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Question
metallic smell from under dash after fuse blew out for interior lights
Smoke is worrisome as electrical faults do cause fires. Seems like you had smoke only so you are lucky. Obviously, don't put back a higher capacity (that is, "incorrect") fuse as such will allow too much current to flow on...
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If I am replacing the engine (D17) for another (D17a2), do I need a computer to match the new engine?
Hello. Swapping form a non-VTEC to a VTEC engine will require a different computer and wiring harness, as the two engines come equipped with similar, but different engine management systems. These parts are usually not difficult to source as these...
Question
When my truck is shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, it make a loud thumbing noise.
Hi, thanks for writing in. Unfortunately transmission problems are usually among some of the more expensive repairs. With the information given, the issue could lie in several different things and we would need to physically inspect it to give a...
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where is the crank sensor located on a 1997 geo metro 4 cyl 1.3
The crankshaft sensor is located on bottom right fron of motor near crankshaft pulley.
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car makes noise on cold startups/oil question
Today's multi-viscosity oils do start off with a low viscosity during very low temperatures. There are aftermarket solutions you can add to your oil, such as oil stabilizers and anti-wear additives. High mileage oil for vehicles nearing six figures is...
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Air bag now says "off" pass seatbelt light beeps with nobody in the seat. What can that be?
This is likely related to the sensor in the seat that measures the weight put on the seat to know when to enact or arm the airbag. The airbag system uses a sensor in the seat to know when there...
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Car cranking problem being a bad fuse box?
Fuse boxes can and do go bad every once in a while. While it is rather rare, it is not unheard of. If there has been any sort of damage in the area, these are more likely to fail. The...
Question
Transmission slipping when driving
Sounds like its time for a rebuild. Automatic transmissions have clutches inside that are made of a material similar to brake pads. Over time the clutch material wears away or gets damaged from repeated use. When this happens there is...
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2003 Acura MDX. The dealership says the oil pump seal is leaking, only 3/4 qt. of oil in the engine w/no leaks under the car...
Hi Stan. Thanks for submitting the question. If an oil seal is damaged, the engine will lose a lot of oil over an extended period of time, but will not always leak on the ground. The ticking noise is commonly...
Question
Keep needing new headlight bulbs, why is this happening?
Hello, replacing bulbs frequently can be bothersome. A couple of reasons come to mind. If you are using the cheapest bulbs possible, the cheap filaments may just be failing. Trying a good quality bulb may be a good start....
Question
Battery light comes on and off replaced battery and altenator tested good at AutoZone?
If the battery is new and good, and the alternator is good and charging, the problem may actually be in the ignition switch. If you have another key, try using that one. Also, check your VIN number on safercar.gov to...
Question
Where is the circuit one camshaft position sensor located?
Hello. The camshaft position sensor is located on the passenger side of the engine bay, on the cylinder head near the coolant reservoir tank. The reservoir tank needs to be removed in order to access it. If you need help...
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My Mini Pajero AC compressor is not working
Hey there. If the motor appears to be running, but is not providing compressed air, then this is a sign that the reed valves or the piston rings are worn out. If the motor is not running, there may be...
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Oil leaking out and I keep replacing gaskets
The valve cover gasket is a rubber type seal that keeps oil from coming out of the engine. When the mechanic replaces the seal, they must clean the head surface thoroughly, wipe it down with brake cleaner, and dry the...
Question
Distributor rotor turns but no spark at the plugs which is where
If you are not getting any spark, a few things I would check would be the ignition coil or coils, the ignition module, the ignition system fuses, and finally the cam and crank position sensors. Tests will need to be...
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Crank no start
Hey there, thanks for asking about your 2002 Ford Crown Victoria. Burned wires can signify that there has likely been a short somewhere in the electrical system. Often times when this happens, it is quite easy for the car's computer...
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I have an intermittent misfire - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. The EGR can cause a misfire if it is stuck open when the engine is cold or running at a lower speed. The EGR replaces some of the air with burnt fuel to help...
Question
Would the Weight Classification System sensor cause the ESC light to come on
The code for the passenger seat weight sensor issue will not cause the loss of power in the engine. You will need to have the airbag code diagnosed separately. If you have aftermarket devices hooked to the computer data link...
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Car sputters when accelerating. Not the spark plugs checked those. Now where do I go from here
Ignition coils will fail and cause a sputtering or a misfire, but there could be other issues as well. Since the car is a 96, you might be able to retrieve trouble codes that will tell you which cylinders are...
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Anti-theft system problem
It sounds like the battery is not powering the vehicle and would need to be checked. If your battery voltage falls below 9 volts, then the anti-theft system may think a break-in is happening, and it will lock out until...
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My 2001 c320 has an intermittent starting problem. I turn the key to start the car and nothing. There is no engine turn over. All
A YourMechanic no start diagnostic on the problem you have written in about involves first determining whether or not full battery voltage is reaching the starter motor itself. If not, then the circuit has to be traced from the battery...
Question
Ticking and knocking sound and follows as the rpm's increase.
I would have to listen to the noise firsthand to know for certain. However, one guess is that the noise you're hearing is from the valvetrain. Valvetrain noise, such as worn lifters or misadjusted valve clearance, is generally characterized by...
Question
Car will not start
This sounds like you may have a faulty starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts that transmit electricity to the starter. When this fails, it may cause a clicking sound and will...
Question
I have a question about the parking pawl in the transmission of my car.
Hi Jordan. Thanks for contacting us tonight. I wouldn't suspect that this isolated incident has damaged any of the transmission or drive-system components. Generally speaking, you are correct in the procedures for stopping on a hill and for starting to...