Popular questions

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Hazard lights do not stay on unless I hold the switch in
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Mazda 3. From what you've described you may just have a bad hazard switch. Replacing your hazard switch should fix the issue you're having. If you'd like assistance with getting this fixed, consider...
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how many miles before i change the oil on my chevy trax using semi synthetic oil
Hi there. Most of today's modern cars have service light systems that will illuminate when routine service is due. However, this is not a good way to determine when you should have oil changed; as some vehicles only illuminate oil...
Question
"No bus" code
When the No Bus message appears in your instrument cluster, its usually an indication that there is a problem with the powertrain control module or the wiring to it. This is also very likely the cause of your no start...
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How do you manually shift the automatic transmission?
While your automatic transmission is capable of shifting all on its own, you might want to take matters into your own hands. You can actually drive your Nissan like it’s a stick shift, even if you don’t have a manual...
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Put donut on.but it won't spin
You have either put the spare tire space saver on backwards or you have one that is not compatible with your car. If turning it around does not fix it then you will need to have the tire repaired or...
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Car makes rattling noise when accelerating
Hi there. Diagnosing a noise is one of the hardest things for a mechanic to do; especially since there are so many potential issues. In many cases, the sounds you're describing are caused by loose heat shields, engine covers or...
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Why does the AC stop cooling the car once the car speed exceeds about 80 Km/h?
The A/C thermal expansion valve (TXV) most likely is the cause of the A/C system freezing up at higher engine or vehicle speeds. The TXV controls the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator and the valve can stick open causing...
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Shifter moves but gear won't engage
It sounds like you may be having an issue with your shift linkage. This will either be a cable driven linkage or an electronic linkage. The cable driven style can often break causing no mechanical connection between the shifter and...
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Service engine soon light is on. Nissan Sentra 2012 mileage is 68,000
Hi there. Every vehicle sold in the United States has a series of required maintenance checks that need to be completed in order to comply with manufacturer warranties and keep your car running strong. This is typically what the service...
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Inside beeping noise when starting my 2014 Chevy Cruz
Hi Lakeshia. Thanks for writing in today. Most of the time, when you hear a chime when the car starts, it's a safety warning indicating that either a door or seat belt is not correctly closed or a sensor that...
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did not pass smog test. obd catalyst, oxy snsr heat not complete.
Hi there. If your Check Engine Light is not illuminated, there is not a fault with the system. Before a vehicle can pass emissions testing, certain readiness monitors must be completed. One of which is the heater O2 monitor. The...
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When try to give my car a lot of gas at once it bogs down and wont trys to shift
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a fuel starvation problem due to a lack of sufficient fuel pressure. This can happen when the pump itself is not working properly or when the fuel pressure regulator is not maintaining...
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With engine off. Crankshaft pulley spins freely with belt on or off. 96 Taurus 3.0. What could cause that?
I can think of a few possible causes to this issue. 1. You are trying to replace the belt with a new one and may have got the wrong size belt. There are two different 3.0 V6 engines that are...
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Car stalling and smelling like gas
The air intake houses the mass air flow sensor. This sensor plays a major role in the fuel delivery system. If this component was damaged during the installation in the new air intake hose, this could be the issue. Also...
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I sucked a rag into my intake, how do I clean it out without pulling the whole motor apart?
Hey there. The rag may only get as far as the intake valve and not get past it yet until the valve chews it up. You should remove the carburetor and using long mechanical fingers small enough to reach into...
Question
What is the valet key?
The valet key is an extra key with limited functions. It can be used for turning on and off the vehicle, and for locking and unlocking the driver’s door. However, the key cannot be used to unlocking the passenger doors...
Question
There is no power going to fuel pump. Check relay it's good.
Hi there. Have you inspected/replaced the fuel pump fuse? The ECM controls the fuel pump relay and this relay will only energize when commanded on. Does the check engine light come on; if not, then the ECM is not turning...
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Rethreaded my spark plug and may have dropped some small metal shavings in the plug hole is there a way to get them out
The only thing you can do to get out the metal shavings from the cylinder without removing the cylinder head is to use a long air hose pressure probe into spark plug hole and blow air into cylinder to try...
Question
Engines I can easily put in a 1966 mustang
Hi Griffin. Your 66 Mustang was built to handle a small block V-8 Ford. The size of the small block Ford's 289, 302 and 351 are identical. They gain cubic inches by having larger bore and stroke in the combustion...
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Transmission shifts up and down randomly.
This may be a result of a faulty transmission control module. A faulty transmission control module may cause a delay in acceleration or erratic shifting of gears. The transmission control module has various sensors such as vehicle speed sensors, wheel...
Question
Realistic cost of owning a new 2016 AMG S63 vs. a S550 (both 4matic)
As you may know, there are very few things (if any) that either of these cars do not have (assuming we are NOT including the S63 Coupe in this comparison, which is a much more extreme version of the S...
Question
Oil presure light
Hello. You should not have to reset anything related to the oil pressure after servicing the vehicle. If the light is coming on then that is a sign that there is an issue with the engine's oil pressure or an...
Question
I have a 97 Jeep Cherokee that won't start. When I turn the key over, the Brake Warning Light comes on as if the parking break is on
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. The brake light is tied into the alternator and also the neutral safety switch. If the alternator is not producing enough voltage, then the brake light will light up. If the power is...
Question
Gas gauge isn't working. Sometimes the speedometer and the temperature gauge doesn't work. Limited lights around gauges and radio.
Hi There, It sounds like you have a faulty instrument cluster voltage regulator that may be causing the weak power source to the dash lights. The instrument voltage regulator regulates the voltage supplied to the various gauges in your vehicle’s...
Question
Car going into Limp Mode
Your problem may be something simple or more complex. The first thing that needs to happen is for the Diagnostic Trouble Codes or DTC's to be read and addressed. There are only a few things that can put your car...