My Headlights Are Too Bright
Q. I have a problem with my 2009 Lexus GS350 low beam adaptive headlights, they are very dangerous. When you are driving at night you can’t see more than 20 yards in front of you and if you are going downhill you can only see about 10 yards in front of you. It’s scary and dangerous. I have asked the Lexus dealer if there is a recall on these lights and was told no. I’m at the point of trading the car in, which is a shame since it only has 50,000 miles on it. My question is, have you heard of this problem before and if I changed to a higher heat color bulb would I be able to see better at night?
A. I have never received a complaint about HID headlights other than some drivers find them too bright. There are two possibilities; the first is that the lights even though they are automatic are still not aimed correctly. The lights should be checked for both brightness as well as proper aim. The second possibility is that there isn’t a problem with the car and it could be you. By the time we are 60 years old we need three times as much light to see as we did when we were 20 years old. In all the cars that I drive I find HID lights to be the best for my aging eyes.
Q. I have a 1993 Chevy S10 pickup truck with a V-6 engine. The engine is getting up to 200 degrees but the heater isn’t blowing any hot air. What could be wrong?
A. The problem could be an inoperative heater fan or a clogged heater core. If you can hear the fan and there is air coming from the vents then the fan is okay. Next once the engine is warmed up look at the heater, both heater hoses should be hot to the touch. The last possibility is the heater is blocked with an air pocket. This could be caused by a leaking cylinder head gasket.
Q. I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty and the check engine light goes on and off intermittently. I have taken it to my mechanic and he has reset the PO300 code several times but it still happens. Any thoughts?
A. It may be time to find a new repair shop. Just clearing the code will turn off the check engine light but will do nothing about the problem that turned the light on. The code indicates a random engine misfire. This could be caused by an ignition or fuel problem, vacuum leak or even a worn engine. A good technician should be able to diagnose the problem and come up with a course of action to get your Jeep repaired.
Q. I have a water leak problem on my 2005 Ford Mustang. Water is getting into the passenger side of car. Thank you for any help you might be able to give. I enjoy your radio show and your column, thanks.
A. Ford issued at least one technical service bulletin concerning water leaks in 2005-2009 Ford Mustangs. The leaks were related to wiring harness grommets and seams that didn’t seal correctly. Have your shop or the dealer reference TSB number TSB 08-26-7 for details on how to find and repair the leak.
Q. My budget is $17,000-$25,000 for a basic new car and I’m looking for a small city car with all wheel drive. My first criterion is reliability and the second is small size for easy parking. I don’t need a lot frills just reliability and decent traction for winter driving.
A. I would look at the Subaru Impreza; it is dependable reasonably economical, does well in the winter and fits in your budget.
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