Popular questions

Too much air flowing into the intake causes the engine to lean out, as a result of too much air in relation to the fuel and misfire. At an idle, the PCV valve restricts air flow, to reduce this problem....

I always recommend allowing the car to run until warm in cold or hot conditions. I wait for the engine to run until the idle hits the base idle speed (around 700-800 RPM) before driving it. This allows the oil...

Hi there. Replacing the clutch only 20,000 miles ago, there shouldn't be issues already. Assuming, proper procedure was followed at the time of clutch replacement, ie; the flywheel was surfaced, the throw-out bearing sleeve properly lubricated, pressure plate bolts evenly...

What you are describing is often a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's computer...

Hello. While having a cracked windshield is bothersome, the only time a manufacturer will cover a piece of glass is if it has a stress crack, with no signs of a stone chip or signs of impact. If you don’t...

Hello, tail lamps that are melting are more common in areas where traffic causes drivers to spend more time braking than driving (think of a Los Angeles freeway during rush hour). With bulbs getting more voltage now due to better...

Hello, thank you for writing in. There are several fluids that will cause smoke in the tail pipe. Whatever is leaking is likely both an internal leak (leaking into the combustion chamber or exhaust), and external leak (leaking onto the...

Unless there is a maintenance specification in the Factory Service Manual for your specific vehicle, it is not "required" to change the power steering fluid. However, it is wise to change the fluid at a reasonable interval because power steering...

Hello - yes, it is possible, and indeed a common modification, to swap out the air ride suspension on this model for conventional suspension. In fact, several auto suspension suppliers make conversion kits to do just this. As you have...

Be sure to resolve this as routinely jump starting a vehicle is not a safe practice. Every time the operation is performed there is a risk of damage to both vehicles, as well as bystanders, due to short circuit, reversed...

Pulling to one side can be caused by worn or loose suspension components, or even a brake issue. Does it pull harder to the same side or the opposite when you brake ? If so, it can be due to...

I would first check to see if the PCM has set any diagnostic trouble codes, including pending codes. Codes can be downloaded and evaluated by YourMechanic in the context of a Check Engine Light diagnostic. The camshaft and crankshaft position...

Hello. Running the A/C will put extra strain on the engine and cause it to heat up quicker. If your vehicle is overheating, you should keep it below 280 degrees at all cost. This is the temperature when extreme irreversible...

The compressor clutch relay on these vehicles are a known cause of sticking on the compressor clutch and overheating the A/C compressor clutch coil. Replace the A/C relay to see if it cures the clutch going bad the next time...

Hello there. A few common problems will cause your 1996 Nissan Maxima to cut out when it is put in gear and have a rough idle. The idles issues and cutting off could be related or separate issues. Likely causes...

Hi Jesse. Thanks for contacting us today. In most cases, a faulty gas cap or one that is not screwed on tight will cause the gas light and check engine light to illuminate. it's also possible that one of the...

The problem is somewhere in the fuel pump relay control circuit. There are five relay terminals: battery power, ignition power (controlled by the ECM), ground, output to the pump and connection to the fuel pump prime connector. What the prime...

Hi there: Overheating issues can be very tricky to fix and diagnose. However, when you're losing coolant and white smoke is coming from the exhaust, this is a typical indication of a blown head gasket; which is causing coolant to...

There are a number of things that may cause the car to hesitate when accelerating such as low fuel pressure, a dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor, clogged or dirty fuel injectors, a faulty throttle position sensor or potentially...

Nissan requires that the battery in 2004 Sentra's have a minimum CCA rating of 355 amps. Therefore, your battery is adequate, unless it has failed of course. If lights dim momentarily when the fans come on, that means that the...

Hi Tiffany. Thanks for contacting us today. There are several moving parts that comprise the steering and suspension system on your Ford Escape. One or a few of them could be loose or damaged and be causing this issue. However,...

While you can use the tuning knob, the seek button or the scan button to find stations to listen to, you can also program in your favorite stations so you can listen to them without having to cycle through the...

If you are referring to a state safety inspection, this would depend on your states safety laws regarding automobiles. I would recommend consulting with a vehicle inspection station to determine if the damage to your vehicle will pass the inspection....

Normally, the cooling system pressure should be around 16 psi so if you have a reading of 13 psi, that would be considered low. If you are positive that you have a leak, I would recommend locating the leak and...