Q: I have a 2015 Ford F-250. Right after I put on new tires, my check engine light lit up. The first time, I reset it by disconnecting the battery. The second and third time it came on, I had my mechanic read the codes and then turn it off. He said the first time it had an air conditioning code, and the second time, it was a catalytic converter code. Now it's come on again. Any idea as to why the light keeps coming on?
A: I'm going to take a wild guess and say you have problems with your air conditioner and catalytic converter. The timing of the new tires was just a coincidence.
The onboard diagnostic system is designed to save owners and mechanics lots of time and money by telling them what is malfunctioning. So, if your computer is telling you there's a problem with your air conditioning system, it's probably because the AC clutch is registering that there's not enough refrigerant pressure in your system.
The catalytic converter code — most likely "cat efficiency" — means that your catalytic converter is at the end of its useful life. If you've got more than 100,000 miles on the truck, that would make sense.
So, taking the codes at face value, you have a couple of choices. You can fix the stuff, or wait for the "buy new truck" light to come on.
Lookin' good
Q: I own a 2005 Honda CR-V with 125,425 miles. It's in good shape. The worst feature on the car is rusted wheels. I have fairly new tires and am wondering if it's worth replacing the wheels before I need new tires again.
My mechanic says the wheels haven't rusted all the way through, but they look bad. Is it important to get original Honda parts? I don't want to get rid of it, but is it worth making this investment in a 17-year-old car?
A: This is a cosmetic issue, not a safety issue. Kind of like my four chins.