Popular questions

Question
Engine light comes on and idles roughly.
Single cylinder misfires are usually caused by ignition components which is where I would start with on this car. Verify the ignition cap and rotor are still in one piece and that the wires are not arcing losing spark. Have...
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What does it mean if the Check Engine light comes on in the dash?
Your car is pretty sophisticated. The computer systems are capable of monitoring a number of different aspects of operation, including the exhaust/emissions system, the engine and transmission, and more. If a problem is detected, the Check Engine light is turned...
Question
Reduce Engine Power Light is illuminated
This light comes on generally when there is a critical system failure or problem with the engine or transmission. The purpose of this light is to keep the driver safe and to prevent potential major damage to the engine or...
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Slight whining noise when changing up gears at higher revs or going up hill
The key diagnostic, which you have artfully captured, is "when the clutch is pressed". This narrows the diagnosis to either a failing clutch throwout bearing, or failing clutch pilot bearing. Both of these should have been replaced when the clutch...
Question
2002 Nissan Pathfinder shuts off when idling
The symptoms you are explaining sound similar to the case of a clogged or faulted idle air control valve. If this valve clogs or fails in a near-closed position, the engine will be choked upon deceleration when the throttle plate...
Question
Why is my check engine light on and my car shakes?
Hi There, This maybe related to potentially a transmission problem resulting from low transmission fluid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's computer activates a transmission...
Question
Break Pedal Started to make noise when pressing and releasing it
Hello there, a variety of issues will cause noise when the brake pedal is pressed and released on your 2002 Chevrolet Tracker. The most common issues is the pedal return spring, the pedal mount, or the brake pedal rod itself....
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Tire seems low
Hi there. There are several reasons why a tire might appear to be low, when in fact it has the recommended air pressure. First and foremost, a tire is designed to have a foot print, or flat spot that maintains...
Question
Head Gasket
Hello. Unfortunately, there is not really anyway to tell whether or not a genuine head gasket was replaced or sealer used. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to take a look at the car...
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My reservoir is boiling is that indication of needing a thermostat 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
Hi there - while it is possible that the thermostat is keeping your engines operating temperature too high (coolant temp gauge should always be in the middle of the gauge), the steam and boiling water out of the reservoir could...
Question
car starts and 10 seconds laters dies however starts again and drive good
You will need to have the fuel pressure checked to see if the fuel pump is holding pressure over time and not leaking down. You may need to replace the pump and filter.
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Car won't shift out of park
It is quite possible that your shift lock solenoid may have failed. This solenoid prevents the shifter from being moved without the brake pedal depressed. Often times you can hear a slight click noise from under your shift lever when...
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Broke down on the highway and had towed to a Buick dealer. They diagnosed and replaced the catalytic converter.
It is possible that the new catalytic converter is bad. Sometimes, when the converter comes apart inside, it can get into the muffler and cause it to be clogged.
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My windows and radio quit working and my wipers only work on high.
Hello. All three of these systems are separate yet have the GEM (general electronic module) in common to supply power to the systems. You will need to scan the computer GEM module to test each of these systems in the...
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car won't start.
A possibility is a faulty ignition switch. If the switch opens after the car starts, the engine will shut off. But, that is just a possibility and a diagnostic would have to be performed to rule that in or out....
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What would be the best type of full synthetic oil and filter to replace in my truck?
The type of oil that should be used for a specific application depends largely on the driver's driving habits, the environment in which the car is driven, the mileage on the car's engine and the limits that the engine may...
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Recommendation about a reliable, low-maintenace car brand
Get a Toyota Corolla or Camry. Just don't buy a hybrid car. I'm against hybrid cars of any particular make because they are so high-tech, and when they break, they can cost a fortune. You can buy a brand new...
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After running a few miles,with my Ac on my temperature gauge goes to Hot,and my car overheats..When the Ac is on,the car doesn't o
The engine cooling electric fan is most likely not coming on when the a/c is on and the compressor may of overpressurized and locking up and smoking then leaked out freon. you will need to check to see if compressor...
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Coolant leak and white smoke.
The engine has a blown head gasket and is passing coolant through the engine to the tailpipe. You are seeing the steam coming from the exhaust. The engine being overheated would have to be diagnosed as to why it is...
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How do I make a call with the HandsFreeLink?
There are two ways to make a call using the HandsFreeLink® (HFL). You can either say a phone number, or you can call a number programmed into the HFL system. To make a call to a phone number: ...
Question
When I stop at a stop sign, give it the gas, the car wants to go - I let up, push down again, it goes, and the engine does not die
This may be a sign of a failing throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a sensor used to monitor the throttle position of the throttle plate inside the throttle body in relation to your foot position on...