Popular questions

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At what RPM should my car be at while idling. My car is a 2000 Mazda 626 automatic.
Hey there. The specifications for the idle speed in gear for a 2.0 liter engine is 500 to 800 rpm. If you have a 2.5 liter engine the specifications are 550 to 750 rpm. Both of these rpm specifications are...
Question
Car feel jumpy when pressing gas pedal.
This may be a sign of a failing throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a sensor used to monitor the throttle position of the throttle plate inside the throttle body in relation to your foot position on...
Question
Replacement for thermostat repair cost is $608.05. Seems very high.
Hi there. Replacing the thermostat housing on a 2008 Mini Cooper requires removal of multiple components and can take quite some time to complete the job correctly. Add the excessive labor to complete this job to the cost of replacement...
Question
Check gauges light stays on 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
Hi there - most often, this means you have "low fuel level" in the gas tank. This message comes on when an operating condition (coolant temperature, system voltage, fuel level, etc.) is out of the "normal" range. The fuel level...
Question
Can a exhaust leak trigger service engine light
An exhaust leak can trigger a Check Engine Light due to the fact that depending on the location of the leak, the leak itself is introducing more oxygen into the exhaust gases. As you may know the oxygen sensors which...
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Engine vibration
Unfortunately there are many different reasons that could cause your Honda Civic to experience engine vibration. These include but are not limited to worn out suspension, defective tires or even weak or broken engine mounts could all lead to your...
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Grinding noise while driving 2006 Pontiac Torrent
Grinding noises can be caused by several things. The most common are brake pads that are worn to the metal. These will cause a grinding sound as the rotor rotates and rubs against them. The other common cause is bad...
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I have difficulties inserting the keys into the ignition
Hi, thanks for writing in. Sometimes the ignition key lock tumblers will get dry and will start to bind. First try another key if you have one to see if your key is the cause. Try then getting a key...
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Stalls without warning
I have never seen a DTA's message displayed on the dashboard of any vehicle, so I'm not sure what you mean. To determine the problem, you need to "catch the vehicle in the act." Checking fuel pressure and spark when...
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How do I secure cargo in the back?
While your car’s cargo compartment offers plenty of space for storing parcels, packages, boxes and gear, you might need to secure some items, particularly if they’re fragile or prone to sliding around (if the compartment isn’t that full). There are...
Question
Check engine light flashing occasionally
Hello. It is possible that you will need to have your car tuned up again. During this tune-up, it will be important to make sure that the ignition control module, the spark plug wires, and the spark plugs are replaced...
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Brake lights stay on 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Hi there - I believe your brake light switch is either sticking or mis-adjusted, resulting in the brake lights remaining on after the brakes are used. Turning the ignition switch to the "Off" position removes power to that circuit, and...
Question
2010 Nissan Sentra sr won't go into drive
What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle...
Question
Speedometer jumps car moves slow
If your speedometer needle or gauge is jumping up and down while the vehicle is moving at a slower speed, two possible issues may have occurred. Either the whole instrument cluster has failed at some point preventing the speedometer from...
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Leaking differential liquid in front axle
Hi, thanks for writing in. A torn or broken CV boot will cause differential fluid to leak from the axles without a doubt. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home...
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My car shows a misfire on cylinder 2
Engine misfires can be caused by a list of problems, but there are a few suspects that occur more than others. Generally, misfires are caused by either a spark or fuel issue or in cases, a combination of both. Spark-related...
Question
How do I change the radio station using the steering wheel controls?
The steering wheel controls allow you to adjust the sound system without ever taking your hands off of the wheel. The controls are on the back of the steering wheel, with switches on each side. When the radio is on,...
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False "open rear access door open" msg. And lights aren't coming on inside when rear door really does open? Can this be reset
Hi Jasmine. Thanks for contacting us today. In most cases, this error message is activated when there is a failure of the rear door sensor. Sometimes an exposed electrical wire that is connected to the sensor can cause this to...
Question
My Mercedes 2009 CLS 550 will crank but wont start
First, try using an alternate key. If it starts easily with a different key, then the original key needs to be reprogrammed. If the problem persists with either key, then it could be the ignition switch or possible a fuel...
Question
Replaced throttle position sensor,disconnected battery terminals to try idle reset,still no acceleration and high idle.
Hi Jeff. Thanks for sending your question today. Since you're receiving multiple codes that essentially are related to the same components, I would first recommend resetting the codes correctly, by having a professional mechanic access the OBD-II from the ECU...
Question
Overheating after accident
Hello, If the vehicle is overheating it is best not to drive or run the vehicle to avoid any further damage to the engine. Being that the front end is damaged, it may not be possible to install a new...
Question
2015 Scion Tc, I would like to turn off my horn from going off every time I lock and unlock my car with my keyfob. How can I chang
For Scions, turn ignition on, then off. Then press the valet button on the keyfob 3 times to deactivate the horn from honking. The vehicle should emit only a light chirp instead. Some features on the keyfob are only dealer...
Question
When putting foot on accelerator, brake, or shifter, car dies
There are some technical bulletins for replacing the ECU on your 2005 Kia Amanti for drivability problems. With what you said, what they want to do is along these lines. They may be able to reprogram the computer or need...
Question
Loose steering wheel
Hello. Thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be having one of several issues. Typically the steering wheel is not the issue when the steering becomes loose. Now if the entire steering column is loose, you can worry about...
Question
When Should Engine Hoses be Replaced?
Regularly scheduled maintenance of hoses varies between vehicle manufacturers, but a good rule of thumb is to replace them whenever you have the cooling system serviced (cooling system flushed) or at 100,000 miles. In the years past, hose technology was...