Popular questions

Question
I hit something last night and smell gas in the car - is it my gas pump or something else?
Hi there. In most cases, a fuel leak after hitting an object may be caused by a ruptured fuel line, the fuel cell being damaged, or it could be caused by the fuel pump that is damaged. If you've booked...
Question
Codes po171, po174, po303, po741
First, I would like to thank you for your service. I am also a veteran. Lets look at each code and their meaning first. Code P0741 is for a problem in the torque converter clutch seal in the transmission and...
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My car idles rough when at a stop and almost stalls why might this be?
Hello. Typically, if this vehicle runs fine at all other times and will have trouble idling when coming to a stop, it is almost always caused by a bad idle control valve. Most of the time the valve fails making...
Question
Check engine light and traction control light came on at same time.
Hi, thanks for writing in. A diagnostics has to be run on the vehicle to determine why the lights are on. They are most likely related but the only way to be certain as to what the cause is, is...
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How do I release a locked steering wheel?
When the steering wheel is locked, you cannot turn it fully, and you cannot turn on your car. To unlock the wheel, simply turn it back and forth while pressing the Engine Start Stop switch, until the steering wheel unlocks...
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I had a warning message in my 2013 Ford Fusion that the power steering assist failed. I have power steering capability now. Is it safe to drive?
Some 2013 Ford Fusion models are part of a safety recall involving loss of steering assist. Contact your dealer with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or check your VIN number on safercar.gov to verify if this recall applies to your...
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Engine hesitating in the first 20 minutes of driving when cold
This could be caused by a cold state vacuum leak. Basically, this is a condition where a vacuum leak is present until the engine heats up and the induction parts expand and seal the leak. When the vacuum leak is...
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Cruise control turned on, sudden acceleration, high revving
Hey there. This could be from a defective cruise control switch shorted or a problem with the throttle control actuator. The vehicle should be towed to the dealer and left there until they verify and repair the problem. The dealer...
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Brake line leaking at front passenger's side wheel
Hi. Sounds to me that you have a leaking brake line to your brake caliper. Also the loss in brake pressure is because of the release in pressure from the leaking line. I would recommend having a certified mechanic come...
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When first starting the car for the day, it wants to bog down intermittently only at idol. it never dies but
It may be time for a tune-up and cleaning of the induction system. Carbon build up around the throttle plate or worn spark plugs may cause the engine to run a little rough, especially on a cold start. Consider hiring...
Question
BMW Error Code P0597. Need to replace the thermostat.
Hi there. The P0597 OBD-II trouble code is for the thermostat heater control circuit. This means that the thermostat is electronically controlled in your vehicle. Some of the common causes of this code include a loose or corroded connector on...
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The negative post on battery wont let me connect it. It sparks and smokes unless you disconnect the wire from solenoid going from the battery to the starter.
Hi there. When the battery cable is hooked up and sparks with smoke, the question to ask your self is if the wire is getting hot. If the wire is getting hot, then the starter solenoid has melted the contacts...
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my 2005 cadillac escalade wont shift out of first gear what can be the problem
Hi there. Thanks for your email to YourMechanic.com's Ask a Mechanic. In most cases, when a transmission will not shift out of first gear, it is due to one of two things. First, and most common; is due to dirty...
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Clicking sound when the car is slowing down or stopping
Hello there. In most cases when you hear a repeating clicking sound as you brake, it is likely coming from one of three sources. First, it could be a wheel bearing that is wearing out. Second, it might be a...
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When I turn on the vehicle, my parking lights flash repeatedly. When I turn the headlight switch on, they stop flashing.
Hello, it sounds like you have a few problems going on with your Dodge Durango. The first problem with your parking lights flashing is a common issue with Chrysler and the problem causing this symptom is your multi-function switch. This...
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Will a faulty crank position sensor affect my auto trans function? 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
Hello - No, the crankshaft position sensor will not affect your transmission at all - except when it fails, and the engine ceases to run. Check your transmission fluid for the correct level and condition (pinkish, with no burned smell)....
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Common ways Oil Filter Housing Cracks
If the crack in the housing is in the plastic part, that can be written off to normal wear and tear. The plastic filter holder gets brittle and cracks easily. Most shops keep them on hand in case this happens...
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How do you remove the pistons in the engine while the engine is in the car?
Hi there. You will have to remove the timing belt, exhaust manifold, intake manifold, all vacuum lines, the cylinder head, and the oil pan to gain access to the piston removal. Drain out all of the oil from the oil...
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2010 Cadillac SRX Service StabiliTrak message
Hello. If the vehicle is displaying a service message for the traction control system then it has detected an issue with the vehicle's traction control system. If the vehicle has also been put into a power reduced mode then it...
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My car makes a short squeak noise when I start it. Lasts about half a second. My cousin pointed it out and since then I’m worried.
Squeaking is often drive belt or pulley related but in your case the starter motor would have to be considered as well. If the starter turns, or you hear significant noise at starting, but the engine literally is not turning...
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Passenger side tire locked up while driving. But will move fine in reverse.
Hi there. The brake caliper seems to have come loose on one side make the caliper rotate with the rotor and sit normal in the reverse direction. Check the caliper bolts and see if one of them had fallen out....
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My Chevy captiva 2013 jerks when in idle.
There is a problem with one or more "engine management controls" or a mechanical problem. A scan tool, or engine scope, would reveal the underlying issue. Among the possibilities are uneven cylinder compression, sticking valves, a vacuum leak, an air...
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Drive belt keeps popping off
The first thing to check is whether all of the pulleys are in the same plane. Imagine a flat surface applied up against the pulley edges. Do all pulleys touch the flat surface? If a pulley, for instance, on the...
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Car won't start and makes a beeping/clicking noise.
There is a possibility that your battery has a bad cell and/or is discharged such that the amps available are not sufficient to run the starter motor. The battery should be load tested (free at most battery stores or a...