Popular questions

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How does the tailgate work?
The tailgate on the vehicle works much like a door does. The key can lock it and unlock it, and lifting the handle will allow it to open. Tip The tailgate is hinged at the bottom, so when...
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Squealing noise
Hello. It sounds like your drive belt may need adjusting. Drive belts that are too loose can squeal, especially when the engine is cold. I suggest you have a trained professional, such as one from YourMechanic, adjust your belt to...
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Crank no start - 2004 Nissan Altima
Hello. Let's start with the basics: is the Check Engine light on, see what problem codes are set? The codes are your friend and this will make diagnosis much easier. Do you have spark at the spark plugs while cranking?...
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Idle air valve calibration/adjustment
Hi there. It is suggested to have a bidirectional scan tool but it is not required. Verify the idle speed is within 650-750 rpm. You want to be at 700 rpm ideally. Connect data link connector terminals TEN & GND...
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Fan only works on highest speed. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2008 Volkswagen Passat. If the blower motor resistor and connector are good, then the only other thing that can cause the problem is the blower control switch or connector. Check the resistor...
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Flooded engine 1998 Chevrolet K1500
Hi - ouch, these problems make you crazy! Great effort on resolving the "sugar in the tank" recovery. I believe the fuel injectors in the throttle body have either failed (stuck open or leaking) due to residual sludge in the...
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Does a transmission rebuild kit fix transmission slipping and seal leaking?
A transmission rebuild kit will normally include all seals and gaskets as well as other major components that contribute to the overall performance of the transmission. If the part is a wear item or a potential leak source, the rebuilt...
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Oil pressure light and the engine's max speed is 4000 rpm. After 2 days the car isn't starting anymore.
You have several problems and this makes things considerably more confusing. Jetta's are known for having challenges with their oil pressure light switches. The important thing to determine is that your motor has good oil pressure. The surest way to...
Question
DSC Light is on
Hi! That is an issue that many owners of your particular series frequently encounter. The most common cause of the DSC Light illumination is an issue in the ABS module. The ABS and DSC modules are built together as one....
Question
I'm getting check engine light code P0446 and P0452.
Hello, thank you for writing in. The codes may be related, or they may be separate. When it comes to the P0446, you can try to clean the EVAP vent valve with some standard cleaner for it from your local...
Question
2006 Hyundai Sonata p2106 code how do I repair
This trouble code indicates an issue with the intake manifold runner circuit. This could be an issue with the wiring, the intake runner position sensor, or the powertrain control module. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by a qualified...
Question
Check engine light - O2 sensor circuit + speed sensor circuit...
Hi there. O2 sensor low voltage can be caused my a number of things. Mass air flow sensor was only one of them. It can be a bad O2 sensor, coolant temperature sensor, or wiring issue. What should be...
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My 2004 vw beetle with automatic transmission bangs into gear from the shift to first gear to second gear. Only When cold
Hey Virusboy. Thanks again for the question. It's actually a very good question. If there is an obstruction of debris inside the inner transmission hydraulic lines, it needs to be removed. In regards to the transmission (getting used to old...
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Car won't start after ignition switch change.
Hi. If the vehicle was starting before you replaced the ignition switch then the switch may be defective or the switch may not be lined up properly. It is not uncommon for the security system to act up after an...
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How do I adjust the trailer towing mirrors?
Your car may be equipped with trailer towing mirrors that give you better visibility when you are towing long or wide loads. To put your mirrors in trailer towing mode, hold them with your hands, and rotate them counter-clockwise, such...
Question
How much the labor costs to replace caster bushing (aka control arm bushing)? 2004 Lexus LS430
Hi there - YourMechanic does not offer lower caster bushing (aka control arm bushing replacement as a service. Replacing bushings in aluminum control arms in the field is a somewhat risky procedure in the best of circumstances. YourMechanic recommends, and...
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How do I defog the side mirrors?
If equipped, your side mirrors will automatically defog when you turn on the rear window defogger.
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Sudden Coolant Leak
The radiator tank is cracked and the radiator needs to be replaced. Replace the upper and lower radiator hose and the thermostat at the same time. They will save you more work in the near future. If you need to...
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Hood sensor not working
Hi. The sensor is most likely broken and needs to be replaced. You can get rid of the warning light by unplugging the sensor until you get a replacement. The way the circuit works is when the hood is open,...
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Car runs well, but shuts off after 15 minutes
When it next fails, listen for the fuel pump. If it isn't running, get your multimeter and follow the electrical power path for the fuel pump: fuses, fuel pump relay, wiring to the pump. Check for voltage on that circuit...
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How do you test a used vapor canister?
Hi there. Take an air hose and with using low pressure, blow air into the tank pipe and see if the air comes out of the other pipes with no restrictions. Then with using low pressure, blow air into the...
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Experiencing electrical problems in cold weather.
This is very interesting. How cold does it have to be for them to not work? These systems may be tied together by a particular component, perhaps a circuit breaker, that is failing when it is cold outside. Temperature can...
Question
Brake piston seized after brake pad change
Was this the rear brakes? Many times the rear calipers have to be turned in with a special press that turns the piston and presses the piston in at the same time. This is because the parking brake is built...
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driver's door ajar light will not go off, computer not working, reset button does not work
The drivers door ajar switch is mounted on the door latch inside the driver's door. If you check the striker where the latch hits in the door jam to see if it was moved. You should be able to see...
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My car pulls to the side when I leave acceleration and when I'm braking. What could be the real problem?
For the vehicle to move to the right as you accelerate, that would be an engine and transmission mount that is either loose, damaged, or broken. For the vehicle to pull as you brake, there could be an issue with...