Popular questions

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My 2005 lincoln navigator brakes whistles
The first thing to check is whether the brake pad material has worn down to the minimum level. If it has, the noise can likely be resolved by installing new brake pads and re-surfacing (or replacing) the brake rotors. If...
Question
How far must my heat gauge rise? 2002 VW Golf
Hi there - auto manufacturers, as an informal standard, design operating gauges to align the needle in the middle of the gauge. This should be "90" on your gauge I believe (Celsius). This would suggest that your thermostat is not...
Question
Slight vibration and knocking when braking suddenly
This sounds like you are feeling the anti-lock brakes working as they should. Sometimes when the rotors get warped then your brakes can lock up earlier than normal and the ABS kicks in. You should have the brake system inspected...
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The oil pressure is fine but when I crank the car and when it warms up it drops down to maybe 20 and starts knocking a little. Whats wrong?
The first step is to check the level of the oil. Assuming it's full, and there are no leaks on the system, it could be the pump or the sensor. The easiest way, despite that you need a special tool,...
Question
Safe to drive if thermostat needle fluctuates but car doesn't run hot
Hi There, It sounds like your thermostat in your cooling system is sticking causing the temperature gauge to fluctuate as you have indicated. The thermostat regulates the flow of the coolant in your car's engine and controls when the coolant...
Question
Battery light and check engine light on
Hi there, thanks for writing in. I'm happy to help. The battery light will come on if the charging system and battery voltage drops below a minimum set by the factory. The check engine light is letting you know that...
Question
Car shuts off when stepping on pedal
Hi There, A number of things may cause the car to shut off when stepping on the gas pedal such as a bad fuel pump, a vacuum leak, a clogged fuel filter or a dirty or faulty idle air control...
Question
PCV valve hose collapses
I am guessing your PCV collapsed because it is old and weak. This will cause your PCV to collapse while it is in vacuum. I would recommend going to your local auto parts store and picking up a reinforced braided...
Question
My oil pressure light comes on when driving
The Check Engine Light may have come on for another reason and may not be related. You should have it scanned and diagnosed. As for the Oil Pressure Light, you may have a blockage in the oil pump screen and...
Question
Why does my car make a loud noise when I turn my front wheels?
Hi, thanks for your question. I'd be happy to provide my insight. This is a common sound when the struts are worn out or when there is separation between the strut nut and the strut mount. I would also suggest...
Question
Car idling low at stop
If you have a Check Engine Light, I would start there. Any codes that are found will aid in the diagnosis of your issue. It is possible that you could have an issue with your idle air control valve. I...
Question
Does timing belt replacement also include timing cover gasket replacement?
Hello Sal, the timing cover gasket would be replaced and included in the estimate with the timing belt. There may be a timing belt kit available which would include coolant pump, gaskets and drive pulleys. Another recommendation would to replace...
Question
Fuel pump relay issue. 2000 Buick LeSabre
Hi there - the first rule of modifications is that when things stop working, you revert to the condition before the last change. In this case, remove power to the new stereo components, recheck your fuel fuses and the pump...
Question
Can i use gaz 89 for my car
Hello. Acura of course recommends 93 premium gasoline but you will be able to use 89 mid grade gasoline as well. You would be able to use 89 but it's not the best thing for it. By using a lower...
Question
Vibration while stopped when engine under load (AC + full wheel lock); more noticeable w/ cold engine
This may potentially be a poor engine running condition such as a lack of fuel delivery which could cause it to run poorly resulting in vibration. Are there any check engine lights on? If so, I would recommend having the...
Question
At highway speeds, car loses power
I would check the fuel pressure (for being low) before doing anything else. If it is, check the fuel pressure regulator. (A clogged catalytic convertor would be a constant problem, not intermittent as you describe.) A professional mechanic, like one...
Question
Cam shaft position sensor
Hi there. The camshaft position sensors are located on the front of your engine on the top under the engine cover. I usually do a complete inspection before replacing these because there are a number of reasons as to why...
Question
rattling noise
Hi there. The rattling to grinding noise, upon start-up, with a/c on could be, the air conditioning compressor developing a bearing problem. It could also be, the a/c compressor is fine and the serpentine drive belt tensioner assembly is weak....
Question
what size is my serpentine belt - 2003 Dodge Dakota
Hello. According to my resources, the serpentine belt size for your vehicle with the 3.9 liter engine is 97.3 inches long and 0.96 inches wide. The belt should also have seven grooves in it. The Dayco part number for this...
Question
Timing chain bad?
You may need to replace the tensioner, timing chain, and guides for the timing chain itself. Firstly, I would recommend having the oil pressure checked to make sure it is within specifications. The tensioner and guides may be worn or...
Question
My car runs hot, past the middle of the gauge, when stopped or sitting at idle.
This is most likely related to a faulty or sticking thermostat or a bad coolant fan relay switch. As you know, the thermostat regulates the coolant flow in and out of the engine and keeps the circulation of coolant going...
Question
Bill a seal and lien
Actually, the fact that the paperwork "mistakenly" records the sale as from the dealer, rather than an individual is going to help you untangle this because dealers are heavily regulated in these transactions whereas with private sales between individuals you...
Question
How does the electronic stability control system work?
Your car offers a number of different features designed to help make driving safer, including the electronic stability control (ESC) system. The ESC system is automatic, so you don’t need to do anything to activate it. It turns on when...
Question
2002 Mercedes C230 Kompressor engine won't start
Confirm that the engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated thus preventing the car from starting. If the immobilizer system is on, you may see a security warning light. If the warning light is on, to temporarily override the...