Popular questions

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Cars cranking but not starting security system
Hello. It is quite possible (depending on what type of vehicle you have), that the security system has created a fault in the ECU; which may cause the not starting issue and your scanner's inability to register with the ECU....
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What would your advice be to a person who needs to get a smog check on their car to make sure it passes the smog check? 2005 Mitsubishi
Hi there - the most straightforward and least expensive approach to this problem is to simply take your vehicle in for testing 15-30 days prior to your "deadline" (birthday month?). Most states or metro areas allow a 30 day "repair...
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How can I best research the cause of smelling burnt oil from under the hood after drives over 20 miles?
If oil from the engine compartment is vaporizing, due to high heat, or "burning", the source of the leak is typically near or onto the hot exhaust manifold(s). There is also a possibility of hydraulic fluid, such as power steering...
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Blown head? 1996 Toyota Camry
Hi there - you can certainly have a blown head gasket without a lot of dramatics - at least initially. If the white smoke from the exhaust has a sweet smell to it, that's a good indication that the head...
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i think its the water pump
Be sure the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator is closed and secure. There are a variety of potential leak points in the cooling system. If, using a mirror, you can see coolant leaking out of the water...
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One brake light is not working
This should be a double filament bulb, which has two filaments inside. One works for the main tail light and the other is activated when the brake light switch is activated. Many times, one or both of these filaments will...
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Are the wheel bearings in the 98 lincoln navigator pressed in?
Hello. We will be happy to answer your question. The wheel bearings on a Lincoln Navigator are pressed down but not pressed in in the fashion that you may think. They can be removed by hand but you will have...
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My car makes noises when I make a turn
If you did not get all the air out of the system or fluid leaks then you may be low on fluid. You should also make sure you used Honda approved fluid type. If it is not low or incorrect...
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Lightingbolt came on and engine light i have a 2017 jeep patriot and it was working fine all of a sudden it wont turn on
Hi Jessica. Thanks for contacting us tonight. If the lightning bolt light is red, this is typically an indication that the electronic throttle control is either damaged or has a blown electrical relay. Unfortunately, it could also mean that the...
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I have a new thermostat, how much should it cost to change it out?
Billing question sent to CS for the cost to replace the thermostat on a 2010 Jeep Liberty V6- 3.7L.
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Burning oil and have to add oil from time to time. Could it be the valve cover gasket?
Valve covers leak externally and so a faulty cover gasket could not cause oil to burn in the combustion chambers (cylinders). If oil is burning in the engine cylinders it has to leak in either through the valves, in particular...
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Car has smoke damage
Whether we are dealing with the interior being damaged with cigarette smoke or if the Mustang you are driving was subject to another form of fire, I would highly recommend locating a specialist that can deal with smoke damage. If...
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axle issue
The noise you get when you try to put it in park is the parking pawl trying to engage while the transmission is turning. It's clear that either the axle has failed, or it has become disconnected somehow. It could...
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Hey so my bro just pored MAX Tane diesel treatment in his car..... Lol okay not funny but will it hurt his car!
The diesel treatment should not hurt anything in this car. Have the fuel tank filled with regular gas as soon as possible to dilute the treatment as much as you can. Run it down to 1/2 tank driving normally and...
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White smoke emitted after starting car and gas smell
White smoke out the tailpipe is usually a sign of coolant leaking into the exhaust or cylinder. This is usually caused by a blown head gasket, cracked cylinder head, or cracked engine block. It will also cause a misfire similar...
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Valve cover oil leaks
Thank you for your inquiry. The valve cover seal is a common failure item and generally and easy fix. In your case, the upper intake plenum/manifold wraps over the top of the engine and must be removed to complete the...
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Car is running sluggish and the engine light is on.
Hi there. Check the ECM (computer) for any active or pending codes that are contributing to the engine light being on. This will give you a location to start with for diagnosing your vehicle and why it is running sluggish....
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Transmission failsafe program comes on dash 2001 BMW X5
Hi there - the first task is to have the transmission fluid level checked. This will require technical assistance and a lift, since there is no dipstick on this model, and the fluid level "port" is underneath. Correct fluid temperature...
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While turning right and left, my car makes a popping noise from the drive axles
Hey there. This is likely a sign of failing CV joints. All front-wheel drive cars have "constant velocity" joints or CV joints on both ends of the drive shafts. Inner CV joints connect the drive shafts to the transmission, while...
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Cannot shift from Park : have to use override-trick of pulling on shift lever while turning key.
The shift lock actuator is actuated when you push on the brakes. If the brake lights do not work then it will not release the shift lock. Check the brake lights to make sure they work properly. If they do...
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I have a new battery but my car won't start
The solution will depend on the symptom you are observing as you try to start the car. I recommend a no-start diagnostic which will identify the root cause. There are a lot of possibilities but if the engine does turn...
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i smell gas under the gas tank in my car
Hi, and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. You may want to inspect the lines around your gas tank. They may be leaking or corroded causing the gas smell in your car. We do not recommend that you drive your vehicle if...
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Brakes unresponsive only one time
Inoperative brakes are a definite safety concern. If it happened once, it will happen again. Unfortunately, if the vehicle isn't currently acting up, it may be difficult to diagnose. The mechanic is correct that the most likely cause of your...