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Ford replaces turbo because of pre-ignition detonation

DEAR DOCTOR: My 2015 Ford Fusion with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is at the local Ford dealership for a new engine, due to a piston breaking from a low speed pre-ignition incident. Luckily, the failure occurred at 59,000 miles, so the new engine is covered on the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. What do you know about this issue? I’m told it’s pretty much unique to turbocharged direct-injection engines? — John DEAR JOHN: Pre-ignition engine detonation can cause major engine failure. There are many potential factors involved in causing this problem. On older ...

Push-button car has no-start issue

DEAR DOCTOR: We own a 2012 Dodge Charger with a V6, keyless entry and push-button start. There have been a few random instances of the car not starting -- no click, nothing. We had it towed to the dealership, who found no trouble codes and couldn't replicate to no-start condition. The battery was replaced, and it happened twice more since then. We also replaced the battery in the key fob. Sometimes it's fine for two months. What should we do? — Doug DEAR DOUG: A no-start condition while at the repair shop and no fault codes in memory will leave a technician at a loss. I would ...

First Volvo built in US doesn’t disappoint

The 2019 Volvo S60 body lines are drawn to radiate this sport sedan’s muscularity, handling prowess and solidity. It’s an instantly identifiable as a Volvo, with the brand’s signature strong shoulder line. The S60’s appearance says, “I’m fast, sophisticated, and I will protect you.” Leveraging the Scalable Product Architecture upon which all Volvos have ridden since 2014, the new S60 has much in common with its siblings — even while exhibiting a unique personality. And the 2019 S60 is the first sedan to emerge from Volvo’s brand-new factory in South ...

Why the false mileage readings on the odometer?

Dear Doctor: My friend owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan with 5,000 miles. She has seen the odometer “jump” by 100 miles (2,999 odometer miles turning to 3,100 instead of 3,000 miles). Her minivan was driven from Georgia to New York, along with a motorist in a second car — with both drivers taking the exact same route, but their mileage readings differed by 300 miles! Why? — Carl Dear Carl: Today’s vehicle speedometers and odometers are electronically controlled. They receive signals to the computer via a speed sensor. Any electronic interference or voltage spike can cause a ...

LED lights now available for all

DEAR DOCTOR: I have a 2018 Subaru Legacy with EyeSight. I dislike the look of the yellowish high / low beams against the white LED daytime running lights. I've been researching LED replacement bulbs and what I'm seeing mostly are conversion kits that are "plug-in play." Should I use a conversion kit? If so, what brand would you recommend? — Herb DEAR HERB:: There are many companies now offering LED lights for just about any vehicle application including the interior, fog, tail and head lights. The latest LED replacement are truly plug-in play. I would not recommend purchasing ...

Should I change transmission fluid?

Dear Doctor: The transmission fluid has never been changed on my 2006 Honda Odyssey with 145,000 miles. There are no problems with the transmission. Should I change the transmission fluid? Or, do a transmission flush? Bob Dear Bob: I suggest you drain the fluid (about 3 to 4 quarts will drain out, not the entire 12 to 13 quarts). The new fluid you add will mix in with the older fluid, verses a flush that changes 99 percent of the fluid. Doing a drain-and-fill will not shock the transmission. You can perform a drain-and-fill over the next three oil changes. Use only the Honda-factory ...