Popular questions

It sounds like you have a fuel leak and should not operate your car for safety reasons until you have the issue checked out. This may be the cause of the stalling and starting problems.

Hi. The first task is to extract problem codes. Whether the Check Engine light is on or not. The most common source of the "reduced power" for these GM engines is either the wiring connector to the throttle body (connections...

If you have a check engine light on then have it tested to see what fault codes are present. You should still be under warranty and the dealer will fix it for free if it's a failed part. If it...

You didn't indicate the age of the battery. If the battery is "new" (less than 2.5 years old) and passes a load test, you should check for parasitic loads. With all car accessories off and key out of the ignition,...

The top most part of your engine is called the valve cover. On a V-shaped engine, you should have 2 valve covers. These valve covers are bolted to the top of the cylinder head and have gaskets in between the...

This can be caused by a few things such as low transmission fluid, a transmission vacuum leak or a faulty transmission control solenoid. Modern automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required,...

A muffler can become clogged from catalyst material breaking loose and working it's way down the exhaust or an internal failure. Some mufflers and resonators are filled with fiberglass that absorbs some of the noise in the exhaust system. If...

Hi there. If the tensioner was removed, then when the engine cranked over the camshaft would not move causing the piston to come in contact with the valves. Then there would be a serious problem with the engine. Most likely...

Hello. I would strongly urge you to not continue to driving your vehicle in this condition. Continuing to drive your vehicle in this condition could cause damage to many components of your engine which would be costly to repair and/or...

Hi Jay. Thanks for contacting us today. There are several possible reasons why your Olds Alero is having these problems. While routine maintenance and service are important, it might not resolve your symptoms. Whether you can do it yourself depends...

Billing question sent to CS for the cost of repairing a plugged up fuel system on a 2014 Porsche Panamera.

Hi there. If the starter was replaced, first check the battery cables to the starter and make sure that they are tight. If the cables are tight, then the issue could be that the clutch may have broke causing the...

Hello. It is possible that you have a bent valve but instead you may have a warped valve seat. Whether or not that is the case what is most likely causing the lack of compression in your engine is a...

The ignition systems on these cars are equipped with the PATS system; if the anti-theft system sees the key as not programed, then the vehicle will not start. Look to see if the Anti-Theft Light is illuminated. If it is,...

The second row center seat’s shoulder belt should stay connected at all times unless you need to fold the seat down or accommodate cargo. Of course, when those situations arise, you will need to know how to release it. Here’s...

Hi. Valve cover gaskets are a common leak point for high mileage vehicles. The repair is not very complicated and in most cases can be performed by a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic. Once the gaskets have been...

Hello. Leaks, especially from the head gasket, are problematic because they can lead to overheating and engine damage. This is something that you will want to take care of sooner or later. I would recommend having a technician locate the...

Hi - regarding the crankshaft sensor - if the new one (cheap or otherwise) is not causing any misfire, it is just fine for now anyway. What code is "still coming up"? That is fairly important in the diagnostic process....

Hello. Your vehicle could have one of two power steering systems. If you have a traditional power steering system, with a power steering pump, power steering hoses, and rack and pinion, a malfunction of any of those components could be...

Usually when the Check Engine Light flashes, it is an indication that you have a severe misfire that may cause damage to the catalytic converter. Most of the time this is due to failing ignition components. That is why it...

Hi there. Check the slave cylinder to the clutch and see if the piston is all the way out. If the piston is all the way out or its not touching the clutch fork, then the release bearing has broken...

When an intake manifold gasket fails, it can leak coolant into the engine and contaminate the engine oil, so in some cases it will be necessary to change the oil in conjunction with this service. Vehicles with plastic intake manifolds...