Popular questions

Question
Car temp rises when ac is on
Certain engine management issues, such as too lean operation, engine timing issues and so forth can contribute to overheating. The reason the overheating is occurring whenever the a/c is on is because a/c adds a load to the engine, making...
Question
2002 prerunner what do i use to seal oil pan,3.4
Hi there - I believe the OEM gasket is a cork/rubber mix. Silicon RTV sealant is a popular substitute, although I tend to the school of "if it came with a gasket, it was probably needed, and should be reinstalled...
Question
Engine swap project, fuel pump relay wont engage from the ECU.
Hi there. Check the wiring from the fuel pump relay to the computer and see if there is a break in the wire. If there is no break in the wire, then check the power to the pin where the...
Question
Hi! I had a flat tire this morning and o am driving on my spare, the "low tire pressure sensor fault" light came on.
If you have used a tire pressure gauge to confirm that the pressure in each tire is at 32 PSI cold, you need not worry. If the spare tire is of the space saving type and thus has a higher...
Question
A/C fan blows, but no cold air
Hello. Unfortunately there is not a switch for the seasons on this vehicle. If it is not blowing cold then it is usually an issue with low refrigerant. The system gets low due to a leak and the compressor will...
Question
I have a 2003 Acura TL type S and it is experiencing starting issues. The spark plugs have been replaced with NGK plugs and the co
Hi there. The Acura has an ignition control module, but I would suspect that your starting issues in hotter weather are fuel system related and not with the ignition system. As the weather heats, the ability for fuel and air...
Question
My car is very loud, what could it be
The presence of relatively loud noise, as well as vibration, could mean you have multiple issues. Typically, very loud operation is due to exhaust system faults but exhaust system faults will not generally cause vibration in the vehicle. To investigate...
Question
Steering pulls to the left, dangerous problem to have
This seems to be a fairly common problem with the 2013 Optima. It may be caused by incorrect calibration of the Steering Angle Sensor or it may be related to a mechanical issue with the suspension or tires. I would...
Question
My Service Engine soon came on what does it mean ?
The service engine soon light is equivalent to a check engine light. Whenever there is a fault, from a bad engine sensor for example, a fault code is stored in the engine control unit, or ecu. When that happens, the...
Question
Advice on buying run-flats
I am not a fan of run-flats, because I work on those things. They may run flat, but you'd still get flat tires all the time and will have to replace them. They cost a fortune to replace and they...
Question
Automatic slips into neutral
Hello. This transmission issue is a serious problem, because eventually the transmission will stop working. The transmission could stop working in the next couple of months or longer. It is possible that there is a problem with the valve body...
Question
can i drive with a code P1383
If the check engine light is not flashing it is OK to drive the car with the particular code you have noted during the limited interval you are describing. A flashing check engine light would signify constant misfiring and you...
Question
oil pump drive
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix. The pump is self priming. If the red Oil Pressure Warning Light is not on, there is sufficient oil pressure. When engines are assembled, the oiling system is...
Question
What does my car randomly stall/cut out at all speeds and idling in park. in my 2006 Chrysler 300
Hello. It sounds like you have had a lot of work done trying to fix this issue. It sounds like you either have a communication wiring issue or an ignition switch that is failing. I usually test the ignition switch...
Question
My car had a code p0411 removed blower motor tubes and plug, now it also gives me codes p0864,u0121 and u0101
On older cars, it's not uncommon to have other problems pop up once you start working. electrical connections are getting dodgy and simply moving the pieces around is sometimes enough to cause something that was about to fail to give...
Question
The truck won't shift out of park so thinking that it's the park shift interlock solenoid? Is that a good possibility that's what
Hi there. First thing to check would be, whether the brake lights are functioning at the time it won't shift out of park. There is a possibility, there is a poor connection at the fuse. It could be, a faulty...
Question
Car cranks but won't start.
Hello. I would need to know what kind of Ford this is to know for sure what may be going on. Most of the time on these older Ford models the issue is fuel-related. It may be a result of...
Question
How can I tell if I have a bad neutral safety switch?
Hello, thanks for writing in. The switch should show "connectivity" (zero resistance) in the "Neutral" position for a successful start. Keep in mind that these symptoms could also be from the ignition switch. If you need help having this issue...
Question
Engine vibration even in idle. Check Engine Light is not on.
You're correct, your engine uses a timing chain. It also has variable valve timing (VTT). This system allows the engine timing to change in relation to engine RPM. A VVT fault could cause driveabilty issues both at idle and at...
Question
During ignition Taurus gagged for air, then backfired w/ smoke. Now engine light stays on & runs rough(timing off) 2005 Ford Taurus SE
Hello - the first task is to check for the problem codes which are setting the Check Engine light. This may be helpful in identifying the initial problem as well as the current problem(s). Usually, backfiring in the intake is...
Question
Brake pedal slowly becomes firm to press after short period of driving
Hello and thank you for your question. The problem lies within the proportioning valve in the brake system. The valve could be plugged up with debris in the system making the valve stick. If the proportioning valve is okay and...
Question
Headlights not turning on
The headlights on these vehicles are controlled by the lighting control module on the left side of the dash. This module is controlled by the light switch which tells it to turn on or off. The control switch will need...
Question
Fuse or bad battery?
Hi, thanks for writing in. The AC blower motor or relay may be bad and would need to be checked. The radio you may have a blown fuse or a problem with the radio itself. If you would like help,...
Question
2001 impala white smoke misifre and gas smell.
You already listed many causes of the problem with broken bolts and vacuum lines and fuel pressure vacuum line causing vacuum leaks and high fuel pressure at lower engine speeds. I suggest repairing all the problems you have listed when...
Question
Steering wheel hard to turn in 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
If your steering wheel is difficult to turn and causing your vehicle to go in a different direction than intended, you may have an issue with your rack and pinion. The rack and pinion is what is acted upon by the...