Questions about finding what the problem is.
11
votes
2answers
161 views
How To Get Organized Without a Garage Workspace?
People I've seen who have garages have it made. They have a clean, dry workspace with all of their tools within arms reach. In the most organized garages, a mixture of rolling Snap-on Roll Cab with ...
8
votes
4answers
296 views
How to troubleshoot excessive timing retard?
I've seen numerous cars that for one reason or another, retard timing excessively at wide open throttle - getting worse over time. Seat of the pants impression is that power drops off steeply as RPMs ...
7
votes
3answers
390 views
What to know before buying and OBD-II reader
I read the features to look for in an OBD-II reader, but I am curious if getting one is the right move. I'm just planning to get a cheap one, which is proving to be interesting shopping local. What I ...
6
votes
3answers
531 views
Third brake light (LED) test
I have a 2008 Honda Civic and the 3rd brake light is having an issue. It seems in the morning (first cold start) it works when I depress the brake (I can see it light up the rear window). But after a ...
6
votes
5answers
1k views
What is a good car to start with if I want to learn auto repair?
A couple of other "getting started" questions have been closed (as redundant with these questions), so I hope that my question is different and specific enough.
I'm interested in learning to repair ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
Troubleshooting 'random' clutch problems
I've got a customer who came in complaining that the clutch pedal had gone 'funny': it wasn't 'coming back up' like it used to. As he was in for service anyway, we replaced the clutch fluid, and it ...
6
votes
3answers
239 views
Oil in the radiator, but no coolant in the oil
The car is a '98 Buick Lesabre with the 3800 engine and about 170k miles. It appears as though some oil was in the radiator, but I haven't seen any signs of coolant in the oil. The water pump recently ...
5
votes
2answers
77 views
What are the causes of fluctuating intake manifold vacuum
I have a 2005 Honda CBR600 F4i which suffers from occasional hesitation at low rpm when accelerating. I also get occasional fault codes from the ECU indicating a vacuum leak.
Today I connected a ...
4
votes
3answers
136 views
Is there a good crash course website or book for auto repair for beginner who's just getting into auto repair?
I'm wondering if there's a good crash course website or book for auto repair for beginner who's just getting into auto repair?
4
votes
2answers
391 views
Where exactly is the Check Engine Light connector on a 1997 Honda Honda Civic?
The check engine light on my 1997 Honda Civic lit up. I came across a method for troubleshooting (http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=1901557) but I'm having trouble finding the connector. Can ...
4
votes
1answer
128 views
Diagnosing Cruise Control Problems
I have an aftermarket cruise-control system which only somewhat works in a 2005 Ford Focus.
By this I mean that it controls the speed but is largely inaccurate (+/- at least 10mph). Going up/down ...
4
votes
1answer
218 views
2012 Toyota Tacoma won't shift into Reverse
I've just had my 2012 Tacoma towed to the dealership due to the truck not shifting into reverse correctly. I first noticed a problem when I was driving home and the RPMs would get up to between 3 and ...
4
votes
1answer
285 views
1997 Geo Metro dies after driving for a short time. What next in diagnosing culprit
Back Story: I recently took my Geo Metro on a road trip. 2700 miles of road trip. The first 800 mile nothing happened. Then going up a hill it died, dropped from 75 mph to 55 mph then the engine ...
4
votes
1answer
32 views
Oldsmobile Alero squeaking when started
I just bought a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero 2 days ago, and when I start it there is a loud squeak that lasts maybe 15 seconds. Unfortunately I bought the car 'as is'. Will it most likely be a belt, and if ...
3
votes
2answers
231 views
How to safely remove stuck threads? (Brakeline from Brakehose)
I have an 81 Chevy pickup C10 that I was replacing the brake hose on. In the process of trying to take the brake line loose from it I started to twist the line when I thought I had finally started to ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
Mercedes start/stop system doesn't always kick in
We're the (humbled) owners of a 2011 Class B Mercedes with an inbuilt ECO start/stop system. As far as I understand this is how it's supposed to work:
Gear in neutral.
Press the brake pedal all the ...
3
votes
2answers
110 views
Free online databases?
I know there is AllDataDIY, but are there any free websites? With diagrams of where things are, or diagnosing and repair guides?
3
votes
2answers
67 views
Trunk lid release
I own a 2005 Ford Focus 4-door sedan. The button on the FOB and button on the dashboard to open the trunk no longer works. I can hear a click inside the car when I push the button. It started about 6 ...
3
votes
1answer
37 views
Lug nuts keep snapping off
Why would 'Lug Bolts' be snapping off constantly and tires wearing faster on the passenger front tire of a '98 Blazer, 4 wheel drive. The tire is wearing on the outside. It has had a front end ...
3
votes
2answers
35 views
2002 Saturn SL2 Stalls After Warmup No Spark
My SL2 stalls (it just cuts out, no warning) shortly after warmup (this all started right after I topped off the coolant after a low coolant light came on, although I don't know if they are related). ...
3
votes
1answer
178 views
Steering Wheel Shake New Car Performance Tires
I bought a 2012 Camaro 2SS in May. When I took the car for a test drive, the steering wheel had a tight shake for the first couple of miles. When I told the salesperson, he suggested trying another ...
3
votes
2answers
584 views
How do you troubleshoot cruise control? (Mazda Tribute 2005)
I just bought a used 2005 Mazda Tribute. The only problem I have with the car is that the cruise control doesn't work....and I have no clue how/where to start!
The cruise light on the dashboard ...
3
votes
1answer
2k views
toyota corolla 2001 air duct smell
My 2001 Toyota Corolla recently started smelling very foul whenever the air system was turned on. According to the research I've done online, there is no cabin air filter to change. The glove box ...
3
votes
1answer
663 views
Spark Plugs 1998 Buick Lesabre
Where are the spark plugs in a 1998 Buick Lesabre? Pictures would be helpful as I'm a novice at this type of thing. I'm assuming I need all six because I'm getting a check engine light saying number 6 ...
3
votes
1answer
317 views
97 altima 5spd sputters, has loss of power under 3500rpm, dies when clutch is disengaged
My 97 altima has been to the same shop four times for the same problem. It will sputter and smoke( black smoke) and has large loss of power under 3500rpms and dies just about every time you depress ...
2
votes
2answers
64 views
What do these compression figures mean
This is a follow up question to What are the causes of fluctuating intake manifold vacuum
I have a 2005 Honda CBR600 F4i which suffers from occasional hesitation at low rpm when accelerating.
After ...
2
votes
2answers
3k views
Do I need to replace rear differential if it's leaking?
When we got an oil change, he said it's "leaking, but not out of fluid or low". Do we need to do any replacement/maintenance on it, or just wait until it gets worse? How would I check something like ...
2
votes
2answers
243 views
What system should I inspect first for the following issues on a 2004 Chevy Aveo?
A 2004 Chevy aveo with around 78,000 miles has the following issues:
The Daytime Running Light indicator (as well as the lights themselves) randomly turn on and off. This is a slow thing and has ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views
How can I diagnose a scraping sound when turning left?
My car is a 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX with 72k miles. About three weeks ago I started noticing a scraping sound when I turn left. My mechanic did a courtesy check of alignment, balance and tire pressure ...
2
votes
2answers
545 views
Car overheating problem
I have a 2002 Ford Focus.
Whenever the car is idling the heat gauge goes up at an alarming rate and goes the farthest into the red that it can if left alone.
Now if I rev the engine a little the ...
2
votes
1answer
238 views
Lifter tick—safe to ignore short-term? What to do about it?
I have a 2002 Toyota Camry V6 (1MZ-FE) with about 129,000 miles on it. Recently, I noticed a ticking that seems to be loudest at the end of the front valve cover, on the opposite side of the timing ...
2
votes
2answers
311 views
Lancer ex 2008 CVT - Slow Down warning on display!
Yesterday, i had the "slow down" warning on my display when i was doing above 180kmph on the motorway and i was no longer able accelerate. it was as if i was driving an electric car. Though after some ...
2
votes
2answers
281 views
2002 Renault Clio V6 won't start - just turns over
So I'm round my old dears and park on her drive. She needs to move my car (a 2002 Renault Clio V6 3.0) off the drive to get her car out. She gets in, reverses it and stalls it. Starts up again and she ...
2
votes
1answer
475 views
Diagnostic: Autodata newest version
I have seen people using autodata for general information about cars, like how to fix a timing belt for particular types of cars. But the version that was being used only had up to cars made in 2009 ...
2
votes
1answer
115 views
ODB scanner with manufacturers error codes support
What is the story with ODB scanners like ELM237 - do they read manufacturer's error codes?
Previously, I had a Volvo S60 04 and cheap scanners could read only general error codes. This was not useful ...
2
votes
1answer
81 views
Bounds and solution to electrical failure in a 2004 Grand Marquis
What follows is a simple problem with hopefully a simple solution. While mechanically-oriented, vehicle repair is not my specialty, so forgive me for any lapses in problem description and terminology.
...
2
votes
1answer
391 views
Engine revs up while idling
I have a 2007 Toyota Matrix, and sometimes(not always) it will rev up to about 1700-2000 RPM while idling. It normally idles at about 900 RPM once it warms up. I just changed the oil & air ...
2
votes
1answer
514 views
How can I test my EGR?
My check engine light has come on a couple of times, and each time the code was P0300 Random Misfire detected. According to this site, one cause could be a bad EGR. Another symptom of a bad EGR is ...
2
votes
1answer
82 views
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Fails to Start and Electronics Go Awry
My mother-in-law drove over this morning to pick up my wife, and when they tried to leave the car wouldn't start. Not only that; the horn honked, the wipers started, the trunk popped open, and the ...
2
votes
1answer
292 views
2006 Toyota Corolla Jerks while coasting
I have a 2006 Toyota Corolla with roughly 65k miles. Problem I'm experiencing is that every now and then she will give a couple of jerks while coasting along. Most of the time the car is traveling ...
2
votes
1answer
256 views
2000 Fleetwood Southwind - Where do I refill the leveling jacks with hydraulic fluid?
Pretty much all in the subject...the level jack lights stay on even when fully retracted, which I think is a sign of low fluid levels. I've got the hydraulic fluid, but I can't figure out where in the ...
1
vote
2answers
795 views
Misfire the next morning if car runs only for 15 seconds
So I had this gremlin in my wife's BMW 330i for at least 4 years. The car runs great but once in a while you would start it in the morning and the engine would sound rough with some shaking. After few ...
1
vote
2answers
82 views
Fixing side mirror on my Buick
I have a 2005 Buick Lesabre, and I managed to break my side mirror off from its enclosure. In the images, you can see there are 3 sockets on the mirror - 1 large and 2 small. I broke the large one one ...
1
vote
2answers
442 views
Loud rumbling and burning smell when turning on defroster
Tonight while driving my 2003 Kia Sedona with the defroster on, suddenly I heard this very loud rumbling which sounded like it was coming from the engine compartment on the passenger side. My first ...
1
vote
1answer
530 views
Does a warped engine block affect compression test?
Check other questions, and did not see an answer.
Backstory: Driving around, discovered pin hole in radiator. Chose to drive home, since I was at my exit, and I lived right there. Blew head gasket.
...
1
vote
2answers
94 views
Accessing the Stereo in a '96 Infiniti G20
I do some of my own repair work on my car, a 96 Infiniti G20. Since I got it, the front speakers haven't been working and I want to fix them. How can I troubleshoot the problem? I assume it's either ...
1
vote
1answer
330 views
small hole in A/C condenser for 98 blazer
I have a 98 chevy blazer 4dr. the A/C system in my truck is brand new, every last part of it. before i got hit, my a/c blew soo cold it was like being in a freezer room. when i got hit, it formed a ...
1
vote
1answer
485 views
Emergency Brake light on 2003 Chevy Tracker stays lit
The emergency brake indicator stays lit even though the brake is not engaged. Problem has progressed...early on, it would come on going around corners (?).
Presumably, some sensor needs replacing...
...
1
vote
1answer
20 views
1975 Honda XL 250 has erratic idle / high idle when it's cold out
As stated, I have a 1975 Honda XL 250. It has a 1 cylinder 250cc ~24hp carbureted engine. The problem I'm running into is an inconsistent idle. In general it seems to have a low idle (what I want it ...
1
vote
2answers
45 views
what would cause the no.1 sparkplug to foul out 10 minutes after replacing it on a 1997 Buick 3.8 v-6 engine
About 6 months ago, I had some preventative maintenance done on my car that included oil change, plugs and wires. Within a week of running out of gas my car began "stumble" and idle rough. I ran ...
