Q: I own a 2014 Toyota Highlander. I'm having a problem with the automatic rear liftgate. Last week when the car was in the garage, with the garage door down, I mistakenly pressed the tailgate open button on the ignition key. The door went up, until it reached the closed garage door, then stopped. I pressed the button again, and the liftgate came down. Since that time, the liftgate gate will only open less than halfway. I have to lift it manually to get it to the normal height. It works fine when I press the button to close it. What are your thoughts on this?

J.S., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

A: The door memorized a new setting. The short answer is to turn off the automatic power back door (PBD) settings using the cursor controls on the steering wheel. You then open and close the back door manually. It will feel a bit heavy. Next return to the steering wheel vehicle settings and turn the PBD feature back on.

Q: I’ve had pothole damage twice. My 2007 Honda Accord blew out the tire, broke the wheel and removed the lower front cowl. My 2014 Acura RDX a few years later broke the left strut. The mechanic said they should be replaced in pairs. Is there some way to get redress for these expenses? Does location of the pothole make a difference?

J.B., Indian Head Park, Illinois

A: There is no redress fairy. That includes the highway authority, the town, the state and the tollway authority. But you may be able to get help from your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage. Ask your agent.

Q: I have a 2020 Subaru Outback 2.5-liter and have a question about the maintenance schedule. It recommends replacing the spark plugs after 60,000. Since this is an expensive service, I’m wondering if it is really necessary if I am not experiencing any issues.

P.L., Bloomington, Minnesota

A: Although you may continue to drive without noticing anything, I suggest you replace the plugs. Yeah, it may cost $400-500 because it takes gobs of labor to do the job. The days of the $10 tuneup are long gone.

Q: For T.B. in Chicago, whose owner's manual was aloft on the service lift, most manuals would be easily found online. Instead of "thank the tech," he should "think tech" as in technology -- the internet!

P.O., Clarendon Hills, Illinois

A: Dang! I should have thought of that.

Q: I just bought a 2025 RAV 4 Hybrid for $46,000. This comes with a 3-year/36-month warranty. Should I really need an extended warranty for an additional $4,000?

P.N., Minneapolis

A: This is a tough one and it depends on your risk level. The company selling the warranty is gambling that you will never need it. I am sure they know the odds. Personally, I don’t take the extended warranty on anything. Occasional repairs are often cheaper than the premium.

Q: My auto’s rear view camera was recalled, and the cable was replaced in January 2023. Now my camera is starting to intermittently go out. I called the dealer, and the service rep said it was not covered anymore since they already fixed it. He also said it could be another part that is acting up. Does federal law require them to fix it a second time ? The car is not under any warranty.

A.S., Lombard, Illinois

A: There’s no law requiring a redo. The problem could be the cable or, as the service rep said, some other part. If you speak with the service manager, you might get a goodwill repair. It’s worth a try.

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