Car Repair Questions

Have an automotive related question that needs an answer right away? Type your question in the box provided and follow the steps. Your questions will be answered A.S.A.P. by professional mechanics that are online right now. That's right, Your automotive questions can be asked and answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no need to wait. ASK a Mechanic NOW!!! and your Auto Repair Questions will be answered.

Where can I get a cheap Remote Starter ?

Remote Car Starters are a great addition to any automobile! If you have already purchased your remote car starter, you may want to use the remote starter wiring and installation charts to help make the installation easier on you. If you haven't purchased your remote car starter, we have listed several below that are sure to fit your need from basic to sophisticated. ONLY $49.99


Astra 1000 >> Only $49.99
Two 5-button Code Hopping Long Range Remote With Super Bright Blue LED Built-In Parking-Light Relay Programmable (+/-)Pre-wired Super Bright Blue LED, Sensor, and Valet Switch ConnectorsPlug-in user programmable Coded Override SwitchHorn Or Ignition 3 (Programmable) (-) OutputRemote Door Locking/Unlocking (-) outputs Programmable Aux. Relay outputs (2nd. Ignition, 2nd. Accessory or 2nd. Starter) Selectable Engine Run TimeEnable or Disable Remote Start in Valet Mode Over 50 Programmable Features

at high rpm I lost power and the engine light started flashing.

I have a 03 5.3 ext cab LS with 109k. Today i was on the highway had to punch it to get around traffic, at high rpm I lost power and the engine light started flashing. Later that day I was driving and got on it again same thing happened. Then on my way back it just started missing out like crazy on normal throttle and the engine light was flashing again, at stop lights it was trying to die. I went to a parts store and ran codes, got MAS code and random misfiring code. So in the parking lot I replaced the $80 MAS. Didn't change a thing, cleared the codes and let it run till the light came back on. This time it was only random misfiring code. So I limp it home, then check plugs and wires. They were original and had planned on changing them any way, but now only had plug money. New plugs didn't help. Well I continued to investigate, Noticed a noise that kinda sounded like a diesel engine from the center of the engine, used to only make this noise when it was cold. I sprayed carb cleaner all over the intake looking for leaks. No luck there. Please help! Need my truck for work. PS I recently replaced the door speakers, not a bose system so I don't think this maters but I don't know. Anyway yesterday got in my truck and the radio wasn't working. Could change stations but no other buttons worked and no volume. Later it was back and working fine, but the clock reset. No probs since.

Answer:
It sounds that you have a faulty fuel pump.
I will try to describe what is happening:
Your fuel pump may work and supply some fuel to the fuel injectors, but does not create enough fuel pressure. That means that your engine is starving for fuel .
If the engine does not get enough fuel, it starts missing and a detonation may occur ("a noise that kinda sounded like a diesal engine ").
You should have your fuel system pressure checked. It should be around 55-62 PSI.
PS. I would reinstall the original MAF sensor if the new one is not a GM's part.
A MAF related trouble code could have been a consequence of the throttle plate opening without RPM increase.

How to Change Spark Plugs

With a little bit of know how and a few tools, changing your spark plugs can be one of the most rewarding do it yourself projects an individual can do to their vehicle

I think this video best describes the procedure :

Do 1993 Jaguar radiators have metal or plastic tanks

Original Equipment was metal. Aftermarket can be either.

Some manufacturers reserve the right to change design and construction materials without notice. For example, a radiator listed as copper/brass may be supplied as plastic/aluminum, a radiator listed as 3 row may be supplied as a 2 row, or a radiator for a manual-transmission vehicle may be supplied with oil cooler fittings (which are unnecessary for a manual transmission but allow the same part number to be used for both manual and automatic vehicles). Regardless of design, the manufacturer offers the same warranty and the same assurance that the part will fit the vehicle application listed and perform as well or better than original equipment

Car Air Conditioning

Any automotive air conditioning system employs four basic parts-a mechanical compressor, driven by the vehicle's engine; an expansion valve, which is a restriction the compressor pumps against; and two heat exchangers, the evaporator and the condenser. In addition, there is the refrigerant that flows through this system. Avoid the need for an auto air conditioner service call Look Below for car auto air conditioning repair Troubleshooting Procedures

Privacy Policy

We are committed to the privacy of our visitors. We collect no personal information about you when you visit our Web site unless you choose to provide that information to us. Here is how we handle information about your visit to our Web site:

Information Collected and Stored Automatically: If you do nothing during your visit but browse through the Web site, read pages or download information, we will gather and store certain information about your visit automatically. This information does not identify you personally. We automatically collect and store information like the following concerning your visit.

Your IP address (an IP address is a number that is automatically assigned to your computer whenever you are surfing the Web) from which you access our Web site;
The type of browser and operating system used to access our site;
The date and time you access our site;
The pages you visit; and
If you linked to our Web site from another Web site, the address of that Web site.
We use this information to help us make our site more useful to visitors—to learn about the number of visitors to our site and the types of technology our visitors use.

Information That You Voluntarily Provide
We do not collect personally-identifiable information unless you choose to provide it to us. If you provide us with personally identifiable information, for example by sending an e-mail or by filling out a form and submitting it through our Web site, we use that information only to respond to your message and to help us provide you with the information and services that you request



Cookies
A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user’s computer tied to information about the user. My site use cookies for tracking visitors’ activity. Some of my business partners use cookies on our site (for example, advertisers). However, I have no access to or control over these cookies, once I have given permission for them to set cookies for advertising. You can choose not to accept cookies by modifying your browser settings. At any time, you may remove any cookie stored on your hard drive by deleting them in your browser’s settings section.

Links
This Web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that I am not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. I encourage my users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every Web site that collects personally identifiable information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this Web site.

Advertisers
I use outside ad companies to display ads on my site. These ads may contain cookies and are collected by the ad companies, and I do not have access to these information.

We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you.

Ad Servers
To try and bring you offers that are of interest to you, we have relationships with other companies that we allow to place ads on our Web pages. As a result of your visit to our site, ad server companies may collect information such as your domain type, your IP address, and clickstream information.

Google Advertising
Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on your site.
Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to your users based on their visit to your sites and other sites on the Internet.
Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy.

I have had the brake lines bled twice and cannot get rid of the spongy brake pedal

I drive a 2002 Land Rover Discovery II. I have had the brake lines bled twice and cannot get rid of the spongy pedal associated with air in the brake lines. If the pedal is pumped one time the brakes return to normal. There are no visible signs of a leak. Can air be trapped elsewhere besides the lines going to the calipers? Any suggestions? Already Tried: Bleeding the brake lines at the calipers.

Answer:

You need to Bleed the system at the Bleeders, not just at the lines going into the caliper.

1) Brake pedal feels spongy or has excessive travel
Check the brake fluid level and condition. If the fluid is contaminated or has not been flushed every two years, clean the master cylinder reservoir, and bleed and flush the brakes using fresh brake fluid that meets the manufacturer's recommended standards.

2) Check for a weak or damaged flexible brake hydraulic hose. Replace the hose and flush the brake system.

3) If the brake system uses drum brakes front or rear, check the brake adjustment. Inspect for seized adjusters and clean or replace, then properly adjust.

P0741 code Cadillac 01 deville - WHAT IS THIS and WHERE IS IT LOCATED?

To locate any trouble code you can follow the Trouble Codes Link On our website, There you will find the trouble code along with the definition of each code.
The opening of the transmission for this repair is best left to one that has the tool and experience as the weight of the motor and transmission must be controlled as the subframe is lowered. A lift and steady stand at the least is required and when the transmission is open it must be kept absoultly clean. One particle of dirt in a valve will cause shifting issues.

A P0741 for this transmission is addressed with this service bulletin. With A P0742 the TCC solenoid is replaced

Bulletin No.: 04-07-30-034
Date: August 06, 2004
TECHNICAL
Subject:Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0741, Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Excessive Slip, Transaxle Chuggle, Slip/Surge (Inspect and/or Replace Various Internal Transaxle Components)

Models:1998-2002 Cadillac Eldorado1998-2004 Cadillac Seville1999-2004 Cadillac DeVille2000-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora

with 4T80-E Auto Transaxle (RPO MH1)
Condition
Some customer may comment on the SES light on and a chuggle or surge. Diagnostics may show excessive TCC slip speed and DTC P0741 will be current code stored.
Cause
Seal damage may allow the TCC apply fluid to leak into the channel plate, causing excessive TCC slippage under certain conditions, eventually causing no TCC apply.
TCC may have partial apply fluid pressure or no apply fluid pressure. If excessive slip speed is noted and condition/cause cannot be corrected by using DTC P0741 diagnostic chart, suspect worn seals from slippage of the drive sprocket bearing inner race on the drive sprocket.

Replacing the TCC Solenoid is the most common fix and requires about 8 hours and special tools.

What causes the transmission code "TCM relay always on".

Question:

What causes the transmission code "TCM relay always on". the car is a 2002 Hyundai Sonata 4cyl auto. . were is the TCM relay located?

Answer:

The relay is located behind the radio/HVAC stack. There are two causes possible for this code, one the relay is really stuck on, the other is the harness is frayed in the transmission valve body. There is a TSB regarding this code.

If the fuse is blown for the trans controller (fuse #6) the harness in the trans is likely shorting. Check this first.

95 accord w/ 140k mi w/ vtec engine that won't stay running

We have a 95 accord w/ 140k mi w/ vtec engine that won't stay running when the ignition switch is placed in the "on" position. It does start normally when the key's in the "start" position, but immediately dies when the key's released and allowed to go to the "on" position. The engine normally runs very well. The engine hasn't been worked on or repaired recently so this does not appear related to anything a service person has done.

Answer:
This is the exact symptom of a bad ignition switch, not the whole thing but just the electrical part, which is Pretty easy to replace if you wanted to do it yourself.

No Start Troubleshooting

2006 Chevy Trailblazer EXT 4.2eng Vin S, has a idling problem

My 2006 Chevy Trailblazer EXT 4.2eng Vin S, has a idling problem. It started when it began to get cold a couple of months ago. I am now in Germany, and of course it's freezing. My RPM reads at about 500. It tends to go up and down between maybe 300-500. This also causes my voltage meter on the dash to fluctuate at the same time which inturn causes all my lights to dim. I was told that I need to have my throttle body cleaned. As always, is this something that I can do or, is this even the problem?

Answer:

The first thing I would do is remove your air intake and clean your throttle body really good. If this is dirty it will cause a low idle and shut the vehicle off at times. I would then do a fuel injection cleaning on the vehicle. If the problem is still there I would look into your MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor) which is located on top of your intake toward the back and ensure it is good. Let me konw what you find and we can go from there.

1993 Chevy 3500, 6.5 turbo diesel, that shifts hard

I have a 1993 Chevy 3500, 6.5 turbo diesel, that shifts hard going into first,second, and third, and then it will not shift into fourth. We used to be able to put the truck into neutral and shut it off while driving, turn it back on then it would shift. We cant figure out what is wrong.

Answer:
This sounds like the throttle position sensor on the side of the injection pump. Can you get any codes out of the computer?

Recently heard a squeaking noise from front left wheel. Last night at speeds above 40mph had hard vibration from same wheel.

Jeep Renegade 4

Recently heard a squeaking noise from front left wheel. Last night at speeds above 40mph had hard vibration from same wheel. Felt like a tire doing down. Tires OK, front drivers side rotor extremely hotter than the rest. Could it be a stick caliper or wheel bearing?

Answer:
you may very well have a caliper or brake hose issue. Wheel bearing is a possibility also. All depending on the year and model of your jeep, you may have a u-joint in the front axle. Start by jacking the truck up and slightly wiggle the tire, up and down, and left to right. If there is no play, rotate the tire. Feel for binding and noise. If the wheel will not rotate, open the bleeder screw on the caliper and see if the wheel frees up. if it does, the brake hose is your issue. If the caliper shows signs of discoloring, you going to have to replace the caliper and pads, along with the rotor. With brake hoses, you should replace both sides if your replacing one.

1992 subaru legacy 4wd nonturbo, 4 speed auto. i put a foreign tranny in, the gear ratio is different.

I have a 1992 subaru legacy 4wd nonturbo, 4 speed auto. i put a foreign tranny in, the gear ratio is different. changed rear end also. now the power shift light comes on, and the car won't shift right. i was told it might be the tranny control module. shop couldn't get a code, so it's just a guess. subaru says that the different gear ratio makes a difference, can't get one for the foreign tranny. place I bought tranny from says it doesn't make a difference, that they've sold multiple trannys of this style, with no problems . any suggestions? Already Tried:
Replaced transmission, and rear end from foreign engine. had a shop scan for code faults, none found. gear ratio different from original, tranny control module suggested, not for sure. subaru dealer says different gears makes old one not workable. say can't get one because of that. works somedays, not others.

Answer:
In my experience with every make and model of vehicle there is a different transmission control module with individual software for each transmission.

1997 buick Skylark is having several electric problems

Question:

MY 1997 buick Skylark is having several electric problems. First the hazards went out (and took the signal and brake fuses with it). The hazard lites have been unhooked, have got the brake lite to work, but still can't get the signals to work? Any idea? I just wonder if I should keep putting $ into this car. 167,000 miles. Already Tried: replacing bulbs, disconnecting hazards, put a bigger fuse in the brake place, and brake light was working for quite awhile, now it has blown.

Answer;

Troubleshooting with a Multi-Meter

The only problem with disconnecting things on and OBDII vehicle, is that there are individual computers for things like windows, mirrors, radios and so forth. So by disconnecting items or fuses, it lies to the computer about voltages. Each circuit needs to be tested independently.

1997 Porsche 911 3.6 brake lights

on one side my running lights and brake lights aren't working properly, if brakes are applied they work and turn signal, but just don't stay on in normal function mode, driver's side is fine. I'm leaning towards a realy problem.

1992 Ford E-150 Van, apparently exhaust system is shot -- catalytic converter

Question:

1992 Ford E-150 Van, apparently exhaust system is shot -- catalytic converter all the way back. How much should that cost to repair?

Answer:

The price can vary from dealerships to independent shops.

Just to replace the Catalytic converter the book says approx. $800-$1200. Adding a muffler and pipe will add approx. $200 - $300 to this price. The catalytic converter ranges in price from $650-$975 Labor for the Catalytic converter replacement is $200-$250.


Here is an alternative, Autozone sells a direct fit converter for $225. A tailpipe for $42, muffler for $37 and exhaust pipe for $108. Labor should be approx. $200-$300 for this job, but most shops will want to sell you the parts as that is part of their income stream.

1989 Toyota corolla the car starts hard i have changed the plugs wires and the plugs

1989 Toyota corolla the car starts hard i have changed the plugs wires and the plugs the car now starts and idles when you press the accelerator down fast the car bucks and chugs and tries to fall on its face when you feather it up slow it will get up to rpm when you put it in gear and try the same thing it just dies on acceleration you put it back in neutral and the car starts right up and idles perfect i also changed the fuel filter recently put a new battery and alternator in it a month ago ever since the battery and alternator this problem started also it is zero degrees outside if that is any help i live in Illinois and this car does not have any California emissions

Answer:

Remove the distributor cap and inspect it for cracks on the inside, remove the rotor and do the same, check for burned spots or cracks then remove the plastic cover over the coil, carefully inspect the coil for cracks on top also look underneath on the bottom side of the coil for any signs of arcing to ground, this is common on these distributors so I think you will find the problem there

2002 Olds Alero - Engine turned off while driving, car will not start

I was leaving a stop sign yesterday. The engine turned off, the security light is on solid, and the engine will not fire. There is no fuel at the fuel rail, the fuel relay is not clicking, and there is no power at the fuel pump harness by the tank. I jumped pin 30 and 87 to throw power to the fuel pump. I got 12 volts on the gray wire of the fuel pump, still no pressure in the fuel rail. I attempted to reset the passlock without success. The security light is not flashing, just on steady. Both the check engine light is also on steady while cranking along with the security light. I am leaning towards the BCM or ignition.

Response:

If you have 12 volts at the fuel pump but no pressure, you may need a fuel pump. as far as the fuel pump relay, it should come on for a few seconds when the key is turned on, but will go off until the engine starts or the starter is engaged. you may want to check the fuel pump fuse f/p injr fuse 48 at the under hood fuse block. Try jumping the fuel pump relay again and check for power and ground at the connector under the car by the fuel tank gray (power) black (ground). Use a test light to load the circuit, you may get 12 volts but if the circuit is weak, it will not light the test lamp. If you do get 12 volts, make sure the connector is plugged in and listen for the fuel pump to humm. If there is no sound or fuel pressure, try banging on the fuel tank with a hammer will the pump is powered up, sometimes you can jar the pump and it will come back on. If it does, you still need to replace the pump, if it does not, you need to start with replacing the pump. If there is 12 volts at teh pump, you should have fuel pressure! you also may want to try to spray some carb cleaner in to the throttle body and see if the engine will start, if it does then fuel pressure maybe the under line issue.

RESOURCE : NO START DIAGNOSTICS

2009 Ford Flex - Not a Station Wagon

2009 Ford Flex

The 2009 Ford Flex is a thoughtfully designed and cool-looking alternative to minivans and seven-passenger crossover SUVs.

Pros
Genuine seven-passenger accommodations, high-quality interior materials, unique styling, optional all-wheel drive, availability of Sync multimedia interface.

Cons
Steering wheel doesn't telescope, less cargo volume than a minivan and several larger crossovers.

What's New for 2009
Making its debut for 2009, the Ford Flex crossover wagon boasts eye-catching styling and room for seven full-size adults.

kia pride V reg it was parked up on the drive and the following day it refused to start

My daughter has a 1999 Kia Pride 1.As3 V reg it was parked up on the drive and the following day it refused to start I have removed and cleaned the plugs cleaned and made sure the distributor was dry! Still no joy the plugs were not wet damp would perhaps best describe them. I then tried the fuel line up to what appears to be a three way filter one outlet going to the main inlet and the other to the top with a small hose. there is fuel going through the first outlet but not the second. I hope you can help me in this matter has my daughter can not afford to go to a garage.

Answer:

If the plugs were damp then fuel is getting through, the 2nd small hose will be connected to the inlet manifold of the engine and won't have fuel going trhrough it its only to sense air pressure.It sounds like a ignition problem, you can test for spark by putting a spark plug into the end of the igntion lead and resting it on the metal of the engine, ensure that the metal body of the plug is touching the metal of the engine and crank the engine while looking at the plug DO NOT hold the plug in place by hand.If you're not getting a spark then the first thing to check is their power to the ignition coil.If thats OK then remove the centre lead from the distributor and repeat the spark test with the end of the lead against the engine as before do not hold the lead with a bare hand.If you don't get any spark here then check the power supply to the ignition amplifier which will look something like

2007 Jeep Wrangler unlimited 4 door. I am having problems with the fan motor staying on

I own A 2007 Jeep Wrangler unlimited 4 door. I am having problems with the fan motor staying on. I have taken it to the dealership quite a few times, have replaced all the wiring, fuse box panel, fan sensors, relays and etc. but it has not taken the problem away. It doesn't do it all the time , it comes and goes. Have you heard of this before ? The fan motor stays on till the battery goes dead or till I disconnect the harness.

ANSWER:

the fan and the relay are controlled by the totally integrated power module something is wrong inside that is causing the fan to stay on

2006 honda civic i-dsi starts vibrating after 60 mph

Question:

my 2006 Honda civic i-dsi starts vibrating after 60 mph..but only if i accelerate after 60 mph....when i ease off the accelerator then the vibration is gone...i have balanced the wheels but still its not working..what should i do?

Answer:

Anytime you have a vibration on acceleration you have either a bad inner cv axle joint. Look at them both for any signs of grease leaking from the boot.
If one has been leaking or seeping grease from around the boot clamps usually that's the bad one.
Another possibility is a misaligned engine if the car has ever been in an accident.

2001 Lexus es300 engine light and trac off light came on

Question:

My engine light and trac off light came on. My mechanic's code showed 1135. but he was not able to determine what the code refered to. He said only a dealer would have the ability to retrieve that info. Does anyone know what 1135 code means?

Answer:

this is a problem with the air flow meter heater. The problem may be the mass air flow meter itself or in the a/f meter relay in the under hood relay box.