Popular questions

Question
Replaced my engine. Does the new one need to be adjusted to the higher elevation?
Check all of the sensors and make sure that they are plugged in all the way. The computer system with the sensors are designed to adjust themselves as elevation changes. This is why all vehicles today have computers in them...
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Car is making a knocking noise when stopping. Other mechanics say it's motor. Some say it's the piston
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell without doing some more testing. The timing and small details about the noises you are hearing may make a huge difference in diagnosing the issue. Lifters will make more of a "clicking"...
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What can cause your car to stall out and what can cause the rpms to go up?
It sounds like you are getting a bad reading from the crankshaft or camshaft sensor. Have the computer scanned and the data stream monitored for problems with the two sensors to see which one is causing the stall and erratic...
Question
Vehicle not starting.
This truck came with a three different size engines. The most common reasons for no starts are the engine timing belt is broken. The fuel pump is not pumping and would need replacement. A qualified mechanic would be able to...
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Starting, only clicks
The first to do is to make sure the engine turns by putting a socket and breaker bar on the crankshaft pulley bolt and turning the motor. If the motor turns, then you know it is in the wiring. Follow...
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Do I need to replace the safety belt pretensioners?
Safety belt pretensioners play a large role in keeping you safe in your vehicle. The pretensioners are part of the front seatbelt system, and are responsible for tightening the tension in the seatbelt when an accident occurs. The pretensioners only...
Question
The throttle keeps sticking at average speeds
You may have a damaged throttle body or a faulty throttle position sensor. Both of these issues can make you feel the same symptoms as a sticking throttle. I would recommend having the throttle body and throttle position sensor inspected...
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car starts fine but stuck in park wont shift
The first thing to check is to have someone look at your brake lights when you push the pedal. If you do not have brake lights, then the brake light switch is bad or one of the wires at its...
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Where would be the best place to find a used vehicle, and what things should I be looking out for when getting a used vehicle?
Hi there. This is a great question since I just went through this process myself to get a used truck for my job. My first suggestion is to first get a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, like one from...
Question
Dash lights on, now the car won't start at all
Since so many systems are transmitting problems, check the battery connections. A simple check, but sometimes a faulty connection can cause all kinds of problems. Have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, scan the vehicle and pull all of...
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How do I use the windshield wiper mist feature in a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
The windshield wiper mist feature gives you a single wipe with the windshield wiper blades. This is perfect for when you drive through mist, or any other form of light condensation. The mist feature is controlled by the windshield wiper...
Question
2006 Jeep Commander horn issue.
Hi there. Check the wiring from the horn button to the horn and see if there is any loose wiring or any shorted wires. If all the wiring looks good, then the issue is within the steering column. The horn...
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Heater stops working during idling
Hello. I recommend checking the operation of the thermostat to ensure it opens and closes at the proper temperature. You also could have some air in your cooling system causing the heating system to blow cold at inappropriate times. To...
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Do i have to buy new engine if water rusty in plugs and car won't start..
It is very common for the cylinder head gasket on these engines to leak oil and coolant. You may have to replace the cylinder head if it is damaged. If you have water mixed in the engine oil, then...
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Whisting noise when increasing or decreasing speed
There is a tensioner pulley that keeps the correct amount of tension on your serpentine belt. When these bearings wear out, they can cause this type of a whistling sound that you describe. This is a quick fix and should...
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Starter makes a 'clunk' noise
Hi there! It's likely that there is a ground connection compromised, loose, corroded, or power shortage. If the starter, battery, and the alternator are testing out to be fine then I suggest looking towards the connections and wiring. Start with...
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The car cranks but occasionally wouldn't start
If the battery is going dead after a couple of days then you have an issue with something drawing the battery down. A battery that is low may not be able to start the engine since the starter will take...
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The truck has problems shifting
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Ford F-100. Depending on the engine you have and if you have a manual transmission then you may have broken motor and transmission mounts that will cause the clutch linkage and shifter to...
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Engine makes metal-to-metal noise on a 2012 Ford Taurus SEL 3.5
If you are talking about engine noise, that means that the engine is on its way out. That generally means that the bearings on the crank are worn and that the pistons are making the clunking around. Because, instead of...
Question
How should I rotate my tires and how often should it be done?
Tire rotation is an important part of vehicle maintenance. If you don’t rotate your tires regularly, the drive tires will wear down very quickly (the front two tires on the Civic, since it’s a front-wheel drive car). The rear tires...