Popular questions

This may be a sign of a faulty MAP sensor. The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor senses engine load and generates a signal that is proportional to the amount of vacuum in the intake manifold. The engine computer then uses...

Hi there. Excessive oil pressure registering on the gauge can be due to a few different possible problems and would need additional testing to isolate the problem. The most common cause of the problem is the oil pressure sending unit...

The idle air control valve monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine. This valve is controlled by the vehicle's computer which will adjust idle speed based upon other measurements such...

Hi, thanks for writing in. Diagnosing the exact source of a vibration or noise is typically only possible through an onsite inspection. However, after reading the symptoms you're describing, the two possible suspects may include the wheel bearings or the...

If you are continuously filling up the oil, and see no signs of a leak, then the engine is consuming the oil. This can happen two ways. The oil can seep into the combustion chambers, or can be burned on...

You definitely have a coolant leak. Where it is leaking from is important in that it could be the radiator cap releasing pressure as it is designed. A vehicle that displays the symptoms you have described in traffic indicates that...

Hello: In most cases this issue is caused by one of two things. First, it could be due to a bad EVAP solenoid or other EVAP system component near the fuel tank that is causing a disruption of fuel capacity...

The illumination of a dashboard warning light means that a vehicle system has detected a fault. In many cases, the vehicle can be scanned for fault codes and data concerning the system. Your symptoms lead me to believe that there...

Your car is equipped with an electric radiator fan. It should come on when the engine reaches a certain temperature. It should also come on immediately when you turn the air conditioning on. While on the move, the fan does...

Hello there, many common faults will cause your 2004 BMW X3 to have a hard time starting. You have done great in diagnosis and replacing parts that will typically cause this condition. Common causes of a hard start are the...

Hello. It would be important to know if the starter is clicking, if it is trying to turn, and whether turning the key results in it clicking more than once. There are many many issues your car could be having...

The sunroof can be tilted to bring extra fresh air into the vehicle. To open the sunroof tilt, push the Sunroof button (located on the ceiling) upwards. To close the sunroof tilt, pull the button downwards.

Hello. In my opinion, I do not think that a bearing failure would constitute replacing a vehicle. Bearings are a common wear item that needs to be replaced every now and then. If the vehicle is still in good shape,...

If your car is equipped with an engine block heater, it provides you with important benefits for severe cold weather (not all models are equipped with a block heater). The heater keeps the engine coolant warm when the temperature drops...

If the car is on level ground, the 2.5 gallons should be enough to cover the fuel pickup. If the car is on a hill, or leaning to one side or the other, it might help to add more gas....

Watch my video "how to fix a car that idles poorly." A lot of times, it is that simple. You take the air duct work off that goes into the throttle, get the rubber duct off, get some spray throttle...

Hi, thanks for writing in. The main thing to keep in mind when it comes to battery group sizes is its physical size. The cold cranking amps (CCA) is what is important when it comes to the battery's ability to...

Hi there. The codes you listed are related to a fault with the MAF, and a rich idle situation. In some cases, the manifold leak you've indicated can trigger these codes and will require repair in order to resolve the...

The most common cause of noise in the front of the motor having to do with the accessories is the tensioner and idler pulley bearings get noisey. I have also seen where the a/c compressor pulley bearing gets noisey. You...

Hello. Your vehicle will automatically shift at different points in time, at different speeds in order to maximize power and response. At lower speeds the gears will hold longer, until 4k rpm, and shift later, in order to accelerate at...

If you don’t have to use your spare tire regularly, it’s easy to forget it’s even there. However, you need to keep an eye on it. You should check the pressure regularly (at least once a month), and maintain it...

It is possible that the fuel pump could have been overheated due to the low fuel level. If the fuel pump overheats it may not work. If the fuel pump does not work the engine will not receive Fuel and...

When the engine reaches operating temperature, the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to flow through the heater core. The heater core then heats the air that is blown through it by the blower motor. This makes the interior nice and...

Hi there. If the light is coming on then shutting off and returning on, then if the issue is for the same coil, there could be an issue with the wiring on the coil plug. Check the wiring on the...