Q: I have several codes and would like to understand them better and how they affect the health of my car

Your car is equipped with a rear window defogger, and it may be equipped with side view mirror defoggers (optional equipment). They’re both operated in the same way: Press the rear defogger button to turn both systems on. They will...

The gas caps are really common for the P0442 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0442-obd-ii-trouble-code-evaporative-emission-control-system-leak-detected-small-leak-by-spencer-clayton). A gas cap costs like eight bucks. Get another gas cap and put it on and pray that it's that. Because if it's not that, it is generally time...

Hello, if the car is only overheating when it is not moving then it is usually caused by an air flow issue through the radiator. Most of the time, this is caused by an issue with the radiator fan not...

Hello there. It does sound like your 1996 GMC C2500 has gone through an excessive amount of brake components. There are a few things that can cause premature brake component failure. Sticking calipers (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-caliper-replacement) and wheel cylinders (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-wheel-cylinder-replacement) are the...

The brake lights are turned on and off by the brake light relay in the underhood relay box. This relay is controlled by the body control module and is signaled by the brake switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-light-switch-replacement). Check the relay first to...

Hi, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. This is your car immobilizer light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-do-the-immobilizer-warning-lights-mean-by-spencer-cates) that indicates the car is armed. The immobilizer, usually called Securi-Lock in Ford vehicles, is a passive anti-theft device that disables your vehicle’s...

Hello. Vibrations can be caused by a wide variety of issues. If they are happening under all of those circumstances it may be possible that they are suspension related. Perhaps some of the suspension components, or even the tires, have...

The C/V version is rated for 1,500 pounds of cargo and 300 pounds of passengers (1,800 pounds combined). All other versions of this vehicle, including the SE, have a suspension rated for 1,150 pounds max, passengers and cargo combined. Obviously,...

Too much air flowing into the intake causes the engine to lean out, as a result of too much air in relation to the fuel and misfire. At an idle, the PCV valve restricts air flow, to reduce this problem....