Ask the Auto Doctor: Honda to Fix 2015 CR-V Vibration Issue

September 10, 2015 By JUNIOR DAMATO. Motor Matters

The Honda CR-V is a popular SUV for families, shown at the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center, April 4, 2015. (Credit: Newsday / David Trotman-Wilkins)

Dear Doctor: I wrote to you a while ago and asked about my 2015 Honda CR-V that has a vibration at idle and at 20 mph. You said there was no known problem. But now this problems is being found all over the Internet. What kind of a fix is Honda going to do?

Dear Ray: Yes, you are correct and many owners have been experiencing a vibration in the 2015 CR-V. Honda is working on a fix. You may go to YouTube and enter in the search bar "A Message Regarding the Vibration in the 2015 CR-V" to view Honda's response to this issue.

Dear Doctor: I'm looking into the 2015 Jaguar XJL Portfolio to purchase. Can you tell me your take on the car's performance and mechanics?

Dear Al: There is no question that Jaguar has much improved its vehicles over the years in every way. On this 2015 XJL model, the engine and transmission are a carry over from 2014. Power is ample in both rear- and all-wheel drive versions. Most buyers do not actually buy these cars -- they lease them. These cars -- like all high-end vehicles -- deprecate 30 to 50 percent at the end of the lease, which make them a great buy for the second owner. Take all this into consideration before you make your decision to buy or lease.

Dear Doctor: I have owned a 2005 Lincoln Town Car. As I understand, this is the only model year there is not a cabin filter.  When I use the air conditioner or heater, there is a musty or moldy smell. Any suggestions on how to improve the inside air would be appreciated.

Dear Albert: A cabin filter will not eliminate a musty smell, which is formed from mold in the heater box. There are chemical sprays and cleaners available to clean the heater box mold at many auto parts stores. You can also use a household disinfectant, like Lysol. You must first make sure the a/c heater box drain is not plugged up. Next, set the heater temperature on high with the fan on high and spray the disinfectant in the intake side of the heater system at the lower part of the windshield in 30 second intervals for 2 minutes. Let the heat run for 15 minutes. Next, switch the a/c setting and repeat the procedure a few times. This heater box disinfecting procedure can be done on any vehicle every month, or when needed.

Dear Doctor: My 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis has an acceleration problem. The engine takes off when I lightly push the brake. It has only happened a few times, but if I didn't hold the brake pedal down hard it would have caused an accident. Once when I put it into park then into gear it tried to jump ahead but then went into normal. I've had it looked at and "fixed" supposedly many times. I'm afraid it will happen again. What is wrong?

Dear Arthur: Fuel-injected engine idle speed is controlled electronically. The computer relies on information, including gas pedal position, gear selection, a/c on or off, engine temperature, plus more. The most common issue on idle speed are a dirty throttle body, idle air control motor, TPS sensor, even a leaking power brake vacuum booster. These all affect idle speed. You need to have a qualified technician look at everything I mentioned.

Dear Doctor: I'm own a 2000 Corvette with 23,500 miles and it's always been garaged and never driven in rain or snow. But now I can drive it all day and make a number of stops with no problem starting and then out of no where the car turns stone dead. When I open the hood the light doesn't even come on and the car cannot be jumped started. As I start to disconnect the battery and make a few turns the light will come on, but the car will not start. Can you help?

Dear Joe: When we have a vehicle with an intermittent no-start condition we connect a test light to the S terminal at the starter motor. This will tell us if power is getting to the starter when the key is turned to the start position. Another suggestion is to remove and clean all of the power connections, including all ground connections.

Dear Doctor: I have a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.2-liter engine and 118,000 miles. It is well maintained and I use 93 octane. Lately, I've noticed a smell of gasoline coming from the exhaust. I had the Jeep to three different repair shops, even one that specializes in Jeeps. One shop told me this Jeep is the "old kind" and their scan tools really didn't find anything but he "cleaned" the plugs. I've had a tune-up, oxygen sensor, EGR and temperature coolant sensor replaced. I get a message on the Vehicle Information Center stating "coolant sensor bad." which I'm told, might cause a rich condition.

Dear Dennis: Your Jeep has the older OBD1 computer system. Find a shop and technician who can read fault codes and get information the scan tool with a professional scan tool that will communicate with the OBD1 system. If you were running rich you should also notice the catalytic converter will get very hot and in some cases turn red in color. A faulty coolant sensor can cause a rich condition in any year fuel injected engine.

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