Popular questions

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After oil change - no oil registers on dip stick 2015 ford edge
Hi there. When oil is changed, the filter is removed and less than 2 oz. of residual oil will remain in oil lines and throughout the motor. When it's added and the new filter is not primed (meaning not filled...
Question
What does the Park Assist Off message mean?
The Park Assist Off message can appear in the driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, a temporary issue has disabled the park assist system. When the issue is resolved, the alert will go away.
Question
Changed thermostat now have no heat 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Hi - you are on the right track, there is likely an air pocket in your heater, preventing the heater from working properly. To bleed the heater core as well as the engine cooling system: fill engine with coolant, remove...
Question
Why does my 2012 Chevrolet Sonic only rev to 3500 rpm in park.
This is normal for your vehicle. The vehicle is designed not to be overrevved when it is in park. When you start driving the computer recognizes this and allows it to rev higher. I would not worry about this unless...
Question
Vibration issue when going 60mph and up. Speed related.
Shaking or vibrating at high speeds is often times related to tires that may be out of balance, low on air, potentially a badly aligned front end, failing suspension components or ball joints. When any of these things are not...
Question
Dash lights flashing on while driving
Hello, thank you for writing in. Electrical issues can be incredibly difficult to diagnose. Typically when every dash light turns on, there is an issue with the main power supply. This means an issue with the battery, alternator, wiring, or...
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Engine runs fine but no power to the wheels when the car is in drive or reverse.
The first thing to do is to have the computer and transmission scanned to get the codes stored. Depending on the codes stored the transmission may have a bad pressure control valve that is not letting it move. A full...
Question
Engine fan continues to run, Check Engine light on, and coolant leaks.
The two engine fans are controlled by separate relays that are turned on by a powertrain control unit. The system is controlled through the body control module that signals the powertrain control unit. The body control module gets signals from...
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Car went backwards when I had it in drive.
This is a known issue in the Volkswagon Jetta transmission. Converter drain back is a situation where the automatic transmission fluid drains back into the transmission pan causing this kind of a reaction. Some of this is normal, but not...
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High RPM's when slowing down or coming to a stop
This is a common issue with a failing throttle position sensor in that it tends to reset itself when shutting the vehicle off, which is why you may notice it goes away when shutting the car down and restarting it....
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Problem with RPM
What you are describing sounds like a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and...
Question
2011 Pathfinder Fluctuating idle, stalling, no power when accelerating
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a dirty or failing idle air control valve causing your engine idle to fluctuate. The idle air control valve is a small valve on the engine's intake system that reads the air...
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Trans JERK when accelerating from stop.
This may be a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. 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...
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Misfire that got worse after coil pack and spark plugs were changed
The engine can be diagnosed, and the fault pinpointed, if you request a Check Engine Light diagnostic. Trouble codes that refer to parts, in this instance a coil, do not necessarily mean that the part has failed. For example, if...
Question
Buzzing noise when turn my fan to a certain setting and sometimes when start car
This may be a sign of a faulty blower motor. As you might know, these have electric motors in them that wear out over time and will begin to make squeaking or grinding noises as the bearings begin to wear...
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Windshield wipers coming on upon startup.
Hello, I have had this issue come up a few times with this vehicle. Most of the time this is caused by a hardware failure in either the steering control module or the integrated power control module. These modules can...
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Engine misfires and ticking sound on startup, coasting, and acceleration.
The noise in the engine may be from running with the ignition timing too far advanced from a malfunctioning mass air flow sensor. The mass air flow sensor could be giving false readings, which will cause the computer to compensate...
Question
What temperature thermostat is needed for my vehicle?
Hi there. First locate the thermostat housing on your engine. Then get a drain pan and put it under the radiator and drain out the coolant. Once the coolant is out, you can remove the thermostat housing and replace the...
Question
Battery dies unexpectedly, turned off the car, went to turn it on 5 min later and battery had died.
Hey there. The battery may not have been recharged between each stop if you were driving at night with heavy accessory load like the A/C and lights with the radio on. Each time you stop and shut off the vehicle...
Question
My car misfires at light throttle and mid RPM conditions
Without having the specifics on the vehicle and engine type, I can only give you a general direction to take. You may have an EGR system fault. EGR - Exhaust Gas Recirculation - is designed to prevent knock, ping, and...
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What would cause acceleration without stepping on the gas while stopped?
It would be hard to pinpoint the exact cause. A couple of possibilities could be a vacuum leak. If the engine is sucking in too much air, it could raise the engine speed, possibly drastically if a ;large vacuum leak...
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my serpintine belt snaped, i noticed the power steering pulley was bent i re placed it but am not sure if the pulley should spin
If there is no drive belt on the pulley that is on the power steering pump, you should be able to turn the power steering pump pulley freely and easily by hand. If the pulley (shaft) does not turn, that...
Question
Burning smell coming from under the hood and car stalling at stop light
If oil is leaking through the valve cover gasket, and the oil drips onto the hot exhaust manifold, you will see smoke as well as detect a very strong burning odor. Such a leak would be a potential fire hazard,...
Question
2007 Honda Pilot Check Engine Light and VSA light on and idling at higher RPM, problem with acceleration
Hi there. The Vehicle Stability Assist light typically will trigger when the system has been disabled and it not the source of misfiring or acceleration issues in most cases. Since your check engine light is illuminated as well, it is...
Question
Squeaking in suspension, 2005 Dodge Ram 1500
Hello. Squeaking in the front suspension is usually caused by worn, dry, or unlubricated suspension bushings or components. If the noise is coming from a control arm bushing it may be possible that the bushing just needs to be greased...