If you have a suspected bad fuel pump relay and need to temporarily jump it for testing, it is quick and easy to do. A better method in many cases is to look in the fuse box for a relay with the same part numbers and temporarily use it. Using another similar relay is commonly… Read More »
Locating an electrical short in a car or truck can be difficult and time-consuming. Wiring issues can be hard to find and locate, but by using a simple test light method, you can narrow your search dramatically. This process will save you time and money and is a quick way to find an electrical short… Read More »
A P1101 error code is a common problem with Chevy Cruze that points to an issue with the airflow going into the engine. A sensor called a MAF (Mass Air Flow) located at the air intake of the engine measures all the air flowing in and reports the information back the the computer. When the… Read More »
The Foxwell NT624 Elite is an OBDII Scan tool that has many advanced features and options. From resetting a throttle position sensor to simply scanning and erasing for error codes, the Foxwell NT624 is a very nice OBDII scan tool. This makes it a good fit in a professional shop or for the at-home DIY-type… Read More »
If you have a vehicle and the alternator keeps gin bad, failing, or burning out, it can be caused by several things. While alternators can fail, they should not fail constantly, and more than two failures usually indicate there is an issue. How Often Should an Alternator Fail? Most alternators are built to last 90,000… Read More »
If you have a Honda Acura and the VSA light comes on with a yellow exclamation (!) and triangle, this has to do with the driving stability. There is a switch to turn on or off the VSA system; if it does not work, there is an internal error with the VSA system. It is… Read More »
If you need to connect an exhaust pipe and do not have a welder, there are a several methods to get the job done. While welding joints together is often done by shops, using U-bolts and other connection techniques is also wildly used. In fact, whole exhaust kits can be bolted together without welding and… Read More »
The maintenance light for a 2012-2017 Honda Accord comes on when basic service is needed, and is a reminder that an oil change or tire rotation needs to be done. It is quick and easy to shut off with a few steps. The onboard screen can be used, or the speedometer method can also be… Read More »
If you have a Jeep and the ESP BAS light comes on, several things can cause the problem. When troubleshooting an ESP light issue, an OBDII scan tool will be needed to read the codes on the computer (ECM) If you don’t have an OBDII scan tool, most auto parts stores will scan the vehicle… Read More »
A Chevy P0121 Code Silverado is a “Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1 Performance.” Common causes include a faulty throttle body, bad throttle position sensor, and wiring. Symptoms include the engine running badly, rapid RPM changes, and possibly limp mode. If you have a Chevy Silverado and get a P0121 error code, there is a problem… Read More »
A Ford P0022 error code is an “Intake Camshaft Position Timing – Over-Retarded (Bank 2).” Common causes include dirty engine oils, bad or clogged VCT solenoid, and slipped timing chain Symptoms can vary but include low oil pressure, limo modem, engine pinging, and more. If you have a Ford vehicle with a P0022 OBDII Code… Read More »
If you have a Honda with a P0118 error code, there is a problem with a coolant heat sensor. The official definition is an “Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High.” There can be 2-4 engine coolant temperature sensors (ECT) in a Honda, depending on the year and model. What is a P0118 Code Honda… Read More »
Symptoms of a Bad Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor How a Temperature Sensor Works Coolant Temperature Sensor Location How Much Does it Cost for a Coolant Temperature Sensor? Common Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor OBDII Codes How To Test a Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacing a Coolant Temperature Sensor Like all sensors on an engine, an engine coolant… Read More »
If you have a Toyota Tacoma and the speedometer is not working, there are several causes and fixes. Common causes include a bad wheel speed sensor, instrument cluster, or ABS control module. Often, when the speedometer is not working, neither is the tachometer and odometer. How a Tacoma Speedometer Works A Toyota Tacoma speedometer receives… Read More »
A Toyota with a P0136 OBDII error code points to a problem with an oxygen sensor located in the exhaust system is having an issue. There are two oxygen sensors called the upstream (sensor-1) and the downstream sensor (sensor-2). What is a Toyota P0136 OBDII Error Code? A Toyota P0136 is an “O2 Sensor Circuit… Read More »
A Toyota P0031 Code is a “HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 1)” Common causes include a bad oxygen sensor, or sensor wiring. Symptoms include using more fuel than usual, check engine light, and bad acceleration. A Toyota with a P0031 OBDII Code is having an issue with an Oxygen Sensor. Oxygen sensors… Read More »
P2111 Code: Throttle Actuator A Control System Stuck Open The Throttle Body is Having an Issue That Needs Fixed Common Causes Include a Bad Throttle Body, Wiring, and a Bad Sensor. A vehicle with a P2111 code is having an issue with the electronic throttle body and will need to be troubleshooted to know why.… Read More »
A Nissan C1130 Code is an “Engine Signal 1” Error The ABS Anti-Lock Brake Module Has Bad Data This is Usually Caused by Another Malfunction, Such as as an Engine Issue. A Nissan with a C1130 Code is having an issue with the ABS module. The code does not necessarily mean the ABS module is… Read More »
If you have a Ford vehicle with a dashboard error message saying “Check Fuel Fill Inlet”, the computer is seeing a problem with the “No Gas Cap System”. This is a common problem for Ford vehicles, including the F150, Mustangs, or any Ford Capless Fuel System. The No Cap system was created to eliminate the… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2014-2019 Chevy Silverado is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. As always, if in doubt, take your vehicle to a professional. There are two bulbs on both sides of the vehicle behind small covers. Removing the headlight bulb on the passenger side requires removing the air-box.… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Malibu and can not find the gas tank button, you are not alone, as this is a common question with the car. There is no gas tank button as the fuel door is pressed on and will pop open when done correctly. The main car doors must also be unlocked,… 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 »
Having roadside emergency lights is something that is nice to have in many scenarios, from breaking down, back tail lights stopped working, or any time road hazard lights are needed. Using them when being broken down is no doubt the time they are used the most, but I have also used them in many other… Read More »
If your car has a noise that gets louder when you speed up, it can be caused by several things. Sounds can be hard to locate in a vehicle when driving, but if possible, try to find the side of the car the noise is coming from. If the location of the sound can be… Read More »
A bad IAC valve will affect the idle of the engine with a high or low idle speed. It will only affect the idle of the engine but engine will run well when the gas pedal is pressed. An IAC valve is controlled by the computer and allows air to bypass the throttle body butterfly… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2011–2020 Toyota Sienna is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take it to a professional. There are two bulbs located inside the headlight assembly called Low-beam and High-beam. The Low beam bulb is on the outside, while the… Read More »
I have a friend who was having a fuel pump problem on a 2004 Passat, so I went over to help troubleshoot. At first I was ready to simply swap in a new one until I seen the price, which would make it costly if it was not the problem. Plus, a special tool is… Read More »
A bad Body Control Module (BCM) can have several symptoms related to electrical problems in a vehicle. This includes any of the components that the BCM controls and manages such as the radio, electric windows, windshield wipers, and more. What is a Body Control Module? The body control module (BCM) is a computer that monitors… Read More »
If you have a car or truck and think it may have low fuel pressure, several symptoms are caused by fuel delivery issues. Symptoms include long start times, rough idle, check engine light on, misfire codes (P0300-P0308), engine running lean (P0171 Code), and reduced engine power. Low fuel pressure is often described as the vehicle… Read More »
Changing the oil on the 2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8 Liter is easy to do and part of basic maintenance. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your car to a professional. A Maintenance Required message will display when the oil needs to be changed, which will need to be reset when done. Resetting… 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 think you have a bad clogged catalytic converter, there can be several symptoms that point to a bad unit. Common symptoms include low engine power, misfire, running rough, strange smell, and more. Symptoms of a Bad Clogged Catalytic Converter Lack of Power When a catalytic converter becomes clogged, exhaust from the engine will… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Cruze with a P00B7 engine error code, it points to an overheating issue. The problem is usually a faulty component in the coolant system with several parts that can cause a P00B7 OBDII error code. What is a P00B7 Engine Error Code on a Chevy Cruze? A P00B7 Engine Error… Read More »
A P0301 error code is a misfire that means the number-1 spark plug is not firing correctly. Other P0300 errors point to other cylinders not working correctly. For example, the P0302 code is spark plug-2 misfire, and P0303 would be spark plug-3. If the cylinder is not firing correctly, the engine performance will be greatly… Read More »
A video is at the bottom of this post for a visual walk-through if needed. If you have a 2015-2023 Ford Mustang 5.0 and need to check the oil level, it is quick and easy to do. The hood will need to be opened to get access to the dipstick, which will show the engine… Read More »