How To

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

John Paul, AAA Northeast's Car Doctor, answers a question from a reader who lost connectivity when they got a new phone.

The Car Doctor answers a question from a reader who lost connectivity when they got a new phone. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

By John Paul

July 1, 2025

4 minutes to read

Q. I recently acquired a new Motorola Moto G Power 2025 smartphone, which will not connect to Android Auto in my 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. When I connect the phone to the car, the Android Auto icon appears on the My Link screen in the car, but when I tap on it, the screen goes blank and freezes. Now, my previous Motorola Moto G Fast (2021) phone connects just fine. And the new Moto G Power phone connects to Android Auto just fine in my wife’s 2019 Subaru CrossTrek. I have spoken with tech support at both Motorola and Chevrolet My Link, and none of the various changes in settings, different connecting cables, etc. on both the phone and the Malibu solved the problem. I am dubious that the dealer would be aware of any issues, not to mention what they would charge just for looking at the problem. Any thoughts on this?

A. Based on all the work you did, I do not think there is a cure. I believe it is just a technology compatibility issue between 2025 tech and 2017 tech. Unfortunately, this is something we are seeing more and more. I found no tech bulletins except for one that was Apple-related that had to do with software, but required a complete radio replacement. What might be worth trying is going to an auto stereo store and see if they have seen something, but I suspect it is just trying to combine new and older tech.

Q. I have a 2011 Honda Pilot with 90,000 miles. For the past six months or so it has been exhibiting an increasing frequency of noticeable transmission shuddering. It generally occurs at speeds of approximately 10 to 40 mph and lasts for less than five or six seconds. Could the ECO Drive feature in this car be a cause or is it a transmission problem?

A. I believe this shudder is caused by the transmission torque converter. The transmission fluid should have been replaced at 45,000 miles. If it has not been performed I would start there. Although you do not need to go to the dealer, it is important to use Honda fluid.

Q. I had a 2007 Toyota RAV4 for years and then gave it to my son. I liked the SUV but after my grandkids got older and we no longer picked them up, I felt like I was rattling around in that SUV. It was too big. So, in 2017 I bought the Toyota CH-R, the first model. It is stylish, peppy and everyone remarks on its great looks. But even though originally I thought it would be a good idea because it was an SUV and had height, the back is claustrophobic. We cannot drive our friends anywhere and even the grandchildren are too big and not comfortable in the back seat. So now I am looking for a new SUV but do not want a big one and want one larger than the CH-R. I’ve been looking at the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai and Toyota brands. I do not want to make an expensive mistake again. We’ve had Toyotas for years and love their reliability. So, I am looking for something bigger than the CH-R but smaller than the ordinary SUVs.

A. The Toyota Corolla Cross has replaced the CH-R and may be a good option. As for a smaller vehicle from Hyundai or Kia, yes, they make good vehicles. The Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos fit in that category you are looking at and are certainly worth looking at.

Q. I have a 2016 Honda CR-V which I bought new. It has 83,500 miles and I have always used good fuel. My check engine light came on with a code of P0420, which points to the catalytic converter. My mechanic reset the computer, and the light stayed off for one week of driving, and then it went back off. The car still runs great and the gas mileage is the same as always. My question is, would you recommend a catalytic converter cleaner and if so, do you have any recommendations?

A. You could try Cataclean fuel and exhaust system cleaner. Readers have told me they have had good results. The most common repair is replacement of the catalytic converter usually combined with a new factory oxygen sensor. Occasionally an exhaust leak can be the culprit, but typically the catalytic converter is the issue.

Q. I want to replace the brakes on my minivan. They are disc brakes, front and rear. Do you have any tips to share?

A. My suggestion is to buy quality brake pads and rotors. Look for brake pads that come with associated hardware and proper brake lubricant. When replacing the rotors, clean any rust off on the hubs for the rotors to lie flat. A wire brush on a drill works well. If the rear rotors do not come off easily the parking brake could be binding up. There is an adjustment that may be able to be backed off to allow for rotor removal. It is generally recommended to open the bleeder screws when pushing caliper pistons back in. This helps to prevent pushing contaminated fluid back into the master-cylinder and potentially damaging the ABS system. Top off with fresh brake fluid.

John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your Car Doctor question to [email protected]. Listen to the Car Doctor podcast at johnfpaul.podbean.com.