Popular questions

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Car cuts off when sitting still and idling. What could that be that is causing it to do that
This may be related to a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at...
Question
I just replaced my throttle body on my mini cooper but it seems to not take off like before. Why is this happening?
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are a few considerations to make. First, did the new throttle come with a new throttle position sensor, or are you using the old one? If you have the old one installed, you...
Question
My car shows the check engine light, the computer showed code P0455, and it shakes and vibrates at stops and during acceleration.
First, remove and reinstall the gas cap, clear the code P0455, and drive the vehicle for a few days and see if the code comes back. If the code comes back on, then either the gas cap needs replaced...
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Should i drive my car if it is leaking green fluids?
Green colored fluid is typically anti-freeze. Obviously, there is a leak that will have to be repaired and the sooner the better. If the radiator is full (check the level when the engine is stone cold ONLY for safety reasons...
Question
Tahoe keeps stalling, bucking, and I smell gas by the engine.
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. With having the intake manifold bolts broken, yes you can smell gas, but the vehicle will have a vacuum leak. The O2 sensor is on for the broken bolt due to the vacuum leak....
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Engine problems, sluggish acceleration, dash lights on
It would help to know what the codes were that the dealer turned off and are most likely back. If they were misfire, antilock brake, or engine problem codes they will all help in the diagnosis of the problem you...
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Car is slow to turn over
It seems you have three issues. If the engine is cranking slowly, the battery, the starter, the alternator, and the wiring will all need to be checked. The battery is the most likely problem, especially since your Infiniti is more...
Question
Bypassing oil cooler
The only way to determine if your operating conditions permit bypass of an OEM engine oil cooler is to install an oil temperature gauge. If gauge readings are always below 240 degrees F. (but above 212 degrees F.) you do...
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White smoke from exhaust cold start up
Hi There, Generally, a white or gray colored smoke is a sign of a potential blown head gasket. A blown head gasket can cause a bit of a vapor to be produced due to the coolant being leaked into the...
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I went through a car wash with my diesel fuel cap open. I had just filled up. What do I do
Hello. If you are afraid that water or moisture has possibly found its way into your fuel tank, then I would consider draining and refilling the tank. Your vehicle should be equipped with a fuel filter that can catch some...
Question
Sagging headliner coming off the ceiling, looks awful
The headliner is a piece of material with a foam backing which is glued to the roof of the interior. The glue used by Volkswagen to adhere the headliner does not hold up very well, causing the material and foam...
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If I replace the ignition switch, can I use my existing BMW Keys with remote and valet key?
Yes, you can. The ignition switch is separate from the EWS system, so replacing the switch will still allow you to use the current keys you already have. Only if you have to replace a faulty key or EWS module...
Question
Can a defective catalytic converter cause clutch failure?
To answer your question, a catalytic converter cannot cause clutch failure. You have a series of independent failures, which is not very common for vehicles with less than 100,000 miles. I would take your 2013 Chevrolet Cruze back to the...
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I have a 2008 Pontiac Solstice with 50,000 original miles. The coolant light appears when the car is warm. The car is not leakin
If the coolant temperature light is on but there are no signs of overheating, the coolant temperature sensor may be faulty. If the coolant level light is on but the coolant level is fine, the level sensor can be stuck...
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My car is having a high idle - I replaced the coolant temperature sensor and now the fans don't work
This may be related to a dirty or faulty idle air control valve. The idle air control valve monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine. This valve is controlled by...
Question
When starting, car has heavy gas smell and starts to smoke from under hood with engine light on.
In order to start diagnosis the computer will need to be scanned for codes. The problem sounds like you have a fuel injector leaking or a cylinder misfire. Check engine oil to see if it is overfull indicating fuel has...
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My air conditioner blows warm when idle, looses coolant and starts to overheat.
Hi! I have a couple of thoughts that may help you sort out the issues with your Explorer. There may be separate root causes of the issues with the air conditioning system and the cooling system. The first thing...
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The power steering fluid leaks from my car very quickly.
A large leak, such as that you are describing, will be easy to pinpoint. Causes of power steering leaks vary from the mundane (a simple failed return line hose; no big deal to fix) to the somewhat more complicated and...
Question
black smoke from exhaust only while applying more accelerator especially more than 2000 rpm...no smoke in idle or slight accelation
Hi there. I understand your confusion. It may be advisable, to find another repair facility. The exhaust smoke (black in color) is typically, an indication of too much fuel being delivered to the engine. This may be, the result of...
Question
Thumping noise after replacing motor mounts & tranny
Hello. The thumping noise that you hear is probably coming from one of the motor mounts that was replaced. The bolts that hold the mount down could be loose or it is possible that one of the mounts are defective....
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Truck overheats because coolant is pushed Into overflow tank until cooling system is empty and will not re-enter the motor.
Overheating, which can be due to may causes of which a leaking head gasket is just one, will potentially cause coolant loss through the radiator cap as the radiator opens as a pressure relief device. Exhaust leaking into the coolant,...
Question
Transmission selector shaft seal leakage. Does it need to be fixed and how expensive is the repair?
If you are referring to the "manual shaft" seal pressed into a bore on the transmission case, which seal is typically around an inch in diameter, it is repairable (replaceable) on the car if there is physical access to the...
Question
My car's shifter is stuck in park.
Hi there. The shifter gets the power from the brake light switch as for a safety switch. In order to change gears, the brakes must be applied. Check the power into the brake light switch and the power out of...