Popular questions

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my mini cooper 2004 has been overheating and rattling
You might be spot on about the radiator, or there may be a leak somewhere in the system that you can't see. The mini has a pretty complicated system so there are a lot of possibilities. I think you should...
Question
Warning lights came on, and I received code P0442 and the gas cap appears to be broken
A P0442 fault indicates a leak in the evaporative emissions system, or EVAP system for short. You are already on the correct path by checking the gas cap first. This is the most common reason for this fault, though it...
Question
1992 Manual Geo Tracker Leaking Oil
Just because a vehicle was not abused does not mean they can get above book value for the car. The vehicle is still over 24 years old and may have hidden problems. Remember that most vehicles average about 12000 miles...
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How do I jump-start my truck?
If the battery of your truck dies, it will need to be jump-started. Jump-starting the battery is an efficient way to get power back to your vehicle. You will to need a booster vehicle to jump-start your truck. To jump-start...
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After multiple replacements, gas mileage is worse - 1997 Ford Aspire
The fuel economy will change depending on the whether the transmission is manual or automatic. According to fueleconomy.gov the manual transmission Ford Aspire is getting a combined 33mpg while the automatic get 26mpg. Ford's initial adverts were 34 mpg city...
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A/c works but has no ambient air temp sensor
Hello there. It sounds like something weird happened when you connected the new sensor and rewired it. From what you have described, there may a a short somewhere in the system that is causing the AC system to act...
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If I want to do most maintenance / fix most problems myself, what tools should I buy?
When it comes to servicing vehicles there are going to be many types of tools that will be needed. If you want to start servicing your own vehicle there is not any one mechanics tool set out there that will...
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Do I need a special tool to change the rear brakes on a 2004 Cadillac Deville?
The only special tool that is really needed is a caliper piston return tool. You can watch a good YouTube video on this here. This tool comes in several forms and most are available for rent from your local parts...
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every few days i have to jump start my car
Hello. Yes a bad starter could cause a car to need a jump start every few days. Additional power provided by an extra battery could be enough to get a weakening started going again. Your vehicle may have a battery...
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Truck tugs during acceleration when letting off the brake pedal
What you'd want to do is jack the car up when it acts up like this. Check the wheels and see if they are sticking. If they are sticking, fix that first. If the back ones are sticking, you'll need...
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How do I get the lower clamp off the radiator hose on the driver side? I can't fit anything in to squeeze It
Hi there, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. The squeeze clamp may require a flexible squeeze clamp tool to get it off, if you can't get it off with a hose clamp. Hope this helps and best...
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Automatic transmission programming problem
While I agree that this is all probably built into the programming of the transmission computer, after looking at the Mazda service information, I see no TSB's that states Mazda has any updates available in transmission programming to address any...
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Slight engine tick, not a bad sound in one but I'd just like if k could fix it.
There are few situations that require the engine to be revved to 2200 rpm when the transmission is in neutral. Some small ticking noises can come from exhaust leaks at the exhaust manifold. One thing some people try to do...
Question
My car key stop working last night and its was the only key I had. Where could I go to get a new key?
Hi there. The dealership would have a replacement key for the vehicle. First try replacing the battery in the key fob or the key it self. Then you will have to reprogram the key to the ignition and the door...
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The Check Engine Light comes back on after I reset it
When the Check Engine Light comes on without any specific warning, this can indicate a variety of possible issues. Unfortunately, without more specific symptoms, this can be tough to diagnose without the use of a scanning tool and the skill...
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Rough Idle Solutions
Hi There, Although there is no way to guarantee what the cause may be, what you are describing sounds much like what happens when the idle air control valve (IAC) is not working properly. The idle air control valve monitors...
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Heater system blows hot air when moving, but gets cold when car is stopped. Lower radiator hose is cold
The lower radiator hose should be much cooler than the top hose. As engine speed increases, so too does the flow of coolant through the heater core in the passenger compartment. If the heater control valve (operated by the temperature...
Question
Car dies while on but at a stop, won't start until the next day.
It is possible that you could have a problem with your ignition switch. If the ignition switch has an electrical issue, this can cut out the ignition to the entire engine and cause it to die. This would also explain...
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New battery is being drained
This 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 battery while the engine runs by generating amperage and recharging the battery while...
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Hyundai Veloster 2012 overheated, I added coolant, but still it doesn't want to turn back on
Depending on how hot the vehicle got and how long the engine ran without coolant, this may have caused some serious engine damage. Commonly, when this happens an engine may get too hot to the point where a cylinder head...
Question
Battery dead after car sat for one month
Hi there. It sounds like the battery has an internal short. I would replace the battery. I would also make sure that the connections at the battery cables are clean and tight. If they are loose at all, then the...
Question
How do you operate the rear wiper?
Your vehicle is equipped with the standard two windshield wipers on the front, but it also has one on the rear. This is used for clearing water from the back glass so you can see clearly out the window (if...
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The other day my car kicked and now out whistles and the acceleration has been cut in half i don't know what has caused this
You may have a bad turbo or the inlet hose to the turbo. Have this checked and also scan the computer for stored codes and get them diagnosed.
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i have 2006 buick lacrosse it run hot wont start back up it turns over just wont catch to start
Hi there: If you're Buick LaCrosse is experiencing overheating issues, it's possible that you have suffered severe internal engine damage or damage to ignition system components such as your crankshaft position sensor or the electrical harnesses connected to these components....