Q: I own a 2009 Toyota RAV4 with 97,000 miles. I have had issues with the check engine, VSC and 4WD lights coming on at the same time. I replaced the gas cap, and it was OK, but only for a while. Research revealed a hack involving application of Vaseline on the O-ring of the gas cap. I tried it and had success. After the Vaseline wore off, I started using some heavy-duty wheel bearing grease, and the warning lights haven't come back on since. I plan on keeping the car for at least another five years considering the few miles I drive. What do you think of that fix over the long term?
A: The grease might be creating a better seal by filling small gaps between the neck and cap. However, avoid using too much grease. I have a hunch that the top of the filler neck may have some nicks or scratches that are cutting into the cap's O-rings. They often can be sanded off, but you need to prevent any junk from falling into the tank. Stuff a rag in the filler neck and remove it carefully after you're finished.
Vacation story
Q: I just read the letter from the guy who couldn't find a rental car with a manual transmission. That reminded me of a trip my wife and I made to Germany. We have been driving manuals since we started driving about 50 years ago. When we arrived at the airport car rental counter, the clerk looked at our paperwork and said, in English, "The paperwork says you ordered a manual. Most Americans want an automatic." I answered back in German: "Do we look like most Americans?" He turned beet red, and my wife gave me a little love tap with her foot.
A: Good story.
Stick discovery
Q: To follow up on a recent reader's question, I've had good luck finding rental cars with stick shifts on Turo.com.
A: I hadn't heard of Turo, so I googled it. According to its website, "Turo is the world's largest car sharing marketplace, where you can book the perfect car for wherever you're going from a vibrant community of trusted hosts across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and France."
Code remains
Q: My check engine light is on, When I used the code reader at the auto parts store, it came back as P0016, which indicates the camshaft position sensor. The light goes off some days, so I tested it again on a day it was off but got the same code. Does that make sense?
A: The check engine light illuminates when there is an emissions related problem. If the problem goes away, even temporarily, the light goes out, but the code is stored for a tech to examine and repair the problem.
Bob Weber is a writer, mechanic and ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician. His writing has appeared in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest. Send automotive questions along with name and town to motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.
