Popular questions

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A lot of smoke coming from the car. What's the issue?
Hi, thanks for writing in. If you have smoke being emitted from your vehicle, it is likely due to a fluid that is leaking and landing onto a hot surface such as the exhaust. Typically when smoke comes from under...
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Water leak, don't know where
If your engine has no external coolant leaks, and is still requiring you to put water in the radiator, that water is leaking internally inside the engine. But before jumping to that conclusion, a cooling system pressure test should be...
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Transmission linkage not moving
There is a cable that connects the actual linkage on the transmission to the shifter in the car. If the cable somehow breaks or becomes dislodged it will feel similar to what you are describing. This is a common issues...
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Occasional shaking and loss of engine power
Unfortunately, I don't have repair information for this vehicle yet. I've seen online that other people have experienced a similar problem accompanied by a Check Engine Light and code P0606, which stands for Fuel Pump Control Module. The solution is...
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Car hard to start and vibrates
This almost sounds like there is some mechanical resistance loading down the engine, making it hard to start, and hard to run. Generally, the best way to determine this is to disconnect the drive belt to the rotating engine peripherals,...
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Car not starting. Shut down by security system !
Please refer to YourMechanic's on-line tutorial: How to Disable the Immobilizer. If those instructions do not resolve the issue, please request a no start diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this diagnosed and resolved, right at your location....
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Car starts but immediately quits
If you have replaced all of those components and you're still getting issues then the problem should be in the fuse box with the body control module fuse located in it (on the driver side) or there is an open...
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Mpg going down
Hello. If the gas mileage has gotten worse since you replaced the air filter you will want to look into that first. It may be installed upside down or improperly. If the air filter is not the issue, then you...
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Nissan exterra security light flashing car won't start
This suggests you have a malfunction in your security system that is disabling the ability of the vehicle to start. When the security system is functioning properly, the goal is for it to disable the car's ability to start when...
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Brother in law changed oil in my 2007 mustang I JUST got. Oil light came on while driving. Car shut down. Engine light and battery
If all or most of the oil leaked out it is possible for the engine to be damaged or to seize. In that event, yes, the engine would have to be repaired. You can try turning the engine over by...
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Rep light is on and now wont start like not getting gas car was runing and cut off and would not re crank
You should have the computer scanned for additional codes and also check the fuel pressures to see if the no start is a computer sensor issue like crankshaft sensor or the fuel pump is not giving pressure.
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P2173 error code related to AIR DOOR ACTUATOR?
Hello. The ETC and ESC lights are likely not related to your air door actuator. The air door actuator is an AC component, and not really connected to the electronic throttle control or stability control systems. The ETC light usually...
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Shaking of 2002 Hyundai Elantra
Engine shakes a lot of times because either the engine or transmission mounts are worn, or they are not running correctly. First thing you want to do is--have that motor mounts and the transmission mounts checked. It's old enough, 14...
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Steering wheel squeak
Hello. If your steering wheel is producing a squeaking sound when rapidly turning I would first try to determine where the sound may be coming from. If it sounds like it may be coming from outside the vehicle, perhaps the...
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My radiator blew and I overheated the engine. I can make it start but it won't keep running
Hi Brandon. Thanks for contacting us today. When an engine overheats to the point that the radiator breaks, it often creates additional damage to engine internal components and electrical harnesses that power many fuel and ignition systems. Without completing an...
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Trailblazer 04 vibrates while in Drive or Reverse. There is a raw gas smell on the exhaust.
Hi there. Check the spark plugs on the engine and see if they are fouled out. A fouled out spark plug will cause the cylinder to not fire and let the fuel that is sprayed in go out the exhaust...
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Engine shaking after put in gear
Hello. If you fixed a couple problems yourself I first want to commend you on that because you have to be some type of car guy to do so. I highly doubt an oil change will be the cause for...
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The hub bearings were replaced on my 2013 Buick Regal Turbo. I have only had the car a month. I bought it from Car Max. I have a
Hi there. Though you may still have a warranty on the vehicle you may want to have someone else check it out first. It sounds like they may not have changed both of the hub bearings, but it can also...
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Power steering loss
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2001 Mercedes Benz ML430. This problem could be caused by a slipping belt or a faulty belt tensioner. The power steering pulley needs to be observed while the car is parked and...
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I went for and oil change, tire rotation, and inspection. Why would they also replaced my rear brakes and pads at 19k miles?
Hi there. From the description you have provided, going in for an oil change, tire rotation, and inspection, being told your vehicle needs rear brakes at 19,345 miles and leaving there $580.00 poorer, makes me cry too! It makes absolutely...
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How do I customize the Park Assist?
The Park Assist feature can be turned on or off very easily: 1. Turn on the infotainment system. 2. Press the CONFIG button to select the Configuration Settings menu. 3. Rotate the MENU/SELECT knob to Vehicle Settings, then press the...
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Engine turns over good but won't start what might be the problem? It misfired one time and hasn't started since.
Your engine requires spark, air, and fuel to start and run properly. Air is almost always present so that leaves spark and fuel. Depending on the vehicle, if a crankshaft sensor is faulty, the engine control unit may not receive...