Q: I received a letter saying that I need to have the software on the powertain control module updated ASAP. I know that this seems strange but I do not believe this letter. My car runs perfectly. I think this is a ploy to get me to bring the car to the dealership. If this was a service issue or a recall it would get more publicity. Is this a real problem? How is the PCM software updated? Is the software accessed from under the hood or under the dashboard? Thank you for your assistance.
_ C.S., Chicago
A: Of course you should have the car repaired. Honda is offering this voluntary recall to make a correction to the transmission control program and even replace the transmission if necessary. Free. If you ignore this offer, you may have to pay for repairs later. The PCM is updated just like any other software patch. It is quick and easy and done through the data link under the dash. This is not a ploy to separate you from your money.
Q: I've read several articles recently indicating that gas containing ethanol is a risk for damage to four-stroke motorcycle engines. Is this true? Is there a safe additive to reverse the impact of ethanol if, in fact, it does cause damage? Finally, are there gas stations that still offer non-ethanol fuel in Illinois?
_ B.R., Crystal Lake, Ill.
A: According to the American Motorcyclist Association, "None of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use in the United States is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to operate on fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol. Inadvertent use of E15 in vehicles not designed for its use can damage fuel system and engine components and void manufacturer's warranties." Ethanol can lead to corrosion of metal parts, including carburetors and fuel pumps, and may degrade plastic and rubber components. The damage cannot be reversed. Corrosion is more likely when motorcycles are stored over the winter so use a fuel stabilizer. To find stations pumping 100 percent gasoline, go to www.pure-gas.org.
Q: I read the question about the 2006 Toyota Sienna where the car sits for long periods and the battery goes dead. I had the same problem with both a Jaguar and an RV. I simply installed a knife switch (which you can get at most parts stores) on the positive terminal. When I wasn't going to use the vehicle for a while, I simply opened the switch and then closed it when I was ready to use the vehicle again. Once I did this, I never had a dead battery. Of course the down side is that radio station presets, clocks, etc. have to be reset.
_ M.G., West Chester, Pa.
A: We have heard this suggestion numerous times over the years. Besides knife switches, there are rotary switches and racing kill switches. Your suggestion works with older cars, but many newer automobiles will require extensive reprogramming (re-initializing) if power is lost. That is why technicians install a keep-alive device prior to battery removal and replacement. Hence, we do not advise kill switches.
