Popular questions

Question
Anti thrift lock on and want let car start
The Ford anti theft system requires a properly coded key for start and run this vehicle. If you have additional key then try to see if it works. If it does not then you will need to have a dealer...
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Extremely low oil & knocking noise
If the engine is to the point of making knocking sounds, there is probably internal damage at this point due to the low oil level. If the crankshaft is scored from lack of oil, then oil pressure will not return...
Question
Car shut off
Hi there. What you are describing tends to occur when either an oil line becomes loose or internal engine damage occurs. However, it's also possible that you have an electrical or ignition system component failure that is causing the hard...
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Smoke and oil pressure
Hello, It sounds like you have an oil leak which may be causing the leaking oil to be burnt on the exhaust resulting in the white smoke you are seeing coming up between the cab and the bed of the...
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air con fan is very loud
It sounds like you could be having an issue with your A/C fan. The A/C fan is responsible for keeping the engine cool when the A/C is on. When the A/C is running, the engine will create more heat as...
Question
Front light goes on and off
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. This is a normal condition for the lights to flash when setting the locks. This is an indicator to the driver that the locks have engaged and the security system is now active. If...
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All new clutch slipping
Hey Chris. If the clutch is slipping and the components are brand new, it's more likely that it's either not properly adjusted, or the pressure plate is not correctly installed. We have a pretty good article that explains the process...
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My car changes gears while driving
It sounds like the transmission has delayed engagement. After the engine is started, how long do you wait until you put it in gear? As cars get older and racks up more miles, it never hurts to let the car...
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One headlight working
If you only have one head light that is not working it is typically caused by a bulb that has failed. One your vehicle I have had a lot of bulb connections fail and cause this. I would typically start...
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How do I take a car out of storage after 30 years?
The best route to take is drain and refill all fluids, especially gasoline if any was left in the tank. The entire fuel system should be drained and fresh fuel added. Spark plugs should be replaced. Before removing them, it...
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Should i buy the car for 4k and get a engine swap
Hi there. Modern car engine swaps are not as simple as in years past. Among some of the common issues include transmission compatibility, ECU and ignition system troubles and other electrical gremlins. If you have a professional performance shop complete...
Question
My VDC light came on the other day while snowing and has not went off even while driving on dry road
VDC, or Vehicle Dynamic Control, is Nissan's proprietary system to maximize traction and help stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the car turns more or less than desired. VDC also assists you in maintaining traction while accelerating on loose or...
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Warped rotors 2012 Ford Expedition
Hi there - to respond to your specific question, the answer is to use a higher temperature brake pad material (like a ceramic or carbon brake pad) - rather than a different rotor for your rather heavy vehicle. The brakes...
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Bad wheel bearing at front of car.
A grinding noise would indicate that the brake may be worn out. Have a technician look at it to determine if the brakes are worn out or the wheel bearing is bad. A bad wheel bearing would be a whining...
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A horrible grinding sound coming from somewhere in the gearbox/ under the hood
I would certainly check the gearbox fluid level first - this is easy to do. If the fluid is very low, damage may have already been done to the gearbox, given your advanced mileage. If you press the clutch pedal,...
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Firing order from the front of the engine.
The location of the ignition coil for the 3rd cylinder is the 3rd cylinder back from the front of the engine where the belts are. From viewing the engine from the front of the vehicle, the 3rd cylinder will be...
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Do I need a crankshaft position sensor
Typically a bad crank position sensor will prevent your vehicle from starting. Your rough idle could be due to a vacuum leak or possibly a dirty injector, or maybe even an idle air control valve or throttle body that needs...
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need help figuring out these values from code scanner live data
Although I cant fully diagnose this issue with the information provided, I can say that both of the O2 sensors that are after the catalytic converters, should be stable under normal conditions. Your engine load at idle seems higher than...
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Is there any way to fold down the rear seats while remaining in the car versus going to the trunk and pulling the seat release in
Hello, thank you for writing in. We all have been in a position where getting out of the car was a hassle. Unfortunately this is one of those situations where there is not much you can do to avoid it....
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My power steering light came on and I checked the fluid (there was nothing in it). I added fluid and it still was hard to steer. S
Hello, thank you for writing in. If you have two issues with the power steering fluid at once, it would be very unfortunate. The lack of power steering fluid is cause for concern alone. If you are low or out,...
Question
Wheel bearing
Wheel bearings can be difficult to locate which of the four is making the noise. I've spent to much time crawling around a car while another technicians drives attempting to figure out which bearing is making the noise. You can...
Question
Is there add'l cost for diagnosis?
In order to find out the reason the engine is overheating the cooling system needs to be checked to see if the thermostat is stuck, there is a coolant leak, cooling fans do not come on or there is another...
Question
Engine light on, loss of power. Lifted hood whilst engine running but fan doesn't seem to be spinning? Could this be the problem
The Check Engine Light indicates a problem in one of the vehicle systems. The stored trouble codes need to be tested and diagnosed. The electric fan should only come on when it's needed, if it is not necessary the fan...
Question
Are Captivas are known for engine failure and gearbox box issues?
As with any vehicle, they are prone to mechanical problems and issues, even when properly maintained. However, as with anything else, if it is properly maintained, you will greatly enhance your chances of prolonging the life of the engine and...