Any thoughts why dash warns the battery is low in the key fob transmitter? | Car Doctor
Q: My wife's 2021 Acura RDX (15K miles) has been a great car with no issues except one. Every time we start the car — and it happens with either of the two key fobs — a dash warning tells us that the battery is low in the transmitter.
I have replaced both batteries and cleaned the contacts in the fobs using proper electrical contact cleaner. I've looked at some videos for a fix, all to no avail. I have not taken the car to a dealer to have it checked because I'm lazy and it is just an annoyance and not a major issue. Any thoughts?
A: Well, you may be headed to the dealer, since you seem to have done all of the basic testing.
One possibility is that the new CR2032 batteries were “stale.” The coin cell battery is a three-volt battery, but in new condition it should read 3.5 volts. It has been my experience that if the battery voltage is closer to three volts, the low battery warning message will show up. If in fact the battery is 3.5 volts, then the issue is in the vehicle receiver module.
Problems with neutral control switch in Mazda 3
Q: There was a problem starting my daughter's 2006 Mazda 3 when the car was in park. Sometimes it would start in neutral. The mechanic felt it was the neutral control switch. It was replaced and, at first, it seemed to correct the problem, but while driving the car would seem to come out of gear and would start bucking. The dash light (D) also went out. No one can seem to find what is wrong. Again, it sometimes does not start in park, and it is dangerous to drive. Should we get a new switch and try again?
A: The transmission range switch (neutral safety switch) can be a bit fussy to install, and the transmission shaft needs to be held in place while the switch is torqued into place. At this point, I would take a look at the switch and see that it is properly adjusted before trying additional repairs.
Recurring leak in Jeep Wrangler's oil filter adapter
Q: We have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler that started leaking oil. My husband found that the oil filter adapter was leaking, so he replaced the plastic adapter with an aluminum one.
About 3,000 miles later, it started leaking again. The one seal went bad. He did everything again with the same type of adapter but a different brand of seals. About 2,000 miles later, the same seal went bad again! He is going to do it a third time. Can you research and see if this is a recurring problem and if there is a solution to it for us?
A: The oil filter cap screws into this adapter. The adapter is mounted under the manifold and, since it is plastic, after a few years, when the oil filter is being changed, the force will loosen up the adapter.
Replacing the stock adapter with another stock part will lead to the same issue.
The aluminum adapter, used by many Jeep owners, usually solves this problem. The adapter uses O-ring seals that need to be lubricated with oil. Then, the assembly needs to be properly torqued to 106 inch-pounds of torque in a very specific sequence. Not following the procedure could cause the seal to leak.
Why is the heat not working in my Ford Expedition?
Q: I have a 2005 Ford Expedition. It has a front and rear climate control system. I am not getting any heat in the front or rear. The thermostat and heater control valve seem to be working. The hoses going into and out of the heater core are hot. What I believe to be the AC control door behind the glove compartment is working correctly. There is an actuator behind the control panel and on top of the unit that I tried to remove to test but could not get out without removing the dashboard. Any suggestions?
A: You have done a great job diagnosing the system, but I think you know the answer: the blend door actuator is likely faulty.
A factory-style scan tool may read an error code, and by using a bi-directional scan tool you may be able to command the door to open and close. At this point, I believe you may be disassembling the dash.
Why does John Paul recommend the Infiniti QX60?
Q: I follow you on Instagram and saw you posted a picture of the Infiniti QX60, and you described it as one of the best Infiniti models yet. Why?
A: The QX60 is a practical, stylish, luxurious, three-row SUV with a decent amount of cargo capacity — even with all the seats in use.
The nearly-300 horsepower V-6 engine is smooth and powerful and nicely matches the nine-speed transmission. The controls are logically laid out. The seats are comfortable. Overall, the handling was good, the ride comfortable and fuel economy was about 25 miles per gallon.
I found very little not to like about this Infiniti.
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: Why does dash warn battery is low in the transmitter? | Car Doctor
