Popular questions

Question
Bought a car on Ebay, car runs kind of rough and there is a strong smell of gas
The ticking noise is from the valve train. Exhaust from any car of that vintage, no matter how well tuned, is going to be very noticeable and remarkably worse than a modern car. As far as the rough idle, compression...
Question
Engine makes really loud noise like a motorcycle 1998 Lincoln Navigator
Hi there - your symptom description suggests that an engine backfire in the exhaust has caused the muffler or catalytic converter to rupture. This would explain the noisier running and some of the smell you are experiencing. Check first to...
Question
My car is leaking antifreeze
Hello, thank you for writing in. Hoses are generally flexible and can take a decent hit. When you hit a pot hole and send the front of the engine downward, you are more likely to break something that is rigid...
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I've got a 2012 328i, twin turbo 4 banger. Tpms malfunction, says all four tires are flat but they're obviously not. Advice?
Hello. If the TPMS system is showing that all four tires are flat then they are either low in air pressure, or there is an issue with the TPMS system. I would first check the air pressure on all four...
Question
Trying to get an estimate on how much it'll be to replace the motor for electric power steering.
There was a Ford recall involving the power steering system on your model so you should check with Ford to be sure that any warranty related work was already performed or perhaps should be performed. Hopefully, you have already received...
Question
Blown head gasket
Hi there. Common signs of a blown head gasket are: overheating, thick white smoke from the tail pipe, milky liquid in the oil cap or radiator cap, or loss of coolant. If you would like to have your head gasket...
Question
Key, ignition and transmission issues, shifters
The most common cause of this could be: Neutral safety switch: a safety feature used to make sure the vehicle is in Park or Neutral before it can start or the key is able to be turned Ignition...
Question
Every time I brake I hear a noise and it gets worse when the car is coming to a stop.
Any noises coming from brakes or changes in brake pedal feel, warrant an inspection right away for safety. You just don't know until an experienced mechanic has inspected your brakes. Brakes should be checked about every 15,000 miles or once...
Question
Ticking noise in my engine.
A ticking noise sounds like a bad valve lash adjuster and is a common problem with these cars. I would have a technician inspect the noise from your engine.
Question
Very hard to start vehicle
Hello. This code is also related to the catalytic converter not working properly. This can also happen when the ground wires connected to the O2 sensors are not properly hooked up causing them to send erroneous info to the computer....
Question
When engine is on in either reverse or drive the car bounces slightly but not in neutral or park and not all the time.
Hi there. When the front end becomes bumpy while driving, it's typically caused by struts that are worn out, steering stabilizer bushings that are damaged or a different suspension component that is beginning to wear. In order to correctly diagnose...
Question
Car shakes and shuts off
It is possible that you can have a wiring issue or a faulty sensor of some kind on your engine. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by a qualified professional to determine if all wiring and sensors on your...
Question
Gear Shuffling Problem in Vauxhall Vectra 52 Registration
Hi there. We don't see a lot of Vauxhall Vectra's here in the United States, so unfortunately, we're not able to suggest a possible solution or cause of this problem you're experiencing. You should consult with a professional mechanic in...
Question
Brake caliper piston loose from fitting. Also leaking fluid from piston gasket on piston doesn't go all the way in when compressed
If the caliper is leaking, the most effective course is to disassemble it, inspect the bore, and re-assemble it with new seals. It is unlikely a leak will be resolved by any "external" measures. If you desire a resolution, please...
Question
1998 Nissan Cube (Japan) drive belt part number
The Nissan Cube was not sold in America until 2009. This model was a third generation compared to Japan's 1998 version which was the first generation. You may have to call the dealer or a local parts store to see...
Question
Rattling noise from under the car
Hello, There are a number of things that may produce a rattling sound, however the most common are things like exhaust heat shields, fan pulley bearings or other loose body shield panels underneath the car. I would suggest having a...
Question
Miss fire
Engine misfires can be caused by many different problems and are generally caused by either a spark or fuel issue or in some cases, a combination of both. Spark related problems generally will result from things like ignition coils, crankshaft...
Question
GY6 Honda scooter engine, spray starter fluid in carb & crank for 5+ min. to start cold. Warm start fine. Elect. start checks OK.
Hi Rob. Thanks for reaching out today. Unfortunately, we do not handle mechanical services or provide technical advice for motorcycle or scooters - only cars, trucks and SUV's that are sold in The United States. You might want to research...
Question
Pipe broke under car
By the description you have provided, my first guess would be that you have an exhaust leak. The most common failure is the exhaust flange gasket. You can visually inspect your exhaust pipe and look for obvious leaks from broken...
Question
Power steering leaking
Hello. It would first be necessary to pinpoint where the leak is coming from by doing a power steering system check. Once the origin of the leak is found that component would need to be replaced. I recommend having a...