my fob doesn't work, and the car won't start. totally dead.

Question:

2008 Subaru outback : Last Sunday, my wife and I both used our key fobs at the same time, and while she was able to start the car with her key, we couldn't auto-lock it. Now, I just went to drive the car for the first time since then, and my fob doesn't work, and the car won't start. totally dead.

Answer:

If the vehicle is totally dead the problem could be the battery, that is where I would start. See if it can be jumped and if it starts see if anything was left on in the vehicle to drain the battery if nothing is noticeable have the battery tested.

Belt squeals when I start my car?

Question:

Belt squeals when I start my 1998 Subaru. Stops after 5 seconds. What can be done at home to help stop this?

Answer:

This is almost always the alternator belt being loose. If you adjust the belt, the sound should go away. In some cases the belt may need to be replaced depending on wear or cracks in the belt.

2002 Subaru WRX with 125k. The check engine light recently came on

I have a 2002 Subaru WRX with 125k. The check engine light recently came on and my mechanic is saying that one of the four cylinders is failing. Note that this mechanic performed at 60k tune-up. He is suggesting that at a minimum I replace the failed head and that I should probably do both considering the small increase in labor at that point. I'm willing to have the work done, but am concerned that the perhaps this isn't the actual problem?

Answer:

I would not commit to a head(S) as 125k and being a Subaru. Rarely are the heads a problem. I would get the trouble code and CLEAR explanation as to why they want to replace head. There could be so many other min- minor things affecting the cyl. I would def get a second opinion. I am not ruling out a possible headgasket etc.. but.. this is a big job, lots of $ and does warrant a clear/ accurate explanation as to why they are quoting this work