Popular questions

Question
Might be time for a tune-up
Hi there. The Service Engine Soon Light will come on for multiple reasons. Without knowing the complaint or code the computer has stored, it is very difficult to guess what it might be. I suggest you have a mechanic, like...
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What is the satellite radio electronic serial number and why do I need it?
While AM and FM stations are free to listen to, satellite radio (SIRIUS) is a paid service. In order to receive signal after the initial trial period is over, you’ll need to enroll with SIRIUS Radio. To do that, you’ll...
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Why won't it start with a low battery and a good jump start connection?
Hi, thanks for writing in. Your battery may not have had enough cold cranking amps (CCA). The volts may be correct but if it doesn't have enough CCA, it will not start for you. Batteries that specify cold cranking...
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Rims and tire
A great resource to try is tirerack.com. They have a great tire/wheel selection with an easy to use website that will provide the answers you are looking for. You can also try searching for some automotive enthusiast forums specific to...
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Jetta not starting.
There are quite a few things that can cause a cranking no start condition on a Jetta. Some common issues are faulty crankshaft sensors and faulty ignition coil. Starting with the basics generally yields the best results. Listen for fuel...
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Clicking and vibrating while driving and turning.
A vibrating sound could indicate a bad wheel bearing and a clicking noise while turning can indicate a bad cv joint. The wheel bearing is what the wheel rotates on and the CV joint is what connects the transmission to...
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Low engine pressure.
Your Volkswagen Passat is one of my favorite cars because it is turbo charged! Because it has this power booster, your turbo charged engine is a bit more finicky when it comes to running properly. It will need positive pressure...
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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
Horn no longer works
I would recommend first checking fuse #23 in the fuse box which is the fuse for the horn. If this does not solve your problem, I would then suggest testing the horn switch in the pad in the steering wheel....
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rough idle on start up everytime
You could have several things contributing to the hard start. Dirty or faulty throttle valve, idle air control valve, bad temperature sensor, and more. I suggest having a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, perform a few tests to be...
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My car will not start without a jump
This sounds like your alternator is going out. It maybe outputting just enough power to allow the car to run once you get it started, but it isn't putting out enough power to recharge your battery. Either way, you need...
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Console panel not working.
The panel window for the navigation typically will only be blank when the system is turned off. If the system is not turning on at all then you may have a programming issue. Nissan had some issues with the programming...
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I'm being told my rear dif is toast. How does this happen? Is it due to lack of rear dif oil changes or do they just wear out? 2009 VW Tiguan
Hello - your Tiguan is equipped with a Haldex torque-sensing system which directs power thru the differential to the axle (left/right) which has the best traction. Think of the differential as the reduction gears and axle(s) drive, and the Haldex...
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My headlights doesn't seem to work good.
The issue with your lights is the ballast resistor is not working properly. Ballast resistors are designed to monitor the amount of voltage to the headlights. If the lights are dimming out and then not working, then the ballast resistor...
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Fuel gauge needle in wrong place
It sounds like the fuel gauge is stuck in the e position. There is a common fix for this problem. You need to get some rare earth metal magnets, made of neodymium, and place them near the fuel gauge, and...
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Car battery light on... New battery and alternator but keeps dying
Hello. If your charge indicator is on, this indicates a problem in the system. The charge indicator will have a resistor that is about 390 ohms when tested and if it is bad then may cause light to come on....
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Service Engine Light staying on.
This code is for the oxygen sensor (O2) heater control circuit. O2 sensors in modern vehicles use a heating element to bring the sensor up to operating temperature faster. This allows the powertrain control module (PCM) to use the sensor...
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Car makes popping noise
Hello. The vehicles cruise control system uses an actuator and cable to open the throttle body and hold cruise. The throttle cable and cruise control cable operate independently, but are both linked to the throttle body. Have an experienced technician...
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Still overheating after replacing thermostat and radiator.
Hello, thanks for writing in. I suggest having the engine diagnosed by a mechanic to see if the cooling fans are working like they should, and if they have overheated, then see if engine head gasket is blown. I also...
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Car will not start because of electric problem
The theft deterrent system on your vehicle has a module that needs to see a key that belongs to the vehicle to turn on the ignition so your vehicle can start. While looking at the theft light on the dash...
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Radiator leaking and overheating.
Hello, A coolant leak needs to be repaired sooner than later, as overheating can lead to engine damage. You will probably need the aid of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who can pressurize the system with a hand...
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I was just about out of gas and almost to has station when a red lightening bolt started flashing and the car started sputtering,
The red lightning bolt indicates that there is a problem wit the electronic throttle control unit. This may be for a specific reason or may be due to a slight glitch. Try resetting the throttle control unit by doing the...
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APP sensor was replaced but the problem still exists.
Hi there. The throttle position sensor could be defective or the harness to the sensor could have a break in it. Check the harness for any loose or broke wires near the plug. If the harness is good and has...
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Wobble in front end
There are a few things that may be worn in the steering system. The most common would be the Pitman and Idler arms. These components ensure that both front wheels turn as the steering wheel is turned. If these components...
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I recently got a new battery and starter with in a month for my 2006 bmw 330i. Now the car won't start and key buttons won't work.
Hello, thank you for writing in. To remove the key from the ignition, you are going to want to disconnect the battery. The electronic sensors that register you are in park and allow the key to come out are not...