Popular questions

Question
Water pump replacement after coming loose?
Water pumps do NOT get loose on an engine excepting an unusual circumstance where the pump was improperly installed. So, the mechanic might be referring, in your circumstance, to a seized water pump or a situation where the water pump...
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Hissing noise.
This may be a sign of a vacuum leak. High idle speed, stalling and hissing sounds are common signs of a vacuum leak. When a vacuum leak is present in an engine, this causes an excessive imbalance in the air/fuel...
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The car takes a while to start up and makes loud sounds as well
With these multiple symptoms, you may be having more than one problem and an engine noise may be an internal or external problem. Have a mechanic come to you and diagnose it for you to make sure you are not...
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Tire pressure system malfunctioning.
The tire pressure monitoring system may need to be placed in a relearn mode in order to relearn the tire pressure from each of the tires. As the relearn procedure is being completed the car signals as it reads from...
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Sometimes when I shift my car's automatic transmission into Drive it stays in neutral. Reverse works and trans fluid is full.
It is very possible that you could have some internal transmission damage. I would recommend enlisting in the assistance of a qualified transmission professional to inspect your transmission for internal faults. I must warn that this could be a pricy...
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Factory radiator defect caused transmission fluid to contaminate transmission
Hello! I would suggest to using a radiator that has an abundance of good reviews from other customers. If the radiator is in fact causing the issues you've described there should definitely be other people who have already voiced their...
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My truck shakes at traffic lights
Hi. The symptoms you describe could be a dirty or malfunctioning idle air control valve. Especially when hot, when the engine gets a leaner mixture of air and fuel, the idle air control will have a greater effect on idle...
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Car is not starting
Hi. In a no start situation, there are always a few items that would need to be looked at. The first thing that is generally done is to read out any trouble codes in the engine computer. If codes are...
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Vehicle overheated poor ac cooling and gas mileage
Hi there: Changing the radiator, hoses and thermostat does not typically negatively impact fuel economy or AC issues. However, the installation of those items might, especially if the serpentine belt was installed incorrectly. However, with Hybrid models, the two issues...
Question
I have a p0174 code that was reviewed on a scanner.
Hi there. The code P0132 in on for an issue with the upstream oxygen sensor. There could be a broken wire, frayed wire touching something metal, or the sensor could have failed. The code P0174 is on for the Mass...
Question
ESC lights coming on.
I would ask for help from a mechanic with a scan tool who can read what codes are in the vehicle's computer. These will tell him where to start the diagnosis on your vehicle. The ESC light signals that there...
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Shuts off and won't start for about an hour or so
Hi there. From the description you have provided concerning your vehicle's drivability problem, it hard to discern whether it does not turn over, or it does not start for about an hour after driving. If your vehicle will not turnover...
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Fuel line is clogged
The fuel lines should not get clogged, unless they got damaged in some way or the lines pinched when repairs were made, for example, if the fuel tank was removed and replaced. The fuel filter, fuel injectors, pressure regulator may...
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My van was missing and rough idling then I turned it off one day and the next day it starts then dies and some times it won't start
Hello, thanks for writing in about your 2001 Dodge Caravan. For certain, given your mileage and codes for these 2 components, replacing these 2 sensors is the minimum. Cleaning the idle air control valve, throttle body, and PCV valve should...
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Truck shutting off after startup.
Hello, when you replaced the plug wires, it sounds like you removed all of them and then installed new wires. When you installed the new wires, it sounds like you got them out of order. The first thing to do...
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Don't know if the transmission went out.
A large transmission leak like one from a cooler pipe or a leaking transmission pan can cause the transmission to slip if the level gets low enough. Trying to drive the vehicle while the transmission is slipping does not help,...
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USED AUTO PARTS
Hi There, You may want to considered purchasing re-manufactured parts as these are generally rebuilt and many times will offer the same warranties as new parts, but are usually available for much less. Sometimes used parts are available and may...
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Power steering stiffness after brake work
Usually when brakes pads are replaced and the rotors surfaced, it may make the brakes feel stiff for a while until they wear in, but it shouldn't impact the power steering at all. The only thing I could think of...
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Bad shaking and grinding
This is a sign of potentially bad or worn wheel bearings. When wheel bearings wear out or become damaged due to dirt or debris or lack of proper lubrication, they will cause this type of vibration which is more noticeable...
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Catalytic converter now won't start
Hi there. The fact that the catalytic converter was glowing red hot does not mean it was bad. Removing the converter completely can sometimes cause more issues with the car, as it effects the sensor readings. The fact that the...
Question
How do I use the rear window washer in a 2012 Honda CR-V?
The rear window washer sprays the rear window with washing fluid, and then wipes it away. This increases your visibility when the rear window is dirty. To operate the rear window washer, rotate the rear wiper switch on the wiper...
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Truck refuses to go into four-wheel drive
There is usually a certain procedure that is necessary for the switch to four wheel drive, such as selecting the neutral option on the transmission, or being stopped. If you have tried these and the vehicle still will not switch,...
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Car hesitating first thing in the morning
Hi there. Your transmission consists of many different components which need to work in sync in order for it to perform properly. A lack of pressure, low fluid, fault shift solenoids, and valve bodies can be your issue. I'd strongly...