Popular questions

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I have a clunking and popping noise when turning
This is a common sign of a failing CV joint. A CV (Constant Velocity) joint is a shaft that connects the transmission to the wheels, essentially transferring the power from the drive train directly to the wheels. The CV joint...
Question
Smoking comes from exhaust under hood.
If you used any sprays while working on the spark plugs the smoke may be from the product heating up and burning off of the exhaust manifolds. Exhaust manifold gaskets will also smoke for some time when newly installed on...
Question
White smoke coming out of car
Hello. Depending on what the smoke looks like and also depending on what fluids you are losing would help me to determine the problem. If the smoke has a blue cast to it then it may be burning oil. If...
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2015 nissan versa note lights on
Hi there. The best way to determine what is causing these lights to illuminate on your dashboard is to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a check engine light inspection. When your lights illuminate, it...
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ABS light on, rattling sound coming from the engine - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
Due to this being a possible safety concern you will want to have this issue looked at as soon as possible. GM has several TSB's out for various ABS and stability system issues. All of these TSB's do have specific...
Question
Automatic 2009 v6 mustang idling roughly and/or stalling after new duralast maf sensor install
Occasionally, on a part of this type there are meaningful differences between aftermarket and OEM. Therefore, to simplify the diagnostics, the OEM MAF sensor (as vended by a Ford dealer) could be installed. Once you have an original equipment, genuine...
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Car won't start - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
Hello - it is normal for all system lights to illuminate when the vehicle is first powered on as a "systems check". The failure to start after that indicates another problem: low battery condition, security problem (with the key), car...
Question
Rear passenger side wheel completely locked up.
It is possible that the parking brake cable has seized, due to rust, at that wheel position. That would be relatively easy to determine based on a visual inspection. If you desire that this problem be diagnosed by a certified...
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HI I was driving home today and noticed while I was at a traffic light my oil light started to flicker.
Engine oil pressure may be below the requirement at idle. To determine that, temporarily install an external pressure gauge and verify that you have at least 5 PSI at idle, although you should compare against the pressure specification set forth...
Question
Hazard lights flash around 5 times well after car is locked
Hi there. There are some times when an electrical glitch or error code is stored in the ECU that will trigger "odd" electrical problems like you've listed in your question. The best way to determine why this is happening is...
Question
Makes brake fluid is black
Brake fluid accumulates moisture and contaminants over time and consequently the fluid should be replaced about every 35,000 to 50,000 miles. To service the fluid you can request a brake system flush and refill. If you request that service, the...
Question
i was trying to remove my grill today and removed all the screws and bolts but there are these plastic tabs and i don't know how m
Hello, thanks for writing in about your 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. If you are trying to remove the grill, it is attached to the front bumper. You cannot remove the tabs without breaking them. You have to remove the entire bumper...
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Why has my gas and oil level been going down a lot quicker than before? 2006 Toyota Camry
Hi there - the cause of your poor fuel mileage could be a leaking fuel injector, or your engine is running too rich (failed coolant temp sensor?). Excess fuel going into the engine both reduces your fuel mileage, but can...
Question
AC clutch fan relationship
The fan is kinda related, in that it is needed and commanded by the AC system to help cool the hot condenser. Its electrical circuit is separate from the AC electrical circuits. Definitely check the fuses first, then check...
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Hi i have a 2009 dodge journey and it drives great but if you get over 70mph it starts pulsating. What could that be?
Hello, thank you for writing in. 85% of the time, when you have issues driving at high speeds, specially when you can feel them and hear them, you have an issue with your tires. The best place to start is...
Question
when i turn key it starts then when i let off it cuts off
This is most commonly the ignition switch electrical. It is an important distinction to make. There is the "electrical ignition switch" and the "ignition lock cylinder" that the key inserts. It is very common for Honda's to exhibit this symptom....
Question
Doesn't sound like it wants to start
Prior to performing diagnostics be sure you have a fully charged battery that passes a load test. Then, confirm that the engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated thus preventing the car from starting. Basically, if a fully charged...
Question
Diagnosing a heater core problem
A common tell tale sign of the heater core not working is the heater not providing warm heat when turning it on. You may also notice the floor being a bit damp in the event that the heater core might...
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What safety precautions should be followed when driving?
Your car is equipped with a quite a few different safety features, but in order to stay safe on the road and protect both yourself and your passengers, there are a few safety precautions you’ll need to follow. Here’s what...
Question
I drove over an old railroad track on a back road and apparently scraped the differential pretty hard. Immediately After this happ
Hi Trey. Thanks for contacting us today. It's quite possible that when the truck bottomed out and hit that railroad track that the yoke or the drive shaft was bent or damaged. That would cause the type of noises you...
Question
Would a faulty front main bearing seal drop oil pressure to the hydraulic lifters?
Hi there. Lifters will tap if there is no pressure to them causing a gap or if the lifters are out of adjustment. Put on a mechanical oil pressure gauge to the engine and check for oil pressure. If there...
Question
I came out for work yesterday and tried to start my car (push start ) and it would not crank on. I took my wife's car and left.
Based off your description, it sounds to me that the problem is a bad battery. Batteries could start going bad in colder weather depending on how old it is. I recommend replacing your battery to fix the issue. If you...