Popular questions

Question
When I change gears or when the car changes gears in motion, there is a loud thump. What do I do?
Hello. This is likely a transmission issue. Have you checked the level of the transmission fluid? When was the last time you had the transmission serviced? This includes having the fluid changed and having a new filter put in the...
Question
When I put the car in gear, it doesn't move.
It sounds like you have broken a CV joint. The CV joints are a ball and groove joint that make it possible to transmit power to the front wheels even while you steer the wheels. They make a nasty popping...
Question
Fan runs when car is off. Overheats when idling for a 3-minute period
Hey there. This can be caused by a number of things such as low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, or a failing coolant fan switch. As you may know, the coolant fan switch helps to maintain the proper coolant temperature...
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IAC or Fuel Pump?
Hi There, Based on what you are describing this could be related to either the idle air control valve or the fuel pump as they both impact the flow of the air/fuel charge into the motor. I would be inclined...
Question
Four-wheel drive encoder motor not working properly.
Hello, Since this recurring regularly the vehicle should be scanned for code. There is a good chance that the wiring to speed sensor on the transfer case has become compromised over time and the wiring harness needs to replaced. This...
Question
I added regular oil to a car which already had a synthetic blend in it
A synthetic blend refers to a blend of regular oil and synthetic oil. Adding regular oil to this oil will not in any way hurt your car's engine. You won't even have to worry about getting an oil change until...
Question
Battery keeps blowing fuse.
It sounds like there is an electrical short in your starting system. The power needed to start your vehicle is not traveling its intended path. This power may also be traveling to a circuit not meant to handle that much...
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Radiator is leaking
Hello! The origin of leaks can sometimes be difficult to see when they run. A qualified technician will perform a cooling system pressure test, which will show exactly where the leak is coming from. Hoses, thermostat and the radiator, are...
Question
Put 2015 chevy into to drive too quick and it stalls out in reverse also then check engine light comes on. Is it going I to safe
Even though the light is not on the codes will be stored for the mechanic to see what is happening in the transmission. You may have a problem with a shift solenoid in the valve body.
Question
Car shakes when I press accelerator
This may be a sign of a failing throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a sensor used to monitor the throttle position of the throttle plate inside the throttle body in relation to your foot position on...
Question
Car won't crank but the lights and radio still work!
Hi there. If you are blowing fuses it is due to an electrical fault within the ignition system. It is very likely that the ignition relay is damaged or has an exposed wire that is creating a short when you...
Question
My car wont stay on
This may be related to a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at...
Question
How much to replace an alternator
Hello. The symptoms you describe are more commonly associated with a bad battery. If a battery is old or worn it may not be able to hold a charge, which will result in a no start condition once the battery...
Question
Can't pass smog check due to Check Engine light.
In your case I would recommend getting a second opinion. Enlist the help of a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, to scan your vehicle for trouble codes. The check engine light and the smog test failure are certainly related....
Question
Blowing water out of radiator
An overheating problem is commonly caused by either an obstruction within the cooling system, or the heater core which reduces the coolant's ability to circulate through the motor and back to the radiator to be cooled. Another cause of overheating...
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The car cannot start, there is no cranking
It is very possible that the Drive Authorization System is preventing the vehicle from starting. The system needs about 12.6v to operate properly, so battery voltage needs to be checked with the key. If battery voltage is good, then there...
Question
Battery replaced, but car still dies
This is definitely an intermittent issue which makes it a bit harder to diagnose. The most likely cause would be a wiring issue, ignition switch, ECU failure, or a battery cable issue. I would recommend having a qualified technician, such...
Question
Car at my husbands work, can't drive it
Hi there: This is exactly what we do at YourMechanic.com - arrive to your location and complete inspections, repairs and routine service on most domestic and import cars, trucks and SUV's. Simply contact our sales team by filling out this...
Question
I have no tail lights but all other lights work
Hey there. You should check to see if you have front parking lights. If the front parking lights work, then the rear parking lights will have bad bulbs or sockets for the bulbs. The front and rear parking lights are...
Question
Amber light laws in Iowa
Hi there. I wish we could give you a direct answer here, but your best source is to contact the DMV in Iowa to ask them about amber lights and whether they are legal in your state.