Popular questions

Question
The Crankshaft Position Sensor broke at the block - how do i get it out? 1998 Chrysler Cirrus
Hello - I would soak it with penetrating oil (WD-40, PB Blaster, etc.) overnight, then try drilling the sensor for a screw/bolt extractor. If that fails, you may have to keep drilling with larger and larger bit sizes until, you...
Question
Is a 2007 Hummer H3 a reliable vehicle?
For the 2007 model year, GM replaced the problematic 3.5L engine with the 3.7L. This engine is pretty decent. The transmission is a 4-L60E, which is well known for having all kinds of issues. The GM 10-bolt rear end is...
Question
No heat, antifreeze leak, overheating engine
Hi...stop leak products should never be introduced into a car engine's cooling system simply because such aftermarket products are not a factory authorized or factory sanctioned repair technique. Some factory service manuals are indeed emphatic on this issue. A stop...
Question
Truck has a slight shake at idle in park or in drive at a stoplight
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is likely having an issue with one of its three main components: air, fuel, and spark. Most vibrations and shaking come from a misfire of some kind. You will want to check...
Question
Car ran out of gas now runs very rough and oil light stays on. I am stumped. Help?
Hello, It sounds like you may have a faulty oil pressure sensor. The oil pressure light will usually come on when a few things could be happening. Either the motor is in fact low on oil, the oil pump could...
Question
my gas cap keeps coming loose causing car to shut off. This only happens when its out side
This one makes me very curious. The car should continue to run whether the gas cap is loose or not. In fact, the car should be able to run with no gas cap at all, but the check engine light...
Question
Service AdvanceTrac Warning
Hi, thanks for writing in. This is a known issue in the Ford F150 that is usually caused by the steering column control module going bad. This is what controls this and can be purchased for around $60. If you...
Question
What does it mean when a car acts like it's in neutral when it's in drive? I finally got it & won't accelerate over 40?
You may have an internal transmission problem and will need to have the computer scanned to see if there are codes stored indicating the failure.
Question
Delayed engagement from P to D when cold, but not in reverse
Many newer automatic transmissions have temperature-sensors in them that, on a stone-cold start, restrict normal shift to only the lower (or non-overdrive gears) until the engine coolant and transmission fluid reach a certain level which in many engines, is around...
Question
Can I swap a 97 4.3 with a 94 4.3?
Hi there. You can change the engine block, but the cylinder heads will not match up. The cylinder heads for a 94 was made for an intake with a throttle body and injection in the throttle body where the 97...
Question
Have no reverse and a transmission fluid leak
Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your vehicle may be experiencing some potentially serious transmission issues. If fluid is leaking from the vehicle and the transmission is not functioning properly then I would refrain from driving it...
Question
I DROVE THRU A FLOOD & MY CAR STALLED. NOW THAT IT STARTS ITS KNOCKING... WHAT CAN BE CAUSING THIS?
If you drove through deep water, chances are your engine took in some water and did internal damage to it. When engine suck in water, they cannot compress the water that gets into the cylinder, so it usually locks up...
Question
My 2015 Kia Optima is shaking when coming to a stop
Hi Ericka. Thanks for contacting us tonight. In most cases, when a car's engine shakes when you come to a stop, it's caused by either a vacuum leak, a dirty throttle body or fuel injectors that are clogged with carbon...
Question
My car shakes a little when I speed up more than 30 mph
Hi there. If your vehicle's steering wheel is vibrating at speeds more than 30 mph, it's possible that this is being caused by bad tire or wheel balance on the front end. Even if the tires or wheels are brand...
Question
2005 Ford Five Hundred transmission filter removal
I'm going to assume you have the CFT30 continuously variable transmission (CVT). There are two filters on this transmission: a traditional internal filter and an external 'High Pressure' filter. To remove the internal filter, first remove the transmission pan. Then,...
Question
Car idle is erratic and exhaust gas smells strange.
Hi There! It sounds like you may have a dirty or failing idle air control valve causing your engine idle to fluctuate and eventually stall. In the mornings it is normal for the engine idle to be a bit higher...
Question
Transmission jerks like you have been rear ended when accelerating. Also right before coming to stop, clunks into gear.
Below is a process to follow after reprogramming transmission module or disconnecting battery so the TCM can relearn shift points. If after following the below service then seek a mechanic like one from Your Mechanic to continue further diagnosis of...
Question
Clutch sticking and gears won't go in
You should check the hydraulic clutch master cylinder to see if it is low on fluid indicating a leak in the system and will need to locate the leak and repair as needed. If the fluid is mostly full and...
Question
Car overheating with coolant smell while driving
It sounds like you have a clogged heater core which will usually be under your dash. You may want to take it off and use a water hose to flush it out. Before flushing it you may want to inspect...
Question
Ford Fusion 2012 - Throttle control/transmission light
Hi there. The ETC (electronic throttle control)/transmission) light coming on, put the vehicle in limp home mode. This would feel like the vehicle has lost power. The APP (accelerator pedal position) may be at fault. The ETC/throttle body may be...
Question
The p0420 code came up, and my car was jerking on my way home, at around 50mph. Is this a clue to my p0420, or a new issue
The code you are writing in about might be related to the engine misoperation and low fuel economy. Diagnostic Trouble Code P0420 has many, many potential causes including a damaged muffler or leaks in the muffler, damaged exhaust manifold or...
Question
What kind of engine oil is recommended?
Using the right engine oil is vital – the wrong weight (viscosity) can cause any number of problems, ranging from premature wear and tear to low fuel economy. The only weight oil your car should use is 0W-20. You can...
Question
I need the drive belt diagram for a 2015 honda civic 1.8 automatic, its not in the repair manual which is odd
Hi Jonathan. Unfortunately, we're unable to attach images or diagrams through this platform. However, you might find this website helpful, as they post several images of newer engine serpentine belt diagrams. If this doesn't help, i'd call the local Honda...
Question
Car idles rough, extremely weak and stalls when put into gear
Hello. This can be caused by a number of things. I usually start by scanning the computer for codes. This will let me know if the computer is seeing any issues. If there are no codes then I take a...
Question
Car shakes and smoke coming out of engine
I have run into this problem before. The exhaust manifold coolant vent hoses melt and cause coolant to leak. The engine will then overheat because it can not hold pressure causing it to start shaking. I would recommend having a...