Popular questions

Question
hey Jay. I have a vw jetta 2011 4 cyl. my car has 60,000 miles was driving and felt a slight hesitation when accelerating uphill.
Diagnostic Trouble Code P0303 means that Cylinder No. 3 is misfiring but the causes of that misfiring can be very varied. The other Code that you probably saw, namely P0304, just refers to the same misfiring but it is occurring...
Question
Reservoir keeps being empty no visible leaks and oil looks good color
The reservoir is going empty due to a blown head gasket most likely. You will need to have the system pressure tested first to make sure the radiator and coolant reservoir is not leaking under pressure. I suggest having a...
Question
Car shuts off at idle
Hi, thanks for writing in. This is a sign of a failing idle air control valve. This is a unit that regulates the air flow into the engine as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the...
Question
P0380
The glow plug wire harness is not the entirety of the circuit. The circuit fault represented by P0380 could arise in the wiring to the harness that you replaced, including the ground connection. To determine the integrity of the remaining...
Question
Leaking antifreeze.
Coolant can leak from dozens of places on a vehicle. The best way to pinpoint a coolant leak is to perform a cooling system pressure test. A qualified technician from YourMechanic will be able to perform this test for you....
Question
2 dash lights lighting up at the same time on and off battery/brake alternater is good and battery is good
Hi Robert. Thanks for the question tonight. When these two lights illuminate or flicker like you've described, it usually indicates that a sensor or electrical connection to a sensor that monitors these systems. There are several of these sensors on...
Question
Catalytic converter issue?
Hello! It sounds like you may have a clogged catalytic converter or potentially a faulty Oxygen sensor. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When this is...
Question
Could the code P0455 be the purge solenoid ?
Hi there. We have two great articles posted here on our website that will really help you learn more about the EVAP system and specifically the purge solenoid. The first is this article which explains what the P0455 OBD-II trouble...
Question
Car will not rev or accelerate in Drive.
Hi there. Your vehicle does have the CVT transmission in it and color varies by brand of CVT fluid used. The maintenance interval for that transmission is 60,000 miles and should be kept regularly to prevent know CVT transmission failures....
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...
Question
Spark plug threads
It sounds like you may have a stripped spark plug thread in the cylinder head. This can sometimes be fixed by the use of a Heli-coil, which may be a bit difficult to use depending on your experience with them....
Question
Shifting
It sounds like your vehicle's transmission is not shifting properly. Check the level of transmission and fluid condition. If the fluid level is low, that will cause shift difficulties. If the fluid is discolored or has a burnt odor, that...
Question
Hi when I drive my truck for a while and stop at the store or something and restart my truck it reads hotter than it should
Hi there. In general, worn out coolant tubes, or a radiator with worn out radiator coils and fins are the root sources of an engine that is running hotter than it should. This problem can also be caused by a...
Question
The car takes about 5 cranks to start and once it does start the car jerks and only idles at about 500 rpm
This is a fuel supply problem. Fuel pressure will be the key indicator for which component of the fuel system isn't performing as needed. Check to be sure the fuel pump relay is good, and the fuel pump is running...
Question
Front seal leak in minivan's transmission - 1997 Ford Aerostar
Hello. It sounds like your transmission either did not get completely full of fluid after the service or it is leaking fluid again. To check the transmission fluid, start the car and leave it in park. Next pull out...
Question
I got code p0229
A P0229 is a fault in the throttle position sensor: the sensor that tells the computer how far you are stepping on the accelerator. On the Passat, it is part of the throttle body. The Throttle body has redundant sensors...
Question
Ignition switch won't turn all the way off
It would appear that the vehicle has several problems that will need to be addressed separately. The radio staying on is probably caused by a switch that is not turning off all the way. This may also be related to...
Question
Car overheating and not starting
You certainly don't see many Pontiac Torrents around. The 3.4L is a common engine, however, and I know it well. Since it doesn't use a timing belt, I assume you must mean you replaced the serpentine belt. The only way...
Question
Check engine light has been on for a couple weeks starting blinking 2 days ago
When the check engine light is on, it means that the ECU has detected a malfunction and stored a trouble code to tell you what it is. When the check engine light is blinking, it means that the malfunction is...
Question
Car not driveable
Hello, An inspection of the vehicle will have to be done. The possibility of an internal failure of the transmission has occurred. This would still need to be confirmed. If you'd like, a certified Your Mechanic technician can come to...
Question
swinging steering wheel 65mph
Hello. It is possible that there is a problem with the wheel bearings, front ball joints, and rear ball joints, and control arms. These components have been known to cause the problem you are experiencing. If your car is still...
Question
Can I drive my 2004 Acura TSX with a bad AC compressor
Hello. Depending on what is wrong with the compressor will determine if it can be driven with it. If the compressor is simply not functioning and cooling the vehicle then you would be fine to drive it. If the pulley...
Question
Fluid hose comes off transmission to the slave cylinder.
The clutch master cylinder is not relieving the pressure when applied. I recommend bleeding the clutch master cylinder and retest. If the condition continues, then replace the clutch master cylinder. If you need further assistance with your hose blowing off...
Question
My car backfires at 50 mph.
Hi there. There is a timing problem with your engine. Check the vacuum advance to see if its advancing when the engine is at a higher rpm. Also check the spark plugs and wires for if they are burned but...
Question
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...