Letters: Call Toyota about oil-thirsty RAV4

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Updated: January 31, 2012 4:23PM

Q: My 2009 Toyota RAV4 burns about one quart of oil every 700 to 800 miles. I believe this is excessive oil consumption. I have approached Toyota on this matter and it claims that this is still within the company guidelines. Can you please comment on this? – John, Schiller Park

A: I also believe that your vehicle’s oil consumption is excessive. However, many manufacturers state that up to one quart of oil per 1,000 miles is acceptable. Over the years, though, I have owned many cars that never needed a quart of oil between oil changes. I looked online and found some posts regarding the RAV4 and excessive oil consumption. Have you complained to Toyota’s customer service center? If not, you should call (800) 331-4331.

Q: I have a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. The problem is that the tachometer doesn’t appear to be indicating properly. The needle goes all the way into the red area. I had the computer tested and technicians couldn’t find anything wrong. How do you correct this problem? – Betty, Chicago

A: The tachometer is likely at fault. Since it’s part of the instrument panel cluster, the entire IPC will need to be replaced or sent out for repairs. The IPC is capable of registering faults but those faults don’t turn on the check engine light, and the IPC doesn’t communicate with all scan tools. It’s possible that the scan tool that was plugged into your car wasn’t able to communicate with the IPC. To solve your Blazer’s woes, you’ll need to find a technician or shop that specializes in electrical repairs.

Q: I have a ’92 Buick Park Avenue that stalls out as soon as I step on the accelerator pedal. The fuel pressure and fuel filter appear to be OK. What could be wrong? – A.W., Chicago

A: The first thing I would check for would be a restricted exhaust, like a clogged catalytic converter. A vacuum gauge hooked up to an intake manifold port should display 17 to 21 inches of vacuum with the engine idling. If the gauge is indicating lower than that, or drops off sharply when the throttle is slowly opened, suspect a restricted exhaust. You can confirm it by disconnecting the exhaust pipes at the manifold, or in some cases by temporarily removing the oxygen sensor(s). If you do find that the catalytic converter is restricted, you’ll need to find out why so you don’t ruin the replacement converter. Contaminants can prematurely damage a catalytic converter and so can an engine that’s running rough and misfiring.

Q: My daughter recently purchased a used 2003 Saturn Ion and it doesn’t have an owner’s manual. How often should the oil be changed? Is changing it every 3,000 miles too frequent? – George, Chicago

A: According to the severe maintenance schedule, which I suggest your daughter adheres to, the oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.

Questions for Ira Siegel? Call the Auto Advisor Hotline at (708) 633-6839 or e-mail ira.siegel.is@gmail.com. Siegel is an automotive instructor and an automotive service excellence-certified master auto technician.