Q. I have a 2006 Nissan Murano with keyless intelligent key system. (Not stop/start button) I cannot get the ignition switch to turn on to any position. The steering wheel is locked due to the security system. I tried rocking steering wheel, no help there. I have replaced key fob batteries in both fobs. Also tried to use both Mechanical Keys, but the ignition switch will not turn. I can lock and unlock doors remotely, so some keyless functions are working. Some research I have done seems to point to Keyless Entry Module Part or ignition switch assembly. Any thoughts on what is causing this problem?

A. There was a recall for a faulty ignition switch. Perhaps the switch itself is bad, sometimes if you gently turn the key while tapping on the end of the key it will get the lock tumblers to line up. Other than that, the lock module which is a complete assembly is usually faulty and quite expensive at $675 plus a couple of hours labor to install it. 

Q. This is a problem I am having with my 2021 Honda Ridgeline; I had an accident on the first of September 2022 and my Ridgeline is still in the body shop, and I cannot get the parts to fix it. I have called Honda and we have gotten some of the parts but currently I still need one more part. Honda said they would call me and tell me what was going on, but there has been no return call. What can I do? 

A. Unfortunately, I am hearing this issue of body parts availability across the country. I would continue to keep checking with the local dealer or wherever the parts are coming from to try to get to the top of the list-sometimes the squeaky wheel does get the grease. Yes, I would also call Honda customer service (800- 999-1009) to see if they can expedite the parts. 

Q. Hope you can provide insight as to what is going on with my 2021 Hyundai Palisade’s factory installed navigation system. I do have a repair appointment at the dealer, which is weeks away. Until several days ago, all worked well. The navigation screen loads correctly, the maps are accurate, and I can enter and set the destination information. So far so good. When I press “go” for the actual directions however, the system shows “unsuccessful,” and directions will not process. All other car functions (radio, phone, etc.) run well.

A. There can be some issues with Apple CarPlay interfering with GPS commands. There are also at least two software updates for the GPS, I would just let the dealer check for any available updates and go from there. 

Q. My 2020 Subaru Forester has about 32,000 miles on it I stopped using Subaru for oil changes at 28,000 because it drove me crazy that they consistently overfilled the crankcase by one-half quart. I know this is common. I use Valvoline 0W-20 Extended full synthetic and Subaru filters. At about 30,000 I took a trip to New Hampshire in February. Overnight temps. dropped to -20F. When I started the car in the morning it turned over reluctantly. About 1,500 miles after the trip, I noticed that the engine had consumed about 1/4 to 1/3 quart of oil. Could the cold start have damaged the engine (rings) and caused the increased consumption?

A. No, these engines are designed for cold climates and as long as the car is driven reasonably when cold it should be fine. Subaru is a little unique in that they have a blue light that comes on when the engine is cold to remind the driver to take it easy until the engine warms up. Generally, a cold engine will consume a bit more oil until the rings/pistons get up to operating temperature.

Q. Can you remove one battery wire at a time to clean the terminals without disconnecting the battery and losing setting and memory? 

A. When you disconnect the battery (negative cable first) you will lose the memory for the radio, clock, and other settings. Some people will use a battery powered memory saver, some of which plug into the under-dash computer port or cigar lighter or 12-volt power point-if powered with the key off. Some technicians simply attach a jump pack to the battery cables, clean the cables and posts and reinstall the cables.

John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over forty years’ experience and is an ASE-certified master technician. He will answer readers’ questions each week. Email your questions to [email protected]. Follow John on Twitter @johnfpaul and friend him on Facebook at mrjohnfpaul.