Popular questions

Question
Do I ever need to re-tighten or re-torque the suspension parts?
Unless there has been an item replaced, it should not be necessary to have to retorque suspension parts. A lot of manufacturers will use hardware designed to resist the ability for it to loosen, unless there is an accident, or...
Question
My truck is slow on take off
Slow acceleration has a variety of causes. Fuel injectors can become clogged over time as the tiny passages become clogged. When an injector is clogged it can degrade the performance of the vehicle and the car may accelerate slowly or...
Question
Why does my 2014 Chevrolet Impala have a P0016 code.
Hello. This code can come up for a few different reasons. It may be as simple as low engine oil or a faulty or clogged oil filter or it can be an issue with the variable valve timing system. Most...
Question
No click no crank no start 2010 535i bmw
Hi there. In most instances, when you have an issue where you turn the key and nothing happens, it's caused by either an ignition relay or starter relay that is damaged. The relay sends an electrical signal to supporting components...
Question
2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Cranks but won't start
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. Your symptoms sound very similar to a vehicle with a faulty engine position sensor. Typically the crankshaft position sensor will fail before the camshaft position sensor will. If...
Question
Anti theft system causing car not to start and mechanic can't fix says take it to dealer but I don't have a lot of money
Hi there: In most cases if there is an issue with the security or anti-theft system on a vehicle that is causing the vehicle to not start it can only be repaired by the dealership for security purposes. However, it...
Question
My car is shaking at idle and is losing power in the low end service engine soon light is flashing.
Engine misfires can be caused by many different problems and are generally caused by either a spark or fuel issue or in some cases, a combination of both. Spark related problems generally will result from things like ignition coils, crankshaft...
Question
Truck makes grinding noise when 4WD is engaged and put under load only.
Hello, thank you for writing in. Issues like this can be difficult to locate, because you need the vehicle to be under a similar load to recreate the noise. With that being said, you may have a vacuum issue causing...
Question
Can control arm replacement cause axle to break?
If care for the surrounding components is not taken during the service, a tool can slip and cause damage to the cv axle boot and cause the boot to leak grease while driving, but it would take a lot of...
Question
What Can Cause a Car Heater or an AC to Stop Working?
There are several parts to both the heating and AC system referred to as the HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning system) in your automobile. Each unit has a liquid or medium to transport heat, a fan to blow the...
Question
After changing thermostat, thermostat housing and gasket. Why is my check engine light come in?
It sounds like the computer is still seeing an overheating condition present based upon the reading from the coolant temperature sensor. This means either the vehicle is in fact still overheating due to some other problem such as a faulty...
Question
How do I adjust the audio settings?
The various audio settings (such as bass levels, balance, etc.), are controlled through the “TUNE/SCROLL” knob. Press the “TUNE/SCROLL” knob once, and “BASS” will display; then rotate the “TUNE/SCROLL” knob until the correct levels of bass are chosen. Press the...
Question
Where is the fuel filter on. A mercury milan 2009
Hello, thank you for writing in. The fuel filter is located b,etween the fuel tank and the engine. With that being said, the filter will be on the same side of the vehicle as the gas tank, usually right behind...
Question
Car won't start but cranks over gas gauge is broke
Hello, thank you for writing in. All signs thus far point to the fuel pump going out. You can test the available power to the fuel pump to ensure the pump is being supplied with the proper voltage. You can...
Question
Car sputtering at 55 MPH while accelerating.
I believe what you are experiencing is a misfire condition. Basically this is when one or more cylinders in your engine stop producing power due to a lack of fuel spark, or oxygen that is necessary for combustion. Generally your...
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What does it mean if cylinder 2 and 6 are not firing and it is not the plug, plug wire, or coil because they have all been changed.
Hello. If the misfires are continuing to occur and the ignition parts are good then it may be a faulty fuel injector or an issue within the engine. I usually do a compression test first. By doing this I would...
Question
Where is the crankshaft sensor located on the 3.6 engine
Hey there. On your 2008 Tribeca Subaru, the sensor is on the rear of the motor near the flywheel side under a protective cover that is accessed after the air intake chamber is removed. If you need help with this...
Question
Smog check failed due to Oxygen sensor heater OBDII not ready.
Hi there. Check the fuses and wiring to the oxygen sensors on your vehicle. If they are in good shape, then the sensors would need replaced as they are not warming up to the proper temperature before registering any exhaust...
Question
How do I engage and disengage the automatic locking retractor (ALR) mode?
The automatic locking retractor (ALR) mode is a safety precaution that locks the shoulder belt in place, while tightening it to avoid any slack. ALR mode should always be used (if your car is equipped with it) when a child...
Question
Knocking sound in engine when clutch is up
When the clutch is replaced, generally the clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, and pilot bearing are all replaced. These usually come in a kit, and when they are replaced, the flywheel is usually refinished based on need. If the...
Question
Reduced engine power on GMC Envoy 2003
The issue you are writing in about is common enough that a specific diagnostic, namely a Reduced Engine Power Warning Light Diagnostic is performed by technicians dispatched by YourMechanic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get...
Question
Installing a new distributor and need to get cyl. 1 at tdc how do i acheive this while making sure the rotor is set at #1?
The easiest way I have found to do it is to mark on the intake where number one wire is on cap. Put mark on intake. Also not the distributor wire connector orientation and mark where it is also. Remove...
Question
Is there anything that I can use to temporarily grease my CV boot for a couple days until I can buy more grease?
Hello. I am sorry to hear of your situation with the CV joint and boot on your 1991 Metro and will try to help you now. Typically, once the boot rips, the grease inside will actually stay there for a...
Question
My idle goes up to 2, then drops down to 1. Is this normal?
This is perfectly normal when first starting the car in the morning as this is part of the cold start warm up process. If this is something that happens all of the time, then you may have a dirty or...
Question
Is it bad to drive a car with a bad throttle body??
Hey there. This may not immediately affect your car's engine. However, it will continue to cause intermittent misfires and will gradually get worse. This may also have an impact on other parts as well since the missing cylinder will still...