Why won’t my new phone connect with my older car?

Q.I recently purchased a new Motorola Moto G Power 2025 smartphone, however it is incompatible with my 2017 Chevrolet Malibu’s Android Auto. The Android Auto icon shows up on the car’s My Link screen when I connect my phone to it, but when I press on it, the screen stops and goes blank. My old Motorola Moto G Fast (2021) phone connects without any issues. Additionally, the new Moto G Power phone works flawlessly with Android Auto in my wife’s 2019 Subaru CrossTrek. I have contacted tech help at both Motorola and Chevrolet My Link, but neither the phone nor the Malibu’s numerous settings or connecting cords were able to resolve the issue. In addition to the fee they would ask to simply look at the issue, I doubt the dealer would be aware of any problems. What do you think about this?

A.I don’t believe there is a cure, based on all of your hard effort. I think there is only a technical incompatibility between 2017 and 2025 technologies. Regretfully, we are witnessing this phenomenon increasingly frequently. With the exception of one Apple-related tech bulletin about software that needed a total radio repair, I didn’t find any other tech bulletins. Going to an auto radio store to see if they have seen anything would be worth a shot, but I have a suspicion that it is really an attempt to blend modern and ancient technology.

Q.My 2011 Honda Pilot has ninety thousand miles on it. It has been showing an increasing frequency of obvious transmission shuddering over the last six months or so. It usually lasts less than five or six seconds and happens at speeds between 10 and 40 mph. Is it a gearbox issue or may this car’s ECO Drive option be to blame?

A.I think the torque converter in the transmission is to blame for this shudder. At 45,000 miles, the transmission fluid need to have been changed. I would begin there if it hasn’t been done. Using Honda fluid is crucial, but you don’t have to visit the dealer.

Q.After years of ownership, I gave my son my 2007 Toyota RAV4. Although I enjoyed the SUV, I started to feel like I was rattling around in it as my grandchildren grew older and we stopped picking them up. It was excessively large. I therefore purchased the original Toyota CH-R in 2017. Everyone compliments it on its excellent appearance, and it is fashionable and lively. The back is cramped, despite my initial belief that it would be a good choice because it was an SUV and had height. Even the grandchildren are too big and uncomfortable in the rear seat, so we are unable to take our guests anyplace. I’m searching for a new SUV right now, but I don’t want a huge one; I want one bigger than the CH-R. I’ve been considering the Hyundai, Toyota, and Kia Sportage brands. I don’t want to make the same costly error twice. We adore Toyotas’ dependability and have owned them for many years. Therefore, I’m searching for a vehicle that is both larger than the CH-R and smaller than typical SUVs.

A. The CH-R has been replaced by the Toyota Corolla Cross, which could be an excellent choice. Regarding a smaller car from Hyundai or Kia, they do produce quality automobiles. Both the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Seltos are worth looking at because they fall into the same category.

Q.I purchased a brand-new 2016 Honda CR-V. I’ve always used decent fuel, and it has 83,500 miles on it. The catalytic converter is indicated by the number P0420 that appeared on my check engine light. The light remained off for a week while I was driving after my mechanic reset the computer, and then it turned back off. The vehicle continues to operate flawlessly and maintains its consistent gas mileage. I want to know if you have any suggestions for a catalytic converter cleaner and if so, would you suggest one?

A. Cataclean fuel and exhaust system cleaner is an option. I’ve received positive feedback from readers. Catalytic converter replacement is the most popular repair, typically paired with a brand-new original oxygen sensor. The catalytic converter is usually the problem, though occasionally an exhaust leak may be to blame.

Q. I would like to get my minivan’s brakes replaced. Both the front and rear brakes are disc brakes. Have you have any advice to offer?

A. I advise purchasing high-quality brake rotors and pads. Seek out brake pads that include the appropriate brake fluid and related hardware. To ensure that the rotors lie flat when replaced, remove any corrosion from the hubs. A drill with a wire brush is effective. The parking brake may be binding up if the rear rotors are difficult to remove. To enable rotor removal, there is an adjustment that might be able to be backed off. When reinstalling caliper pistons, it is usually advised to open the bleeder screws. This lessens the chance of harming the ABS system by avoiding forcing tainted fluid back into the master cylinder. Add new brake fluid on top.

John Paulis is the Car Doctor for AAA Northeast. He is an ASE-certified master mechanic with more than 40 years of automotive industry expertise. Send an email to [email protected] with your Car Doctor query. Listen to the Car Doctor podcast atjohnfpaul.podbean.com.