This is often times related to what is called an idle air control valve which controls the air/fuel mixture at idle speed. When this is not working properly, this can cause the car to run either too rich (too much...
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are several different systems that interact with the fuel system which effect fuel economy. The first that you will want to check is the ignition system. Make sure your spark plugs are new...
Hello - your failure scenario description suggests a blown headgasket, especially with a history of overheating (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/overheating-problem-with-my-car). I would have the compression checked first, and suspect it will be low on most cylinders. It is also possible that the timing...
If you have a voltmeter and can reach the starter, you can test for activation voltage at the solenoid. If you have at least ten volts on terminal 50 when the key is turned, then you will probably need a...
Hello. If you had jammed the broom under the vehicle then it more than likely warped the plate. When this occurs in some cases the cover can be removed and then straightened and reinstalled. Most of the time though once...
The warning lights mean that the vehicle's computer has detected a fault in the engine management system and/or engine controls which includes a lot of sensors and other devices. If the vehicle has not entered "limp mode" (reduced performance), is...
If you found oil has entered the spark plug tube galley then the oil may have shorted out all the coils and plug wires causing the engine no start. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection) The oil is getting in the galley from a leaking...
The idle air control valve monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine. This valve is controlled by the vehicle's computer which will adjust idle speed based upon other measurements such...
Hello there, many faults will cause the power steering on your 1999 BMW 323i to become stiff (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/steering-wheel-is-hard-to-turn-inspection) after getting hit on the front tire. The most likely would be damage to the power steering rack from the impact to...
This could potentially be due to a faulty mass air flow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement). This is a component that regulates the air coming into the intake system as it is mixed with the fuel prior to being injected into the motor....
The first order of business will be to read the stored codes in the transmission controller. A generic scan tool like the use at the auto parts stores and tire shops will not do the trick in this case. It...
Hi there. The problem with BMW-specific OBD-II codes is that they are unbelievably vague, In this case, the P1189 code indicates a fuel control fault detected from Bank 2 sensor 1. This does not automatically mean the O2 sensor is...
EML refers to the electronic throttle control system. It's a system integrated into the engine and body controllers to select the proper the throttle position for whatever the driver is demanding. There are several sensors and actuators in play and...
This may be related to a short or a faulty instrument cluster voltage regulator. The instrument voltage regulator regulates the voltage supplied to the various gauges in your vehicle’s dash. When this is not working properly, this may cause the...
Hello, thank you for writing in. The hood should technically fit. Some replacement hoods for the 1999 say they will not fit the 2000 model, but they should be the same. The first thing you want to do is look...
Control arms and control arm bushings are a very common failure on your car. If there is even a slight imbalance in the tires and wheels, the effect will be greatly amplified by any looseness in the front suspension.The control...
Hi there. There is an issue with the shifter interlock lock solenoid in the shifter housing. The solenoid has lost power or it has been shorted out. Remove the carpeting and get to the shifter housing and remove it from...
As you know, your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information constantly to the ABS and traction control system which are controlled by the car's ECU....
Hello. BMW doesn't recommend using oil additives (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/a-guide-to-motor-oil-additives_2). I don't know exactly whether Lucas Oil Stabilizer works well, but if you are using a good quality oil with an SJ rating or better, there is not anything that an additive...
Do you have ANY aftermarket electrical equipment in the car? Such components can impact the function of the PCM. Also, check the alternator output and stability. If the power supply to the PCM is not within specification, that could damage...