Popular questions

Question
My check engine light came on AND my cruise control light started flashing, same exact time.
Hello. Subaru has designed their vehicles to turn on the cruise control light when their is a problem with the power train system. This keeps you from using the cruise control when there is a problem. If there is a...
Question
key in accessory position and can' turn off or on can't get key to turn stuck in accessory position
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. When the key is in the ignition switch, the key should not be able to come out of the switch when it has been turned. When the key is able to come out of...
Question
Dash lights came on and gauges dropped to zero
Hello there, thanks for writing in about your 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. First, I would suspect a faulty ignition switch, and would put that near the top of my diagnostic checklist. I also recommend a thorough visual inspection, testing of...
Question
the timing chain is making noise at startup what needs to be replaced to fix the problem?
There are many reports about this issue with your truck. I have access to IATN (International Automotive Technicians Network) and the consensus is everything on the front of the motor needs to be replaced. Which is a very, very large...
Question
My hazard lights come on when open my car door and my clock in my car blinks also and my hazard light stay blinking what is the pr
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are several reasons why the hazards might turn on when you open the door. Typically when you open the door the jamb switch which controls the connection to your radio and interior lights...
Question
What does the Service Park Assist message mean?
The Service Park Assist message can appear in the driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, then the ultrasonic rear parking assist (URPA) system is malfunctioning and the park assist feature will not work. When the URPA...
Question
My car shakes when I decelerate on the highway.
Hey there. Thanks for writing in today in regards to your 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I think the issue you're describing is not related to the differential. Most of the time, a vehicle shakes because of three specific items; problems...
Question
Transmission gets often times gets stuck in 2nd gear. Why?
This is often times 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 activates a...
Question
I was told my car has 2 thermostats. Is this true?
The vehicle with this engine size is equipped with a primary and a secondary thermostat in the cooling system. The primary and secondary thermostat open at different temperatures. The secondary one opens up at 203 F and should be fully...
Question
10% of the time, car won't start when rainy weather
Hello. The symptoms you are describing are commonly caused by ignition system problems with moisture. Old or worn ignition wires, or a cracked or leaky distributor cap, can cause the vehicle to experience hard starting. In wet weather, moisture can...
Question
losing power
Hi there: In most cases acceleration issues are caused by restriction of fuel or air into the fuel injection system to be burned inside the combustion chamber. This could be the result of damaged mass air flow sensors, EGR valve,...
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How do I adjust the clock between 12-hour time and 24-hour time?
You can choose whether the clock is in 12-hour time, or 24-hour time, with just a few steps: 1. Turn the ignition to On, while making sure the vehicle is completely stopped. 2. Press the Menu button. 3. Use the...
Question
Catalytic converter is working, but will not kick in to pass smog.
The O2 sensors monitors catalytic converter efficiency, it does not control the catalytic converter. Catalytic converters either work well enough or they don't. If it won't kick in, it needs a new one. Cat's work independent of all other systems....
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The fluid in the power steering pump is overheating.
Hi there. There is a blockage in the system causing the pump to purge and build up to max pressure. Check the hoses and see if there is any issues with fluid flow. If the steering is easy to move...
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Do you have to have the mechanical key in the fob to start the car
Hello, thank you for writing in. If the vehicle is equipped with a keyless entry and start system, then yes. You should still be able to start the car without the piece of metal they give you in the key...
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I was told my rpm were going up & down because of a broken motor mount. Can that really cause it to do that?
Hi Desirae. Thanks for contacting us tonight. Although an engine mount can cause a lot of negative symptoms, such as vibration and shaking, it's less likely that a broken engine mount is the only thing causing higher idle. However, if...
Question
How do I turn the rain sensing on or off?
When the rain sensing feature is turned on, the windshield wipers will automatically begin operating when your vehicle senses that it is raining. You can turn this feature on or off very easily: 1. Press the Up/Down buttons on the...
Question
Head bolt torque
The cylinder head tightening sequence and tightening torque must be done correctly to ensure no damage to the engine. If there are any questions regarding the sequence or torquing procedure we recommend contacting a qualified mechanic, such as one from...
Question
Rattle sound from Throttle when I give it gas and then it goes away when I let off...
Hi there. Sometimes the rattling sound during acceleration is caused by a loose bracket on the exhaust system or another mechanical component. The issue could also be a small exhaust manifold leak or something entirely different. The problem with diagnosing...
Question
My transmission makes a clicking sound when get on the gas what could this be?
Hi there. Usually a transmission does not make a clicking sound. In most cases, when a car is in gear and you hear a clicking sound that increases as the vehicle speed increases, it could be caused by an axle,...
Question
I need to know the purge valve solenoid location and how long it takes to replace it.
Hi there. There are two different locations that the purge valve was located at, depending on the vehicle type. The first location would be on the engine intake next to the throttle body on the left side when viewing the...
Question
Car wont move when in drive or reverse what to do
Hello, thank you for writing in. Most commonly, this is caused by low transmission fluid or a failed up. Check the level and condition of the fluid, and if it is low, you may have a leak. You may also...
Question
How do I reset the Best Average Fuel Economy?
The Best Average Fuel Economy setting is one of the driver information center (DIC) features. This setting allows you to view your most recent fuel efficiency over a selected distance, as well as the best fuel efficiency that you have...
Question
What does the Shift P warning mean?
If your Altima is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a start button, you may see the Shift P warning shown in the vehicle information display. This will show up any time you’ve pressed the push button to...
Question
Popping sound coming from rear of vehicle at low speeds
The noise sounds like the rear brake drum is warped which will cause the brakes to grab and release, causing the noise. Have the rear brakes checked and resurface or replace the drums. If you have rear rotors and disc...