Popular questions

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Check engine light on a lot
Hello Jacqueline! Thank you for writing in with this question. This problem could be related to a bad gas cap o-ring, or something more involved like an evaporative emissions system leak, or canister purge solenoid problem. Since the Check Engine...
Question
I am getting every time when accellerating vibration in driver side front at speed 30-38m/h? 2010 Honda Accord
Hi there - there are a couple of possible problems here to cause such a vibration - a bad CV joint or CV axle on the driver side, or a failed motor mount that is allowing the engine to twist...
Question
I fell asleep at the wheel and i drove over bricks in a yard my car is now running hot, coolant leaks pan under car fell off
Your car should be inspected to determine the origin of the coolant leak and, for your safety, to verify that no other undercar components were damaged in the incident. Once a complete picture is assembled, the mechanic will fully inform...
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Car dies while driving - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
You need to check the large fuse links at the harness from the alternator to the battery. If the fuse link is blown the battery will not get charged. If you are having trouble pinpointing the problem, a local expert...
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1998 GMC keeps overheating on the temperature gauge. It's full of water and has a new thermostat.
Hi and thanks for writing to YourMechanic. There are several things to look at. First off, have the coolant tested and make sure it is within spec. If coolant is not mixed at the correct ratio, it can cause the...
Question
Car won't go forward or reverse
Depending on the symptoms of the vehicle, this may be a transmission problem or a failing axle. Unfortunately, without additional detail as to the specific model of your vehicle, it may be difficult to diagnose without physically inspecting the vehicle....
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My transmission is shifting improperly from 1st to 2nd
Hi there. There are a few sensors that can cause this as well as some mechanical issues in the transmission. Even though the Check Engine Light is not coming on I always start by checking the computer for any codes....
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Why does the car start but shut back off? What do I need to do?
Hi there, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to try to help. I'm curious to know if other symptoms are present before isolating what's going on. The truck shutting off can happen for a variety of reasons. When this...
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I have a Audi 2007 q7 and my epic light is on and my cars shakes a little while driving and idling a little what could I.t be
You will need to have the computer tested to find out what codes are stored in memory and then have those codes tested to find out why the check engine light and EPC light is on. A mechanic like one...
Question
Intermittent overheating
Hey there. This may suggest that the coolant fan relay switch may not be working properly. When you car is moving down the freeway at higher speeds, the engine gets a lot of cooling assistance just simply from the air...
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Our car keeps shutting off after driving a few miles
The Check Engine Light coming on was an indication that there is a problem. Did you notice high temperature or if the engine was overheating? If there were no indications other than the Check Engine Light, then the system would...
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No power lugged down and burning way to much fuel along with back fire in air breather
Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your vehicle is running rich, which can be caused by a wide variety of issues. A few common causes are a faulty fuel pressure regulator, leaky fuel injectors, a bad fuel...
Question
Brake system lights on
Hello - given your attempts at replacing the common ABS/TCS failure components (wheel speed sensors), most likely the diagnosis of a failed ABS controller module is correct. Given the expense of replacing the controller, or of having yours rebuilt -...
Question
When my car starts I see my headlights and indash lights go dim.
A starter motor uses a lot of current and thus will cause a voltage drop at the battery. During the brief interval that a starter engages and runs, any other circuits that are also "on" could see the voltage drop...
Question
Engine went into "limp home mode with power train fault wrench indicated in dash. It will not accelerate. Not pulling any load.
Hi there. Your vehicle's wrench light, Check Engine Light and lack of performance go hand in hand. The vehicle's PCM (powertrain control module) has recognized a fault and put the vehicle into limp home mode. It could be, a throttle...
Question
E92 oil filter gasket
If the oil filter gasket does not properly seal, this may result in oil leaking out. Depending on the severity of this and how quickly it leaks, this may result in the motor running dangerously low on oil which can...
Question
Rebuilt 350 engine rebuilt Quadrajet carburetor with new computer. Nothing will connect to the computer, which is effecting my transmission.
Hi there. Check the wiring to the carburetor and see if the choke is coming on or staying off. The computer controlled carburetors are designed to meter the choke and fuel jets. If the wiring to the carburetor has power...
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Car started to overheat then cut off popped the hood and colant was on parts of my motor now my car want start ut dont even make a
Hi Latorus. Thanks for contacting us tonight. Anytime a car overheats, it can cause a tremendous amount of damage to the engine and electrical components (especially if coolant spills under the hood and penetrates sensors or other electrical harnesses). In...
Question
Speedometer not working
The speedometer receives a signal from the vehicle's speed sensor. A malfunctioning speedometer is often connected to some malfunction with this sensor, or the vehicle computer. Have a mechanic, like the experts housed here at YourMechanic, inspect these systems for...
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Fuel inefficiencies
In order to check your fuel economy you will need to fill your fuel tank completely and zero your trip meter and drive vehicle until you use at least a half tank of fuel and then fill the tank and...
Question
My steering locked up and the key won't turn
Check the Steering Lock Module for faults. This component is tied into the vehicle security system (including your ignition key), and appears to have either failed or is not sync'ing correctly with the key and security system. A professional mechanic,...
Question
Engine valve leaking. 1998 Ford Crown Victoria.
Hello. It sounds like you may have a valve cover leaking. If it leaks, the oil can get on the exhaust and cause smoking, and if it gets on the oxygen sensors, then the car will run like this. The...
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Steering rack problem 2005 Audi A5
Hi there - yes, the "D" unit is an updated steering rack ("F" updated models are already available, so the updates continue). However, remember that this is electrically power-assisted, and there is a software component to the equation. If you...
Question
I just put new spark plug in my car with new spark plug caps for my 2004 chevy malibu classic but my car wont start? Someone help
Hi there. Assuming you correctly gaped the spark plugs as recommended by the manufacturer, and installed the plug wires correctly, it's likely that this is due to an electrical relay that may have been damaged (especially if you did not...
Question
Battery dead after a few days
Thanks for writing in about your Mercedes Benz CLK430. This is a common problem as vehicles get older. This type of fault is called a parasitic draw and occurs when one or more component does not shut off when the...