No more 87.7 on their dial

Question: My wife bought a 2016 Ford Escape. We noticed that the FM band of the car radio starts at 87.9. She used to listen to a station at 87.7 on her 2009 Escape. She emailed Ford for an explanation but has not gotten an answer. Can you advise us if not getting 87.7 is normal?

- W.S., Morton Grove, Ill.

Answer: Yes, it is normal. Newer car radios will not receive broadcasts from any frequency below 87.9 MHz, as the lower frequency is actually assigned to TV channel 6. Some radio broadcasters use 87.7 where there was no channel 6 in use in the vicinity. Some simulcast the TV audio. Since the FCC required all TV broadcasts to be digital, this is going away. By the way, the lower end of the FM band is reserved for noncommercial broadcasters.

Q: Two years ago, the cruise control in my 2003 Honda Accord began disengaging after five to 10 minutes, for no reason. I had the throttle body assembly and gasket replaced ($400 parts, $120 labor), but now the problem has returned. At least one online Honda blog says it's a common problem in 2003 to 2005 Hondas, caused when a plastic notch breaks from its molding to the butterfly valve shaft. My local Midas guy can't see anything physically wrong with the throttle body. Do you think another throttle body replacement will fix the problem again, or are there other possible causes?

- R.G., Skokie, Ill.

A: The problem is usually the plastic cam on the side of the throttle body to which the cruise control cable is attached. Due to engine heat, the plastic gets brittle, breaks, and the cable falls off. Although this cam assembly and its spring attach to the outside of the throttle body with a couple of screws, Honda does not sell it as a separate part. If you can locate a cheap, used throttle body at a junkyard or eBay, any good technician can salvage the part and put it on your car instead of replacing the whole throttle body. But don't overlook a bad or misadjusted brake light switch or clutch switch as these will cancel the cruise control intermittently as well.

Q: I have a 2005 Hyundai Accent with 155,000 miles on it. Periodically, the "check engine" light comes on. I go to the garage and they clear it for a few days and I pass inspection. Now they can't clear it. It has new plugs, cables, and coil. The light still comes on and says all the spark plugs are misfiring. Any ideas on what it could be?

- R.C., Pen Argyl, Pa.

A: All of the spark plugs cannot be misfiring or the engine probably would not run, but there could be a random misfire. The misfire trouble code will be P0300. There are numerous possibilities such as faulty spark plugs or wires, faulty ignition coil, faulty fuel injector(s), faulty oxygen sensor(s), faulty catalytic converter(s), a problem with the EGR valve, a faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor. On Hyundais, the ignition coil wiring connector may be loose. Throwing parts at it is just a waste of money. Find a tech who can do a thorough diagnosis.

Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certification every five years. His writing also appears in automotive trade publications. Send questions along with name and town to Motormouth, Rides, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Fifth Floor, Chicago IL 60611 or motormouth.trib@verizon.net