Popular questions

Question
Dealer says replace spark plugs and decarb, but missed oil leak on right side of engine. Throwing p0303.
As you know code P0303 relates to a misfire, specifically in cylinder #3. This is likely unrelated to the oil drops you are seeing as those are more likely related to a gasket or a seal leaking. Engine misfires can...
Question
I have a 2015 Nissan Altima, my account is blowing hot air.
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a condenser fan that may not be cooling the AC condenser properly or the system may be low on freon. As you may know, the job of the AC condenser fan is...
Question
Wrong starter motor fitted by a garage
If you have the starter motor (the wrong one), the easiest way to prove your case is to get from the manufacturer, or re-manufacturer, the cataloging information. In other words, the "part" should have a part number and that part...
Question
Can catalytic converter particles damage the engine?
Not really if you think about it. You've got a a catalytic converter which is on the exhaust system. The hot gas comes out of the engine in the manifold and then goes through the exhaust system to the catalytic...
Question
Does this car have a PCV valve?
All cars that have internal combustion engines have Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valves. On your car, the PCV valve is at the top of the engine in the valve cover. It is pressed into a rubber grommet. You will see...
Question
My air suspesion bag is bunched up on driver rear side what might be wrong its normal on left side
Hello, thank you for writing in. If one side is sagging or lower than the others, the air bag in the suspension is not being filled up and regulated. This is typically due to a failed compressor, or an issue...
Question
Check engine light on, temperature goes to hot, noisy engine, car shuddring and turns off.
Fault codes need to be read out from the engine computer. There is a technical service bulletin (TSB) out by Lexus that points to a faulty thermostat causing a Check Engine Light, and that the thermostat should be replaced based...
Question
I found a small puddle of coolant underneath my car. Today I opened the hood, and I see a puddle of coolant.
Hello, thanks for writing in. If you are finding puddles of coolant underneath your vehicle then there is likely a coolant leak somewhere on the engine. A few places that leaks can occur at are at the hoses, the water...
Question
Evaporator Temperature Sensor (Switch)
Hello. It is possible that the problem is with the evaporator temperature sensor. If this fails, it can affect the efficiency of the AC system. Most of the time though, when the compressor continually works on this car it is...
Question
I have changed the crank shaft sensor but the car still keeps stalling. What else could be wrong.
Hello. You should also try checking the camshaft sensor as this also performs a similar function in that it monitors the camshaft speed which tells the computer how to regulate ignition and fuel injection timing much like the crankshaft sensor....
Question
Car won't start - 1991 Ford E-350 Econoline
Crossing the positive and negative battery cables is typically pretty bad for the electronics. The battery takes the brunt of the short. It very well could have fried it. What kind of battery test was performed? Essentially you are sending...
Question
2001 Saturn L300 turns over won't start it just stalled out and won't start
Hello, thank you for writing in. When it comes to a stalling issues, you want to turn your attention to the spark and power supply first. It is good you have partially ruled out the fuel supply as the problem....
Question
There is a part on the throttle body that broke, where and how would I go about finding another?
if you are referring to the plastic case that contains the "throttle position sensor" (TPS), the TPS is readily available in the new aftermarket or even as a new OEM (dealer) part. The throttle body itself, and all associated parts...
Question
My check engine light came on. Took it to Autozone and they came up with this code PO156. What is that
Hello, thank you for writing in. A P0156 troubleshooting code stands for an error with the oxygen sensor. There are multiple sensors, and this one is behind (further towards the rear) the catalytic converter. Several things may be happening. First,...
Question
When the electric power steering system warning comes on, the car immediately loses gas and slows to a halt.... why does it do th
Hi there. Are there any other lights illuminated? When the EPS light does come on, the electric steering system has detected a fault and can cause the vehicle to proceed into what may seem like a limp mode; we wouldn't...
Question
Noisy whirring sound when I step on the gas pedal.
Hello, thanks for writing in to YourMechanic. It sounds like you may have a problem with the serpentine belt driven accessory like a tensioner pulley or the alternator bearing is bad. If you'd like to have the noise from the...
Question
Banging sound at slow speed at left rear wheel well area
Hi there. Raise up the vehicle and check all of the suspension, sway bar, ball joints, and the shock absorbers. Makes sure that everything is tight. If everything is tight, lower the vehicle and do a bounce test on the...
Question
My mustang keeps dying.
Hey there. There is a fuse in the fuse junction box within the engine fuse box that needs to be checked. It is a 20amp fuse. There are two fuse link wires that go from junction box to the alternator....
Question
How do I put a CD on repeat?
When the repeat feature is turned on, a song or set of songs will play on repeat. To turn on this setting, press the Random/Repeat button until either Track Repeat or Disc Repeat is displayed, depending on your preference. If...
Question
Check Engine light; catalytic converters failing
Hi there. It sounds like you have a few issues going on here. If the catalytic converters are failing, then the converters will need to be replaced. They tend to either fail and become clogged causing a loss of engine...
Question
How do I trigger the panic alarm with the remote keyless entry system?
The panic alarm is an important safety feature. If you signal the alarm, the headlights will flash and an alarm will sound, which draws attention to you if you feel threatened or unsafe. To use the alarm, press and hold...
Question
plymouth duster 70' engine swap
While we at Your Mechanic do not perform engine replacement or swaps, I can tell you some basics. Considering you are looking to install a 2004 Ford engine in a 1970 Chrysler product, there will be an extensive amount of...
Question
Ok i have a 2009 honda crv i put a new starter anew alternator and new battery on it but the red battery light keeps coming on wha
It sounds like you have covered the basics. The battery light will come on if the alternator is not producing more voltage than the battery. The alternator is controlled by the engine ECU on most late cars, so it can...
Question
How to install oil pan gasket to a 2006 Dodge Charger
Hi there. You might want to read this article to give you a frame of reference. However, to receive specific steps for your vehicle, you'll want to purchase a service and repair manual for your Dodge Charger or have a...