My SUV won’t let me make calls through my iPhone

Q. I am having a phone problem with my 2019 Lexus 350. When I try to make a call, I receive a voicemail message saying “the phone book is loading, please try again later.” I unpaired my phone and then re-paired it, which did not resolve the issue. I went to my dealer and paid for a scan. They didn’t find anything unusual. They say something is wrong with my phone (iPhone 13). I contacted Apple and they checked all my settings, and everything is fine. The car’s phone app says all my contacts are loaded. My dealer had no idea what the problem was. They said it may have been an Apple update that caused it. This problem did not occur after any updates. Do you have any ideas/suggestions?

A. Seems like the dealer should know more than me, but I’d try the simplest solution first. I would take the car out of the phone and the phone out of the car. Not only unlink them, but completely remove the settings. Now start from scratch and see what happens. I agree with the dealer and noticed Bluetooth compatibility issues when updating the software. As of the date of this column, the latest version of IOS software is 17.5.1. Perform the update and then start the pairing process from scratch. The other possibility is that when you load multiple contacts, it doesn’t overwrite the contacts but simply duplicates them, maximizing the car’s memory.

Q. The other day I spotted one of these Tesla Supertrucks pulling out of the parking lot of a local restaurant. It’s certainly a strange thing. What do you think and have you driven one?

A. The Tesla Cybertruck, when first introduced, was expected to cost less than $40,000, have a range of 400 to 500 miles, phenomenal acceleration and off-road capabilities. According to Tesla’s website, the rear-wheel drive model’s starting price is $60,000 and the claimed range is 250 miles. The Cyberbeast, the most expensive and powerful all-wheel-drive model, costs about $100,000, has a range of 320 miles, and can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 2.6 seconds. To date, I haven’t driven one, but on paper it looks like a pretty capable truck with decent cargo space, secure storage (front and rear), and plenty of towing capacity. Right now the design seems a bit newer than a work/recreation/commuter truck, and I also wonder if people spending over $100,000 on a vehicle are happy with the lack of choice of factory colors.

Q. I’m looking for a luxury SUV that seats at least five people (although three rows would be better). I looked at the Acura MDX, Lincoln Aviator and Infiniti QX60. Which would you choose and why?

A. I recently reviewed the Infiniti QX60 and was very pleased with the ride, handling and comfort. The Acura MDX is still a solid and reliable choice. The Lincoln Aviator has more power and a bit more space. All three vehicles are pretty close and really come down to personal preference. Historically, the Acura holds its value better and is generally a bit more reliable, but these are all good choices.

Q. I have a 2012 Mercedes GLK350 with 140,000 miles that I bought new (collected in Germany). The check engine light came on about a month ago, indicating faults in two systems; The intake manifold flap is binding and needs to be replaced. Additionally, the bypass valves of the air injection system need to be replaced. I had it diagnosed at a local store. I also got a second opinion from a shop that specializes in German cars. Same diagnostic results. Repair costs are $3,000 to $4,500. I really like the GLK and usually keep my cars until the end. But do I want to invest that much money into an almost 13 year old car? The check engine light stays on, which doesn’t bother me, knowing what the problem is. What are the risks of continuing to drive in its current state? The car continues to run very well.

A. Investing around $4,000 in this car is a bit of a gamble since the transmission and all-wheel drive systems seem to be a weak point as these vehicles age. Plus, at age 12, electronics can start to get a little finicky. The intake system is designed in such a way that the air shutter opens by default. This will have an effect on vehicle emissions, but nothing else. Audi and Volkswagen readers with similar systems have told me they’ve gone years without any real problems. Yet the check engine light is on for a reason and needs to be repaired.

Q. My car, a roadworthy Toyota, has a recommended oil change interval of 10,000 miles or once a year. What do you think of this long oil change interval?

A. Long oil change intervals are acceptable provided you are vigilant about checking fluid levels. All cars burn oil and over 10,000 miles, even a good engine can use several gallons of oil. Running an engine with little oil can certainly accelerate wear. If you don’t look under the hood regularly, it may make more sense to change the oil every six months or 5,000 miles.

John Paul is AAA Northeast’s automotive doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry and is an ASE Certified Master Technician. Send your question to Car Doctor by email to (email protected). Listen to the Car Doctor podcast on johnfpaul.podbean.com.