Popular questions

Question
Airplane sound while applying the brakes.
Hello, thank you for writing in. The noise you are hearing is very likely caused by the brake pads wearing down over time like they are designed to do. You are hearing the metal of the brake calipers rubbing on...
Question
Changed camshaft sensor but car still won't start, could it be the crankshaft sensor?
Hello, thanks for writing in. Most of the time, this code comes up when there is a difference between the crank and cam sensors. The most common failure is the crankshaft position sensor. These fail much more frequently than the...
Question
Why did my Check Engine Light come on after I replaced my battery?
An illuminated Check Engine Light can be caused by several different components. First, make sure the replacement battery is the right type for your vehicle. Then check that the vehicle is properly connected to the battery. You should also make...
Question
Can a steering wheel lock up because there is a problem with the battery or alternator
Hello Sharon, thanks for writing in. The power steering can and absolutely will go out if the alternator or battery fails while driving. Lets break it down. The alternator is powered off of the engine, and it then supplies the...
Question
Battery charger makes loud noise when trying to charge battery?
Hi There, Most battery chargers on the market today have a couple of different settings. They will usually have a regular 12 amp charging mode, a 6 amp charging mode and a boost charging mode. The 6 and 12 amp...
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My 2015 silverado 1500 5.3L is making a ticking sound at startup and during acceleration...
What you are describing sounds like the noise associated with hydraulic lifters which are a part of the valve train. In the mornings or when the engine is cold, the oil has had the chance, due to gravity to drain...
Question
Brakes don’t work in reverse, how does this happen?
The brake issue appears to be a common concern with this vehicle. I did some research and quickly found that there is a recall for the power assisted brakes in your car. The brakes on the Chevrolet Cruze are vacuum...
Question
Car makes a grinding noise when moving forward but nothing while you're moving backwards
There are a few things that could be causing your grinding noise. Typically this is a sign of worn out wheel bearings, but that can also happen in reverse as well. It's possible that you have a transmission issue or...
Question
Ac doesn't work after radiator replacement
If it flat out does not function at all, it is possible an electrical connector was not re-attached. But there are actually quite a few possibilities, such as the condenser fan not being re-attached, not working, or damaged; the condenser...
Question
Key is stuck in the ignition and won't turn all the way back into the lock position
It is either the ignition switch electrical or the ignition lock cylinder. The key slides into the ignition lock cylinder. These two components mate together and essentially become one. So if either of them break, they will both be affected....
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When I put my van into drive or reverse it doesn't move. But while in drive or reverse if I rev up the engine it will start to go
Hi There, This may be 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...
Question
No brake fluid is getting to the rear brakes
As far as the brake issue, yes, there needs to be a check to see if there is brake fluid entering into the proportional valve. If there is fluid supply to the valve but not out then the valve will...
Question
Automatic car stalls when put in gear
The internal transmission seals are leaking pressure to reverse and forward gears at the same time and lock up transmission then stalls the engine. You will need to have a pressure test on the transmission to see if the leak...
Question
Check vsc system
Hi There, The VSC light relates to the Vehicle Stability Control system which is your car's traction control system. The traction control system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This...
Question
What does the vehicle stability assist (VSA) Off light mean?
The vehicle stability assist (VSA) Off light is located on the instrument panel and illuminates whenever the VSA system is deactivated. When the VSA system is reactivated, the light will disappear. Tip The VSA Off light will briefly illuminate when...
Question
My car makes a chirping noise while in motion, the noise is more frequent based on how fast I'm traveling.
You should have the brake sensors checked to see if the brakes are worn to the sensor or the backing vent plate is rubbing the rotor. If both are good then you may have a front wheel bearing then is...
Question
I have rusted rocker panels on both sides of the car is it worth saving?
Hi there, thanks for writing in. Body shop prices vary widely, mostly based on where you are, and how good the body shop is. If both your rocker panels are truly rusted out, it will probably far exceed the value...
Question
How can I tell if it's the throttle body or the transmission at fault?
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Check the fluid to the transmission, and look at the color of the transmission oil and see if it is red or dark red. If it is dark red (varnished), then change the oil...
Question
Check engine light code P1445
Hi Kirby. The P1445 OBD-II trouble code typically indicates an issue with the secondary air injection system; which is an emission system that pumps fresh air into the exhaust system. The pump and air intake for the system is located...
Question
What does Cal mean
Hi there. Without knowing the make, model and year of your vehicle, it's hard to tell you what this particular error message means or how it might be related to the car not starting. In general, the CAL message on...
Question
ABS and traction control light on dash. cruise control doesn't work.
You will have to have the ABS system scanned and not just the engine computer scanned. You will have to monitor the wheel sensors if you get no codes, but if the light is on there is a code stored...
Question
How do you delete a speed dial entry in the HandsFreeLink system on?
Speed dial entries in the HandsFreeLink® (HFL) system provide you with a faster way to make voice calls in the car. You’re limited to just 15, though. Deleting entries that you don’t use lets you add numbers that you do...
Question
Bright lights come on when I use right blinker. Do I need Turn Signal Hazard Switch or the Turn Signal Lever?
Hi Redcgarland. Thanks for contacting us tonight. It really depends on what is actually causing this symptom to occur. While it's possible that the turn signal lever is damaged, it's more likely that you have an electrical short within the...
Question
Driving, then engine/oil light turns on, steering locks up, car dies; but just fine after turning off than on.
Any time loss of steering, or power assist to the steering is lost, it can be a safety issue and should be looked into as soon as possible. If the oil light and/or check engine light are flashing before it...
Question
Can a mechanic crack a rim while changing a tire?
Hi Adeline. Thanks for contacting us tonight. With today's tire changing machines, cracking a rim during removal and installation is incredibly difficult to do - however, it is possible. If the tire is busted off the bead (which is a...