Popular questions

Question
Runs for a little bit and dies
In order to isolate the problem you should have the fuel pressure monitored with a pressure gauge hooked up to the fuel rail. As the engine is running monitor fuel pressure when it stalls out to see if pressure drops...
Question
Getting Engine light code P0430
The definition for the code P0430 is a problem with the catalyst or the sensors that keep track of its operation. An experienced technician will, such as one from YourMechanic, be able to identify the problem component. In many cases,...
Question
Engine hesitation and rubbing in 2005 Ford Taurus
First, you watch my video "how to fix the car that idles poorly." You get some spray cleaner for cleaning the throttle and clean that up. It could be that. If it's not that, find my video "how to find...
Question
Vehicle sputtering
You most likely have an engine misfire. The cause could be an ignition coil, spark plug, or plug boot problem, such as the valve cover leaking oil into the spark plug hole, shorting the coil out. I recommend that you...
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Possible dead battery
A lock out service needs to be carried out in order to gain access to the good latch. Once the good latch is opened, a charge test should be performed by a qualified technician such as the ones offered here...
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Battery and/or Alternator issues
You should start by having the starting and charging system thoroughly tested to ensure both systems are working properly. It sounds like you have a large parasitic drain, which means something is drawing power from the battery when the car...
Question
engine seized after flooding?
Hi there. This would be very tough to answer with limited information regarding the type of vehicle, how much water it was in, how deep the car was submerged, and many other questions. In order to determine whether or not...
Question
alternator
The bearings in the alternator will probably become noisy prior to the electrical components going bad. So, if you value quietude, there may be an advantage to installing a new alternator prior to "complete" failure of the part. Apart from...
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Change direction of wipers
This would require modifying the windshield wiper motor which could be costly. If it is an issue of the quality of the job they do, I would suggest purchasing better quality wiper blades.
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In 2nd gear, car feels like it might independently shift
Hi there, thanks for writing about your 2011 Audi S5. Your vehicle's transmission has 2 clutches that alternately engage and disengage, under computer software control, as the vehicle accelerates and decelerates. The software compensates for wear in most cases, but...
Question
My car won't stat,dead battery expected the battery's fully charged?
Hey, thanks for writing in about your 2003 Cadillac CTS. It certainly sounds like your battery is the issue. It is possible for it to take a charge and have voltage but not have the capacity to start your vehicle....
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My car squeals like death when I brake but only shortly after starting it, why is that?
Brake squeal is actually a high frequency vibration. The best way to reduce it is to disassemble whichever brakes - front, rear, or all 4 wheels - that is causing the squeal. A light sanding of the pads/rotors or shoes/drums...
Question
Broken drive shaft
The damage from the broken drive shaft must be inspected to ensure other components were not damaged in the process. Have an experienced technician, such as one from YourMechanic, look to see if the u-joints failed or if the actual...
Question
Car cuts out when accelerating
The fuel pump may be the most likely cause of your problem. It could also be a faulty crankshaft sensor. I recommend you have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, thoroughly diagnose your stalling issue.
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Hard to steer while parked
You could have several issues going on. Low power steering fluid, a bad power steering pump, or internally leaking rack and pinion can cause this issue. Consult your manual and check the fluid level in the power steering system. If...
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How much will it cost to tighten the tension pulley and repair power steering leak?
Hello there, you have several different issues going on with your 1999 Pontiac Bonneville. If the tensioner pulley is loose, it most likely needs replaced as it has become damaged on the inside and tightening it will not fix this....
Question
Can I attach a camper to truck?
Whether or not you can attach a camper to your vehicle depends on your specific vehicle. Luckily, check inside the glove box for a large label. This is the ‘Loading Information’ label that will tell you if a slide-in camper...
Question
Car pulling right
Yes, a leaking power steering rack should be replaced as leaking power steering fluid can lead to a loss in steering assist. Have an experienced technician, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect the front end steering components for any looseness...
Question
The vehicle will start and drive, but will not go past 2500 rpm.
Hello. I would recommend having the camshaft seal inspected by a qualified professional. This camshaft seal often goes bad on these 2.4 liter engines in the PT Cruiser. When the oil leaks onto the camshaft position sensor, it causes the...