Popular questions

Question
Car starts, shakes, and stalls.
It sounds like your Camry is giving you a bit of a scare! There are generally three different issues that may cause your car to shake and stall after starting up. The most common issue I have experienced with your...
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What does the “Power steering assist fault” warning in the message center of a Ford Fusion mean?
Your car’s Power Steering system includes both the normal Hydraulic system used for many years now to make steering your car easier, as well as a Power Steering Assist system that augments the regular power steering. If a problem develops...
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Check Engine Codes P0014 and P054A
Both Codes refer to a problem with the variable valve timing mechanism. The issue could be mechanical (basic timing is off), hydraulic (VVT relies on engine oil pressure), or electrical (there are solenoids, wiring, terminals). Regardless of the issue, there...
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Recommended oil to use on a turbo engine vs. a non-turbo one
Yes it really does. Because turbos spin hundreds of thousands of revolutions and they need really good lubrication. They need a little heavier oil. They need the 30 vs. the 20 and you don't want to mess with the turbo...
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Car sporadically idle high & runs around 1500 RPMS
Hi there. The most common causes of this on your vehicle are either a bad idle control valve, a dirty or failing throttle body, or a vacuum leak. It is very common for the engine to have a vacuum leak...
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What kind of oil do I need for my 2008 Volkswagen Passat turbo
You can use 5w30 or 5w40 full synthetic oil that is VW certified only. This is VW specified in the owners manual.
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Sensor problem? Transmission overheating
Hi there. Your Focus has what is called a dual-clutch "automatic" transmission. Mechanically, it is a manual transmission with 2 clutches and servos, and other electronics used to handle the clutches and shifting such that it acts like a classic...
Question
How do you replace a low beam headlight bulb?
Headlights are vital for any situation where you have to drive in low or no light, or when it’s raining, sleeting or snowing. It’s important for your own visibility, as well as ensuring that other drivers are able to see...
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Won't start without holding gas pedal to floor, stalls @ intersections
Hi there. As you already know, replacing parts without diagnoses can be expensive and time consuming without resolution. The most likely cause for the symptoms you have described is a faulty fuel pressure regulator. Removing the vacuum line to the...
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Car won’t shift out of park
You will need to make sure you put all the fuses back in the correct places since the fuse will power the shift interlock. Fuses number 2 and 14 control the shift interlock. Make sure fuses are in place and...
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Just changed my o2 sensor and my engine is still jerking while idling, and jolting while driving, what now?
You may be having a vacuum leak or another problem that is causing the O2 sensor to measure a lean condition. This would account for the rough running engine at idle. Have engine checked for a vacuum leak or leaks...
Question
4x4 won't engage and push button switch lights up intermittently.
Hi there. Check the electrical wiring to the transfer case shifter motor and see if there is a voltage present when pushing on the 4WD button. If there is a voltage present, then I recommend replacing the servo motor on...
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OBll CODE : P1899
Hi there. As the service manual reads, the resistance between pin 2 on the range switch and pin 6 black PCM connector must be checked for less than 5 ohms of resistance. Any more than 5 ohms of resistance and...
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I have a diagnostic trouble code P147d.
The code P147d is coming up for the fuel canister purge valve that could be sticking and not working properly. The purge valve is designed to control the emission's vapors in the fuel system. If the valve is not functioning...
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If the engine is locked up or a rod is blown will it still try to turn over ?
Hi there. Sometimes what might appear to be major engine damage is actually caused by a small electrical problem. If you try to crank the engine over, but it won't crank over, it's possible that the starter relay, starter itself...
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My vehicle was running great. After I had the oil changed it was cutting out and had to replace my vvt solenoids. Now overheating?
A oil change cannot cause any of the problems you are having unless the incorrect viscosity too thick of oil was put in. Your engine calls for 5w20 motor oil and synthetic oil is recommended. If too thick oil is...
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How much gas do I have when running on empty for my Acura?
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Your car has a 17.2 gallon fuel tank which is broken down to 15.2 gallons of use and 2 gallons reserve. After 15.2 gallons are used, the fuel gauge should read E for...
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How do I use the flash-to-pass high-beams?
The flash-to-pass high-beams are a way to flash your high-beams once. To use the flash-to-pass high-beams, pull the turn signal lever towards you, and then release it. The lever will return to its normal position, and the vehicle will flash...
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I have a 1998 Honda Accord ex. What will cause it to idle up and down
This problem of erratic idle speed is often referred to as "surging" or "hunting". The causes include vacuum leaks and EGR system faults, a faulty idle air control (IAC) valve or circuit, faults in the fuel pump control circuit, defective...
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Is it possible to put 20" rims on a car that has 15" stock rim?
Yes you can put 20 inch rims on your vehicle but with limitations. This will depend on how wide the rims and tires will be and also if the tires will clear the struts and suspension parts when driving and...
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If a CV axle gets pulled out of transmission while driving 35 mph will this damage the transmission?
Hi there: In short - yes. If the CV axle was removed from the transmission while driving, it is more likely than not that internal components were damaged. However, the only way to know for certain is to contact a...
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Car ran fine than I parked it and won't start. Changed the crankshaft sensor, ignition coils, and throttle body and the car still wont start.
Hi there. Check the fuel pressure on the fuel rail and see if there is 35 psi or more. If the pressure is at 0 to 5 psi, then the fuel pump is not functioning correctly. Check the fuel pump...
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Why does my tachometer not stay at zero?
Hi there. The tachometer on your 2007 BMW 328i is designed to measure the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine while it is in operation. Anytime the engine is running, the engine will idle (without the use of the...
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Engine shakes intermittently after warmed up with car in "drive" at a stop. Single shakes at a time.
Hi there. There could be an issue with the fuel system or with the ignition system on your vehicle. It seems that the engine is having a minor misfire. Check the spark plug wires and see if any of them...
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How many O2 sensors are on a 2005 Cadillac CTS 3.6L V6 base sedan, I just purchased it used.
There are 4 oxygen sensors on your model, two upstream in the manifold area, and two after the catalytic converters (one per converter). Oxygen sensors are only replaced if the actual output wave form, and voltage range, is out of...