Q: My Mom and Dad own a 2000 Toyota Camry with a four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission and about 35,000 miles on it. A light on the dash keeps lighting up, indicating the taillights are out. But they're not.
I did some searching online and found that this seems to be a common problem. One guy suggested taking the wire off the master cylinder. I tried that, and the taillight indicator did go out _ until the car was driven again, that is. Any suggestions?
_Rick, Watsonville, Calif.
A: The lamp failure module in your folks' Camry will trigger the dash warning light if lower-than-specified electrical current is sensed in either the taillight or brake light circuits. The most likely cause of this would be a burnt-out bulb.
Also possible: A loose, broken or corroded connection could be causing electrical resistance in one of the light circuits. Finally, an incorrect, lower-wattage replacement bulb could be to blame.
There are five brake light bulbs: Two on each side and the center-mounted stop lamp. Then there are four taillights.
Camrys are known for having issues with their taillight, brake and backup light wires near the left trunk hinge, where they bend and flex each time the trunk lid is opened and closed. These wires lead to the trunk lid-mounted lights. If a repair is needed, it's best to bridge across the flexing area with a length of new wire, making the necessary splices at least 6 inches away from the trunk hinge on each side.
My hunch is, upon careful inspection, you'll find one or more of the nine lamps dim or inoperative and correcting this will keep that warning light at bay.
Q: I recently purchased a new Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The dealer recommended that I take the vehicle in for service and an oil change around the 10,000-mile mark, saying it'll cost about $350. I asked about tire rotation. They said it's not necessary, but if I really wanted it done, it'd cost $100.
What's going on here? Any recommendations?
_M. Jackson
A: Nice vehicle, but yikes _ that's a pretty big bill for a simple inspection and oil, filter and wiper blade change.
Synthetic Mercedes-Benz oil or Mobil 1 oil that meets MB approval can be purchased for around $8-9 per quart, and the engine holds 7.5 quarts. An oil filter runs $10-15.
That said, while doing maintenance at the dealer isn't required, it does foster a good relationship, which will be helpful should warranty issues later arise. You might consider a heads-up Euro independent shop in lieu of the dealer but don't go to a quick lube place with such a techy vehicle.
I don't see tire rotation in the vehicle's maintenance schedule either, but it's still good to do. Your directional tread tires _ same size front and rear _ would be rotated same-side front to rear. If the SUV is already racked for other service, $100 is tough to swallow.
Mercedes lists stand-alone labor time for a tire rotation at 0.4 hours.
