Can an aftermarket key fob be programmed by anyone other than the dealer? | Car Doctor
Q: I want to get a key fob (I only have one) for my car. Can an aftermarket key fob be programmed by anyone other than the dealer? The dealer tells me it will cost $400 or slightly more.
A: It really depends on the car. With some, the key fobs can be programmed without any special tools, but others require one or more tools to do the job. As an example, I am evaluating a scan tool from Xtool, which can program some fobs that would normally take a trip to the dealer or an automotive locksmith. Even with the Xtool, some vehicles, such as BMW and Mini, require an additional and expensive “fob-reader” to complete the programming. Generally, if a locksmith has the proper tools, readers tell me they save up to 50% over what the dealer would charge for this service.
Forester's windshield is leaking
Q: I purchased a 2017 Subaru Forester about a year ago. There is a leak on the inside of the windshield when it rains. I'm not sure why. Other than the leak, this is the best car I have owned.
A: Since you do not have a complete history of the car, perhaps the windshield was replaced prior to you purchasing the car. It should be simple enough to use a water hose with low pressure and run water around the windshield. If the seal is leaking, you have two choices: You could try a little DIY silicone at the point of the leak, or you could have a glass shop reseal the windshield.
Jeep won't start unless car is pushed forward or backward
Q: My cousin has a 2004 Jeep Cherokee that will not start unless the car is pushed forward or backwards for a few feet. The battery was checked, and it is good. Any idea why this happens and what to check next?
A: Two possibilities come to mind. As in most vehicles, there is a safety switch that prevents the engine from starting while the transmission is in gear. If the neutral safety switch is working as it should, it should only let you start the engine in the park or neutral position.
The next time the engine does not start without moving the Jeep, shift through the gears and try starting the engine in park or neutral. If the engine starts, replace the switch.
The other possibility is that the starter is faulty. Either the starter drive is hanging up, or there is a short/open in the windings of the starter. If it does not start, tap on the starter while someone turns the key. If it starts, replace the starter motor.
Should Highlander's service schedule be based on mileage or age of vehicle?
Q: I am not really into cars but have enjoyed your column and have learned a lot about the maintenance of our cars.
We are a couple in our 70s. My husband has a new Nissan Altima and loves the fuel mileage. I drive a three-year-old Toyota Highlander; I love being up high. We mostly use my husband’s car. I only have 8,300 miles on my car, so I only get 17 mpg, mostly from local driving.
I have read in your column that we should follow the recommended maintenance schedule. I have come to realize that the dealer always recommends an added service. Until reading your column, I usually agreed with it.
Do we follow the recommended service based on my mileage or age of the car?
A: The answer really is a combination of both. As an example, Toyota recommends changing the oil on the Highlander every 10,000 miles. Since you drive so little, you should change the engine oil once per year, regardless of the low mileage.
The engine and cabin filter has a 36,000-mile interval, but even with short-distance driving, dust and pollen could clog the filter long before 36,000 miles.
As a general rule, looking at the owner’s manual, convert the miles to time. As an example, 10/12,000 miles could equal one year. So, in the case of the 36,000-mile filter change, this could be about every three years on a low-mileage vehicle. Additionally, this is where you need to find a technician you can trust who has both the best interests of the car and its owner in mind.
Worried about reports of electric vehicle fires
Q: I read about another electric car fire. Do you think electric cars are still the way to go?
A: Electric car fires can be spectacular and dangerous to both the vehicle occupants and the first and second responders. Gasoline-powered vehicles catch fire every day, but this does not make the news as EV fires do.
As an example, last year there were about 170,000 vehicle fires, and about 50 of those were electric cars.
I recently spoke with Michael Mo, the CEO of KULR. This company has developed a thermal management system for EV and other Li-ion batteries that will help keep EVs safer.
I believe that EVs are just one step to cleaner air and zero emissions. In the future we will see internal combustion engines that run on hydrogen and synthetic fuel. We will also see more hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The fuel cell vehicles will likely be commercial fleets first, then passenger cars.
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: Can key fobs be programmed by anyone besides the dealer? | Car Doctor
