Popular questions

Hi there. In most cases, when you're pulling less than 15 volts from the alternator the issue is caused by an internal component failure within the alternator itself or the alternator relay. If the starter is not receiving the correct...

Hi there. The hose that you are describing sounds like the heater core by-pass hose. If the hose is short and straight, then it would be the heater by-pass hose. The heater by-pass hose it to by-pass the heating system...

Hesitation is not generally caused by transmission faults. With regard to the transmission, if the fluid is "old", it's a good idea to change the fluid and the filter. Simply request transmission fluid service and the responding certified mechanic will...

Thanks for writing in today about the issue with your Saturn. Without being there to physically inspect the car, it's very hard to give you a precise diagnosis, but one common problem that occurs when people install accessory items like...

The drive shafts that connect the transmission to the wheels are called half shafts or propeller shafts and in most cases are not able to be put in crooked. They are either put on using fitted flanges or straight shafts....

The display for the center dashboard has an issue where, it randomly cuts off or does not come on at all. Toyota has listened to customers and has issued a customer satisfaction warranty extension for the combination meter (9 years/no...

Hi there. You can adjust the throttle plate on the throttle body or adjust the throttle position sensor. If making the adjustments has no effect on the engine idle, then there could be a vacuum leak or the Idle Air...

An engine that moves side to side in the engine bay can be commonly caused by defective motor mounts. If the motor mounts wear out or break, they will not be able to properly secure the motor in the engine...

It is possible that you could be experiencing a catalytic converter failure. This can be due to the fact that after driving 30-50 miles the exhaust system heats up quite a bit. Once the exhaust is heated up the catalytic...

Something in your anti-lock braking system is at fault. The fault may be anything from a sensor to a computer. Diagnosis is required with a scan tool to help determine the issue. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic...

Hi there. The CV Joint on the right or left wheel in the front is popping the bearings and causing the vehicle to shake and vibrate as you turn. I recommend replacing both the CV Shafts on the vehicle in...

Hello - No, welding the harmonic balancer to the crankshaft is not a good idea for at least 2 reasons. Welding the balancer hub to the crankshaft will damage or reverse the benefits of heat-treatment to the crankshaft itself -...

It sounds like the issue is in the rear blower circuit. Check fuses 10 and 11 in the fuse block and also the rear blower relay, which supplies power to both of the fuses. The other possibilities are the rear...

Hello. In order to properly replace the headlights, the front bumper must be removed. Several of the bolts are hidden behind the bumper, so in order to fully remove it, this must be removed also. If you want to have...

The manual transaxle shift indicator is located on your instrument panel. This light illuminates to let you know which gear you should shift to if you would like to maximize your fuel economy.

As long as the pump is still full of fluid without any fluid loss then you will need a new replacement power steering pump and enough fluid to drain and refill the system completely. This should be no more than...

Hi there. It really depends on what is causing the smell and what type of smell it is that would determine the source. If you notice brake fluid smell, it is usually caused by a brake line that is loose....

Hey there, thanks for writing in. If you have the center light working, then the brake switch is okay and you most likely have two bad bulbs in the lights. If you need help having this repaired, a certified pro...

The remote control for your car is much more than just a convenient way to lock or unlock the doors from afar. It also offers enhanced personal safety through the Panic button. Pressing the Panic button automatically sets off the...

There are several factors that can lead to a spongy brake pedal. When there is fluid loss, it could be caused by a faulty caliper, bad wheel cylinder, leaking master cylinder, or even a ruptured line. Things can get a...

If you are using the recommended oil viscosity the manufacturer recommends and using no more than 1 quart for every 1000 km then this is considered normal oil consumption by the manufacturer. If you are using more than 1 quart...

Hi there - from your description, it is hard to tell whether you need the [camshaft position sensor](https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-a-camshaft-position-sensor-last, or the camshaft position actuator (sometimes called the variable valve timing actuator or solenoid). Please forward the problem codes (Pxxxx) for this...

Hi there. If you're transmission is slipping out of reverse, this is typically an indicator of a bad sensor; but not the mechanical transmission. You might want to have a professional mechanic complete a diagnostic scan to download all error...

Generally, the check engine light comes on when something fairly serious is going on with the vehicle. This can happen for many different reasons such as a faulty mass air flow sensor, a faulty O2 sensor, a bad catalytic converter,...

Hello there. I appreciate you sending this question today. However, without knowing what model of BMW you have, and the mileage on the vehicle, it's very difficult to give you an accurate idea as to why your car is hard...