Testing a MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor) is quick and easy to do with an OBDII scan tool. A high-end scan tool is not needed; almost any low-cost OBDII scan tool will work, including $20-$30 dollar units. What is the MAF Sensor? The MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor) sensor measures how much airflow is going into the… Read More »
If you have a Tesla Model S with a bad headlight bulb, they can be changed out by a DIY type of person. Replacing the headlight bulb on Tesla is no different than many new modern cars. The access is from the wheel well, which may not be for everyone but is a straightforward task.… Read More »
A crankshaft position sensor regulates the engine timing and also affects the plugs getting spark. The sensor tells the onboard computer (ECM) the crank position which is necessary for timing. If the ECM detects an error with the crankshaft position sensor it will give a P0335 OBDII code. What is a P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor… Read More »
Using a laptop to scan OBDII engine codes is an easy task and even possibly one of the better options. One of the great things about using a laptop when scanning OBDII codes, is the ability to quickly look online for answers. As long as the laptop is online, an error code can be looked… Read More »
If you step on the gas pedal and a car won’t accelerate, but the RPMs go up, there is an issue getting power to the drive-train. The engine provides power which is then sent through the transmission and axles to the tires. When there is an issue with one of the drive-train components, the RPMs… Read More »
Anyone who has an engine light come on will no doubt like to know what the problem is. The standard way is to use an OBDII scan tool which will give the error code, and can then be looked up. But what if you dont have a scan tool? Most vehicles have a built-in diagnostic… Read More »
Having a good OBDII scan tool with ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is a nice thing to have when troubleshooting ABS vehicle problems. There are many ABS OBDII scan tools available from low-cost to high-end units. Everyone will have a different requirement from an automotive scan tool. For example, a DIY mechanic will not have the… Read More »
If you have a Diesel truck and have an engine light on or simply need to pull the codes, there are many scan tools available. The first thing you’re going to need is a scan tool to find out why the check engine light is on. A dealership will have the best equipment to troubleshoot… Read More »
Bleeding a new brake master cylinder is necessary to remove any air that is in the unit. It is easy enough to do for a handy DIY type person with the right tools. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to call a professional. It is best to bleed the cylinder before installing it since… Read More »
Having a good VAG-COM scan tool can go a long way to help not only find a mechanical problem but to do some light modding. There are many VAG-COM VCDS scan tools available for Volkswagen, from low-cost units to expensive high-end models. Below are some of our favorite options that would be a good fit… Read More »
There are a few different ways you can get a free diagnostic test done on your car or truck. All vehicles from 1996 and newer have an OBDII port under the dashboard that, with a scan tool, can read engine codes. The OBDII port, along with an OBDII scan tool, is the main way to… Read More »
Having a good OBDII scan tool goes a long way to help troubleshoot a vehicle issue and point to the repair needed. There are many good OBDII scanners to use that come with different menus, features, and price ranges. Often, what works for one person may not work for another so below we list our… Read More »
The O2 or oxygen sensor is a major component in modern fuel injection engines and allows for better efficiency and emissions. It is the main sensor the onboard computer (ECM) receives data from when regulating the fuel-air ratio mixture. The O2 sensor affects everything from fuel economy to performance and catalytic converter efficiency. How Does… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Sonic and get a Code 82 displayed on the dashboard, it is a reminder that it is time to change the oil. It is not an engine error code but a reminder that the oil should be replaced as soon as convenient. What is a Chevy Sonic Code 82? A… Read More »
A torque converter and automatic transmission are two of the main components that work together to shift gears and move a vehicle forward. Often they are thought of as the same component but are separate parts. What is the Torque Converter? A torque converter is located at the front of an automatic transmission and is… Read More »
Troubleshooting the electrical on any vehicle can, in some cases, be simple but can sometimes become complex. Having the right tools to help you find the problem can be critical to getting the job done. Keep in mind every mechanic will have their own style and method when it comes to finding a problem. Some… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. As always, if in doubt, take your vehicle to a professional. Below are the steps with screenshots to replace them along with a video if needed for a visual walk through. 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata Headlight Bulb… Read More »
Carburetors are complex and many will not tackle rebuilding them. There are some simple rules you can follow when rebuilding a carburetor to ensure you get it done correctly. First, always take a picture of all sides of the carburetor before taking it apart. Including but not limited to the bottom and the top. During… Read More »
Portable car battery smart jump starters have become very popular in recent years. Portable jump starters are a great item in an emergency when a battery has lost its charge. Modern-day devices, from smartphones to laptops, can drain a battery leaving a user in need of a jump which makes emergency jump kits a good… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. As always, if in doubt, take your vehicle to a professional. Below are the steps with screenshots to replace them, along with a video, if needed, for a visual walk-through. 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Headlight Bulb Type… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. The headlight assembly needs to be removed, which is held in place with two 10mm bolts. Removing the headlight assembly is sometimes easier than removing the center plastic from the bumper. While not necessary; removing the… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. As always, if in doubt, take your vehicle to a professional. If the driver-side bulb is bad, the battery may need to be removed to get to the bulb. If your hands are small enough, the… Read More »
The maintenance required message that displays on the dashboard of a 2019 Toyota Corolla is given as a reminder to change the oil. The Maintenance Required light comes on every 5000 miles and the oil should be changed. After the oil is changed, resetting the message is quick and easy to do. The message does… Read More »
Resetting a Toyota Highlander Maintenance REQD Service light is easy to do with a few steps. The light will come on and is a reminder that maintenance should be done on the vehicle, such as an oil change. After the oil is changed, the light is reset. Below are both quick steps, along with the… Read More »
Low-cost OBDII scan tools have become very popular since they can point to the problem a car or truck is having, which can then be fixed. The OM123 is one such low-cost vehicle scan tool that can read and clear engine codes. This makes it a good unit in many scenarios, such as a part-time… Read More »
A bad purge valve can have varying symptoms and will need to be examined and tested to see if it has failed. The main symptoms include the engine light staying on and failing an emission test. What is the Purge Valve? The purge valve is a component in a vehicle’s EVAP system which is for… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Spark and get a Code 82 displayed on the dashboard, it is a notification that it is time to change the oil. It is not an emergency, and the vehicle will continue to operate, but the oil should be replaced as soon as convenient. What is a Chevy Spark Code… Read More »
If you have a vehicle with a P0171 error code, the onboard computer (ECM) is reading a problem with the air/fuel ratio. An OBDII scan tool will give the error message “P0171 “Bank 1 System Too Lean.” The P0171 code is a notorious engine error that can be caused by several things. Unlike many ODBII… Read More »
Spark plugs that are wet with gasoline, are caused by the inadequate spark to the air/gas mixture, or too much gas leaking into the cylinder. Sometimes called flooding the engine, the fix can be a bad injector or a component of the spark such as wires and coil. An engine will misfire with wet spark… Read More »
If the Maintenance Required (MAINT REQD) Light comes on in your Toyota Corolla dashboard, it is simple enough to reset. The Maintenance Required Light usually turns on as a reminder it is time to change the oil. The vehicle does not know if the oil has been changed; it is simply a reminder light that… Read More »
If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle and the driveshaft is making a clunking noise, it can be caused by different components. The driveshaft works with several components that will need to be examined to see which one has failed. The main components include U-joint, differential gears, bearings, and more. Any noise being made by… Read More »
The purge valve is a common failure in an EVAP system which often needs to be tested to see if it has gone bad. There are several ways to test the purge valve, including using a multimeter, vacuum pump, or a quick method that requires no tools. While using a multimeter or vacuum pump are… Read More »
I recently had a 2006 Kia Spectra that had no spark, and I could only find limited information. If you find yourself with the same problem, below is what I found. A video is at the bottom of the page for a visual walk-through. If you have an OBDII scan tool for the Kia, be… Read More »
When it comes to auto body work, deep dents are not easy to get out and either need to be hit from the back or pulled out. Since many dents cant be reached from the back, dent puller options are often looked at as the best method. One of these methods is called a Stud… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Silverado and get a P0121 error code, there is a problem with the throttle body. An OBDII scan tool will give the error as “Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1 Performance.” Some scan tools will give the error as “Throttle Pedal Position Sensor Switch (TPS) A Circuit Range Performance Problem.” What… Read More »