Car Doctor: How can I change the display screen on my 2013 Honda CR-V?
Q: I can’t delete the MPG/gas mileage on the display screen of my 2013 Honda CR-V. It is frozen and I can’t delete or change it or get back to the normal screen, which is just the time and radio.
I checked all the fuses and they are fine. Do you have any suggestions, other than taking it to the dealer?
A: One thing you could try is to disconnect the battery positive and negative cables. Once they're disconnected, hold the cables together. This will basically reboot the car's electrical system.
If this is successful, you will need to reset the clock, radio presets and other memory functions. This is a tip that Honda put out to their technicians to solve odd electrical issues.
Q: My 2021 Ford F-150 truck — with the Eco-Boost engine — has been a great truck. The truck gets driven only a couple times a week and only has 4,000 miles on it.
I have noticed — particularly after it sits for a few days — that sometimes there is a brief puff of blue smoke at startup. I have already changed the oil twice, and I’m using full synthetic oil and a Motorcraft oil filter. I have been checking the oil monthly, and it is always at full. Is this normal? I know some of the Ford Coyote engines have experienced issues, so I wanted your opinion.
A: I have seen some mentions of similar issues with some of the Ford F-150 engines. Blue smoke on startup typically indicates oil burning. There are two possibilities, oil getting by the intake valves or oil leaking in the turbochargers. At this point, I would bring the truck to the dealer so they can document the issue.
Q: As I get older, I am finding it more difficult to look into the darkness for left or right turns. Finding cars with good headlights that illuminate the road as you turn is difficult. What would you recommend for non-luxury cars that have the other safety features (braking assist, cross traffic, blind spot, etc.) and headlights that turn in a small/medium SUV? Have you tested any?
A: Typically, active headlights that turn slightly are on premium vehicles. In more affordable compact and midsized SUVs, look for vehicles with LED headlights.
If I were shopping, I would look at the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Cross Trek. These vehicles have very good headlights and a full complement of active safety features that can help drivers of all ages.
Q: I went to the local Kia dealership to inquire about their electric vehicles — I guess the Super Bowl commercials worked.
The salesman was polite and said they have none in stock. But what surprised me the most was that he said they do not even have charging stations.
When I asked for the approximate price, he could not find any listed on his computer. Kia is advertising electric cars on TV, yet there is no product available. This is discouraging to find a lack of supply and lack of knowledge of the salesperson.
A: I checked the Kia website and found information on both the Kia Niro EV and the new EV6. The EV6 starts at about $41,000.
The dealers local to me have several in stock (at higher trim levels, starting at $55,000).
Regarding the dealership not having a charging station, every car dealer that I have seen that sells electric cars has at least one Level II charging station. I’m sure they will be getting one in due time.
Q: My new-to-me Chrysler 300 says to use premium gas. Can I use regular gas and add an octane booster to raise the octane? The other option was adding some premium gas and then filling the tank with regular. I’m just trying to save money.
A: Although your Chrysler recommends premium fuel it is not required, and the engine will run just fine on 87 octane regular gasoline.
Regarding octane booster, most claim to raise the octane 20-50 octane points (87 might become 87.5).
As for mixing octane when you fill up, this basically is how midgrade is formulated. The pump mixes regular and premium and comes up with midgrade.
If it were my car, I would use a good-quality 87 octane fuel.
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: Car Doctor: Display screen on my 2013 Honda CR-V is frozen
