Popular questions

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I had an oil change and Castrol GTX was used, which I assume is not a synthetic oil. Will that harm my engine.
Synthetic vs conventional oil is one of the most debated myths surrounding the topic of oil changes. This will not hurt your engine when switching from synthetic to conventional or vice versa. In fact, Synthetic blend oils are actually a...
Question
I have a 2015 Chrysler 200 with 7000 miles on it what type of oil should I use full synthetic or 50/50
Hi Mark. For your specific year, make and model, you should use 5W-20 multi-viscosity API SN certified oil that meets Chrysler standard MS-6395. The API certification, viscosity, and the just cited Chrysler standard should be printed on the motor oil...
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My ecm needs replaced an I drought a used but said it needs to be programmed first an they say go to a dealer but I don't have dea
Hi there. Unfortunately, replacing an ECM is not a job that a mechanic can do unless they have access to vehicle specific software updates to program the ECU; which is very rare. The best option is to contact a dealership...
Question
What would cause my 2008 Ford Escape to growl at 40 mph and what would it cost to repair.
Hello. From what you are saying it does sound like you have a bearing failure. When they fail they will make a growling beginning at higher speed. You will then get it at lower speeds the more you drive with...
Question
why wont it go anywhere once it is warmed up?
It is not clear from your description if this is an engine loss of power issue or a transmission malfunction. Your vehicle might be going into limp mode once warmed up. Check for any OBD-II stored trouble codes that might...
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Having weird transmission issues need advise on to sell or fix.
The transmission will likely need to be rebuilt or replaced. I would get a quote from a few local shops for a transmission overhaul and then compare this with the car's value before and after repairs. Look at some other...
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Car not starting, only clicks.
The first thing I would have checked by a certified mechanic would be the battery, a typical battery for your car only has a useful life of about 3-5 years. The amount of power left in the battery might be...
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Squeaking noise when braking. Pads still very good.
The majority of modern cars on the road have certain wear marks in the brake pads that will make a squeaking noise when they reach a specific material thickness. When the pads wear down to a specific mark, they will...
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Need to locate the oil filter on a 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette
Hi there. Although this video is for an Alero, the motor on your Silhouette is identical. You can watch the video to see where the filter is located and how to remove.
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2004 ford focus wagon overheats randomly then kools
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be having issues with the components you already replaced, or there may be another problem. At this point, you will want to look into the engine temperature sensors, the radiator cap,...
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Bad clutch in my truck
Hello! Thank you for writing in with this question. This generation of Tacoma has an adjustable clutch pedal assembly. As outlined in the Tacoma service manual, if the assembly is out-of-adjustment, it could cause slipping. A local mechanic (like those...
Question
My temperature gauge rises then goes back down.
This can be caused by a number of things such as low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, or a failing coolant fan switch. As you may know, the coolant fan switch helps to maintain the proper coolant temperature by turning...
Question
Brake light battery light
This may suggest a failing voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is a unit that regulates the charging of the battery by the alternator. When the voltage regulator is not working properly, this may result in the alternator allowing too much...
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High rpm at low speeds first 5-10 minutes of driving
There are some engine controls that affect transmission shift points, such as the throttle position sensor. Those have to be ruled out. If it does turn out to be a transmission issue, check the fluid level and condition. Beyond simple...
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Lost all transmission fluid near radiator overnight 2004 GMC Sierra
Hello - there are fittings at the radiator where the transmission oil lines go into the radiator side tank. Perhaps one or both of these fittings came loose, or broke - leaking fluid from that point? Gravity would do the...
Question
When I get a jumpstart it works drive it for 10 miles and cut it off and it want crank again it's completely dead
You possibly have a dead battery and/or a faulty charging system. The very first thing to do is be sure you have a fully, 100% charged battery that passes a load test. If the battery passes a load test be...
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Have to fuel very slowly, pump keeps shutting off
Hi, thanks for writing in. This may very well be related to the evaporative emission canister vent solenoid. This is often times part of the problem when getting the system to properly vent. This can be tested by simply checking...
Question
What can I buy to check for leaks in the hoses
Hello, thank you for writing in. The quickest and easiest way to locate a leak in the system is to use a dye. It is added to the refrigerant and cycled through for a few minutes running the AC on...
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Its leakinig in the reservoir, the radiator reservoir bottom it's wet
It sounds like you may have a leaking radiator. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to test your radiator for leaks.
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Idling low at 1 to 1.5k rpm. can not get rpms above 3k.
It sounds like you may have a couple of different issues going on here. At idle your car should be hovering around 750-800 RPM's consistently. This is generally controlled by the idle air control valve which a valve that reads...
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Car unused for much of a year. Is it safe to drive?
If your car has been used at least once a month and fresh fuel has been put in at least every six months, then you should not have a problem other than maybe a possible low or dead battery, and...
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Died while driving cranks but won't start what could it be?
Hello. Typically when you have these symptoms you want to focus on air, fuel and spark. If you already replaced the ignition coil, and know you are getting spark to the plugs, turn your attention to the fuel system. You...
Question
When accelerating after a complete stop, turning corners, coming to a complete stop or randomly when Parked a very odd vibrating
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be suffering from several different issues. In this type of situation you want to start with the least complicated option, and work your way up. Start by making sure your tires...
Question
Still over heating after replacing radiator and thermostat. What is next plan of attack
Firstly, I would recommend checking the water pump for leaks and testing it to make sure it is flowing correctly. Also, as a means to eliminate another possible problem, while you are at it, I would check the coolant fan...