Popular questions

A few different parts can cause this problem. The ignition switch or key cylinder are most likely. Another possible cause is the security module. In any of these cases, hot wiring the car is not recommended as it can cause...

Hello. If you poured anti-freeze into the engine crank case, then it may very well be possible that a serious mechanical issue has occurred. If any water or antifreeze find their way into the engine, they can contaminate the oil...

This can be caused by a number of things such as low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, or a failing coolant fan switch. As you may know, the coolant fan switch helps to maintain the proper coolant temperature by turning...

Hello. The code P0108 means the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) circuit is detecting a high input voltage. The PCM and MAP sensor communicate through a 5 volt wire that changes voltages as the sensor's reading changes. When the sensor detects...

Most vehicles have a sensor in the passenger seat bottom to signal the air bag computer that someone is sitting in the seat and will sense if the passenger is under or over a certain weight to disable or enable...

Hello and thank you for contacting Your Mechanic. It sounds like the battery is failing in your vehicle. The battery can be drained of power, but also the battery can be over charged. If the battery was to have an...

This vehicle should not be run any at all until it can be diagnosed and repaired. In cases where coolant has been put into the engine, this can damage various engine components such as the bearings, pistons and crankshaft....

From what you've described you may have blown the head gasket when you overheated the engine. The shop pressure tested and repaired the leaking hose but the engine may have already gotten damaged when it initially overheated. If you want...

When you say a bad tie rod end, this means that it is loose. This means that it may come off and you would loose steering control. If it is bad enough for you to ask for advice, then you...

Hi There, It sounds like you may have a faulty thermostat. The thermostat regulates the flow of the coolant in your car's engine and controls when the coolant flows in and out of the motor from the radiator by opening...

Hi There, 8,000 miles on a burnt clutch is certainly a premature failure of the clutch. While there are many reasons this may have happened, getting Audi to warranty this may be a different battle and will be something you...

Hello, thank you for writing in. When you have any type of warning light it means the computer has detected an issues when it was running tests. The computer is constantly running tests, and even stores some of their codes...

Hot engine coolant, possibly leaking in the passenger compartment via the heater core, or a heater control valve, may be the source of this unpleasant smell. It doesn't take much of a leak (a few drops will do) to create...

Hello, An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and...

Hi. Since the reverse lights turn on when you shift into gear, that is a clear indication that the mechanical portion of the shift linkage is working. I believe the shift solenoid inside the transmission might be stuck open or...

The place to begin when a car won't start is to figure out what is missing. An internal combustion motor needs fuel, proper fuel pressure, spark, correct cam timing and compression to run. Here are some items you will...

Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2004 Ford Focus. Pressure bleeding may be the only way to get all the air out of the system. The process puts pressure into the master cylinder with fluid, and pushes the...

Hi there. The shaking and smoking issue you're experiencing may be caused by a fuel leak. Typically, if you look at your fluids or under the hood and can't see anything leaking, such as coolant, oil, or power steering fluid,...

The fuel pump sending unit is most likely the cause. The system needs a steady signal from the sending unit in the fuel tank to keep the needle from jumping around. I recommend seeking out a professional mechanic, such as...

If the odor is coming from your car (as opposed to perhaps surrounding cars which can happen) and you are only detecting the odor on application of the brakes, a possibility is the brake caliper is failing to retract and...

Hello. The first thing to check would be your fluid levels. I'm not sure what type of noise you have, but ticking noises at idle can be linked to a low oil level. If there is a vacuum leak, the...

I work on diesels. I used to work on them quite a bit. I work on them less now, but I used to work on them quite a bit. The problem with diesels are that they have less maintenance, but...

The AC may have a leak somewhere that is causing the AC to cycle on and off. The compressors on these vehicles are known to go bad and contaminate the entire system with compressor internal parts. The system will need...

Hi there - I believe your master cylinder failure is being misdiagnosed. I believe the problem is with the brake booster - one of the control valves (vacuum?) to be specific. If this valve malfunctions, it could allow much more...