Popular questions

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The headlights flicker.
The most likely cause for lights flickering would be a bad or loose ground. Make sure battery terminals are tight. Make sure the battery and other engine grounds are tight. Check the connector and harness at each headlight to be...
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P0170 and P0173, I have changed the MAF and Both sensors. Now my car does not start.
P0170 and 173 indicate that your fuel mixture is off. The ECU tries to compensate, but the error is so large that it cant make the correction. It can be caused by a Mass Air Flow sensor, but there could...
Question
Can't get an emissions test due to faulty plug
Hi! Since the power fuse was blown and your attempts to install a new fuse causes sparks, it would seem that there is a large draw or short on that power system. First, disconnect the ground cable to the battery...
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Ck engine soon light is on
If your vehicle's check engine light illuminates, there is a malfunction that should be investigated and repaired. However, the seriousness of the malfunction is hard to judge unless and until a Code Scanner is used by the Mechanic to download...
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Regular or synthetic oil
Hello there. Synthetic oil is far and away better than mineral lubricating oil due to the drastic reduction in contaminants that are ordinarily left in refined mineral oil. Synthetic oil can resist much higher operating temperatures without oxidizing and breaking...
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Hi my car wont start I read it could be the starter or a wiring loose or could be the battery
Without further starter circuit tests to see if the complete circuit is operational and the theft system is not activated. The theft system will not let the starter relay operate if the key is not disabling the PATS system. Have...
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2013 vw 2.5 passata replace alt.having a problem with lower bolt in alt to lomg to remove hitting frame
I've never worked on one of these but the basics should be the similar to other cars. You will need to support the engine using a floor jack with something on it like a block of wood, then loosen the...
Question
When im at a stop and i have my foot on the brake the car will start accelerating, the car isn't moving but the RPM will go up?
It sounds like you are describing the symptoms of a failing throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor monitors the throttle position of the throttle plate inside the throttle body in relation to your foot position on the gas pedal....
Question
C250 50k, just changed timing chain tensioner, still chatters for on second on cold start
Hello. For most vehicles it could actually be considered normal to hear a little bit of chattering when the vehicle is first started. This is due to the engine needing a brief period of time for the oiling system to...
Question
Check engine light on
The code P0442 is for a very small leak in the evaporative system of the fuel tank and its vent system. A leak in the gas cap is the most common cause of this code and the gas cap or...
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Electrical problems on a 'O4 Volvo S40
Yes I've seen that a lot on those things. A lot of them get a fuse box that's just flat out corroded. You will have to take the whole thing apart and clean it completely or go to a junkyard...
Question
How do you choose a file from a folder’s audio system?
Your car’s radio is capable of playing a number of different disc types, including those with folders (MP3 and WMA files, for instance). Once you insert the disc, here’s how to cycle through the different folders and listen to the...
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The car cannot start, oil pan dented, lost oil pressure
Hello there, there are a few problems that could result in the loss of oil pressure and not being able to start. If the pan was hit in the right place it may have interfered with the oil pickup. The...
Question
No control to turn off alarm
Many vehicles are equipped with an alarm system that is deeply integrated into the vehicle wiring. You may be able to purchase a replacement remote and have it programmed to the vehicle. In this case, you can stop the alarm...
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2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo won't stay running
Hello. Problems such as these can be caused by many things. Anything ranging from a bad vacuum leak, to a faulty idle air control valve will cause symptoms such as these. As engine performance problems can many times be hard...
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Car vibrates on release of clutch
You are probably experiencing what we call "clutch chatter" It commonly occurs because of oil on the clutch lining. But it can also be simply a result of wear and tear forming hot spots on the pressure plate and flywheel....
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What does it mean when the computer readout said p0606-engine control module/power train control module and p1680-power train mod
You will need to have the battery and charging system checked for a low voltage of 9 volts or below to the engine control module. The engine code is for low voltage to the module. After the battery low voltage...
Question
Looking for a ohms / resistance chart for the water thermal sensor switch on a 1985 toyota celica.
Hi there. Get a digital ohm meter and check the resistance on the coolant temperature sensor (water thermal sensor). You are looking for readings that are more than 200 ohms in variance between a cold and a warm engine. If...
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When do breaks and rotars have to be replaced???
Hello Walt, thank you for writing in. To begin, know that the lifespan of the brakes, as well as most components on the vehicle, will vary depending on your driving habits. With that being said, they can last anywhere from...
Question
Can you put a black light in the dome light of a Mercedes? 2009 Mercedes C300
HI there - short answer is "No", there are no black light bulbs which will replace standard automotive 12 volt sockets. Black lights are a form of fluorescent bulbs, which require transformers, and come as a "long tube" bulb. Custom...
Question
I hear a rattling sound.
I have a strong suspicion that a timing chain guide has failed inside your engine. This is a pretty common occurrence with your particular vehicle. The timing chain guide are made of plastic and over time they get brittle and...
Question
After an Auto shop repaired my 2002 monte carlo ls 3.4L exaust manifold gasket and a tune up, ever since car hasnt been running?
Hello, thank you for writing in. Unfortunately your situation is going to require a second mechanic to inspect the vehicle. The biggest issue concerns the "tune up", as we do not know exactly what they did during that process. Tune...