Popular questions

Question
How do I know if the brakes need to be replaced?
Your car has self-adjusting, four-wheel disc brakes. That offers better stopping power, but you need to know the signs that the pads are beginning to wear out. While some squeaking is normal with all disc brakes, yours are equipped with...
Question
Where is the theft system located
The theft system of your vehicle is usually located in the steering column. This is due to the fact that the ignition switch is in this location and one of the major functions of the security system is to disable...
Question
My transmission wont register any gears at all no reverse even. And it has at code p0785
Hi there. The transmission control module, or TCM, uses data from the shift/timing solenoids to manage hydraulic fluid transfers between circuits, and to perform changes in transmission gear ratios in order to accelerate, decelerate, optimize fuel efficiency, and maximize engine...
Question
What would cause my transmission to not shift
One cause to rule out is low fluid level or a plugged transmission fluid filter. Delayed shifts can also be caused by internal hydraulic leaks in the valve body or failing internal transmission seals found on clutch pack pistons and...
Question
Starting problem: I turn the key on and everything on the dashboard comes on, all the lights work, but the truck wont start?
Hello. Try checking underneath the steering column where there should be two torque headed screws that connect the shift lever to the cable. These tend to get loose or even fall out sometimes. There are also bushings in the shifter...
Question
Car wont start - 2001 Nissan Sentra
Hello there, a variety of faults will cause your 2001 Nissan Sentra to overheat, be low on coolant, and now have starting trouble. The first problem is the vehicle being low on coolant, either there is a leak in the...
Question
Roof doesn’t work
Unfortunately this is an issue that has plagued Patriots for years, with apparently no one solution that proved reliable in all cases. However, there are two procedures that have proven effective in a lot of cases: Replace the sunroof seal...
Question
I have a 2001 Saab 93 turbo automatic and it keeps stalling. Once it does, I have to wait about 20-30 mins to restart.
Hi there. Check the spark plugs and see if they have been replaced. The plugs in your engine are designed to last between 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Replace the spark plugs if they have not been changed. If the symptom...
Question
i replaced the cluster and disconnected the battery. when i connected everything again the theft alarm was on and car doesnt start
Hello, thank you for writing in. The first thing we need to determine is if this is a stock alarm or an aftermarket that was installed later. There may be a technical issue with the alarm module itself. The keys...
Question
My heater only blows out hot air when going down the road and rpms reach about 2 if or when i slow down or stop it blows cold
This can sometimes happen when the coolant level is low or leaking. The coolant gets hotter as the RPMs rise. This can cause hot coolant to reach the heater core during high RPMs but not low RPMs. I recommend having...
Question
Cooling fan is always on - 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320
Hello. Though there are a lot of possible causes of this, the most common is a relay issue. If the relay for the fan is failing, then this will occur. It may also be something, such as a short in...
Question
Sinking brake pedal in an O1 Lincoln Town Car
Of course, with the sinking brake pedal, you'd want to start with the most logical suspect - a brake fluid leak. Pull the tires off and see if anything's leaking. Look for the dripping fluid. If you don't find anything...
Question
How do I clean the alloy wheels?
It’s important that you care for your car’s alloy wheels – dirt, grime, tar and other problems can leave them looking rough. Here’s how to ensure that they stay in good shape: Use a soft sponge. Use a mild...
Question
Clunk, Clank, and Throttle.
Check the suspension and steering around the driver side and see if there is anything that could be loose. Look for any bolts or bushings that may be loose or broken. For the engine revving up on the freeway merging,...
Question
Rear lights not working.
Looking at the wiring diagram for your vehicle, I see that none of these circuits share a common ground. They do however, all receive power from the totally integrated control module (TIPM). This module is basically a smart fuse box....
Question
Why won't my brake lights turn off
There is a brake light switch on or near the pedal assembly. That switch could have been jarred in such a way that the switch contacts are stuck in the closed (lights always on) position. If that is what has...
Question
I'm having trouble Installing new driver side (left) CV axle
It's possible that there is some rust or dirt built up in the splines that is preventing the joint from sliding all the way home. If you can purchase a wire brush about the size of a toothbrush, you can...
Question
How do I know when the spare tire needs to be replaced?
Like your primary tires, your spare will eventually wear out. However, you should have years of trouble-free use out of it. Because it’s used only during emergencies, it should last a very long time. With that being said, you should...
Question
Leaking water pump
If the water pump is leaking, then it will need to be replaced. During water pump replacement, it is recommended that the timing belt also be replaced, since it needs to be removed while the water pump is being replaced....
Question
Car not starting, even with jumpstart
Hello. I strongly suggest checking the starter, alternator and even the new battery to make sure that they are all in working order. Testing those three will give you a better perception of why it's not starting. If you need...
Question
How do I unlock my 2017 Ford Focus without the horn sounding?
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are different settings for each manufacturer, and you may need to hold the unlock and lock button down a little longer on your vehicle. However, if you are pressing the locking buttons twice,...
Question
Front engine seal is leaking
Hello, if the front crankshaft seal is leaking, the only way to stop the leak is to replace the seal. The harmonic damper needs to removed for access to the seal. Other parts may have to be removed like the...
Question
Diesel poured into a gasoline car
At least you didn't put gasoline into the diesel car. If you did and started the engine, the engine would blow up. Diesel fuel is a lower grade fuel so your engine is probably going to ping. I'd advise draining...
Question
Leaking coolant
First of all I'm glad to hear you are just using water. I always advise customers to use just water if they are experiencing a leak and can't get it fixed right away. My question is did the pressure gauge...