Popular questions

Hello. If the bolts are 10 mm (in diameter) and are grade marked 10.9 on the heads, torque them in the range of 37 to 45 ft lbs. with NO oil on the threads (dry). If the grade is marked...

The clutch may not be disengaging. This would need to be checked by having the car in gear and clutch in then start the car to see if the car wants to move forward. Do this test when you are...

There are several different types of windshield washer fluid on the market. During winter weather conditions, it is important to choose a windshield washer fluid that contains antifreeze. Methanol, ethylene glycol, or ethanol are types of alcohol that are added...

Hi there. Usually when you're driving and you notice a loud popping sound, followed by deceleration and troubles maintaining a higher speed, the issue exists within the transmission. However, there are multiple engine components ranging from ignition systems to fuel...

When wipers move slowly or not at all, that can indicate a couple of things. The wiper motor may have failed. It could be damaged internally or simply worn, not producing enough power to even move the wiper correctly. Also,...

Hello. It sounds like the oil is thinning out due to the heat of the engine when the car is operating at high speeds. This will result in the low oil sensor giving a false reading. There could also be...

Backfiring through the exhaust generates sudden high-pressure events in the exhaust system that can do serious damage if left unchecked. Request a backfiring inspection by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Among the causes of backfiring is the engine...

Hi there. In the case where an aftermarket throttle body is used as a replacement of an OEM component, these type of problems are common. The typical solution is reprogramming the ECU, but that's something done at a dealership. I...

Although the battery is new, it still should be load tested to ensure that the issue is not a faulty battery. Starter motors require a lot of current and just because the lights work, that doesn't mean the battery is...

An auxiliary water pump was used on CTS models with engine code "LLT". You can request pump replacement, right at your location, via YourMechanic's water pump replacement service page. The auxiliary cooling fan can be replaced using YourMechanic's fan replacement...

While your car has a glove box that provides substantial storage for important paperwork, manuals and other items, it also includes an auxiliary box above the glove box. It’s smaller and provides more limited room, but still offers important storage...

Hi There, As you may know, the knock sensor code is triggered when it detects specific irregularities inside the motor. When the crankshaft position sensor is detected to have more than a 2 percent variance in terms of the reading...

Hello - the first task here is to capture the problem codes turning on the Check Engine light. Most auto parts stores will do this for free - on a time-available basis. It is probably worth checking for problem codes...

Hi, thanks for writing in. You need to check the brake switch install adjustment. You may have the switch adjusted too tight and it is holding the the brake pedal partly down. This will cause the brake master cylinder to...

Regardless of whether you drive a truck, SUV, or a passenger car, besides having four tires, an engine, and a transmission, they also have one other detail in common – they all have windshields. Windshield technology has evolved since the...

Hello, thank you for writing in. It is possible for a new fuel pump to fail, and it was a re-manufactured then there is an even greater chance it could have failed. If there was an issue and the fuel...

Hi there. Assuming, you have reinstalled the original PCM (powertrain control module) and still won't start, circuit tests for the crankshaft position sensor need to be performed. A poor connection or broken wire could be the cause for the no...

Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. White cloud of smoke from the exhaust means that the engine coolant has gotten into the combustion chambers of the engine and is burning the coolant. This could be caused by a blown...

It's not unusual for code P0420 to come on, stay on for even a few days, and then just disappear. Then, months later, it might happen again (i.e., appear and disappear). If this is the circumstances you face, I would...

This may be related to a squeaky belt. In cold weather these belts will make this kind of squeal when the rubber belt material is cold. The cold weather causes rubber to be less pliable and a bit brittle. As...

If you have had to replace spark plug wires due to melting them then you need to use a stethoscope to check around the burned plug wires to see if there is exhaust leaks from the manifold gaskets and replace...

Your car’s audio system allows you to listen to AM and FM radio, play CDs, and even satellite radio. However, you can also connect an external device with the auxiliary cable. This is the ideal way to connect an external...

Hi there: When the signal to and from the camshaft position sensor and the PCM is broken, the ignition spark and fuel injector timing will fail and the PCM will store the P0340 OBD-II trouble code. This will trigger the...

Hi there: When struts are replaced, they typically take a while to break in; which during this time period, other mechanical problems such as worn out CV joints, ball joints, or stabilizer bar bushings can cause the issues you're describing....

The first thing I would check for is vacuum leaks. Any air that gets into the engine without being measured by the Mass Air Flow meter can lean out the mixture and cause drivability problems. Check all the hoses and...