Motormouth: Clunk costs a chunk of change

Q: My 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee all of a sudden designed a clunk downshifting at a prevent sign. Then, at the subsequent quit indication, even my wife read it. Took it to my nearby garage listed here, who I have excellent rely on in, as they have saved me a ton of dollars. They applied a equipment to assess it and they in truth fastened the clunk. In seeking at the invoice, there was labor charge: reprogram PCM/TCM $175. Not in an upset method, I basically inquired as to what is a “reprogram PCM/TCM $175.” He kinda stammered as if he was unable, still not unwilling, to reply. The implication I bought was that he was not the confident what the device does, but it merely fixes the clunk, and it did! Can you give me a greater idea of what took place?

J.R., Glenview, Illinois

A: Have you at any time downloaded an update for just one of your phone’s apps? You are very ready to use it without understanding how the application is effective. In the circumstance of the Jeep, your mechanic downloaded an update for the two your powertrain handle module (PCM) and your transmission control module (TCM). He realized what to do without having needing to know what the update modified.

Q: I have a high-general performance 2007 Shelby GT Mustang that has a supercharger, and it calls for high quality octane (91-94) gasoline, which you know is really high priced. Could I order normal octane (87) or midgrade octane (88-90) gas and add a bottle of STP or Lucas octane booster fluid and get the very same or comparable octane final result, fairly than shelling out the superior rates at the retail gas pump?

S.M. Rolling Meadows, Illinois

A: A bottle of octane booster in a 20-gallon tank might improve the octane ranking a couple of factors. Do the math and you could be amazed.

Q: When electrical automobiles turn into a lot more commonplace than vehicles run by gasoline, do you feel that the price of electricity will fluctuate the way that gasoline price ranges do? Would it have an effect on the residence electricity invoice past the vehicles’ share of usage?

B.K., Riverwoods, Illinois

A: Gas costs fluctuate mainly because gasoline is a commodity. Electric power charges are controlled by point out utilities businesses. To enhance costs, electric power companies need to typically petition the agency for authorization. The good news is, energy fluctuations are minimal to only occasional brownouts.

Q: I have a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer with 138,000 miles. My wife drove it and now it’s mine. I have constantly set the headlights so they generally are on, and I have burned out two or 3 modules around the decades as well as a couple headlights. Need to I just put the lights on when I push at night time or in the rain?

C.W. Coral Springs, Florida

A: Roughly a person-third of the states have to have headlights be turned on any time the wipers are turned on. (Florida is not one of those states.) Nonetheless, it’s a good practice and raises equally your protection and the safety of other drivers. Otherwise, you might decide on to go away the headlights off. Your daytime working lights are sufficient for the duration of mild weather conditions.

Q: I know I need to wax my car or truck two times a year, but I really don’t. That currently being explained, and leaving my car outdoors of the garage all year, would it be superior to wax prior to numerous months of scorching sunlight for the duration of the summer season, or snow, ice and freezing temperatures in our Northeastern wintertime?

J.W., West Hartford, Connecticut

A: Wax your vehicle in the spring and fall. Not only does this get ready it for those rough seasons, the agreeable weather is far more favorable for executing the task — ideally with a chilly beer close by.

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(Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who turned an ASE-licensed Master Car Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by in search of certification each and every 5 years. Weber’s perform appears in qualified trade journals and other buyer publications. His crafting also seems in automotive trade publications, Customer Guide and Individuals Digest. Send out questions along with identify and city to [email protected].) ©2022 Tribune Information Agency, LLC.