Q: I changed the spark plugs, now my car is shifting into reverse really hard, and it is stuck in 3rd gear

If the engine runs, and engine rpm increases when you press the accelerator, the issue is in the driveline. This could be an engagement issue, such as shifter linkage. It could also be a broken universal joint, clutch, if it is...

Transmission leaks can become very expensive if not addressed quickly. The fluid acts as a lubricant and cooling fluid, so if it's missing, heat in the form of friction can cause catastrophic failure. Possible points of leakage include the transmission...

Low compression in a cylinder can be from different things. The piston and its rings, the valves leaking, a head gasket leaking, or a cam lobe worn. A broken spring for a valve may also be the problem. If you...

The Mk 2 series 1.6l TDCI engines - up to 6/2011 build date have a 120mm length glow plug. The Mk3 series 1.6l TDCI engines, starting 02/2011 utilize a 114mm length glow plug. Diameter of the glow plug threads is...

Hi there. First, a compression test (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-do-a-compression-test-by-robert-tomashek) will only check the cylinder for pressure build up during cranking and test the rings. To verify that the valves are really leaking, hook up a leak down tester to the engine and...

Hello. If the key will come out then you have an issue with the key lock sensor in the shifter assembly. It is not uncommon for the shifter assembly to break internally or to become warped and make poor contact,...

Depending on the vehicle and tire pressure system you can find out what sensor is defective by scanning the TPMS system to isolate the failed sensor. Another way is to use a sensor activator scanner near each wheel to test...

Hi There, It sounds like you may have a dirty or failing idle air control valve causing your engine idle to fluctuate and eventually stall. The idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) is a small valve on the engine's intake system...

Hi there. Thanks for contacting us today. If you shifted into reverse while the vehicle was in forwarding motion, it's likely that shift linkage or the reverse gear itself has been damaged. Honestly, without completing an inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-hard-to-shift-inspection), it's hard...