Popular questions

Question
Need help with a reduced engine power warning light.
Hello - first thing to check is what problem code remains set. If still a TPS, double-checking the wiring at the throttle body, and also checking the throttle pedal actuator sensor. This is the "transmitter" whereas the throttle position sensor...
Question
Tire rotation and oil change
Hi There, Depending on the type of tires (with rotation marks vs without rotation marks), the tires will be rotated in accordance with manufacturers specifications. Our mechanics are able to do this with the use of a jack and jack...
Question
Brake master cylinder - 2010 Honda Element
Hi and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Most likely what has happened is that when you were compressing the caliper to install the new brake pads, you compressed the caliper too fast and blew out the inner seal(s) in your...
Question
Intermittent starting problem.
Hi. There may be a couple of reasons why this could be happening. There could be an intermittent problem with the starter not engaging when it should be. This is usually caused by a problem inside the starter solenoid. ...
Question
Loss of all acceleration after hard acceleration and check engine like blinking
You could have an engine or transmission problem causing the computer to go into failsafe mode and limit power and would need to have the computer scanned for the failure codes stored for the cause of the problem. You may...
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The car stalls occasionally as if the fuel is not been pumped
It sounds like you may have a fuel supply issue that corresponds to the load put on the motor when you turn the A/C on. This may be related to a faulty MAP sensor. The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor...
Question
My harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley broke in my 1996 3000GT. When installing new one, I noticed that part of the drive belt tha
Hi there. Absolutely, there is a chance that there could be a damaged timing belt or it has jumped time. However, there is also the possibility that the debris has damaged the crank/cam position sensors. With a capable scan tool/...
Question
Possible blown head gasket
The engine overheating erratically is the first thing that comes to mind. Other problems like hoses, radiator or heater core bursting or leaking all of a sudden. The extra pressure from combustion pressure entering the cooling system causes this. Continuous...
Question
What do you think could be wrong?
Hi there: What you're describing appears to be a problem with the serpentine belt; which powers many of your vehicle's components including the alternator, power steering, and air conditioning systems. When the belt or the pulley's that turn the belt...
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Replaced rt.& Left Rotors and brake pads. Also Rt. hub. the problem is ABS & brake light still come on. Does this have be reset ? 2004 Buick Ranier
Hello - the short answer is "Yes", the ABS problem code needs to be cleared with an appropriate Scan/Reset tool. This also begs the question "Was the ABS specific code read when the ABS light first came on, so that...
Question
What causes me car to be weak when going uphill
There may be a few different reasons for a vehicle to not have power to go up a hill. You need to first determine if it is the engine or transmission problem. If the transmission is not downshifting or is...
Question
Car running hot
The coolant may not be leaking, but fumes from the overflow can be smelled when it is running hot. Your vehicle should be checked to see if the fans are working, and the thermostat is okay. A pressure test for...
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Issues with coolant pouring out of the overflow
Hi there. If the engine is losing coolant, then the location of the leak needs to be found first. A leak will allow the coolant to get low enough to cause it to overheat. I start by doing a pressure...
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Motor oil
It will not hurt your motor if you use regular oil after using synthetic oil. Just make sure to drain as much out as possible, and change your oil filter. There is no difference in motor design. Some manufacturers prefer...
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Car stalls at a low speed
Hello. You can try and clean the IAC valve, but if it is bad, it will need replacement. Cleaning the IAC valve would only be a temporary fix. The IAC valve is usually attached to the throttle body, and can...
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Engine temp gauge rises quickly
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
Fuse at hot battery terminal looks burnt out battery keeps loosing charge.
Possibilities include a faulty charging system and/or parasitic power flow, that is current flowing in a circuit, draining the battery, even when the circuit(s) has been commanded off. This is referred to as a "parasitic" load, sometimes known as a...
Question
Engine shakes after 10psi.
Check for problem codes anyway, even if the Check Engine light is not illuminated. There may be a transient code for a misfire. I would suspect that either the plugs or coils are failing under load, and need to be...
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Brakes: vacuum pump relay failire
It sounds like your problems are isolated to the Brake Assist System which is a system designed to sense panic stop conditions and use vacuum to assist the brake pedal and give you the shortest possible stopping distance. Like the...
Question
Car won't crank even when jump started
If not even the lights work, there is probably a major fuse or fuses (or fusible links) that have blown and/or a major wiring fault. If you want the required diagnostic steps performed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic...