Automatic wipers don't work since RAV4 windshield was replaced | Car Doctor
Q: I have a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. After having a stone hit the windshield, I brought it to a large glass shop for the windshield to be replaced. The automatic windshield wipers do not work.
I have been back several times and the tech makes an adjustment and sends me on my way. The last time he replaced the pad under the sensor and it worked for a short time. I have to manually push on the sensor and they work for a few swishes and then stop. The default settings for the wipers have only a slow and fast speed so I would really like this fixed.
A: From your description, it seems as if the sensor is the issue. I have seen several cases where the sensor just doesn’t interact correctly with the aftermarket windshield.
I would return to the glass shop and give them an additional chance to reposition and calibrate the sensor. If this doesn’t work, I would suggest they install the factory glass.
Q: I have a 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid. I change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles. At what mileage should I change the brake fluid and antifreeze?
A: Toyota recommends that you replace the coolant at about 100,000 miles, but check it at every oil change.
As for the brake fluid, the best practice is to replace the brake fluid every four years.
Q: I’m the fourth owner of a 2007 Porsche Cayman S. I'm an old gearhead from way back, and I absolutely love this car. It is perhaps the best ride I've ever had — and I've had a few!
I've owned the car for three years, and it currently has 27,000 miles. I bought the car from a private owner, but the previous two sales were through a Porsche dealer, and routine "presale" maintenance was done by them.
I have kept up with routine maintenance since I have owned the car, changing transmission fluid, oil and brake fluid.
What about the coolant? The best I can determine is that Porsche says it is "lifetime."
My baby is now 16 years old. Should I flush and change the coolant? What about the spark plugs? I have no idea if they are original, but the car runs perfectly. Should I change them? I have a top-notch Porsche mechanic who takes care of the car, but I'm still just curious about your opinion.
A: The engine cooling system is factory-filled with a coolant that does not need to be changed. The coolant should not be mixed with other coolants, just topped off as needed. By the way, Audi is the same way with some models.
Spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles or every four years.
The drive belt should be checked periodically and replaced every 60,000 miles.
It sounds as if you have found a good shop. Your mechanic should be able to help you navigate when and what needs attention.
Q: I recently brought my Chevy SUV to my dealership for an oil change. My car only had 9,500 miles on the odometer. I was talked into doing a Wynns Injector Pour for a $40 charge. Was this really necessary for a vehicle with such low mileage?
A: Chevrolet only mentions their own fuel injector cleaner and has no specific interval for adding it. Did it hurt? No, but you likely paid $25 to have someone pour in a $15 bottle of additive.
Q: I have a 2022 Subaru Forester Sport with remote start connected to the Starlink app on my phone. It is free for three years, then I pay. The dealer will install a remote start with a separate key fob for $900. I would love to have just one key, like my other car. Can I get a remote that uses the factory fob?
A: I have never seen an aftermarket remote car start utilizing the factory fob. I think you will need an additional fob or replace the factory fob with a multiuse fob.
After a little online research, I did see a Subaru remote start kit, but it will require programming from the dealer. The kit looks simple to install and is less than $300, https://www.subarupartspros.com/sku/h001ssj100.html.
Q: I have a 2014 Kia Cadenza, and the backup camera is blinking, giving me one second of an image followed by several seconds of black, blank screen. What do you think the problem might be? Is this a dealership issue, or can I take it to a regular mechanic?
A: Most times it is a faulty camera, but occasionally it's a loose connection. The cost of the camera from Kia is nearly $400, plus about an hour of labor to replace it.
In many cases, the camera may need to be calibrated by the dealer with a Kia scan tool.
Q: I am the new owner of a tiny house. I want to put wheel locks on to protect the sharp-looking wheels and special tires. How do I measure them to find the correct locks?
A: Trailer axles vary based on availability. I would take one lug nut off and go to an auto parts or custom wheel store and have them match up the lug to the correct stud. Once you find that stud, it should be easy to find the correct lock.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Automatic wipers don't work since windshield was replaced | Car Doctor
