Popular questions

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Hi Roberts. How would you rate a Subaru Outback battery compared with consumer reports best rated battery like diehard, and others
The very first thing to do is have the battery load tested. If the battery passes a load test be sure it is NOT a marginal pass in which case you should simply install a new battery to reduce diagnostic...
Question
1995 Riviera 3800 Series II check engine light on and won't shift into O.D. at all but engine runs colder than usual.
If the engine does not reach operating temperature in a certain time the computer will go into open loop and may even lock out the overdrive if the problem continues. You will need to check engine codes to do pinpoint...
Question
Transmission slipping when I drive
Hi there. When your model Civic begins to experience this it it is the first sign of transmission failure. The transmission fluid needs to be checked to see if it is at the right level. If it is check the...
Question
My car just recently started shaking and trembling and then the car just shuts off and the brakes become hard to press 20004runner
You should have brake boost for a few moments after the engine vacuum drops off. Changing the brake booster check valve should have helped that unless there is a leak in the booster. A leak in the booster will introduce...
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struggling to start after fuel pump assembly replacement
Hi there. It is possible that there is an issue with the fuel pump, but that is not likely. If the engine is hard to start then that can be caused by a sensor problem. I usually start by checking...
Question
Rear window not staying up
It sounds like the window regulator is bad. The regulator is what raises and lowers the window when the motor is commanded. The cables in the regulator wear out over time and break, causing the window to not stay up....
Question
Drive-by-wire throttle problem
Hello. The symptoms you describe may be caused by issues with the throttle body or with the idle air control valve. The drive by wire system controls an electric throttle body which feeds the engine air. If the throttle body...
Question
Jeep stalls while parked at idle and when going down the road when the throttle is closed.
Hi there. The Idle Air Control valve (IAC) may have failed when you cleaned the valve with your cleaner solution. I recommend replacing the IAC with a new one. If you need further assistance with your engine idle surging, then...
Question
EOT 250 degrees normal driving while ECT is 194 degrees
Hi there. Check the turbo and make sure that its functioning correctly and you have good boost. If the turbo is working properly, then there may be a plugged catalytic converter on the exhaust system making the engine overheat. This...
Question
Popping noise when I make turns
The sound you are hearing are commonly heard from worn out CV joints. They are parts of the front-wheel-drive half-shafts. Your Dodge has 2 half-shafts, one on each side in the front of your car. The CV joints work hard,...
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Battery dies when the car sits for two days
A few different things can cause the battery to die when the car sits. The most likely cause is a parasitic draw. The draw can be from many different issues, from the radio to a power window. This draw causes...
Question
Smelling has while driving
This could be many possibilities such as a fuel leak, or a problem with the air/fuel mixture (i.e. running to rich) which could be a result of many possibilities. I would suggest having a certified expert, like one from YourMechanic,...
Question
New refrigerant only temporarily fixes air conditioning
Based upon your description, it appears you have a refrigerant leak. If you have inserted refrigerant that has 'UV Dye' included, detecting the leak is helpful with a 'UV light'. There are four major components linked together with hoses and...
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Front end problems and I am a basic car mechanic. I do the easy work. I worked at a Toyota Dealership for a few years and never encountered this problem.
Hi there. Sounds like that the CV shaft is failing on that side of the vehicle. The outer bearing in the CV shaft is what you are hearing for the clicking sound. The bearing is probably dry and needs replaced....
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How do I access the vanity mirrors?
The vanity mirrors are located on the sun visors. To access the mirrors, fold down the sun visors, and pull up on the mirror cover, which is on the opened face of the visor.
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My car is only 3 years old. Should I be suspicious that the starter went out?
Hi, thanks for writing in. A starter like any other mechanical and electrical part is subject to failing sometimes for no apparent reason. However, sometimes this is misdiagnosed as well and often times mistaken for something much more simple like...
Question
My car is misfireing
Hi Rufus. Thanks for contacting us today. Of the three codes you've provided us tonight, the one that I would place most of my focus would be the crankshaft position sensor. In some cases, when the electrical harness of this...
Question
Alternator not charging
All the battery cables and engine ground cables need to have a voltage drop test done to determine whether one or more cables are not making a good connection, or the cable has a defective connector crimp. I recommend that...
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Transmission gears slipping when I’m driving
The transmission on your Santa Fe has over 15 technical service bulletins (TSB) that could be the cause of your transmission issues. The first thing you should do is have YourMechanic scan the transmission computer for recorded codes and diagnose...
Question
Can driving your car in ocean water affect mpg
Hi there: Anytime you drive in salt water, it can cause serious damage to electrical components, suspension components or any seals, gaskets or rubber parts. Even if you wash it off quickly, saltwater can collect on electrical sensors that impact...
Question
car squeaks and is har to turn
I'm going to guess that you have a power steering pump belt that is slipping. The slipping belt makes the squeal and the slower turning pump makes the wheel hard to turn. Your car may just need a new belt...
Question
Loss of power and speed
The timing has jumped. Timing is the most common issue with the engine. The timing chain guides and tensioners on these engines have chain guides with teflon plastic parts that start falling apart, which causes the timing chain to loosen;...