Popular questions

This message indicates there is a problem in the anti-lock braking and/or electronic stability program system. If the problem is severe enough, the vehicle will go into limp mode, as you experienced. The root cause could be anything from a...

Hi there. Thanks for writing in about your 2000 Lexus GS400. Compressors can go bad due to oil saturation. It is likely that the technician spilled additional oil on the compressor when replacing the valve cover. The technician may have...

Hi, thanks for writing in. This is a common sign of a failing mass air flow sensor. This is a unit that regulates the air flow into the engine as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into...

Inspect fuse number 11 and 30 in the fuse box. Check the grey fuse link near the starter. If both of these are good then check fuse 19. In fact, its best to check all the fuses for any blown...

The "cracking" sound you mention when doing sharp, low-speed turns is likely a constant velocity joint on one or both of the front axles. These joint transfer power from the engine to the wheels. The joints are somewhat sensitive to...

A seized a/c compressor can certainly make the engine difficult to start, if not start at all. To describe it in simple terms, the a/c compressor is similar to a mini engine. It can have chambers similar to engine cylinders...

The rear brakes on this car are drum brakes and they may be binding due to the rear wheel brake cylinders binding or the springs are weak and do not return the brakes quick enough. The brakes should be inspected...

Hello. If the clutch pedal is going soft even after it is bled, then that is an indicator that there is either a problem with the master cylinder or the slave cylinder. If the seals inside the master cylinder wear...

It is possible that your powertrain control module could be causing this issue. I would recommend having this module tested by your local dealership to determine if it is functioning properly. If it is functioning improperly I would recommend having...

There are a few things that can cause this. Check the transmission fluid level to see if it is low. Sometimes low transmission fluid levels will prevent the transmission from shifting into gear. If you still have forward gears, but...

The RPM fluctuation, inconsistent idle, lack of acceleration, and poor fuel economy are all consistent with faults such as vacuum leaks, EGR system malfunctions, malfunctioning oxygen sensors, dirty fuel injectors, fuel pump malfunction, faulty spark plugs, a faulty mass airflow...

The master cylinder not holding or getting pressure the first time is a bad residual valve built into the master cylinder. You will need to replace the master cylinder and bleed the system air out.

I will not get into the "misinformation" aspect but the engine most certainly does not have to be removed to replace the vacuum pump in a Beetle or any other VW product with the same 2.5 ltr 5 cylinder. We...

Thanks for writing in about your Chevrolet HHR. From what you've described you'll need to check the shift cable to see if the cable is attached to the transmission and bracket. It may have come loose when you lifted the...

It may be best to have a certified technician with the proper scan tool look into the check engine light fault as well as the entire system. Sometimes a fault will not set a code, or the code set is...

Hi - first task is to check for problem codes (Check Engine light) - these will be helpful. From your symptoms, and the sequence, I believe the engine lost oil suddenly (failed oil cooler line or front crank seal?), and...

Hello. Your particular vehicle has what is known as the smart pin which will lock the gas when the vehicle itself is locked. If you unlock the vehicle with the key fob, the pin should disengage and you will be...

Hi There, If there are misfires, there should be a check engine light on, which should have stored specific fault codes. Many times these fault codes will indicate whether the misfire is related to a specific cylinder or if it...

Hello - the P1346 problem code you have indicates a camshaft timing problem (variable valve timing to be specific), and is at least part of the cause of low power. The cams are out of time, relative to the crankshaft....

Malfunctioning fans will typically only cause the car to overheat at idle or in traffic. Of course, if the fan is not functioning it should be replaced and that can be accomplished by a mobile mechanic if you request radiator...

Hi There, This is likely related to your EVAP emissions system and something called a purge valve solenoid. The EVAP system prevents fuel vapors from the fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The EVAP system collects and temporarily stores...

Hi there. In most cases, the beeping sound is created when one of two different systems creates an alert; a seat belt warning or a door is ajar. It is common for a system sensor to be damaged, which will...

A conventional power mirror switch is essentially two rocker switches built into a single housing. Each rocker switch is connected to two wires that are connected to a reversible DC (direct current) motor inside the rear view mirror on either...

With the weight of the oil, 5w-30 is preferred in climates that see temps below 0 degrees, and 10w-30 for 0 degrees and above. With that said, it is not unusual to see a drop in oil pressure when the...

The 2002 and 2003 Camry and Solara, at least, used that engine. Inasmuch as engines are computer controlled, replacements have to be absolutely EXACT, otherwise the engine may not even start because the engine sensor interface with the existing PCM...