All Questions
27,838
questions
13
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How do I weigh mileage against time when it comes to scheduled maintenance?
My 2001 Honda Civic's manual indicates that my timing belt should be replaced every 110,000 miles or 84 months. I bought the car in July 2001 and have around 49,000 miles on it. A dealer mechanic said ...
- 233
4
votes
2
answers
15k
views
Where are my Power Window Relays?
I have a 2005 Mazda 3, and I have located both the interior and exterior fuse box. Neither one of the fuse boxes have relays in it concerning the power windows. Does anyone know where they are on ...
- 885
11
votes
7
answers
307k
views
How many amps should my car pull while it is turned off?
I've recently started having a bit of trouble with my car. I typically drive my car to and from work each day. A couple weeks ago I went on vacation and when I returned, my car battery was as dead ...
- 213
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How do FRAM oil filters stand up to their competition?
My friend is telling me that Wix is a better oil filter. He says they don't use paper, and that the intake holes are bigger. I just bought a TG16 (which is the expensive FRAM filter). Is there any ...
- 617
2
votes
3
answers
4k
views
VW Golf MkV spoiler removal
I need to change the rear spoiler on my 2005 golf gti.
I read that it's possible to remove the adhesive by cutting through it with some kind of a thread, I guess nylon would be best.
Has anyone done ...
- 121
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Central lock button blinking on Peugeot 407 when car is locked
When I lock my car, the central lock button (the one with padlock) on the panel starts blinking with a 1 sec. rate. I have check if the boot is closed, and it is (if it wasn't, it would also show an ...
- 41
16
votes
5
answers
1k
views
Keeping an old car alive?
So I drive a '97 Subaru Legacy with about 200,000 miles on it. Still runs like a charm, never gives me any trouble. Had the brakes, rotors, and calipers all replaced recently, tightened the power ...
- 1,917
3
votes
1
answer
870
views
How can I identify which wire should hook to my headlight switch in my Mazda Protoge (91)?
The headlight switch in my dash is not connected to anything (I noticed this after the headlights quit working!), so I took the dash panel off in an attempt to find the plug. The only plug I could ...
- 31
6
votes
1
answer
13k
views
My 2005 Mazda 3 Front Passenger window motor receives signal to go down, but not up
If you look at the picture below you will see that I took the plastic panel off my door, and separated the motor from the regulator. After I disconnected the motor that I thought was bad, I connected ...
- 885
4
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Honda Accord Jerks when shifting gears and makes grinding sound?
I have a 99 Honda Accord 2dr 3.0L V6 automatic.
When I drive this car it makes a whooooo sound coming somewhere from the engine, when I turn to the right it is intense and when I turn to the left it ...
6
votes
4
answers
24k
views
How can I put down stuck rear sunshade on a 2006 Mercedes E class?
I have a 2006 Mercedes E-350 with an automatic rear sunshade; until a week ago the sunshade worked fine, but now it's stuck up and I can't get it to come down by any means.
The button to move the ...
- 646
7
votes
3
answers
53k
views
How can I connect an Aux input to a 2004 Honda Jazz stock stereo?
Just bought a used Honda Jazz 1.4 SE for my wife, and although it has a CD/Radio with an Aux button on it, there is no external connection I can see.
As she wants to be able to connect her iPod, I am ...
- 18.6k
4
votes
2
answers
897
views
What does bondo outgas?
Does anybody know the gas that Bondo outgasses when drying? A neighbour is sensitive to certain gasses and he needs to know if he will be affected by Bondo. Thanks.
- 1,733
3
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Adhesive for use with a foam liner under the door panel
I recently pulled a door panel to fix a broken cable. There was a foam liner behind the panel that had to come off to access the cable. I think this serves as a water barrier, so I want to make sure ...
- 3,921
8
votes
2
answers
18k
views
Why does my engine perform poorly and get bad gas mileage after using fuel injector cleaner?
At the advice of someone at a local auto parts shop, I poured a bottle of fuel injector cleaner into my gas tank. This happened around the same time that I had a brake job done and rotated my tires.
...
- 929
3
votes
3
answers
5k
views
What could be the reason for intermittent behavior of a window switch?
On an older Dodge van the switch to roll up the windows on the driver and passenger sides work for, say a month, and then they don't, and then one side works, and then the other side, and then neither ...
- 1,051
10
votes
2
answers
8k
views
What bolt extractor will remove a broken motor mount bolt on a 2004 Subaru WRX?
Things were going slowly but well on my install last night until I sheared off the passenger side motor mount bolt while putting everything back together (at about midnight - sigh). Here are the key ...
- 24.5k
3
votes
5
answers
27k
views
Spark plug tips are breaking/melting or falling of my Bosch Platinum Plugs
After 150,000 on the original factory plugs I replaced them all with Bosch Platinum, single tip, plugs. After a couple of months my car began to idle roughly at stops but not always. Then one day it ...
- 31
4
votes
2
answers
448
views
Clay block effectiveness
Just wondering if anyone has tried any of these commercial clay block paint oxide remover things... If so; do they work? Do they work on all paint types? Can I just use regular $1 a pound sculpting/...
- 155
1
vote
3
answers
1k
views
What speaker sizes are in a 1991 VW Polo coupe?
Title says it all, what are the speaker sizes in a volkswagen golf coupe from 1991?
- 129
4
votes
1
answer
10k
views
My keyless Car won't start after having a flat battery, message:FORD KEY FREE IGNITION PRESS POWER OFF OK
Ford Focus 2011, after flat battery will not start, get the message: FORD KEY FREE IGNITION PRESS POWER OFF OK This is the keyless start version.
- 41
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
Toyota Tacoma squeaky front shock
I recently purchased a Toyota Tacoma 2008. It has a one inch lift kit with aftermarket rims and tires. The problem is that the front shocks squeak loudly when going over a curb for example.
Any ideas ...
- 113
2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Catalytic converter possibly bad. How soon do I need to replace?
2004 Cadillac SRX V8 AWD is making a rattling sound when idle, and mostly or completely goes away when RPMs increase. From what I've found, this is a bad catalytic converter.
It is under warranty ...
- 387
1
vote
1
answer
377
views
Alarm system appears to be going out?
A bit ago, I went out to my van (1998 Toyota Sienna), unlocked, and got in with nothing unusual. When I put the key in the ignition and turned it to the on position, all the appropriate lights came ...
- 143
13
votes
7
answers
112k
views
Is it normal for the oil to be dark in color right after an "oil change" in a 10-year old diesel car?
I took my 2002 Jetta TDI wagon to a neighborhood shop about 10 miles, 24 hours ago. They supposedly changed the oil, but the color is very dark, almost black. Definitely not light-colored/transparent. ...
- 233
7
votes
2
answers
44k
views
Downshifting an automatic
The question of whether or not to downshift a manual transmission has been addressed, but what about automatics? I personally always downshift when coming to a stop, and my latest vehicle (Ford Focus) ...
- 1,733
16
votes
3
answers
51k
views
What is the cause of belt squeak in the morning?
For the past month or so my 2003 Honda Accord squeaks in the morning when I start driving to work. After a couple of minutes of driving the squeak stops. I'm pretty sure it's from the belt area. What ...
- 1,089
3
votes
4
answers
2k
views
How much efficiency is robbed from 'pumping loss,' if any?
I'm specifically referring to the loss due to the pistons pulling air through a mostly closed throttle while cruising at highway speeds in a gasoline engine.
To give an example, I've always wondered ...
- 2,704
1
vote
1
answer
5k
views
How to determine the cause of leak in a Mazdaspeed 3?
When stopping for gas on the way home, I noticed a red fluid running out from the front of my car. It had a reddish tint to it and was coming out from under the passenger side wheel. I checked the ...
- 111
4
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Why does my 2005 Volvo S60 make a clicking sound when accelerating from a stop?
To start off, I had my oil changed at the dealship last month. The dealer told me that the car needs new joints and control arm bushings.
Recently, I've noticed that sometimes there is a click that ...
- 929
2
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Durability of chrome rims vs aluminum alloy
We have a Japanese car that recently developed a slow leak in the right rear tire. One tire shop told us that we needed new tires on the back, but the justification sounded weak so I drove it for a ...
- 123
3
votes
2
answers
3k
views
What happens if a dry charged battery is used without electrolyte?
I bought a battery today for my scooter. The mechanic fitted the battery into the scooter and it seems to be running fine. But when I noticed the battery's box later on, it said "Dry Charged" and on ...
- 133
3
votes
2
answers
8k
views
accidentally placed oil in the coolant reservoir in a BMW 325i. How do I fix it and what is the cost?
I accidentally added oil to my coolant reservoir. I have a BMW 325i. The oil light came on and I figured my oil may be low. When the oil was added the oil light warning went off. However, the ...
- 31
1
vote
2
answers
83
views
2001 Saturn L-200 replacing one tire
So, today I was driving and all of the sudden my front passenger tire blew out. I pull over to find out that I ran over some piece of metal and the tire is torn unrepairable. Luckily there was a tires ...
- 21
0
votes
2
answers
3k
views
How to find ignition wire on mercedes truck
Hi all I need to find ignition wire as I need to connect t to my ower supply. This should be behind the key lock right? How do I approach to it and how to know which one is right wire?
Truck s ...
- 113
1
vote
1
answer
2k
views
xenon balast and igniter testing
I have a BMW E46 with EOM xenon headlight, but they stopped working. I checked and BMW xenon headlights have two pieces: balast and igniter. Is it possible to determine which one is broken?
I added ...
- 189
6
votes
1
answer
14k
views
How do the audio controls on the steering wheel communicate with the radio?
Do they use some sort of wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth? I can't imagine there is enough room to have physical connections for all of the controls that would also allow for the full rotation of ...
- 163
4
votes
4
answers
7k
views
1972 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 Disc Brake Conversion
I just bought a '72 FJ40 and realized that three out the four (drum) brake cylinder's are seized and one of the grease seals is leaking bad.
Since I have to replace the brake cylinder's, I am ...
- 141
10
votes
1
answer
118k
views
I lost my Mercedes smart key, how do I get a new one?
If I lose a Mercedes smart key fob, how do I get a replacement? Is there anything I should do to prevent the old key from being used if it was stolen?
- 646
8
votes
3
answers
138k
views
Can I reprogram a used Mercedes smart key?
I want a new key for my Mercedes Benz and I've heard that you can get a used smart key for much cheaper than a new one from a licensed Mercedes mechanic.
Can I reuse an already programmed Mercedes ...
- 646
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Understanding NA Ford Escort air conditioning modes
I had read through 1999 Ford Escort Owner’s Manual, and have few questions regarding air conditioning modes. The manual’s section on climate control states:
The air conditioning compressor will ...
- 2,420
12
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Motorcycle Four Body Carburetor Synchronization Balancing
I would like to adjust four-body carbs by myself, in order to avoid spent money every time.
What are the basic rules, tools and secrets of synchronizing multiple carburetor bodies?
- 277
1
vote
1
answer
216
views
Chevy C2 brokes its valves when the timing belt is broken?
The Chevy C2 is and Opel Corsa designed by General Motors México.
The version I own is model 2007 and its gear transmision is automatic.
I Bought this car used and I send it to the mechanic yo ...
5
votes
2
answers
8k
views
How to determine if a Mercedes key is original?
I have made a duplicate of my car key ( 2001 E320) and I want to know if the key (reprogrammed used key) is original; manufactured legitimately by Mercedes or an authorized manufacturer. I didn't ...
- 53
5
votes
4
answers
5k
views
New headlight lenses?
So my 97 Subaru Legacy has pretty dim headlights, and it drives me up the wall. I like nice, thorough illumination when I'm driving at night; being able to see really does wonders for confidence on ...
- 1,917
3
votes
1
answer
3k
views
How should I clean brake dust off my hands?
Wiped a bunch of brake dust off my car's wheels and got some on my hands; what's a good, responsible way to wash my hands after I get brake dust on them? I don't really know if it's unsafe to get it ...
- 646
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
Broken washer hose junction and clip hardware
I'm working on a 1998 Ford Contour. The hose from the washer pump comes up on the back corner of the engine bay on the passenger side and runs across the hood toward the drivers side. The nozzle on ...
- 3,921
1
vote
2
answers
4k
views
Broken window crank handle
I'm working on a 1998 Ford Contour with manual windows that has partially broken crank handles on both sides in front. The knob you grip while rotating the handles has broken off, which makes it ...
- 3,921
5
votes
1
answer
35k
views
Will a BCM prevent a car from starting?
I've been dealing with an issue for over a year wherein my 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix starts sometimes and does not start at other times. I had the issue diagnosed last year by the GM dealership.
They ...
- 153
1
vote
2
answers
2k
views
What can cause a 1973 BMW 2002 stock solex carburetor to idle badly but run well at high RPMs?
When the engine revs are high it runs well, the air adjuster screw is set at recommended setting (1.5 turns) and at low rpms the engine sputters out, but isn't flooding. I've tried a replacement carb ...
