Popular questions

Question
Motor missing while accelerating
In older vehicles, misfires during acceleration or under load are usually due to faulty spark plug wires. Other things like carburetor not adjusted properly, or weak valve springs can also cause misfires during acceleration. I would suggest seeking help form...
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2009 Ford Focus manual Trans.drivetrain light comes on ? Why
Hi Jeff. Thanks for the question today. Warning lights are triggered when a sensor detects an error and creates an OBD-II trouble code then stores it in the ECU. The wrench light typically indicates that routine service or maintenance is...
Question
Pipe broke under car
By the description you have provided, my first guess would be that you have an exhaust leak. The most common failure is the exhaust flange gasket. You can visually inspect your exhaust pipe and look for obvious leaks from broken...
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Coolant Temperature Gauge
This problem is likely caused by a failing thermostat. The thermostat is designed to restrict coolant flow to the radiator until the engine reaches designed working temperature (something close to 210 degrees Fahrenheit). Getting to working temperature faster is important...
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Engine will not stay started.
This may be a problem with the fuel filter or fuel pump. If the fuel pump is getting weak or not working at all, that may cause your issue. If the fuel filter is clogged, this may also cause your...
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Loud pop and started running hot
A possibility is a head gasket leak where exhaust gas leaks into the cooling system pressurizing the cooling system and blowing out a hose. However, there are other potential, less serious, causes for what you describe. To get the actual...
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Getting 2 then 4 abs codes, brake shutters, speedo dies and engine slowes when Brake and absolutely lights come on,
You definitely want to start by inspecting the front and rear wheel speed sensors; a failure in these circuits will result in several other problems. Begin by connecting a scanner to see if the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is registering...
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What does the ignition timing control system do?
The ignition timing control system is an important part of the network of emissions control systems on your car. Really, it does exactly what the name implies – it manages the timing of the engine to help reduce the production...
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Wheel misaligned
I appears that hitting the curb has knocked the front right wheel out of alignment. In most cases, having an alignment service performed can correct this issue, but in some cases physical damage can occur if the curb was hit...
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Bad experience with CVT
Lemon laws vary by state, but in general, the manufacturer has three attempts to successfully repair the original concern before Lemon proceedings can begin. In regards to notes that should be made when replacing the transmission, be sure that the...
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Advice on buying a double-clutch Kia Optima
Yes, it is harder for maintenance, and I'm not a fan of those double-clutch systems, especially on a Kia. I'm actually not much of a Kia fan. Kias used to be junky little hollow jumping cars 20-30 years ago. They...
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Rattling noise from under the car
Hello, There are a number of things that may produce a rattling sound, however the most common are things like exhaust heat shields, fan pulley bearings or other loose body shield panels underneath the car. I would suggest having a...
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Headlights always burning out
Hello, having to replace bulbs is becoming more of a regular maintenance item on all cars. With the advancements in electronics and the metal used in contacts, we are able to get more voltage to bulbs than ever before. Going...
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Car won't start - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
Hi there. Disconnecting and re-connecting the battery, although the right thing to do while working on the fuel system, has tripped the security system and is not allowing a "start" sequence. (You don't mention it, but the security light in...
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A/C vents not blowing out air
Hello there. This is not an uncommon fault. The AC system uses various doors and motors to control where the AC comes out and the temperature of it. Over time, it is common for the mode selection actuator to fail,...
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car wont start after pumping gas.
Sometimes the fuel vapor system control valve leaks and causes fumes from the gas tank when filling it. This can get pushed into the engine causing an excessively rich condition (too much fuel) inside the engine. Now when you...
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Why won't my car start now? What else should we look at?
Hi. This sounds like the engine timing may still be off and needs to be rechecked for proper alignment. Some of the wiring to the crankshaft sensor may be damaged as well causing it not start as well. Also, the...
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Truck has a problem idling. 1996 dodge ram 1500.
There could be an issue with the clutch pressure plate springs. One or more of the springs may be damaged causing the pressure plate to apply at an angle making the clutch assembly lock up with the transmission input shaft...
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Car jerking when stopped or when trying to change gears
I would classify this as rough operation/loss of power. To find the exact cause will require an on-site inspection and that inspection can be performed on a mobile basis right at your location. Rough operation could be due to a...
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Exhaust manifold
Hello. Thank you for writing in. This procedure can be difficult to accomplish for several reasons. One, if you are not set up correctly, then you could be working against yourself. Make sure you have the exhaust manifold propped up...