Popular questions

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Gear shift lever broke
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...
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Car shudder, tire noise, engine clicking - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
It sounds like there are worn suspension bushings in the front suspension. When braking, the front suspension is subject to large stresses which accentuates a worn or damaged bushing. The "jerking" sensation you observe when braking sounds like a severely...
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Car shuts off when trying to start.
Your key is a transponder key. The transponder in the key works together with the theft deterrent module that is attached to the ignition lock cylinder. The only good way to test this system is with a shop level scanner...
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Why my car has a little picture of the motor
This is a sign that the control module has detected a problem somewhere, in one of the vehicles systems. It will be necessary to connect a code reader to the vehicle and pull the diagnostic trouble codes to see what...
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A howling noise is coming from the driver's side
Hi there. It is always a good idea to replace wheel bearings in pairs. If the center spindle nut kept coming loose, it's possible that it was not properly torqued, or you have a spindle thread issue that should be...
Question
Auxilliary plug not working
I would try plugging the chord in another plug just to make sure it is not the chord. The plugs are rather simple. The sides are the ground and only the very center piece at the very back of the...
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Is there any good reason to spend extra money on premium gasoline?
Premium fuel should only be used if the manufacturer recommends it. You will see it printed on the fuel gauge if you are required to use it. All fuels sold in the USA have cleaners in the fuel now. Some...
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Brake Pads, rotors caliper replacement what is the cost of labor
If the brakes are otherwise functioning properly (i.e. not sticking or grabbing inadvertently), then it is likely you do not need to replace the calipers. If your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes it typically means...
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What will I need to change my fpr on my 96 Chevy Silverado 5.7 liter? I appreciate any advice and understand if you don't want to
It takes a mechanic about 2 hours. The main thing you have to keep in mind is gasoline is flammable and the vapors can accumulate and explode. You have to be mindful of even your shop light, and static electricity,...
Question
Turning of more than 1/2 circle of the steering wheel causes gunk gunk gunk sound
My guess is that the strut mount/bearing is worn or binding. Strut mount/bearing wear can intensify with the installation of a lowering kit. The tie rod connects into the strut assembly, which is turned on the bearing every time you...
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Hi, I have a 2003 pontiac sunfire that is getting water in my engine. It looks like water is leaking from somewhere between my eng
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...
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Coolant leaking, engine might be messed up now
You are correct in not wanting to start the car to avoid any further damage. It sounds like you might have coolant leaking into one of the cylinders due to an engine block failure, resulting in a misfire. What needs...
Question
Tapping sound near brake pedal.
The clicking noise is one of the relays under the left side of the dash cycling on and off. I have seen aftermarket alarm relays do this and this may be the reason it is killing the battery. Most factory...
Question
Passenger side electric window intermittently will not go down
Hi there. Thanks for writing in about your 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. There could be several causes for your passenger window to only work intermittently. But with the conditions you described, you will most likely need a replacement motor and...
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Car not shifting into gear
Whether your vehicle's transmission is automatic or manual will change the diagnosis a bit. Both types of transmissions use a linkage system to connect the shifter to the transmission under the hood. Any binding or broken mechanical connection will cause...
Question
Car putting and will not accelerate
This may be a sign of a clogged catalytic converter. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When this is clogged, this causes these gases to be...
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Have to crank the engine a few times to get it to start.
Engine temperature can significantly affect vehicle components - especially electronics. An engine that won't start when hot usually indicates a problem in one of the vehicle's many circuits. Heat can cause thermal expansion and contraction, as well as increased electrical...
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Electrical problems with battery or alternator.
Problems in your starting and charging system will keep your car from starting, but the symptoms of each are different. Batteries that go bad will sometimes check good until you put them under a load like the one a starter...
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Coolant is bubbling
Hi. Your concern sounds very similar to an event where the system cooling fan may not be working properly. If the air conditioning is cooler as the vehicle is moving, but warm when stopped, this tells me air flow is...
Question
Smell smoke when starting
The smell of smoke may indicate that you have a slight oil leak on your engine somewhere. The hood will get hot, and this is normal. The engine compartment can be 200 degrees fahrenheit or maybe even a little hotter....
Question
Expected life of clutch
The life of a clutch depends on several variables. Of course, the type of driving is going to have an impact on the life expectancy, so is the way the driver uses the clutch. If the car is driven hard,...