Q: I have a 2007 Toyota Camry with a 2.4L L4 FI DOHC 16V. A few months back I got into a dispute with the dealer as they changed my oil and used synthetic. My user manual and everything I could find on Toyota's Web site clearly stated that synthetic was not required and regular oil was fine for this vehicle. When I pushed the dealer for an explanation they told me that Toyota has released a new recommendation to utilize synthetics. I was skeptical and assumed they wanted the extra $20 they zapped me for on the oil change. Do you have any documentation to confirm or deny the dealer's claims?
A: Using my online subscription to the All Data Information systems, I am able to view the most up-to-date technical service bulletins. As you can imagine, there is no such technical service bulletin from the factory. Taking it a step further, I checked the archives for this technical service bulletin and, you guessed it, nothing there either. The action appears to be a revenue enhancer for the dealership and revenue depletion for you. I suggest you go to the dealer and ask for a copy of the factory-issued technical service bulletin. If they produce it, do me a favor and mail it to me. If they lied to you, stay out of there except for recalls.
Q: I recently purchased a 1992 Caprice Wagon 5.0 litre engine, with 180,000 miles. This is the third I have owned and I really like this car. About six weeks after purchasing this car the transmission started to slip in both second and third gear. I have asked about repairing this problem from a few local shops and don't feel comfortable with the answers or the cost. Can you help?
A: Depending on how much money you want to put into this 16-year-old vehicle, the quick checks are fluid level and filter cleanliness. If both of the above check out OK, you may want to try an aftermarket additive or even a BG transmission flush. The high mileage really scares me though. The only way any responsible shop would sell this job would be as a total rebuild, which would run you anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000. Another alternative would be a roll of the dice by purchasing a used transmission. These answers may not appeal to you, but it is what it is, my friend.
Q: I have a 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II, 4.0L, V-6 and I have only 20,000 miles on it. I'm kind of a fanatic about my vehicle — making sure it's always clean, regular maintenance, etc. I had my brakes redone last summer at the Ford dealership and they replaced the front pads, redid the rotors and cleaned the back brakes. I forget what I paid but it was a fortune. They have been squeaking ever since, and there is so much brake dust that I have to clean my rims on a weekly basis. I called the Ford dealership a couple of weeks after the brakes were done and they told me the squeaking was normal. A few months later I brought it down and complained to the dealership and they wanted to charge me $30 to do a brake inspection. I stormed out of there. I am now looking for a place to get my brakes done using the parts you have stated in previous articles — premium Napa brakes. Should I use Napa ceramic brakes because of all the brake dust I get on my rims?
A: It seems to me you got a set of cheap brake pads on the car. I would recommend the Napa Application Engineered or ADO brand pads that we use at my shop. I recommend what I have used. Believe me when I tell you I have tried all comers and find Napa is the best I have used to solve dust, squeak and pulsation problems. Shame on the Ford dealer you used for not satisfying you as their customer.
Car Care Tip: When having your car serviced, ask your technician to check the spare tire for proper inflation. This is an often overlooked item.
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Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears Tuesday in BizNorth. Write to Larry c/o BizNorth, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.
