Q. My 1997 Infiniti J30 is equipped with automatic climate control. Today I noticed that when I use the heat, the fan doesn’t seem to work. I don’t get any air or heat out of the defroster, vents, floor, etc. I do not have an owner’s manual, so I’m somewhat limited as to what I can do myself. Before I go to the shop, what should I expect?

A. The problem could be a faulty fuse, switch, relay motor and wiring issue. Infiniti has a diagnostic procedure to test the climate control system to try to pinpoint the problem. Before you take the car in for service you could check the fuses and relays.

Mini Cooper squeal

Q. I have a 2007 Mini Cooper and I love it. Lately I have noticed that on cold days I get a high-pitched squeal from the brakes on application (only forward). It’s not too annoying, except that it is associated with cold. I wish I knew the cause.

A. When it is cold and the vehicle sits overnight, a light coating of rust will form on the brake rotors. Combine this rust with a slightly glazed brake pad and a squeal is certainly possible. I have checked and there are no technical service bulletins regarding this condition. It wouldn’t hurt to have the brakes inspected, but the chances are it is a characteristic of the vehicle.

Subaru head casket issue

Q. I am having a problem with my 2003 Subaru Outback. I have realized that Subaru has a systematic problem with the head gasket in their Legacy models, and I think the manufacturer refuses to acknowledge that it is a systematic design flaw in the engine. Considering that this is one of the most popular cars in New England, I think that this is a serious mistake on the part of the company.

A. During the 2003 model year, many Subaru models had slight coolant leaks at the cylinder head gasket area. The repair from Subaru involved using a special cooling system conditioner (stop-leak). This same coolant system additive is now added to all Subaru models and seems to have remedied the issue. I would at least give Subaru the opportunity to try the additive and see what happens.

Is seller at fault?

Q. I recently sold my car, which was perfectly fine and still under warranty. I had not been driving it for the 10 months prior to the sale because I had another car and took the train to work. The buyer was aware of this fact prior to buying the car. After paying the negotiated price and advising the buyer to please take it easy to get the car eased back into driving, the buyer drove 90 miles an hour and ruined the engine. The car is still under a full warranty. Am I at fault? I live in Massachusetts and the buyer is also from Massachusetts, if that makes any difference.

A. When a private party puts a car up for sale in Massachusetts, they are obligated to sell a car that will pass the state vehicle inspection program (This is true in Rhode Island as well). For this reason, the new buyer is required to get the vehicle inspected within seven days of purchase. In Massachusetts, if the car fails the inspection and the cost to repair it is more than 10 percent of the value of the vehicle, it can be returned to the seller. In addition, as the seller, you are obligated to let the buyer know of any known major defects. As an example, if your repair garage told you that the engine in your car was “on its way out” and you didn’t tell the buyer, you potentially could be responsible for failing to disclose this major defect. Based on the law, I don’t believe you have any further obligations.

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