Is it possible to add a power liftgate to our RAV4? | Car Doctor
Q: I would like to add a power liftgate to our 2019 Toyota RAV4. Is this possible? Would the cost be prohibitive? Would it invalidate an extended warranty? I'm looking to go automatic to help my "vertically challenged" spouse.
A: You can buy aftermarket kits. Looking online, they cost about $700 to $900.
One company — Autoease — claims their products will work with the factory key fob remote and are designed for the DIY’er. There are a couple of plug-and-play electronic components, and the motors are made into the lift arms.
Leaking fuel injector is stuck in Passat
Q: We have a 2012 Volkswagen Passat diesel. The fuel injectors were leaking. The mechanics got three injectors out and can’t get the last one out. They have used a slam hammer tool, among other things, to no avail. This has been going on for a month now. Any suggestions as to how we can get it out?
A: Usually, a combination of wiggling and using a slide hammer attached to the injector does the trick. A combination of carburetor cleaner and then Kroil oil (which tends to creep better than other penetrating oil) may soften the sludge and carbon.
Although I have never used one, I did see a tool that attaches to an impact chisel that, with the combination of high-speed impacts, pulls the injector free. Perhaps find someone with that tool.
Camry's moonroof leak has been a costly 'disaster'
Q: I have a 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid. Recently, we came home from vacation and discovered moisture inside all the windows, and the carpeting was soaked.
We took it to our local Toyota dealer, and they said it was from clogged moonroof drains. They cleared the drains and said it was fixed. My son-in-law vacuumed out about a gallon of water from the carpet. The replacement carpet was backordered, so I had no choice but to wait. In the meantime, the car was starting to smell of mildew.
After another storm, the floor had 2 more inches of water. We took it back to Toyota, and now they recommended that we replace the housing of the moonroof and install larger drains. They also said the ceiling fabric was soaked and needed to be replaced. When I questioned why they didn't thoroughly water test it the first time, they said that once they saw the clogged drains, they didn't look any further.
The part finally came in, and it was damaged, so I am still waiting to get my car back. Shouldn't they have water tested the car before they returned it the first time? Should the amount of water in my car have been an indication that maybe it was more than the just the drains? Also, why is there no information about clogged moonroof drains in the owner's manual? My total cost for this repair will be more than $7,000. I feel Toyota should take some responsibility for this disaster.
A: It is unlikely that Toyota would do much to help the owner of a 12-year-old car. The question the dealer should have thought more about was the volume of water. Sunroof drains usually cause dampness and some minor puddling, not inches of water.
I am curious about modifying the drains. I'm not sure why you would do that if all was good for 11 years. Also, I’m not sure why the dealer is replacing the entire sunroof cartridge unless they think it has rusted out. There are typically four drains: one at each corner of the sunroof that connects to drain hoses throughout the car.
The sunroof is not a watertight fixture, but designed to flex and "leak," but the drains should take care of that. You might want to check with your insurance company and see if they cover water intrusion.
What is the typical life expectancy for shock absorbers?
Q: I recently replaced my rear self-leveling shocks at 90,000 miles (mostly highway) on my Kia Telluride. This seems early to have to replace shocks. I've heard other Tellurides had to replace the shocks even earlier. I have driven my previous vehicles several hundred thousand miles without shock replacement. To my knowledge, there are no recalls or service advisories on this vehicle. Note that I have not done any trailer towing, despite having the tow package. What should we expect shock absorber life should be?
A: The Kia Telluride did have an issue with the top mount that makes noise and can rattle. If that is the case, the shock does not need replacement, just the mount. Typically, shocks can last 50,000 to 100,000 miles, or five to eight years. Some will fail earlier, while some will last almost the life of the vehicle.
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: Is it possible to add a power liftgate to our RAV4? | Car Doctor
