My car’s check engine light-weight retains on coming again

Q. In January 2021 I identified and procured a brand new 2019 Ford Mustang GT High quality Convertible. The automobile was developed in June 2019, so sat about for 18 months. It is only pushed on weekend highway rides with my kids. A 7 days soon after I introduced it home, the examine engine mild came on, and the FordPass app alerted me, stating the engine regulate procedure is not able to manage the gas force as anticipated. Two journeys to the seller uncovered codes connected to lower gas stress and reduced battery. The battery was examined, unsuccessful, and changed. A several weeks later on, the automobile stalled with the same messages, but in advance of I could get to the supplier, the check out engine gentle went out and all appeared effectively. A couple of weeks just after that, the look at engine gentle came on again, with the identical messages. Do I have a lemon?

A. Beginning with a completely charged battery will make feeling. In reality, it is possible the substitution battery was not totally charged when it was set up. I would get a float type battery charger (Battery Tender is 1 brand) and completely demand the battery. I would also use the battery charger every time the motor vehicle sits for additional than a couple of days to retain the battery entirely charged. Prior to recharging the battery, disconnect the cables and contact them jointly for about a moment. This will absolutely clear the personal computer memory. When the auto is restarted for the initially time it might stall or act odd, until eventually it relearns proper procedure. If you continue to have a trouble right after this then you will need to go back to the seller for warranty repairs.

Q. My 2019 Kia Soul with 31,284 miles has a part of the warranty that is about to expire. The seller is featuring an prolonged warranty/services settlement. Do you imagine it could possibly be well worth it?

A. The basic guarantee is 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever will come 1st. The powertrain guarantee is 10 a long time or 100,000 miles. To me it seems much too early to fork out for some thing that will most probable be protected by the manufacturing unit warranty.

Q. My vehicle has been safely and securely tucked in my garage because of to illness. The battery requirements charging to get commenced. I also system on obtaining an oil change, tire verify, and fluids checked. My motor vehicle is a 2006 Toyota Camry with only 82,000 miles. My car or truck should be alright, proper?

A. Permit your repair service shop know the motor vehicle has been sitting down for a even though. In actuality, depending how very long the vehicle has been sitting, it may well be finest to get it towed to your repair service shop. Slow demand the battery, adjust the oil, and verify the crucial fluids. Verify the brakes and tires and add gas stabilizer and gas line antifreeze to the fuel. This will enable if the gasoline picked up any moisture. Get it effortless with the auto until eventually it shakes the cobwebs out.

Q. I have a absolutely optioned 2011 Dodge Citadel with the 5.7-liter engine. About the 10 many years I have owned the vehicle it has stalled unexpectedly 3 moments. It appears to be an electrical technique failure and the headlights and taillights flicker. The first time it happened, I experienced the auto towed to a supplier and they mentioned that they could not come across any problems. The final two occasions it occurred I was equipped to take out the damaging cable to the battery. When reconnected, the car began and ran usually. I researched on line and I saw some dialogue about alternator or laptop module complications. What are your thoughts and recommendations on how to diagnose and correct?

A. The 1st location I would be on the lookout is defective ground circuits and poor connections to popular relays. Also, this car, like numerous Dodge Durango types, experienced a recall to the gasoline pump relay. Sad to say, there is also a difficulty with the replacement gas pump relay, which could direct to stalling.

Reader remark: I ran throughout your column and enjoy your strong realistic assistance. I’m a former GM Goodwrench mechanic from the 1980s and have had a few of other occupations due to the fact then, but labored my way by way of faculty and grad university doing work on almost everything from a 1925 Product A made use of in a Norman Rockwell painting to Mercedes and BMW. A the latest column contained an inquiry on disposal of previous diesel gas. For diesel and kerosene, some folks (largely outlets but a handful of rural homes) have heaters that operate on made use of motor oil or diesel. I ran throughout a person on Craigslist who requires my previous diesel and kerosene and heats his repair store with it.

A. Thanks for the idea, it sounds like you experienced an intriguing job.

John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car or truck Medical professional. He has above 40 a long time of working experience in the automotive business enterprise and is an ASE-certified learn technician. E-mail your auto concern to [email protected] Pay attention to Car Health practitioner on the radio at 10 a.m. each and every Saturday on 104.9 FM or online at northshore1049.com.