What is the scan tool you mentioned that wasn't overly expensive? | Car Doctor
Q: You have mentioned a scan tool that was not overly expensive but bordered on something a professional would use. What kind was it? When I look online, there are many to choose from.
A: Innova (innova.com) sent me a scan tool to evaluate, and I used it again recently on a neighbor’s vehicle. Their Mazda had a check engine light on and was revving high, hard to restart and had a gas smell. Using the scan tool pointed me to an engine coolant temperature sensor. When I read the live data, it showed the sensor was reading -2 degrees on a warm engine.
What's also nice is that Innova has a Bluetooth app (Repair Solutions2) from your phone to the scanner that shows repair possibilities and even allows you to order parts.
Chrysler Crossfire's radio controls are all frozen
Q: I have a 2008 Chrysler Crossfire with only 7,500 miles on it. It is my fun car, but the issue is that the radio stays on. I cannot change stations or turn it off or on. Also, the volume stays the same; I cannot control it up or down. Any ideas?
A: Certainly, the problem could just be a faulty radio, but there are a few things you could try.
I have seen some radios just sort of get stuck when powering up. This could just be a fluke, or it could be poor power or ground connection.
The first thing is the simplest: With the key off, hold the radio power button down for 30 seconds, which may clear the glitch.
Also, I saw in a Mercedes something similar. The answer was to remove the radio and reinstall it. Those radios slide in and out with special radio keys.
Finally, you could try disconnecting the car battery and holding the cables together. This bit of electronic voodoo reboots the entire electrical system.
Before removing the radio or disconnecting the battery, check to see if your radio has an antitheft code that is needed when the radio is powered back up. I recently encountered a company in Georgia, UPFIX.com, that is able to repair just about any electronic component.
Mechanism that opens and closes Saab's convertible top stopped working
Q: I own a 2002 Saab convertible with low mileage that is in very good mechanical shape, except for the soft top.
As you know, Saab is out of business, but life goes on. My problem relates to the top. I was closing it when suddenly — for no explained reason — the mechanism stopped responding to the operating switch.
A local experienced serviceman was able to close the top and the tonneau cover using the manual method, but he was unable to diagnose the underlying problem. He does not think the problem is with the motor.
Is there anyone who repairs these mechanisms? Do you have any ideas about what might be causing my problem?
A: This may be a bit of a challenge. There are many micro switches that all need to work in harmony for the top to work, in addition to hydraulic cylinders that could possibly be leaking (although you would get some movement).
You need to find someone with a proper scan tool who can check all of the switch functions. Just one micro switch that is not closing will cause the top to stop working.
I have found that most convertible top shops may not want to get into the electronics. Depending on where you live, you might want to try some Saab forums to get recommendations for specialty repair.
Why won't repair shops do tire patches anymore?
Q: Recently I had a flat tire on my 2020 Acura. The local gas station installed a plug but recommended that the tire be patched. The gas station said that they did not install patches anymore. I went to another gas station and a national tire chain store. They also said they don't do patches anymore. No one was able to tell me why they stopped doing patches. Have patches been outlawed?
A: Not at all. The typical method to fix a tire is a combination plug to fill the hole and a patch on the inside of the tire. Typically, this is performed with a plug/patch combination. The puncture needs to be inside the tread area, not on the edge and not too large.
This link (bit.ly/3Epp3pN) will bring you to the trade publication for tire manufacturers. Perhaps these shops are saying that since they didn't do the original plug, they don't want to do the patch?
If you came to my fictitious repair shop, I would dismount the tire, inspect the tire and the temporary repair (plug), cut it even with the inside of the tire and then patch the inner liner to complete the repair, which I believe would be a solid repair.
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: What scan tool can I use that isn't expensive? | Car Doctor
