All Questions
12
votes
2answers
2k views
Jump starting a dead battery: Connect black wire to negative pole of battery or grounded metal?
Most of the advice I've seen for jump starting cars instructs to connect the black wire to a bare piece of metal on the car with the dead battery. However, I've always just hooked up both poles to the ...
8
votes
1answer
277 views
What are good features to look for in an ODB-II reader
I recently took my car in for the engine light. It turned out to be a minor problem (crack in gas cap let water in). It would be nice to have a low-cost ODB-II reader to be able to find out for ...
6
votes
3answers
241 views
Car enthusiast beginner kit
What is a good place to begin building a kit/set up for performing your own service?
For ex:
oil changes
waxing
detailing
What is the best starting equipment one can start on?
18
votes
3answers
5k views
Is there a way to put Prius with dead battery into neutral?
I own a 2010 Prius. It has a dead battery, front facing forward in my garage. I do not have long enough jumper cables.
I’ve searched the Internet. Did Toyota really create a car that cannot be put ...
18
votes
3answers
2k views
Difference between FWD/RWD/4WD/Part-Time 4WD/AWD?
I'm curious as to what are the particular difference between the various drive systems available in modern vehicles. FWD and RWD are pretty straightforward - Front Wheel Drive cars put the power to ...
10
votes
2answers
269 views
Any recommendations on vehicle maintenance software for the DIYer?
I currently use a combination of Car Minder for the iPhone - it's only $2.99 but limited functionality - and Excel spreadsheets. Ideally I'm looking for something that will track all service for up ...
6
votes
4answers
4k views
Can coasting in neutral damage an automatic transmission?
When I drove a manual transmission, I got in the habit of shifting to neutral on long, shallow grades to save fuel. Now I'm driving an automatic (specifically, a recent Corolla) and still doing it.
...
2
votes
2answers
40 views
Durability of automatic transmission boxes versus durability of manual transmission boxes? Their lifetimes?
My friend is against cars with automatic transmission because he thinks that they break easily and that their repairing cost a lot. He thinks that it is impossible to maintain an automatic ...
14
votes
8answers
11k views
Will higher octane fuel improve gas mileage?
I've heard from some people that high octane fuel will increase gas mileage. Around here, we have the basic unleaded(87), mid-grade(89), and premium(93 or 91). I've been using the basic 87 unleaded ...
12
votes
4answers
994 views
Is downshifting on hills harmful for non-trucks? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Does Downshifting (Engine Braking) Cause Extra Wear and Tear?
Since the days of taking drivers ed (many years back). I was told that when you encounter a steep or ...
11
votes
5answers
1k views
My Car Squeals When Braking Even Though I've Had My Front Rotors Machined and Back Rotors Replaced and all new brake pads. What could it be?
I own a Toyota Soarer SC300 (1994), 2JZ motor non-turbo 3 litre engine. The engine is probably irrelevant, but provided for prosperity. Anyway, the front rotors were machined and are within the legal ...
10
votes
2answers
2k views
2005 Dodge Ram: easy way to diagnose code P0420?
My truck is reporting a code P0420, which apparently is "Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)" which can either be the catalytic converter or the rear O2 sensor. The code came on at ...
9
votes
2answers
2k views
When car is standing still, I smell Diesel exhaust. Why?
In my 2003 Opel Vectra, the cabin air smells of Diesel exhaust while stopped at e.g. a red light.
The exhaust smell goes away when driving, and it also doesn't come back if I turn the ventilation off ...
8
votes
4answers
2k views
How do I select the right oil for my car?
I can give you my cars make and model and the conditions that I drive in, but I'm looking for a general guide to selecting the right oil for a car. I'm not really knowledgable when it comes to cars so ...
8
votes
2answers
7k views
How should I remove stickers or pinstripe decals from paint?
I want to remove a dealer's sticker from my car. The sticker is on a painted surface. What is the best way to do it?
Could I remove pinstripe decals in the same way?
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 ...
5
votes
2answers
149 views
How to know if I need new tires?
For the first time in my years of driving, I slid pretty badly the other day. I've slid before a little bit, but this is the first time I slid badly-- I nearly went off the road.
Granted, it was ...
5
votes
2answers
11k views
Check Engine code P0420 Catalyst efficiency below threshold bank 1
After months of normal driving with no problems, my 2003 Honda Civic EX check engine light came on during a long trip. Got it scanned and it's P0420: Catalyst efficiency below threshold bank 1. They ...
5
votes
1answer
484 views
Heater smells like sulfur
I drive a 2006 Toyota Sienna. When driving with the heater on I often smell sulfur. This is more common when I am driving up a hill, but if I turn the heater off, the smell goes away. What causes this ...
4
votes
1answer
6k views
Volvo won't start - “Immobilizer - See Manual”
My 2004 Volvo XC90 refused to start tonite, occasionally displaying the message "Immobilizer - See Manual".
I searched for solutions, and came across two suggestions: lock & unlock the door 5 ...
4
votes
4answers
496 views
Does the tachometer provide any indication of fuel usage?
So, I'm driving along on the highway with the A/C blasting when I notice the price of gas. It makes me think, "what can I do to increase my fuel efficiency?" Some of the tips I've heard have included ...
3
votes
4answers
192 views
Does switching to neutral on an automatic transmission improve braking for immediate stopping?
I've been told that when needing to brake quickly, throwing the gear into neutral on an automatic transmission actually allows for better/quicker braking. I understand how things work pretty well but ...
3
votes
2answers
3k views
Accidentally poured engine oil into the coolant reservoir
My 1990 Mazda 626 leaks oil like a sieve, so I regularly top up the oil.
In a moment of stupidity, I opened my radiator cap instead of my oil cap while topping up my engine oil, and poured about ...
3
votes
2answers
9k views
Car Battery won't charge after sitting for a Year
I have a main starter battery and a leisure batter in my van. They have been left unused for around a year with my van off the road. I am now trying to get it up and running however I am unable to ...
2
votes
3answers
239 views
Is my mechanic ripping me off?
My 2002 ford focus (built after may 23) died and the AAA and tow guy both said that it needs a new fuel pump.
Anyway I went to the mechanic and he said it'll be 350 for the pump and 200 for labor. I ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
turning right causing small vibration and noise
My 2004 Ford Focus makes small grinding and vibrating noises when turning to the right. The problem was much more severe earlier this month. I took it to the shop and had them get me new tires and an ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
2006 Kia Sedona intermittently not starting
What could be causing my (non-)starting issues? Occasionally (once every two weeks or so) when the keys are inserted and turned to the start position, nothing happens. No noise, no dome lights dimming ...
2
votes
1answer
3k views
Check Engine Light on '94 Jeep Grand Cherokee
How do I get Check Engine Light codes (ODB-I) from a '94 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and where can I look them up?
1
vote
2answers
550 views
How do I know if I need new brakes?
I recently purchased a car with 135k miles on it and I have no idea when the brakes were last replaced. I've done work on my cars before but never have changed the brakes, so I'm not sure how to tell ...
14
votes
5answers
41k views
what is the difference between DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids?
What is the difference between DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids?
What could possibly go wrong if I use a (4 times cheaper) DOT3 brake fluid instead of the DOT4 which manufacturer recommends (but allows ...
9
votes
2answers
154 views
Proper Jack Location
In general, where is the best place to put a jack to prevent damage when lifting?
9
votes
4answers
6k views
How far can you drive with an empty radiator?
The radiator on my Peugeot 106 has started leaking very badly and need replacing. I don't have time to fix it at the moment, so I'm taking it to a garage. How far can I drive it without damaging the ...
9
votes
5answers
7k views
Does a timing chain need maintenance?
Does a timing chain (as opposed to timing belt) need any specific maintenance? In particular I'm talking about a BMW Z4
8
votes
1answer
324 views
How do I find the correct pins in a CAN-BUS connector?
This question might be too technical for this forum, but I'll give it a go. I have a 2012 BMW R1200R motorcycle with CAN-BUS. I'd like to make an Arduino interface to the connector on the bike, but I ...
8
votes
1answer
127 views
How to fix freezing locks
Does anyone know how to prevent locks on car doors from freezing, this is usually only a problem in older cars. I'm not thinking of solutions like WD-40 that really only work for a few days and then ...
7
votes
1answer
6k views
Brakes make grinding noise during stops at low speeds
I've got a Mazda B2300 pickup that's started making a grinding sound whenever I come to a stop. Braking at a high speed doesn't make any noise, but once I get under 25-30 MPH, the grinding sound gets ...
7
votes
1answer
2k views
Where can I find my car's colour code?
I'm currently shopping around for a touch-up pen to repair some very light scratches on my car. I've found out that our local hardware automotive store can mix the exact colour for any vehicle. ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
Why does a Turbocharger only produce boost when the engine is under load
As per the Title.
Why does a turbocharged car only produce significant boost whilst the engine is under load. Is is something to do with how much exhaust is being produced or is there some kind of ...
6
votes
1answer
154 views
When should I change the oil, as the tech recommends or as my oil change light indicates
I have a Toyota Corolla 2008. It has an oil change light indicator. The tech at the one hour oil change place recommends to change it every 3,000 miles but the indicator light only goes off about ...
6
votes
1answer
546 views
Do newer cars actually monitor the quality of oil? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How does the change oil light system work and does it matter what type of oil you use for it to work properly?
Starting last August, I am currently leasing a BMW 328i ...
6
votes
4answers
17k views
Cold start squeaking noise in engine
I just purchased a used 2010 Corolla 3 days ago. I've only now noticed that when I start the car, there is a squeaking sound coming from the engine. It lasts no more than a second. Sounds like it ...
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
1answer
1k views
What are the tell tale signs of a catalytic converter that might be going bad?
I've owned two vehicles whose catalytic converters were recalled due two a couple of reasons: one being the quality of the CC and the other being a reduction in power due to a material building up and ...
5
votes
4answers
139 views
What clues are there to identify real mileage?
This is a bit theoretical question, maybe viable for a wiki.
Suppose you want to buy a 10yo car and among available deals you see one with suspiciously low mileage (e.g. 5'000 km). Seller assures you ...
5
votes
2answers
101 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 ...
5
votes
3answers
266 views
Brake lights, but no tail lights
I've got a 2001 WJ 4.0, The right brake light wasn't working, so I installed a new bulb, but I must have done something in the process because now all my brake lights work but I have no running ...
5
votes
1answer
476 views
Huge puddle of water under car
I parked my Dodge Viper after driving for about two hours. Half an hour later I noticed a huge puddle under the engine, on the passenger side.
I am pretty sure it was water since it was thin, ...
5
votes
2answers
548 views
Foul Smell when turning on air conditioning
I have a 2007 Chrysler Aspen, and recently (past 2 weeks) when I turn on the ac, I notice a 'foul' smell, like burnt rubber, or even sulphur-like. The smell will last a few minutes and will gradually ...
5
votes
4answers
3k views
Doing my own fuel induction service - how to, and how difficult?
Was recommended to get a fuel induction service for a 2002 V4 Camry, and am considering doing it MYSELF. The reasons for considering this are:
My car idles a bit rough, especially when the AC is on.
...
5
votes
2answers
198 views
All weather tires vs winter tires on well-plowed roads
I live in Minnesota. I've seen lots of people recommend changing to winter tires in the winter. However, what doesn't make sense to me is that the roads are plowed very well here. 90% of my driving ...
