Popular questions

Question
I have added power steering fluid to my car...I have seen a video which says the fluid should be in middle level. Can I add more? 2005 Honda Accord
Hello - either the side of the fluid reservoir will have Max/Min marks for the maximum and minimum fluid level desirable for power steering fluid, or there will be a "dipstick" indicator on the inside of the fluid cap that...
Question
Check Engine light on fault code P000a & P000b
Codes P000A and P000B are generic codes related to camshaft timing as stated in this article. It can be caused by a number of issues from something as simple as a loose gas cap, to a faulty engine control module...
Question
Stability Light came and Check Engine Light came on. I have a misfire on number 6 plugs.
Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information constantly to the ABS and traction control system which are controlled by the car's ECU. When the ECU...
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My car constantly overheats within a couple of minutes and I've had all of the cooling system replaced already.
Hi there. If the engine takes a little time to overheat, then it is possible that the radiator could be plugged up. If the engine overheats fast, then either there is air in the cooling system or one or both...
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Stock engine swap replacement compatibility
The engines (i.e., the long block assemblies) from the two subject VIN's are 100% interchangeable. Please note though that sensors, electronics, controls and accessories on the engines would have to be separately verified OR, without verification, simply carried over from...
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My compass in the mirror is not working again.
Hello, thanks for writing in. If the compass in the rear view mirror has ceased to function then the mirror will likely have to be replaced. You may be able to take apart the rear view mirror and attempt to...
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Can I replace my 225/45R18 tires with 215/55R17 tires? The 215's are what ALL tire sites say are original factory size
I owned a 2008 Sonata and currently own a 2015 Sonata Sport 2.0T Limited. With your generation as well as my 2015, the Sonata with the 2.0T engine has larger brakes so the 18 inch wheels make more room for...
Question
Car pulls to the right after tire rotation and balancing
Hello. Thanks for writing in about your Infiniti EX35. A pull to the right is not normal. If the alignment is in specification, then the frame needs to be checked as it may not be straight. If it is, then...
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Car squeals loudly when turning on and also at times when accelerating with the A.C. on
If the belt is in good condition and is tightened properly, then suspicion falls on the accessories that it is driving. You could be right about the alternator bearings, but it's premature to replace the alternator. It could also be...
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I'm having transmission problems with my 2011 Chevy Equinox. When I turn the car on the odometer starts at a 2.
The slow acceleration that you are describing could be engine or transmission related. If the vehicle is not shifting at the correct shift points, and consequently engine RPM's go way up (to 4,000-5,000 RPM) as it is stuck in a...
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will it cause more damage if I continue to drive with a burnt out valve in the engine?
Hi there, thanks for writing in. Unfortunately, yes you can do more damage by continuing to drive with damaged valves. The misfire will cause damage to the catalytic converter, which is a critical emission device. Damaging the catalyst can cause...
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Hello ! I have a problem with my ac compressor clutch, it won't engage unless I push it manually
It sounds like you may have a damaged AC compressor clutch. As you may know the AC Clutch is the pulley that spins with the Belt. There are two ports on the rear of the Compressor. One is a Suction...
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Are stabilizers the same as tie rods? I think no??
Hello. The short answer is no. Tie rods are part of your steering system. They are integral to your cars ability to drive straight and turn. I guess in some sense they contribute to the stability of your car, but...
Question
Power steering fluid shoots out of cap when turned off and wheel is not turned?
You may have an air leak at the pump and thus air is being continually drawn in, and building enough residual pressure that must be relieved once you shut the p/s off. The pressure is too much to bleed of...
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What does hot air below the driver' feet indicate?
Hi there: If the heater is not on and the vents are blowing hot air, it's possibly caused by a malfunction of the heater motor relay or the heater core. What's most likely happening is that there is an electrical...
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I have a 02 Toyota Camry 2.4L auto trans that won't shift into 4 & OD
Hi Renee. Thanks for contacting us today. The Shifter Position Switch and Neutral Safety Switch are one in the same, but I don't think that's the source of this type of problem. Typically when that component fails, it causes all...
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Car had jet engine and loud fan noises
Hi there. From what you are relating, this doesn't sound like an out of the ordinary diagnosis or list of recommended work. In addition, a faulty fan clutch can make the loud, "jet engine" noise that you describe. You may...
Question
My car has a rough idle and water leaking from the tailpipe - 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. If the smoke is slightly white, it could be burning the fuel too cold. This is an issue with a cylinder misfiring and causing raw fuel to enter the exhaust pipe. Check all...
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Short quiet squeal accompanied by what feels like the engine 'catching' and sort of jerking slightly
Hello there, thanks for writing in. The vehicle squealing and catching can have a variety of causes on your 1993 Plymouth Sundance. When the vehicle catches and squeals like this it is likely a problem with the belt slipping. The...
Question
My brake light and battery light turned on
Hi there, thanks for writing in to YourMechanic.com about your 2008 Nissan Altima. When the brake light and battery light both illuminate, it's sometimes caused by an electrical relay or damage to a sensor which triggers an error code that...
Question
I was driving and my dash lights and everything turned off and eventually my car started losing power
It could be that your alternator has failed and for some reason you didn't get any warning lights. Usually you can drive a car with a bad alternator for a few hours before the battery voltage is too low to...
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A few weeks ago, my 2001 Honda Accord EX started overheating. I took it to my mechanic 2 days later and was told my coolant hose
Overheating can damage the cooling system thermostat which, in turn, will cause continued overheating. Consequently, testing and replacing the thermostat should be among the repairs to consider. The burst hose, that is the coolant leak you first observed, could have...
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Turns over but won't start.. 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
Claimed by David Gaines Wooten
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How does the battery saver system work?
Even if it’s never happened to you, chances are good that you know at least one person who’s forgotten to turn off their headlights and came back out to a dead battery in their car. The battery saver system in...
Question
how do I replace a thermostat on a Nissan Maxima?
The thermostat is located on the front of the engine. The engine is mounted transversely so the front of the engine will be facing the passenger side and the thermostat in near the alternator. The battery must be disconnected and...