Popular questions

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Burning wire smell coming from the alternator
The howling sound you are hearing is most likely your alternator failing. When it starts to make this kind of sound, this is a sign of the bearings inside beginning to fail (hence the whining noise) or the diodes inside...
Question
p2716
The trouble code P2716 will set for many reasons other than there being a defective solenoid. Consequently, the only way to reliably predict that replacing the solenoid will clear the code is to test the solenoid directly per the procedure...
Question
What difference does iridium spark plugs really make?
The spark plug gap on a spark plug is where the spark jump across the electrodes. The spark will melt the metal electrodes part of the spark plug where the spark jumps. When copper is used on the electrodes the...
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Slight jerking when driving and sputtering going up hills.
This may be a sign of a dirty or failing mass air flow sensor. The mass air flow sensor is a unit in the intake system that monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected...
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What's the best way to get bolts off of the water pump pulley
I will usually try to break the bolts free from the pulley before I remove the belt. Sometimes you can put a little extra tension on the belt by pressing on the tensioner, while using another wrench to break the...
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I have a 2004 Chevy impala that doesn't move when it's in drive an i step on the gas peddle. Why?
This may be a number of different possibilities, however it sounds like it may be related to a transmission problem. This can happen for a few different reasons such as low transmission fluid or a faulty control solenoid. An automatic...
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How do I use the Instantaneous Fuel Economy setting?
The driver information center (DIC) provides a large amount of information to the driver. At any time, you can select what information you would like the DIC to display. To select the Instantaneous Fuel Economy setting, press the Menu button...
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Car not overheating but I have coolant boiling in the reservoir tank. I have to add about a quart of coolant to the radiator ever
If you are getting low on coolant and have bubbles going into the overflow bottle then you most likely have a blown head gasket. It does not always put out smoke from tailpipe. You will need to have system pressure...
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Nail in tire was removed but tire did not lose air. Nail did not penetrate all the way thru. Is tire still safe?
Hey there. As long as you sprayed soapy water on the area and no leak was found then you should be okay to operate the car without too much worry. If there was a leak, you would begin to see...
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My car starts in 3rd gear, it will shift to 4th but not to 5th, 1st, or 2nd.
You might have an internal transmission failure, or you may have gone into a default mode. The ECU may have partially shut down because of a fault in the electronic control system and the car can still be operated in...
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Driver stability control failure
Hello. This usually means that the car’s traction control and stability control system has a problem and is now disabled. The stability control maintains stability when cornering at high speeds, traction in slippery wet conditions, and provide controlled braking when...
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Hello, I have a 2010 Mercedes c300. Lately each time I put gas the car won’t start until I keep pushing gas pedal. Code p2422
The codes (P0174, P0171) indicate insufficient fuel relative to the air charge (i.e., lean operation). Lean operation can be caused by a faulty fuel pressure regulator, a weak fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, a faulty powertrain control module (not...
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Brake pedal is going to the floor. Ive changed master cylinder and bled system. No help.
Hi there. Knowing the year, make, and model usually helps us with providing helpful advice. However, I believe I may be of help here. Confirm there are no other brake fluid leaks. Check the caliper slide pins if this model...
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Car wont run in D at first, need to start in second or first gear.
This may be related to a few different issues such as a faulty shift solenoid or failing torque converter in your transmission. When either of these happen and too much torque is applied (i.e. starting in 1st gear), this can...
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I have a Lincoln Mkx 07, I have no leaks but the back of my engine seems to be smoking... what can it be?
I would recommend double-checking the fact that there are no leaks. Normally when smoke comes from the engine bay it is due to some sort of fluid leaking onto the exhaust while it is hot. Many times since the engine...
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What side is my starter on a 2006 nissan pathfinder
Hello, thank you for writing in. The starter is tucked up behind the oil pan towards the right side of the vehicle. The right side is also known as the passenger side of the vehicle. There should be two mounting...
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When I try to start my car up it will crank but won't start up
There are several possible causes for a vehicle to crank and not start. There could be a bad fuel pump, faulty plugs, bad timing belt/chain, faulty ignition, failed camshaft/crankshaft sensor, or any number of other possible causes. It would first...
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What are toggle switches and how are they used in cars?
Toggle switches are a simple type of electrical switch that is manually operated by the user using a short handle or lever. When the user presses the short handle forward or backwards the switch is moved between positions. When the...
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Car shuts off when I come to a stop - 2007 Dodge Charger
Hello. This behavior suggests "lean running" problems at low speed, a scenario which gets worse with colder weather. This could be caused by a clogged or malfunctioning idle air controller and/or throttle body, dirty or clogged injectors, an EGR valve...
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How do I clean the rear park assist sensors?
If your rear park assist sensors get too dirty, the system will not work. When that happens, your electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) will give you a warning saying “CLEAN PARK ASSIST SENSORS”. The park assists sensors are along the...
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My back up camera, navigation and radio not working in my 2010 Toyota Camry after disconnecting the battery
First thing I notice is you say the 120 amp fuse was blown. That requires a substantial electrical short to blow. If you disconnect the positive side battery cable and touched any metal part of the car - even for...
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heater works for about 20 mins then starts to blow cold air
Check for low coolant level and, if low, there is a possibility of air trapped in the system. Check for collapsed (or soft) hoses. Check your engine operating temperature to see if it is in the normal range of 195...
Question
When should I replace the timing belt?
Thanks for asking! For your year, model, and engine size, the timing belt is scheduled to be serviced every 60,000 miles. Your timing belt is definitely due. This is a very important service and must be performed on a regular...
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How often to change the transmission oil on Toyota? Recommendation about LDD headlights
First of all--leave the headlights alone. They work perfectly fine where they are. When you start buying those replacements kits, a lot of times they are made in China or cheaply made. They end up blowing fuses that don't work...
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Can using the wrong oil filter cause the oil pressure gasket to leak?
If the check engine light came on, and the light was still on at the time the mechanic did the "diagnostic", it is impossible for there to "be nothing wrong". In particular, the check engine light will only illuminate if...