Popular questions

Question
Lights dimming, interior lights and exterior lights, and whining when rolling downhill.
This may suggest a failing voltage regulator that may be allowing the alternator to be producing too much or too little amperage causing a fluctuation in the electrical system. The voltage regulator is a unit that regulates the charging of...
Question
Belt not turning.
The system would have to be checked to see if the water pump is seized causing the belt to stop moving. The water pump and the power steering share the same belt. The loss of steering and overheating the engine...
Question
My car is hard to start.
You are going to want to inspect several components. First, if the starter is slow to turn at first, and this is the issue, you will want to have the starter replaced. If you starter turns quickly (or at the...
Question
Can you tell me how the tachcometer numbers correspond to how many miles one is driving? Thank you.
Hello. There are problems with trying to do this type of estimating of speed by a tachometer. The tachometer changes with gear and road speed. You could have someone cruise at certain speeds next to you or match speeds with...
Question
Car makes knocking and clunking sound
If you are hearing a suspension noise, any number of components when worn can cause a noise. A bad strut or strut mount, ball joint, sway bar, or one of many bushings. To find the noise, the suspension would need...
Question
How Frequently Should I Have My AC System Recharged?
The refrigerant in an automotive AC system circulates through a sealed system. It is designed to be totally leak-free and usually is. Many vehicles are driven for years and years without needing any refrigerant added to the AC system. ...
Question
Spark knocking in car
Your neighbor is correct, your particular model does not have an EGR valve. I suggest that you have a technician check the condition of the spark plugs and test the spark plug wires. Either of those of those components are...
Question
Car making a spark sound when starting
While the information provided is a bit limited, it does lead me to believe that your Nissan may be experiencing an electrical problem with the starting system. Since I am unable to give a proper diagnosis, I highly recommend enlisting...
Question
The Mazda shut off trying to pull into parking lot and won't turn back on
You may have a fuel pump that stopped operating. You can check the fuse F1-6 located in the underhood fuse box. You can also listen to hear if the fuel pump is running. Remove the gas cap and put your...
Question
Hello, i had my head gasket repaired and after 8 months it has started making white smoke come from exhaust again and I can smell
Hello, thank you for writing in. With white smoke coming from the exhaust, the smell of coolant, and the (very likely although unmentioned) lowering of the coolant level, it is quite apparent that the coolant is making its way passed...
Question
Car battery replacement
Your car uses two batteries: one large one for the starter and another for the body systems. So it will take some testing to determine whether you need one or both. Contact Your Mechanic by clicking the link to schedule...
Question
hard to back up when van gets hot okay when it's cold
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is likely having issues with the transmission fluid. If you have not had the transmission serviced, it is time to check the level and condition of the fluid and replace the filter....
Question
Top radiator hose burst now car wont start
For whatever reason, it sounds like the battery is dead. .You will need to have your battery replaced and your charging system checked. I don't know if this has anything to do with the hose breakage, perhaps the technician who...
Question
Short in Amps of mustang causes battery drain. With fuse removed mustang runs fine. Will replacing amps fix this?
If there is water leaking into the convertible top well and trunk area, this should be addressed first. Replacing electronic components while still having a water leak issue will only cause damage to the replacement components. If the leak has...
Question
Need to know if I need to have brakes replaced at the same time as the master cylinder?
Hi, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to provide my insight. You do not automatically need to replace the brakes with the master cylinder. When facing brake issues, always do a full inspection. Brakes are such a critical safety...
Question
No fuel or spark getting to engine
If the engine was running prior to replacing the sensors then you may have a faulty sensor. It is common for this to occur. If it was running the same prior to this then you may have another problem. The...
Question
Loses power 60 mph
Hi! I believe your problems are unrelated and not caused by one another. I think it's more so awkward timing that both present problems than anything else. You may be in need of a tune-up. I suggest that you have...
Question
my truck has a whine on acceleration around 1700 rpm, what is it?
The noise is most likely coming from a bearing in the transmission. The noise is created when you put pressure on it under acceleration. I would need to hear the noise to be sure but this is common on this...
Question
Will using the incorrect ATF on my car cause sensors to fail
With regard to the 2003 Acura TL Honda states in the Owner's Manual, "Always use Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid). If it is not available, you may use a DEXRON III automatic transmission fluid as a temporary replacement. However, continued...
Question
Weird noise
The gurgling sound you hear is likely coolant at work inside your radiator and heater core. The gurgling sound can be produced a few different ways. If the cooling system was not properly flushed the last time the coolant was...
Question
Noisy steering, is it a dangerous problem?
Noisy steering is usually indicative of defective fluid, unless you have a leak and are low on fluid. In your case, I would recommend having a top-rated mechanic from YourMechanic run a power steering pump pressure-test and check the power...
Question
radiator fan issue
I would suspect the cooling fan switch is bad or the two relays for the cooling system are bad. The cooling fan switch should be the most common problem, but for the price of the two relays in the engine...