Popular questions

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Clicking from fuses/relays
This is a very common issue with many cars when the starter relay goes bad. This is a small relay that directs power from the battery to the starter that causes the starter to engage. When this is faulty, it...
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Car vibration when stopped or moving slowly
Hello. Most vibrations are related to some kind of misfire. A misfire can be related to air, fuel, or spark. This vibration is noticeable when the vehicle is not moving because the RPMs are lower. As the vehicle speeds up,...
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I just got an oil change, but smoke is coming from under the hood of my car where my coolant tank is? Do I need more coolant?
Hello. If the smoke is coming from the coolant tank then it may actually just be steam from the hot coolant, which is normal as long as the engine is not overheating. I would double check the coolant level though,...
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My car is bouncing on the back end. I have had struts and shocks replaced, I have purchased new tires, and have had several balan
Hi Bre. Thanks for contacting us tonight. The suspension, wheels, and steering linkage all work together to make sure that your car can drive smoothly and safely. When one of these systems fails, the result can be a car that...
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Vibration, but only at highway speeds.
Hello. This can be caused by a number of things. I usually start by checking the tire balance. If the balance is off, then this will occur. If the balance is fine, then I check the engine mounts and the...
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Brake booster has oil in it. Engine oil.
The vacuum pump was the source of the oil in all probability. Also, check the wastegate vacuum lines for any signs of oil. If there's any question then I'd suggest replacing them too. If you'd like a fresh set...
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Will this service remove my check engine light and allow me to pass emissions?
The answer is "not necessarily" because the Codes you are reciting, P2004 and P2017 do NOT necessarily mean that there is anything wrong with the intake manifold runner control valve itself. The only way to determine if that valve is...
Question
Brake light bulb sockets fried & melted
Hello there, when bulbs are required to be replaced multiple times like this, there are a few common causes. The most likely would be moisture in the taillight, short-to-power, wiring damage, or a faulty taillight assembly. Generally this is seen...
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What's wrong when the battery light and the brake light comes on then the car starts running weird the dashboard lights go off the
The problem sounds like the alternator stopped charging and caused you to slowly start to loose power and then engine died and would not restart unless you jump start the car or recharge the battery. You will need to test...
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This morning Engine Light, Traction Control Light, and Electronic steering light is on.
Hi there. The "good driver" light will not come on if there is a fault detected in the engine controls system; the other lights can accompany the check engine light as well, but there may be an additional cause for...
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Car is knocking while stopped in Drive mode.
Hi there. There could be an issue with the engine bearings or the transmission thrust bearings. First check all of the fluids in the vehicle. Make sure that they are full and if they are low to top them off....
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I have a Ford five hundred and the Engine brake will not release it is a foot pedal brake and the release is the pedal aslo can an
If you request parking brake malfunction diagnostic/repair service, the responding certified mechanic will get this diagnosed and resolved, right at your location. These systems can seize and bind but the exact remedy will just depend on what has gone wrong...
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When going 0-20 mph I hear a knocking noise but over 20 mph no noise
Hi there. Quite often when you hear a knocking sound while accelerating and while braking, it's caused by a CV joint that is damaged or wheel bearings that are damaged. It is also possible (although unlikely) that a damaged pulley...
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Loud whining noise - 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Hi there. Depending on when the noise occurs I would be able to diagnose this issue better. If the noise occurs right when the engine is started then most of the time it is caused by a failure in the...
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Car wont go into gear - 2010 Ford Mustang
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. The issue with the gear shifter is the shifter itself. The shifter has broken and is not engaged with the synchronizers within the transmission. This is why the shifter is very smooth and moves...
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Key wont' turn
If the key doesn't turn in the ignition, you probably need a new ignition cylinder. However, you can first check that the steering wheel is not locked. To unlock the wheel, turn it side to side while simultaneously trying to...
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My car cooling fan works for a few seconds when I turn the car off, not on when the car's on. Is the temperature sensor bad?
If it doesn't run for more than about a minute, that could be a normal situation. The fan is triggered by temperature at the cylinder head, and when the engine is off and the coolant isn't circulating, the heat rises...
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Car is making a speed related sound over 20mph almost like something is dragging or rubbing. 2008 Subaru Outback
Hi there - quite likely, this is a wheel bearing noise. Your own diagnostics actually narrow it to this "speed-related, but not while shifting (accelerating)" - well done! The bearing might not make noise while suspended - because it isn't...
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VVT (variable valve timing) Solenoid and Check Engine Light codes P0300 and P0011
Hi there. Through your research you probably discovered that there are multiple causes of a rough idle and the Check Engine Light beyond the VVT solenoid. If you replace the second bank solenoid, it may improve your issue, but...
Question
Car won't start and is also leaking oil.
Your battery needs replaced in the car. This is why nothing will work as the key is turned to the 'ON' position. Then, if your engine does not have a valve cover gasket, be sure to install one to prevent...
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Where is the fuel filter? 2002 Dodge Dakota
Hi - the fuel filter on this puppy is mounting on the top of the fuel tank, between the tank and the truck bed. REALLY painful location. That part also includes the fuel pressure regulator - hence the location as...
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What does it mean if the Supplemental Air Bag warning light is on in the dash?
The supplemental restraint system (SRS) is designed to help keep you and your passengers safer during certain collisions. If the Supplemental Air Bag light is on in the dash, it indicates a problem with the system. The light should...
Question
What's is causing a bump in my steering wheel, worst when slowing down but not braking
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Check the condition of the tires on the front to make sure that they are not cupped. If the tires are cupped, you will need to replace the tires and check the shocks....
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car feels like less power and hesitates on acceleration then drives fine and smooth --have put in sea foam for injectors.
Hi there. Although Sea Foam is a common product that some mechanics use as a quick way to clean up injectors, it can have severe effects on fuel system sensors and electrically controlled throttle and fuel system components as well...
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Loud clunking when shifting reverse. Is it the pressure switch?
Hello. It sounds like you either have a mount that is failing or you may have an issue with the valve body in the transmission. I have also seen the driveshaft make this noise where it enters the transmission. It...