Popular questions

Question
Hi Jerel, how are you? I have a 2008 chrysler sebring convertible and my check engine light is on, I went and had it checked and s
If you are referring to Codes P2004, P2017, and related codes, if those codes have set it means that the intake manifold runner control (IMRC) is stuck or sticking. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) provides the IMRC with information relating...
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Oil pressure sensor
There are a few common reasons to get a trouble code for low oil pressure. There could be a low oil level, failed oil pressure sensor, a wiring problem, oil that needs to be changed, an engine that has worn...
Question
No instrument lights when headlights are on
Hi there. The dash lights when the headlights are turned on, are controlled through the dimmer light control switch. The rheostat in the switch may be faulty. If, there is no change turning the control switch. Check the instrument panel...
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Why are all my dashboard lights on? - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
GM has had many issues with their digital dashboards, and this sounds like one more. Disconnecting the battery for a few minutes, then re-connecting it will give you a reset. More often, a "rebuild" or refurbishment of the digital dash...
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03 Saab 9-5arc 3.0t backfiring and has no power to drive. CEL blinking. I can hear the backfire under the hood and the tail pipe
Hi Steve. Thanks for taking the time to contact YourMechanic.com today. I think the root source of these issues is the catalytic converter to straight pipe conversion that was completed. Unless the previous owner reprogrammed the ECU (which is highly...
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Which car is more reliable with low maintenance cost? 2005 Toyota Camry vs. 2005 Mazda3 sp23
Hi Oni. Thanks for contacting us today. Generally speaking, Toyota has a better reliability reputation vs. Mazda. However, the key to purchasing any previously owned vehicle is routine maintenance and service. If a vehicle has been taken care of, it...
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Engine light on
Your check engine light may come on for many different reasons such as a faulty mass air flow sensor, a faulty O2 sensor, a bad catalytic converter, bad spark plugs or wires and many other reasons. Unfortunately due to the...
Question
Engine cranks but won't start.
Your P0101 may be related to the 171 and 174. Any and all of these can be caused by an air leak. Check under the hood for vacuum lines or air boots that have come off or are not well...
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Won't start
Hello, thanks for writing in. From what you describe it would appear that your vehicle is experiencing some sort of engine performance or electrical issue. If the warning lights are on then I would scan the computer for trouble codes...
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Car stalling when put into gear.
The idle control valve is the most likely cause and is the most common of problems with the vehicle for a low idle problem. You may also need to clean the throttle body and its passages with the idle control...
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Fail safe mode
Hi there. When a car runs out of gasoline, it can cause serious damage to the fuel pump and other fuel system components. If you're able to start your car but it quickly dies, it is likely that the fuel...
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How do you change a tire
Follow your owners manual for spare tire install and to locate your jack, lug wrench and spare tire in the trunk area. As a general rule you should apply parking brake or clock wheels from vehicle rolling. Loosen lug nuts,...
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Exhaust manifold leak
It sounds like what you are describing is an exhaust manifold leak. Your exhaust manifold is bolted to the cylinder head and is sealed with an exhaust manifold gasket that sits in between the manifold and the cylinder head. When...
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Starting problem
At 180.000 miles, it could be just about anything. The P0161 and P0140 codes are oxygen sensor codes, and probably don't have anything to do with the starting issue, though you should have that investigated. The P0300 code however is...
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Car stalls after water pump, timing belt, plugs, valves replacements
Many different systems can cause a stalling malfunction on your vehicle. The most common are a fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, battery, wiring fault or a crank/cam sensor. If the timing belt slipped off and caused the components to...
Question
the electrical system on my nissan maxima pulsates why does it do this
Hello, thank you for writing in. Typically when you have issues with the entire electrical system, there is an issue with the charging system. You will want to look into having your alternator and you battery testing. Also make sure...
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My car shuts off while driving
Hello. Engine stalling can be caused by a wide variety of issues. Faults within the fuel, ignition, or engine management systems can all cause the vehicle to experience stalling. A few common causes of stalling are a bad idle air...
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Car died while driving and cranks but wont turn over. Had a check engine light on for P0030. Insight on why it wont start?
When you say the car cranks "lightly" it makes me wonder if you've had a timing belt break. The timing belt is supposed to be changed at around 90,000 miles, and if that is not done, the belt could fail,...
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Fan wont blow out top vents for defrost.
Hi there. Check the blend doors to the vents and see if they move when the switch is turned. If they do not move, then check for a vacuum hose to the blend door actuator. If there is no vacuum...
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The temperate gauge indicates overheating in stop/go traffic and has stalled a few times when idle. Oil is low could this be it?
The first thing to do is to make sure the oil and coolant are filled up to prevent any engine damage. The problem may be caused by low oil but only if engine is oreal low on oil. The coolant...
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Ths car stalls sporadically when the engine warms up - 2000 Toyota Echo
I wish you had told me which red light illuminates. I am going to take a shot at it and guess its the battery light. You may have an alternator related problem. It could be a loose belt, the alternator...
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My Speed Sensor is not working-
Sensors are made of plastic and plastic doesn't like to be warmed and cooled. Which is exactly what is happening you your car everyday. Normally, plastics will last a 100,000 miles or so. With a new sensor, it is not...
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Fuel injecter circuit open
Hi Danny. Thanks for the question today. When a fuel injector circuit is open, it means that the fuel injector or the electrical harness connected to it is damaged, which prohibits the injector to open and close as required. The...
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My rear wheel is leaking bad - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
It sounds like you have blown out a brake wheel cylinder piston. You should not drive the vehicle with no brakes. Have the brakes inspected and repaired as needed by a mechanic. You will most likely need, at the minimum,...
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Driver's side window not working.
The power window motor, switch or regulator may be at fault here. The most common issue is the motor failure. The door panel will have to be removed and the motor and switch tested by a qualified mechanic. Once the...