Hi there. The steering wheel lock solenoid could have lost power intermittently causing the lock to engage when the key is in the ignition switch. The solenoid could be damaged and needs replaced in the steering column. I recommend seeking...
Hi, thanks for writing in. The transmission in these vehicles have a problem where the bore to the servo that controls gear changes gets worn and binds the valve shaft. The transmission will need to be overhauled, the bore for...
Fluctuating RPM is not a typical symptom of a mispositioned timing belt. To rule a mispositioned timing belt in or out, though, check engine vacuum. If intake vacuum is 4-5 inches below spec., then that would be consistent with incorrect...
It sounds like you may have a fuel supply problem in getting the proper amount of fuel to the fuel injectors which may be caused by a bad fuel pump or potentially faulty fuel injectors. This can happen when the...
It sounds like your alternator may not be charging quite as effectively as it should be. The drop in amperage at idle is not necessarily unheard of but could be the beginning of it starting to fail. The voltage when...
Hi Albert. I don't think it's possible to recode an ignition cylinder without the proper security software, which is only available through a dealer these days. You could replace the ignition cylinder and have a new key as an option....
Typically if you have bad stabilizer links then they should be replaced as an assembly. In most cases it is the bushings that fail, but the links that they mount to become distorted over time. To ensure that they last...
Hi, thanks for writing in. This may be related to couple of things such as a vacuum leak or potentially an improperly adjusted throttle plate screw. When a vacuum leak is present in an engine, it can cause an imbalance...
You most likely have a transmission cooler that is leaking into the coolant inside the radiator. The transmission cooler is built inside the side tank of the radiator, and if it blew out, then you will have transmission fluid getting...
If unusual effort is required to depress the brake pedal, to get the vehicle to stop, that is often due to a fault in the brake booster or the vacuum supply and check valve in the booster circuit. If you...
I went through all the technical bulletins and recalls and did not find anything for reprogramming your computer or repairs to the TPS or throttle body. The ones that you are not finding may not be the right ones. I...
Some economy late model vehicles, like the Sentra you are considering, are not equipped with keyless entry. I highly doubt the owner lost the remotes. It is possible to buy an aftermarket keyless entry system and have it installed.
Hi and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. If all fuses and the battery check out, then it sounds like there is a ground issue. Check for corrosion on the black ground cable for the battery. Make sure all connections are...
Hi Patricia. Thanks for contacting us today. While running the recommended fuel to your car is important, it's less likely that the swap to a higher octane has created this temperature issue. It's most likely that there is a different...
The motor is probably shot. It sounds as though the head gasket is blown, allowing coolant into the engine; when that happens, all you can do is replace the engine or rebuild it. I would recommend taking it to a...
What you do next depends on what particular part of the smog test your car failed. The car is tested for HC, CO and NOx levels. Different problems will raise the levels of different pollutants. If your car failed the...
Hi there - yes, it is possible to get replacement air bags, and other damaged supplemental restraint system components for a 17-year old car. This is, however, very sensitive work, and should only be done by a qualified auto body...
Downloading the diagnostic code(s) that have caused the check engine light to illuminate will probably provide a major clue as to the origin of the noise. A check engine light diagnostic can be requested to deal with that and, at...
Hello. According to my research it appears that Spotify can only be used with your vehicle by connecting it with your smartphone. Spotify can be used by connecting your phone to the vehicle via a USB cable, or by syncing...
Hi there. There is currently no legal method to disable the airbag system in your vehicle. I understand the situation with the recalls being broadcast via the news and social media. However, the manufacturers are all working on the concern...
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 1992 Volvo 740. There are many things that can cause a shake like a worn ignition system or broken engine mounts. Being a '92, there is not an OBD-II connector, but our...
Hello! The running rough symptom on your particular vehicle is commonly caused by a clogged or faulty VCT (Variable Control Timing) solenoid. The solenoid uses oil pressure to determine if the timing needs to be adjusted. The oil is filtered...
Hello. It sounds like that there was a glitch inside the TCM, known as the transmission control module. There is a TCM update available for your vehicle. Call your dealership to see if the update has been done already or...
If there was oil splattered all over the bottom of the vehicle, there is a good chance that the smoke you are seeing may just be excess oil that is being burnt off of the hot motor and exhaust. To...
