Popular questions

Question
Can you mix different engine oil?
You can mix synthetic and conventional (mineral) oil in any ratio that you desire. If you were told by anyone not to do that, simply ask him or her for the documentation, as published in a reputable automotive technology journal...
Question
Is it dangerous to drive with the service advancetrac light on
Hi there. It really depends as to what is causing the light to illuminate that would determine the safety of continual driving. In general, the warning light will illuminate when a system sensor detects a fault within one of the...
Question
2000 ford escort zx2 automatic transmission slipping.Unplugged connector right below the neutral saftey switch now it shifts why?
The connector involves devices in the transmission control circuit, such as the throttle position sensor, that determine shift speeds. By disconnecting the connector you took out of the picture a device or devices that is probably malfunctioning and, while connected,...
Question
Car will crank, doesnt stay running
Hello and thanks for your question. Ground wires will not have a voltage on them. Preform a resistance check on all of the pins to the harness plug. There should be resistance for the computer, high resistance for the power,...
Question
Car shut off and remained unresponsive since then - 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
Hello. The PCM is a potential cause of the problem that you are experiencing. The PCM is the main computer for the car and could be malfunctioning. There could also be a problem with the electric motor of the hybrid...
Question
Sunroof not closing in 2006 Mazda6
Check the 10amp sunroof fuse in the left kick panel AC fuse. The system may have a bad switch or control module assembly. If the fuse is not burned-out, then the roof would have to be checked by a professional,...
Question
Sometimes my car hesitates after a stop when trying to accelerate. The check engine light comes on
Hello Robbin, There are a number of things that may cause the car to hesitate when accelerating such as low fuel pressure, a dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor, clogged or dirty fuel injectors, a faulty throttle position sensor...
Question
My car randomly shakes
The shaking you are feeling is likely a tire or suspension issue. As with diagnosing any problem, start with the simple solutions first. Make sure your tires are properly and evenly inflated. Make sure your tires are balanced properly....
Question
Car starts and then dies, think my ECM is bad.
Hi there. If the security is on and you are not able to shut it off, then there could be a faulty key transponder, security control module, faulty key fob, or the key cylinder has failed. The ECM (computer to...
Question
How much does it cost to replace spark plugs on a V6 engine?
Billing question sent to CS for the cost to replace spark plugs on a V6 engine.
Question
Service Engine Soon Light pops up
Your service engine light will come on at specified intervals for many different reasons that are preset by the vehicle manufacturer. These are generally just reminders to have the vehicle serviced soon. Depending on the vehicle, there are a series...
Question
Automatic transmission problems after engine swap
Hello there, thanks for writing in. If the issue occurred after the engine was swapped, then it may be possible that the issue is related to the swap. The symptoms you describe can be caused by a variety of issues...
Question
Motor sounding different after overheating.
Hi, this comes up a lot on this engine. If the coolant level has gone low without an external leaks then you more than likely have a leak in the intake manifold gasket. This would require that the top of...
Question
Car sluggish and hearing noises from engine
Hello. The most common causes of low power and noise on this engine are either a failing catalytic converter, or more commonly, a failing timing chain or variable timing actuator. Both of these are very common problems with this engine....
Question
How do you use the push button start system?
Your car is equipped with a push button start/stop system. While this is definitely more convenient than using a conventional key, there are a few things that might take some getting used to. Here’s what you should know about using...
Question
Losing power
The exhaust leak should be repaired first. Leaking carbon monoxide is bad for your health and could be deadly. In addition, exhaust leaks can cause engine malfunctions, particularly if an O2 sensor is affected. So, you should first have the...
Question
If passenger airbag is missing, shouldnt a light be going off in the car to indicate it isnt there?
Some vehicles were designed to have an option to not have a passenger airbag. That maybe the possibility why there is no airbag. If you were to dig around in the dashboard and find wires tied together, then someone removed...
Question
Serpentine belt broke off twice
Hi. You have two belts, one controls the power steering and AC, the other the alternator and water pump. The only thing that breaks a belt like you described is a seized or binding accessory. With the belts off, each...
Question
Toyota RAV4 front right tire hit curb hard. Tire popped, rim damaged
Hi there. Prior to knowing what it may cost to repair your vehicle the suspension will need to be fully inspected. Many of the parts may be broken or bent so they will all need to be assessed for safety....
Question
Rough idle and sputtering at times.
Engine misfires can be caused by many different 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
I have a 2012 Infiniti QX56 and went through exactly what this person did with the truck going to the dealer in perfect order and
A/C systems that are leaking will function up to a "threshold", that is a minimum level of refrigerant charge, but once the charge drops below that threshold the system's low pressure cut off switch will shut down the compressor. The...
Question
Front end and steering wheel shaking - 2013 Infiniti JX35
Hello. It sounds like you have a tire or axle problem. If it is in the brakes, then you may feel it only when the brakes are applied. Have the front end checked to see if you have a separated...
Question
No power to ignition,tail lights,no interior lights,and no radio
The vehicle may have a defective front control module that is attached to the front of the main fuel box in the engine compartment. Have the vehicle scanned and tested to see if the module is functioning correctly or is...
Question
Is it dangerous to drive your vehicle when you receive the message steering assist default?
Hi - yes, it is dangerous to continue driving with a "steering assist malfunction" message showing. Many cars now utilize electrically assisted power steering. The loss of steering "assist" can also cause binding of the steering assembly, creating a "loss...
Question
How does the ventilation system work?
Sometimes you don’t want the heat or the air on in the car. The ventilation system is designed to circulate fresh air from outside the car into the cabin. To use this system, follow these steps: Turn the temperature...