Popular questions

Hello - lots of all-wheel drive with a manual transmission models to choose from: Chevy Equinox, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, BMW 3-series, Audi A3, or A4 and so on. Happy motoring!

You should first have the engine checked for any leaks and the PCV system serviced. Then make sure a paper style factory air filter is used. Use the correct oil and then document exactly how much oil is used per...

Engine coolant can leak externally through a hose, radiator, water pump, etc. or internally due to a leaking head gasket and sometimes a leaking intake manifold gasket depending on the engine design. External leaks are typically found by simple pressure...

Most manufacturers today recommend changing the engine oil about every 7,500 miles. It is a good practice to change the oil filter also at the same time. You are welcome to provide your own oil if you prefer to, but...

Hello. If the engine will only run for a short period of time then it may have a failing fuel pump or an electrical issue. Being that you stripped out the fuel filter connections, the metal lines may need to...

This is most likely a wheel bearing or brake problem. When brake pads drag against the brake rotors, this can cause the vehicle to pull to one side or the other depending on which rotor is being dragged. Additionally, if...

Hello, it sounds like you have a leaking injector. When you hold down the gas pedal, it puts the computer into clear flood mode and does not inject fuel into the engine. Once you clear the fuel, it starts and...

If the AdvanceTrac warning light is on constantly, that means that service is needed on your vehicle's AdvanceTrac system. AdvanceTrac is an electronic stability control or "traction control" system and while the warning is displayed that safety feature may be...

Hello. The valve cover and the spark plug tube seals may be leaking oil causing the blue smoke you see coming from the tail pipe of your 2004 BMW 745Li. The valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals are...

Hi, thanks for writing in. It sounds like you have timing chain related problems for sure. The central component, your timing chain, which maintains a critical relationship between the crankshaft, and the camshafts on your engine, has likely chewed up...

Yes, it could be the starter solenoid, It could also be the starter relay, the transmission position sensor, the ignition switch, or even the starter motor itself. There really is no substitute for a point to point diagnosis for tracking...

Hi there - I believe your real problem is a failed timing chain guide, which has shifted the cam timing beyond what the sensor can deal with. This is a common problem with BMW V8s with extended mileage. The solution...

You have one of two different problems. Your key is worn too much and will not engage the tumblers enough to unlock the ignition lock cylinder. If the key is not worn out then your ignition lock cylinder is binding...

The camshaft position sensor itself, for your application, costs at most $30 if you buy it using the usual 30% off coupon(s) at the national auto parts chains. Even if you pay full fare, that is buy the genuine OEM...

This is something that would need to be looked at in-person to see what is broken on the gear shifter, and scan the transmission to see what code is stored in it. You may have a complete shift linkage that...

Hi there. Sometimes when major mechanical work is completed, a mechanic will forget to reattach some accessory switches; assuming they were removed. It's also possible that during the service, a fuse that powers the radio or electrical relay was damaged...

Hello. The issues you describe are relatively minor and likely will not require extensive repairs. A gas cap that does not lock is probably bad and will likely need to be replaced. A replacement cap can be sourced easily and...

A head gasket can fail in a few ways and yes one will leak oil into the cooling system. A technician can check coolant flow with a temperature gun by taking temperatures at opposite ends of the hoses and engine...

Hello - this is not a good idea for several reasons. Yes, exhaust fumes can really be pulled into the cabin by a window that is down, or through a rear hatch. In addition, the leaked exhaust, which is still...

Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. The battery has lost all of the amperage that the battery can hold. I recommend replacing the battery with a new battery and retesting your vehicle. If a battery voltage is too low or...

Some of the signs of a cracked engine block is oil and water being mixed. Any external leaks on the block can be coolant or oil. The problem with a cracked block is that you can have the same symptoms...

Hi There, This can be caused by a number of things such as low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, a clogged radiator or a failing coolant fan switch. The coolant fan switch helps to maintain the proper coolant temperature by...