The Case of the Missing Keys!

Dear JB,
I have a 1999 Lexus RX 300.  I am also a realtor and as you know we carry lots of  client files, signs and a bunch of other junk around all the time.  That is why I chose the RX 300 because it's roomy and still looks good when showing houses.  Did I mention I was a realtor?  (I am always looking for new listings, you know).  Anyway, the other day I lost

my last set of keys.  I had on a previous occasion lost my other set which came with the car, probably because I always have a big armload of papers and other assorted items to lug around all the time.  I have lost two cell phones just this month!  Anyway, back to the Lexus, I had it towed to my mechanic to have him get me more keys and after making a few phone calls he told

me that the computer would have to be replaced and it would cost me around $1500.  I nearly fainted.  Is there a simpler (read cheaper) way to solve this problem?
Signed,
Alexis Buyer
Cry- Alot for Better Homes Realty

Dear Alexis,
Sounds like you better sell a couple of homes on the golf course real quick!  The mechanic is telling you the truth and here's why:  Your keys have a special computer chip made inside them which are mated to the computer in your car.  When you stick the key in the lock the key chip completes an electrical circuit back to the computer and it lets the car start.  No other Lexus keys in the world will fit yours and vice-versa.
Now for the good news.  If you will tow your car to the Lexus dealer he loves you so-o much that he will cut you a deal.  If you pay for the new

keys and the programming fee he will throw in the computer for free!  It will still set you back a sizable mortgage downpayment, but it won't be fifteen hundred bucks, either.

Ice Age Lincoln

Dear JB,
I drive a very old 1982 Lincoln

Continental.  Everyone teases me about this car - my grandkids ask me where the coal goes in to fire the boiler!  But I don't mind, it's what I am comfortable driving.  Maybe I should say I WAS comfortable driving it until this winter.  The problem is that I don't get any heat from the heater.  I've replaced the thermostat, water pump, radiator, heater core, heater control valve and flushed the system all to no avail.  My wife says it is time to give up on the old bucket but I am too stubborn to quit now.  What do you think?
signed,
Abraham's Lincoln

Well, Abe, where does the coal go?  Just kidding, actually I thought that model was still horse-drawn...  (BOO, hiss)  Hey, I think I do know what your problem is.  Since the car has computerized automatic temperature control it has to rely on a sensor inside the passenger compartment to tell it when to open the blend air door to allow heat into the car.  This sensor is located under the dash pad above the glove box.  As I seem to recall those used to fail on your model Lincoln quite regularly.

JB can be seen each Thursday morning on WDEF-TV News 12's Morning Show at 7:30 A.M. where he answers your car questions.  He can also be heard Saturday Mornings 7-9 on Talk Radio 102.3 FM on the Saturday Morning Garage.  He spends the rest of his time taking advantage of helpless motorists at North Shore Auto Repair in Chattanooga.  E-mail JB at jeepster1515@yahoo.com to have your car care question answered in this column.