Popular questions

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Reduced engine power
I'm assuming that you are getting a message that says "Reduced Engine Power" in the driver information center. This is most likely due to a problem with the throttle system. There is no cable to actuate the throttle body;...
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Keep stalling when I slow down or shift gears
Engine stalling is typically caused by fuel or ignition system problems and/or faults in the air induction system (including vacuum leaks) and engine management sensors. If you request an engine stalling diagnostic, the responding mechanic will go through a decision...
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My car won't start and is completely silent.
Sometimes electrical components in the ignition cylinder can cause this type of problem; while in other cases, the starter, starter relay or ignition coil can be the reason why your Jeep is not starting. The best way to save time,...
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I have a 2008 dodge magnum I just got just yesterday the check engine light came on the car is shaking and now it is smoking
When the check engine light comes on, it means that the Electronic Control Unit has detected a fault in the system. If the light is flashing, it means that continuing to drive the car could damage the catalyst. It also...
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P0733, P0734, P792, P490, P1790 after mechanic rebuilt engine
I think these codes may be explained by an electrical harness connector that is unplugged. The first two codes refer to the transmission ratios and the P0792 is for a speed sensor. The lack of a speed sensor signal could...
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I have a pulley going bad and I need to know what is happening.
Hi, thanks for writing in. The pulley bearing may be binding the engine and causing the rough idle problem. I recommend replacing the pulley and bearing then recheck the idle to see if running better or needs additional diagnosis. If...
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TPMS light staying on
Hi. There are many problems with the Honda TPMS system. Honda has a proprietary TPMS system and can only be reset by the Honda dealer or somebody that has a Honda TPMS scan tool. I recommend taking the car to...
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Does this transmission have a transmission filter that can or needs to be change at certain miles?
Most vehicles have an internal transmission filter that can be changed by removing the transmission pan. Some diesel trucks will have an external filter that can be changed just like an oil filter. The transmission filter is usually recommended to...
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My engine light is on, has increased emissions and reduced power, and car also shakes
Hello, thanks for writing in. The coolant temperature code can be due to low coolant or a failure in the thermostat. Most of the time this is a thermostat issue. As for the misfire problem, it is common for one...
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How long can I ride on bad struts
Hello, thank you for writing in. The time you have will completely depend on how bad the struts are now, and how much stress you want to put onto the rest of the vehicle. Worn struts will cause stress to...
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Instrument cluster on the dash, tachometer bounces, speedometer at 0. Unplugged ABS module, speedometer at 0. doesn't shift gears
Hello. There are a lot of possible issues that can cause this. Most of the time this is either due to a short in the ABS module or it may just be a voltage issue. I would usually start by...
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Thermostat housing small drip/leaking
The thermostat housing if it is leaking and cannot be sealed will need to be replaced. The plastic may be deformed and cannot seal completely.
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when I break my car goes back and forward
It is possible that you have warped brake rotors or loose suspension parts. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by a qualified professional to determine if any free play in suspension parts or run-out in the brake rotors exists....
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I keep getting OBD-II codes P0171 and P0174
Since you have codes that both banks are lean then the problem will most likely be from air entering the intake manifold after the mass air sensor. The idle air control valve should not have any air leaks from the...
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I have a 2012 vw Passat. My gas depletes like crazy, even after I've had it serviced? What may be the causes?
Hello, thank you for writing in. Several components may be contributing to your decrease in fuel economy. You will want to consider any recent work that you have had done and go through a process of elimination to determine what...
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Engine coolant disappearing
If the engine has a coolant leak that is not external to the engine or cooling system would not have anything to do with the transmission repairs. You need to have the engine head gaskets and intake manifold checked for...
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If I have a bad throttle position sensor will my car hesitate to start
Hello There, I believe you are correct in that you may have a faulty throttle position sensor. There are trouble codes that are typically associated with the TPS. One code will set if the TPS voltage is too high when...
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Thank you Tim. Appreciate SO much. We agree but needed a professionals confirmation.
Hi Corine: I will help you further with your follow-up concerns (these questions are assigned randomly; that is the only reason Tim is not getting back to you directly). Basically, if you are shopping for a vehicle the "general" rule...
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Can I used an ignition coil with the primary resistance per spec but the secondary with lower resistance.
Hi there. To properly repair your vehicle you need to use the correct ignition coil. If you do not use the right coil then it either will not work or it can damage the circuit and the computer. The resistance...
Question
How do you operate the Windshield Wiper Rain-Lamp?
If your car has auto-lights, it may also have automatic rain-lamps (or Rain-Activated Lights, if you prefer). This function turns on your headlights any time your wipers are activated during the daytime, and allows you to drive with one less...
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The oil leaked out of my engine.
First thing I would recommend to do would be to have a mechanic check to see if the hole was caused by something coming up and hitting the oil pan causing the damage and the oil leaked out causing engine...
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I replaced the compressor in my Kia - now what?
An A/C system needs to be put into a vacuum to boil off any moisture in the system. As pressure drops, the boiling point of water decreases. Water boils at a lower temperature in Denver as opposed to Los Angeles....
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How difficult is it to replace the radiator in a 07 X-Type Jag?
In order to verify the leak you will need to have the cooling system pressure tested to see if it is just a hose or the radiator is leaking. This way you do not replace good parts. You may have...