Popular questions

Question
Why does my car go forward in reverse?
Hello, the automatic transmission has 3 systems; electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical. What describe could be an internal mechanical failure with transmission. There also could be a hydraulic failure internal with transmission creating only the forward gears circuit to operate. The...
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Car accelerated on its own, increasing RPMs & speed
Hello. There are a few possible causes of this but most of the time it is caused by a failing throttle body. If the throttle plate sticks and does not return to the correct position then the vehicle will accelerate....
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My RPM's on my car keep revving up, but won't go past 2,000
Hi there. A rough idling engine can be caused by a number of issues, some of them are serious while others tend to be minor, but the symptoms remain pretty much the same. The car will feel rough and bouncy...
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The transmission keeps dropping out of overdrive.
Hi there. If the transmission is coming out of overdrive and back into overdrive, either the downshift solenoid has an internal leak or there is an internal issue with the transmission overdrive clutch. Check the downshift solenoid and see if...
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The transmission seems to go into neutral when I stop ,then I turn off the car then restart and I can go again until I stop
Hi there. If it starts working fine once you restart the car, then chances are it is not the transmission failing. Most of the time, this is caused by a valve sticking in the valve body. They tend to get...
Question
Squealing noise at front wheels when slowly accelerating or coasting?
Hello. The sounds you are hearing are likely related to the brakes. There are tabs that are manufactured onto brake pads. These are called wear indicators and they are doing exactly what they are designed to do. When the brake...
Question
The car jerks and the lights flicker when idling.
I would recommend to start by checking the alternator connector, battery connections, battery cables including the wire to the main fuse/relay box, and grounds. If you hold the engine rpm to a stable 1000 rpm with the throttle, check to...
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Car shut off while driving, smoking (or steam) from right side under hood, strong burn smell, check engine light on until next day
Hi there: It's very difficult to diagnose exactly what type of damage may have been done to your 2003 Honda Civic during the overheating issue without physically inspecting this onsite. It is possible that the head gasket may be damaged,...
Question
2009 Ford Escape has a code P0400 even after EGR valve replacement
If your test results for KD5 and KD7 are accurate, there is a short between the PCM and EGR stepper motor. Your readings indicate both a short to ground and power, so my guess is that the four wires inside...
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There is a strong alcohol smell in the cabin
Hello, thank you for writing in. Does it smell sweet at all? I believe you are smelling glycol. This is the type of alcohol that is used in coolant that will keep it liquid at freezing temperatures. If you are...
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Replaced brake light switch but still no lights when pressing on brakes
Hi there. Check the fuses/relays and replace as necessary. If the fuse is blown and blows again we'll need to investigate what is causing the circuit to overload. If the fuse checks ok, then check for supply voltage at the...
Question
High-pitched constant beep
Hi, thanks for writing in. There are two places that this can normally come from. The air suspension compressor is known to make this kind of high pitch sound. The third row seats will also make this kind of high...
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I changed the axles in my car now I am having some transmission fluid leaking out.
There are spring loaded rubber seals that are pressed into a recess on each side of the aluminum differential case and through which the axle shaft rides. These seals must be replaced whenever the axles are replaced, otherwise transmission fluid...
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One of my front tires is angled different now that I hit a rock. Could an alignment fix it? 2007 Mercedes C230
Hello - you are correct, an alignment is not going to properly repair this damage. There may be a bent or otherwise damaged suspension control arm (lower) or tie rod. I recommend a steering and suspension inspection performed by a...
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How many quarts of oil should I put in the car, just until I get an oil change...Low oil pressure light just came on
With the engine off, add one quart of oil. Let the vehicle sit for a minute then check the level again. If it is still low, then add 1/2 quart of oil and recheck the level again until the dipstick...
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What does it mean if the Daytime Running Lights indicator comes on in the dash?
Daytime running lights (DRL) are an automatic system that turn on when the vehicle is turned on and in motion. The purpose of daytime running lights are to make the vehicle more visible during daylight hours and to alert other...
Question
Car keeps burning out ignition coil, same spot, not spark plug.
Hello There, I would suggest checking the ignition control module. The ignition control module functions in two modes; the start and run modes. When starting the engine, the ignition control module allows full battery voltage to be deployed to the...
Question
What is the difference on a bmw for service Engine Soon and check engine light
The "Service Engine Soon" (SES) notification signifies that scheduled maintenance is required. The SES light will illuminate based on elapsed time as well as the car’s mileage and operating conditions versus a predetermined maintenance schedule. The SES light might also...
Question
Car stopped while I was driving it; Check engine light is also on.
Have your computer checked to see if there is any pending or stored codes. This will lead you to a location on the engine for troubleshooting. There are many symptoms that can contribute to a stalling and no start condition...
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Car wouldn't go and all of the warning lights came.
Hi there. Either the timing belt came off or the crankshaft position sensor could have failed. Remove the valve cover and crank the engine over. If the engine crank turns and the valve train moves, then the timing belt is...
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My coolant is boiling out of my overflow tank.
This is most likely the result of a failing fan switch relay or a failed thermostat. The thermostat is a component that regulates the flow of coolant through the motor based upon specific temperatures. When the engine reaches a certain...
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Battery light on while driving but then goes off?
The battery light indicates that your charging system has a flaw in it which may be a sign of a weak battery, a failing voltage regulator or failing alternator. As you may know, the alternator is responsible for charging the...
Question
I had my oil pan gasket replaced and car is still leaking oil
Hello, thank you for writing in. An oil leak like this can be tricky. First know that the oil pan, by design, is the lowest component in the oil system, so that gravity will collect the oil in the pan...
Question
How do I program set radio stations?
You can program up to 24 set radio stations in your vehicle. 12 FM stations, and 12 AM stations. Here’s how. Tune your radio to the station you want to set. Press the “SET/RND” button. The words “Set 1”...