Popular questions

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Driver's seatbelt not locking into place
That problem is usually caused by the buckle on the right side of the seat. Look very closely down inside of it to see if something fell in, such as a coin. Some buckles are “pretensioners”, which means that they...
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master cylinder or brake booster
If the pedal is low, there is air in the brake lines or the master cylinder has an internal leak. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock braking, you have to either bleed the ABS pump and valving (per Factory...
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Damage to car after hitting curb.
Its likely that something is bent and should be checked on an alignment rack by a certified mechanic. Another likely possibility would be a plastic splash guard that came loose in the incident. Have this problem inspected and diagnosed for...
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Car sputters and will not start, 1987 Pontiac Fiero
An engine that cranks but doesn't start is lacking one or more of the following: compression, fuel, or spark. Each of these will need to check systematically to narrow down the cause. Fuel pressure can be checked at the rail...
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Indicator Lights Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Light stays on
This is related to the traction control system in your car. This system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This system counteracts over steering and under steering by reducing power...
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Changed alternator in my 2013 Dodge Journey but engine light on and red flashing bolt. Auto zone said battery is good. Whats wrong
Hi there. It's quite possible that the alternator and battery are ok, but one of the voltage regulator, battery or alternator cables is the source of your problem. The best way to know for certain is to have a professional...
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Does the Transmission and Differential take the same fluid on a Acura TSX?
Hello, I would not recommend to use transmission fluid for the differential. Yes, Acura did use a transmission fluid for the rear differential originally called Z1 but a new fluid (DW1) was formulated and Z1 production ceased. However the fluid...
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I have a 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona. I was told I need new ball joints. Along with that the mechanic said it requires new control
The ball joints for the lower arm on your model are vended separately so you do not have to buy the lower control arm with the joint already installed. The reason they want you to change the entire arm is...
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I feel a bit of hesitation when slowly rolling forward, but not when accelerating quickly.
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle could be hesitating for several different reasons. The first thing to check would be the air intake system. This would include the air filter and air intake sensors. The sensors are best...
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My Car Isn't Getting Spark. I've Changed The Fuel Pump, Spark Plugs, Wires, Cap And Rotor
Hi there. I've encountered this situation multiple times. A no spark condition on this vehicle can be caused by a few different things, including the crank position sensor, the cam position sensor, the ECM, the coil, a fuse, and a...
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Gas odor
It sounds like the evap vent is clogged near the fuel tank. This will cause the excessive pressure build up of pressure and the canister vent can get blocked with debris. Have this system checked and repaired as needed. ...
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Engine damage after oil change
Your question poses two general issues, the first relating to auto mechanics and vehicle reliability and the second to your legal rights. Let me first deal with the first issue inasmuch as a resolution of that may make the second...
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noise
Hello, thank you for writing in. Do you hear the noises when you are in park but pressing on the gas? Or do you only hear the noise when the vehicle is actually moving? If the vehicle has to be...
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Shaking
Your engine has direct fuel injection. Over time, the intake valves can suffer from carbon build up because fuel is not being washed over them. Always use top tier gasoline even if you use Regular and not Premium. You can...
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18 inch suspension spring popped off and car uncontrollable
Hello. This will only occur if there are other issues with the suspension. If there are any worn out bushings or and corrosion, then the spring can either break and fail or if the other components fail then the spring...
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Alarm for oil change keeps going off - 2009 Dodge Sprinter 3500
Hold the trip reset for ten seconds to clear it. This should clear it. Otherwise, try holding the trip reset and turn on the key and hold it until the oil indicator goes out. If the problem is not going...
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tool name
Most vehicle seat covers are held onto the seat with hog rings. These rings can be removed and installed with a pair of hog ring pliers. These can be found online or at your local hardware store. It is also...
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Water leaking in trunk fills a pool of water inside.
Hello. There are few things that could cause a water leak in the trunk on your particular vehicle. Which are, faults such as the trunk not fully closing due to a faulty trunk latch or the more common problem of...
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I need to replace the harmonic balancer on my 94 buick. Is it ok to drive to go pick up the parts?
If the harmonic balancer is known to be defective, the only prudent course is to not operate the engine until the balancer is replaced. There are at least two risks: 1) the balancer could completely separate causing further damage; and...
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How do I fill the cooling system in my 1994 C220 Mercedes
To properly fill your cooling system, you need to start with the engine cold. With the engine off, fill the radiator slowly until the level is about 1"below the neck. Leave the cap off and with the car in park...
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My antifreeze in the resovoir looks milky and I open the radiator cap and the antifreeze began to rise a little and wasn’t as much
Your vehicle may be overheating. The best thing to do is seek an overheating diagnostic which will pinpoint the cause and then the necessary repairs can be implemented.
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Car sputters when i accelerate
This problem may be from a throttle position sensor's erratic computer input. This can cause hesitation on acceleration or a light tip in lag. Buick has issued a technical bulletin: 05-06-04-058 which calls for the replacement of the throttle position...
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I disconnected the battery to clean the recepticles, then reconnected and went to start the truck.. now it won't start.
Hello. Thank you for writing in. There are several issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. The battery may be failing. If the battery is on its way out, it may be able to supply the needed energy for...
Question
Side mirrors
Hi there. The side mirrors on a 2016 Toyota are power operated, so there is no way to adjust them manually; without risking breaking the power functions behind the mirror. If you're mirror appears to be stuck and only go...