Q: I drive a 2002 Subaru Forester. Last October, I had the local dealership perform the 60,000 mile service. A few days afterward, the check-engine light came on, and I returned to the dealership to have it analyzed. Service told me that the light was on because of a vapor fume leak around the (fuel) filler. He said that sometimes bugs or dirt can get in there and cause a false reading. Apparently, the usual cause is rust and deterioration around the filler cap. A visual inspection revealed no apparent breach nor debris. He took the tire off and air blasted from underneath. The check-engine light came back on after a couple of days. He tells me the car won't pass inspection with this light on and that it will cost upward of $250 to replace the filler cap assembly. In the meantime, he assures me that this problem won't compromise car performance. What are my options, if any? Where do I go from here?
A: From here you go to a shop that will accurately test where the failure is. The proper test for this problem is to close the venting valves of the evaporative system, and put a smoke machine on the system. When the system fills with smoke, it will do two things: First it will show if the system does indeed have a leak, and secondly, if the system is leaking, the technician will see exactly where the smoke is coming out from, which is where the leak is. If the fuel filler pipe is rotted on the 2002 Subaru, I strongly recommend you report this failure to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration just as soon as you can. If the fault is a fuel pipe, it's ridiculous to have a rotted fuel filler pipe after only six years.
Q: I purchased a 2007 Buick Lucern CXL in May. It came with many extra features. The one that interested me was a "rainsense wiper" and heated windshield wiper fluid. I soon discovered in this area (Derry, N.H., and Merrimack Valley) that the rainsense wiper does not recognize snow. To overcome this, I have the option of using a constant wiper, but no automatic intermittent wipe. I lose no sleep over this. The serious problem is, that during the first snow in December, the wiper blades soon became encrusted with ice gathered on all the metal parts of the wiper blade. What I had done in the past, with my 2000 Buick LeSabre, was to have winter blades (arctic blades). As you know, these blades are all covered in rubber (no metal exposed) After looking at three auto parts stores and at the dealer, I was told GM has made no winter blade for the 2007 Lucern. Can you offer any suggestions, other than give up, that could help.
A: I have checked the various makers of wiper blades and the closest blade to a winter blade you are going to get to fit this car is the Napa Neo form. This is a state-of-the-art wiper blade that has years of technology and research, and is well worth the price. Check with your local Napa Parts store and ask for the Neo form blade. They will cost around $35 each.
Car Care Tip: Today's cars have excellent computer diagnostic systems. Don't repair your car on a hunch. Make sure your technician has accurate information before investing your money.
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Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears Sunday in WheelsNorth. Write to him c/o The Sunday Eagle-Tribune, 100 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.
