Popular questions

Depending on what kind of smoke will determine what the shaking could be. There are 3 basic types of smoke. Black smoke is raw fuel. Raw or unburnt fuel can foul spark plugs causing a misfire. A misfire will seem...

As long as you can safely shift the transmission without grinding the gears, and the clutch is shifting you should be fine. This sounds like an issue with the clutch hydraulic system. You may be able to have a mechanic,...

Both engines that were used in the 2016 Tuscon were equipped with maintenance-free silent timing chain systems. Consequently, there is no recommended replacement (mileage) interval and, indeed, the timing chain could outlast the car unless the engine is abused. As...

Hi Beth. Thanks for contacting us today. The battery is responsible for supplying power to initially start the vehicle. However, it's less than likely that a worn battery is the reason why the engine has difficulty starting. In most cases,...

Hello, thank you for writing in. Depending on what testing the mechanic did, he may very well be correct. The computer intakes all of the information from the various sensors and controls the fans. If the engine temperature sensors, fan...

Hello, thanks for writing in. Both the battery and the alternator may be at fault. The light turns on any time low voltage is detected. That being said, both are easy enough to test. Most automotive parts stores will test...

Hi there. On a Hybrid vehicle, The Battery Saver Active message can appear on your driver information center (DIC) from time to time. In most cases, when the DIC displays this alert, that means that your battery has a low...

Check with the dealer to be sure the vehicle ECM has the latest software calibration from Toyota. Check for any stored trouble codes. If the problem is intermittent (and not resolved by any applicable software updates), typically that means there...

Auxiliary batteries can take awhile before symptoms may be noticed on a Prius. This is due to the hybrid system powering many of the components. In this vehicle the auxiliary battery is mainly used for starting. It could cause problems...

This could be a variety of issues causing the rough idling. The oil leak at the intake suggests you may have a blown head gasket. Has the car gotten abnormally hot? If so, this could explain the leak and would...

This is a classic symptom is very common. Most likely the cooling fan for the condenser is not turning on allowing the high side of the A/C system to get to hot. This reduces the cooling capacity of your system....

This circumstance is not unusual and can be caused by the use of non-OEM rotors and brake pads and also the failure to re-apply factory specified shims and/or appropriate anti-squeal compounds and lubricants. Unfortunately, if and once non-OEM parts and...

Your vehicle is equipped with brake pad wear sensors, which should illuminate a message on the dash when your pads are worn and due for replacement. However, it's a good idea to have your brakes inspected by a professional to...

If the output shaft seal (where the seal engages the inboard CV segment) is leaking even though the seal is new the possible causes of the leak are: wrong seal; seal is cocked in the bore, not properly positioned or...

Tires with abnormal wear can make noises going down the road. Defects, improper alignment angles, and broken suspension components can cause this damage to the tires. On another note, a failing wheel bearing is a part that shows its wear...

Hello - unfortunately, this warning message can only be cleared by the Toyota/Lexus diagnostic tool, or the "super secret" push-button sequence which the Toyota techs aren't sharing.

Following the colors of the wires is not a full proof method to be sure you have made the correct connections. You clearly have some connections that are not correct. The only way to figure out what is what in...

Hello there, many common faults will cause your 2002 Nissan Maxima to crank but not start. The most likely fault is the battery, it must be load tested and ruled out before diagnosis can proceed. Other possible faults are the...

Yes, it could be a problem with the ignition module, but I'm still concerned about your "Volt" warning. Before you replace any expensive electronic parts, you need to do a check of the charging system. If there is a problem...

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...

Diagnostic Trouble Code P0303 means that Cylinder No. 3 is misfiring but the causes of that misfiring can be very varied. The other Code that you probably saw, namely P0304, just refers to the same misfiring but it is occurring...

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...

Hello - first thing to check is what problem code remains set. If still a TPS, double-checking the wiring at the throttle body, and also checking the throttle pedal actuator sensor. This is the "transmitter" whereas the throttle position sensor...