be replaced separately, but it will require some research and a specialized repair shop. Just like tablets and phone screens that are cracked, the glass can be replaced without replacing the entire device.
Q. I own a 2017 Subaru Legacy, and sometimes I am unable to pull the key out, it happens more often than it used to be these days. Could you tell me what could be wrong here? How much will it cost me to fix this annoying problem?
A. Typically, this issue is caused by a worn shifter guide plate. The guide plate will need to be replaced, the part is about $150, and according to the flat-rate guide should take about an hour to replace it. With repair shops charging $125-$175 per hour, a total cost of $300 or so. Other possibilities include the ignition switch or shifter, but the shifter guide plate has been the most problematic.
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