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 »
Changing the motor oil on a 2012 Toyota Corolla falls in the backyard mechanic DIY category. The steps will be the same for any 2009-2016 Corollas. Usually, the Maintenance Required (MAINT REQD) Light comes on when it’s time to change the oil. Read here for the steps to turn off the Maintenance Required (MAINT REQD)… Read More »
An ignition coil is a necessary component of any engine to provide voltage to the spark plugs. No matter how old or size the engine, 4, 6, or 8 cylinders all will have an ignition coil. How Many Ignition Coils are in a V6 engine? A V6 engine can have 1, 3, or 6 coils… Read More »
If you have a Honda with a P0171 error code, the onboard computer (ECM) sees a problem with the gas/air-fuel ratio. The official definition for a P0171 error code is “Bank 1 System Too Lean.” What is a Honda P0171 Error Code? A Honda with a P0171 OBDII error code is a “Bank 1 System… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Cruze that is overheating or has no heat, you may have an issue with the thermostat. The thermostat is a common failure on the Chevy Cruze and also one of the more easier DIY fixes. Symptoms of a Chevy Cruze with a Bad Thermostat Overheating No Heat Coolant or Sweet… Read More »
A P1101 error code is a common problem with Chevy Cruze with several fixes. When the Chevy Cruze first starts up, the mass airflow sensor does a self-diagnostic test. If the results are out of range, a P1101 error code is given. Some scan tools will give the error as an Intake Air Flow system… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Equinox and it gives the message “Engine Power is Reduced” along with an exclamation mark, this can be caused by several things. When the vehicle on-board computer (ECM) detects a system error, it will go into reduced power mode, also called limp mode. The most common issue is the throttle… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Cruze that is reporting that it is overheating, but the engine is not overly hot, the coolant temperature sensor may be bad. One way to test the sensor is to let the engine cool down and then start it up. While the engine is cool, in the first 1-2 minutes,… Read More »
If you have a vehicle that is giving you a P219A error code, it is having an issue with the fuel delivery on bank 1. The official definition of a P219A Code is “Fuel Trim Cylinder Balance Bank 1 – Malfunction”. The most common cause of a P219A OBD2 error code is a fuel injector… Read More »
If you have a Honda Accord and get a Check Fuel Cap message, there are several causes, with some more common than others. This problem is usually a gas cap that is not tightened all the way on but can be other issues. Once the problem is fixed, the car will need to be driven… Read More »
If you have a Chevrolet 1500 Silverado, Sierra, or Tahoe and get a P0521 error code, it is usually a straightforward fix. This also includes almost any Chevy engine type, including the 4.3L, 5.3L, and 6.2L. The most common cause is the oil pressure sending unit/switch, which usually needs to be replaced. What Is a… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Cruze with a P0299 code, there is an issue with low pressure from the turbo. The official definition of a P0299 code is “Turbo/Super Charger Underboost.” What is a Chevy Cruze P0299 Code? A Chevy Cruze P0299 code happens when the onboard computer (ECM) sees low pressure in the manifold.… Read More »
If you have a leaking plastic radiator, it can be fixed with DIY kits or even with a soldering iron. Often when a leak is seen on a plastic radiator, many think it must be replaced when it can be repaired by a DIY type person. Repairing a leak is an easy task that most… Read More »
Resetting the Service light on a 2011-2015 Mini Cooper is easy to do. The Maintenance light can come on for a variety of reasons and will need a reset, mainly after an oil change. A series of buttons are pressed in the right combination of steps to reset the light. These same steps are used… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Malibu with a P1101 error code, there are some common causes and fixes that can solve the problem. What is a P1101 on a Chevy Malibu? A P1101 code is listed as “MAF Out of Self Test Range.” Some scan tools will give the error as an “Intake Air Flow… 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 »
If you have a Chevy Trailblazer with a P0014 error code, there are several causes and fixes. Below are the most common symptoms, along with causes and fixes. What is a Chevy Trailblazer P0014 Code? A P0014 error code is an “Exhaust (B) Camshaft Position System Performance.” Some scan tools will give an Exhaust (B)… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Silverado or Sierra with a P0449 OBDII error code, there can be several causes and fixes. Below are the most common symptoms, causes, and fixes. What is a P0449 on a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra? A Chevy P0449 is an “Evaporative System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction.” This means the… Read More »
If you have a Chrysler 200 and can not locate the battery, it is located in the fender. The battery in the 2010-2014 Chrysler 200 is in the driver-side fender well. While most batteries are assessable from the engine bay, the Chrysler 200 will need the tire and wheel well splash guard removed. The battery… Read More »
If you step on the gas pedal and your 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 »
What is a Honda P3400 Engine OBDII Error Code? A Honda with an Error Code P3400 is a “Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 1“. This error can be caused by several things but is commonly caused by a bad oil pressure sensor. Possible Causes of a Honda P3400 Engine Error Code Defective cylinder deactivation solenoid An… 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 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 Chevrolet or GM vehicle and see a battery saver active message on the dashboard, there may be an issue with the charging system. This is not always the case, but the message is there since the onboard computer no longer sees the vehicle battery being charged. There are other possible causes than… Read More »
Vacuum leaks that give Evap codes can be a pain to find at times and cause an engine to not run correctly. If the leak is small enough, it can often be ignored, but an engine light will come on, which is not good in many scenarios. An Evap Smoke machine is an easy answer… Read More »
Having a good OBDII Scan tool can help greatly when it comes time to troubleshoot a vehicle. A good scan tool will display the error code that points to the problem a vehicle is having. Not all scan tools can read transmission codes with only certain units built to read and diagnose transmission errors. What… Read More »
Replacing the alternator on a 2009-2013 Toyota Corolla is a task many backyard mechanics can do. It is a straightforward job that can save money by an owner replacing it themselves. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your vehicle to a professional. How To Test a Toyota 2009-2013 Corolla Alternator Use a… Read More »
Since their introduction, OBDII Bluetooth scanner tools have become a favorite among part-time mechanics and professionals to find and fix engine problems. They are low-cost engine diagnostic tools that can help troubleshoot a problem. For example, if an engine light comes on, which gives no indication of the problem, a small, low-cost OBDII adapter code… Read More »
A radiator cap is a necessary part of any cooling system to not only keep fluid in but let coolant out if it becomes too hot. If a radiator cap goes bad, it can be replaced by most DIY-type individuals. Remember never to remove a radiator cap while the engine is hot as the cap… Read More »
Like all sensors on an engine, an engine coolant temperature sensor (CTS or ECT) is critical for a motor to run properly. This is a guide for testing and replacing a temperature sensor if it is bad. While every vehicle will have a different location for a sensor, the basic information below will be the… Read More »
If you are scanning a vehicle with an OBDII scan tool and get a “No Powertrain DTC or Freeze Frame Data,” message it means there are no codes to display. The full message given by an OBDII scan tool is “No Powertrain DTCs or Freeze Frame Data is presently stored in vehicle’s computer.” This can… Read More »
If you own a Kia and need a good OBDII scan tool, there are many available. Owning an OBDII scan tool is ideal for troubleshooting a car or just knowing why the engine light is on. What Is a Kia OBDII Scan Tool? All modern vehicles, including Kia, have an OBDII port that communicates with… Read More »
The Chevy Cruze is a great car, but like all vehicle’s there are certain specific problems that can plague some models. One such problem for the Chevy Cruze is the coolant system which is notorious for having issues. From overheating to not heating at all, the coolant system causes problems for many owners. The first… Read More »
Using an OBDII scan tool is an easy task and is something almost anyone can do, making it perfect for the home do-it-yourself type of person. The OBDII port on a car or truck is an easy way in modern times to help troubleshoot a problem any vehicle may have. Using an OBDII scan tool… Read More »