Q: I have a 2008 Volvo S80 and the AM radio died. The FM and disc changer work just fine. Is this fixable and what part should I order or is it just a loose connection somewhere? I really miss my AM radio.
J.C., Colorado Springs, Colorado
A: Most likely there is a bad connection, probably a ground connection, at the antenna. By the way, cars are now coming with no AM radio at all.
Q: Have you heard of a “digital security fee” itemized on routine Toyota maintenance? Our local Toyota service dealership is doing this now under new management. Never saw this before.
K.D., Iowa City, Iowa
A: Maybe this is some new program that protects the technicians’ fingers from being stolen.
Q: I purchased a new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited a year ago. It came with 3 years of complementary oil changes. The oil cap on the engine states 0W-16 weight oil. After my first oil change was done, I noticed that the Hyundai dealer had put semi-synthetic 5W-30 oil in. The dealer said that the 5W-30 oil was an acceptable substitute, as they had no 0W-16 oil in stock. They also said that if I wanted full synthetic oil, there would be a $30 charge. I questioned what the dealer had done. I told them that the reason for the 0W-16 oil was likely better fuel mileage, as it is a lighter oil. In the end, they put in a full synthetic 0W-20 oil without charging me. I am not returning to this dealer. Could you enlighten me about 0W-16 oil, and if only it should be used in my vehicle?
J.K., Las Vegas
A: All 0W-xx oils can only be made synthetically so semi-synthetic oils are not “pure synthetics.” The 0W-20 is OK to use, but you should really stick with the owner’s manual recommendations if possible. Full synthetics are more expensive than semi-synthetics so the upcharge is understandable. Kudos to the dealer for not charging you for the oil or the labor to change it. You might consider returning.
Q: I have a 2020 Hyundai Palisade that allows for periodic software upgrades for the system, navigation, etc. This software install usually takes almost 1.5 hours to complete with the car running and cannot be interrupted until completed. Is it possible to hook up a battery charger and do the install so the battery does not discharge without causing damage?
L.M., Wheaton, Illinois
A: Updates via telemetry save time for both you and the dealer. The only inconvenience is lacking use of the vehicle for the required time. It has been my experience that the engine need not be running, only that the ignition is in the run position. This puts very little drain on the battery. You may connect a battery charger if the engine isn’t running.
Q: I have a 2015 Honda Odyssey with 110,000 miles, and I have it serviced following the owner's manual at the local Honda dealer. They tell me that I need to replace the timing belt and that the belt can fail and if it does it will destroy the engine The cost is approximately $1,500 and I am skeptical because my previous 2002 Honda Odyssey went for 225,000 miles. Was I just lucky?
M.C., Chicago
A: To quote Dirty Harry: “You've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?” Yeah, I think you were lucky. According to Kelly Blue Book, the typical price for the vehicle is $3,231. Without an engine, I couldn’t even guess its value.
