Popular questions

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Possibly timing. 1998 Saturn SL2
Hi there - yes, it is possible that the engine has "jumped time". This engine is known for timing chain stretch, and jumping time with higher mileage. If you have spark, fuel injectors spraying, and compression, this could be the...
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PLEASE REPLY
It is difficult to predict. If it winds up in the fuel tank, it can just float around harmlessly. OR.. It can get caught up in the fuel level sensor and cause the float to hang up and give incorrect...
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Do I have a damaged head gasket?
Hi there. This can be a bad head gasket or it may be something much smaller. If the coolant temperature gauge is staying in the normal range then it may just have a leak in the system. If there is...
Question
Vehicle overheated poor ac cooling and gas mileage
Hi there: Changing the radiator, hoses and thermostat does not typically negatively impact fuel economy or AC issues. However, the installation of those items might, especially if the serpentine belt was installed incorrectly. However, with Hybrid models, the two issues...
Question
Audi A3 2001 1.6L - Overheats and goes back to normal
This is a sign of a faulty coolant fan relay switch. When this is not working properly, this can cause the fans to come on intermittently, or sometimes stay on all the time or not come on at all. When...
Question
Car vibrates in idle and trouble accelerating after stopped
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2003 Subaru Baja. There are dozens of potential causes for the symptoms you are having. It could be an engine performance problem, such as a bad sensor. It could also be a...
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Outside lights started to blink - 2005 Volvo S60
Hello there. Blinking lights are caused by several different faults with your 2005 Volvo S60. The most common causes would be the alternator, battery, poor electrical connection, wiring harness faults, or a loose electrical connection. A qualified technician, such as...
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accidentally added windshield washer to coolant line instead of washer tub, just a little, maybe 1/8 of a gallon.
Hi there. A little window washer fluid will not cause any damage to your engine or the cooling system, in fact it will actually make the system work a little better as the fluid has alcohol in it. Alcohol will...
Question
Driving and accelerating cause loud squealing in front of car.
The noise you are hearing is the engine serpentine belt. The belt is turned by the crankshaft pulley and the belt will then turn the other accessories like the tensioner,v-power steering, water pump, air conditioner compressor and idler pulleys. The...
Question
Car died, but restarts immediately
Many different faults can cause the vehicle to shut off while running like this. The most common problems for this is the ignition switch, battery cables, intermittent electrical issue, wiring fault, or the battery itself. These kind of issues can...
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Oil pan bolts fell into transmission bell housing.
Hi there. The issue with leaving bolts in the bell housing on the transmission will be come catastrophic when the bolts come in contact with the clutch assembly. I recommend removing the starter and taking a telescoping magnet through the...
Question
Wiper speeds not consistent, and wiper failures
For your vehicle there is a recall for this problem, you should be able to get your faulty wiper module replaced. Contact your local dealer to check your vehicle identification number with them to perform this and any other recalls...
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Car wont start after tipping on side
I'm still suspicious of the Battery Safety Terminal. I would take a really good hard look at that to be sure you aren't missing something. Otherwise, there may be some kind of problem with driver authorization or some other safety...
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Used wrong oil, then installed new radiator 3 days later now car won't move forward when put in drive
Hello, thank you for writing in. Unfortunately you are in a situation where multiple variables are not helping the problem. To start, having the car weighted down does add extra load to the engine and can cause overheating. Secondly the...
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Car hesitating first thing in the morning
Hi there. Your transmission consists of many different components which need to work in sync in order for it to perform properly. A lack of pressure, low fluid, fault shift solenoids, and valve bodies can be your issue. I'd strongly...
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Car over heating
If there are no leaks and no blockage in the system or problems with the cooling fan, then you may have a water pump that has worn impellers that may need to be replaced. I would recommend having the car...
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transmission input shaft
Hello, when you removed the pump you may have relocated clutch plates in the input housing. These plates must align with a hub assembly. What happens is that the pump puts pressure on the housing because there is no end...
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Car won't start, is it my ECU?
Hi, thanks for writing in. While it could be the ECU, it could also be a great many other things. It is most likely not any one component but is probably a combination of faults. Many years ago you could...
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Truck seems to hop at certain rpm
Hello. From what you describe, it would appear that your vehicle is experiencing performance issues, perhaps misfires under heavy loads. If the engine is misfiring under heavy load it will most definitely be felt through the transmission and chassis. This...
Question
Takes 3-7 tries before engine stays running
Hello. The symptoms you are experiencing, hard starting and an unstable idle speed, can be caused by a variety of issues. You mention that you replaced a few parts, namely ignition components, so they should be alright. The next things...
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Leaking power steering oil
You do have a leaking power steering system and if you cannot locate the leak then it may be collecting in the inner tie rod boot and leaking from the rack and pinion side seal. If you're unable to pinpoint...