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 »
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 »
If you have a Chevy Malibu with a P1101 error code, there are some common causes and fixes that can solve the problem. Causes include the MAF sensor, throttle body, and possible vacuum leak. What is a P1101 on a Chevy Malibu? A P1101 OBDII error code is listed as “MAF Out of Self Test… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Cruze with a P0299 error 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 Error Code? A P0299 OBDII error code in a Chevy Cruze is “Turbo/Super Charger Underboost.” A Chevy… 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 »
A P1101 error code is a common problem with Chevy Cruze that can be caused by several things. 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… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Trailblazer with a P0014 OBDII error code, there are several causes and fixes. A P0014 Code means the onboard computer is seeing low oil pressure. 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… Read More »
If you have a Honda with a P3400 OBDII error code the onbard computer is seeing a problem with the oil pressure. This includes the Honda Odyssey, Pilot, Stream, Shuttle, Accord, Palisade and more. What is a Honda P3400 Engine OBDII Error Code? A Honda with an Error Code P3400 is a “Cylinder Deactivation System… 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 »
If your vehicle makes a clunking noise when you are accelerating, it can be caused by several things. Causes include bad motor mounts, universal joints, damaged shocks, and more. What is the Most Common Cause of a Clunking Noise When Accelerating? The most common cause of a clunking noise when accelerating is a bad motor… Read More »
If you have a dashboard error message saying Check Fuel Fill Inlet, the vehicle sees 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 gas cap and make filing… Read More »
Antifreeze is used as a coolant in an engine to help protect it from very cold temperatures and corrosion. Water was originally used to cool engines but quickly caused issues since the freezing point is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When a fluid such as water freezes, it expands, which can crack the engine block. Different additives… 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 a gas 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… Read More »
A Nissan that is giving a P1564 OBDII Code, indicates an “ASCD Steering Switch Fault.” Some scan tools will give an “Automatic Speed Control Device Switch” and “ASCD Switch Out of Range” error code. When a P1564 occurs, the onboard computer (ECM) sees a fault with the ASCD steering switch. What Is a Nissan P1564… Read More »
12-volt electric car heaters are an option when it comes to helping to heat your vehicle. Notice I say help to heat. 12-Volt heaters do not have enough power output to heat a car or truck the way a standard heater does. In fact, depending on how cold the place you live is, they might… Read More »
A Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler vehicle with a P0113 OBDII error code, means the onboard computer (PCM) is reading an error at the intake air temperature sensor. It is usually an easy problem to diagnose and fix with the most common fixes below. What is a P0113 OBDII Error Code? A P0113 OBDII error code… 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 »
Vacuum leaks that give Evap codes can be a pain to find at times and cause an engine light to stay on. 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 »
If you have a Chevy Equinox and it gives the message “Engine Power is Reduced” error message 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 fix is… Read More »
If you have a Toyota and a “Check Charging System” error message displays on the dashboard, there can be several causes and fixes. What Is the Toyota Check Charging System Error Message? The Check Charging System message is a warning that the alternator is not keeping the battery charged. Vehicle electronics, including the engine, use… Read More »
3 Ways to Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Headlight Bulb Types 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Passenger Side) How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Driver Side) If you need to replace the headlight bulb in a 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it falls… Read More »
If you are bleeding brake lines and no fluid is coming out, there can be several causes. Causes include blocked lines or ports, leaky hoses, bad parts, and more. Below we look at the most common reasons no fluid comes out when bleeding the brake lines. How Come When I Bleed My Brakes, Nothing Comes… Read More »
Testing an alternator with a multi-meter is a common method, but if no meter is available, there is another method. There is an old-school method to check the alternator by starting the engine and removing the battery cable. While I always suggest using a multi-meter to check the battery, there are some scenarios when no… Read More »
A Honda with the D (Drive) light that keeps flashing means the onboard computer is seeing an issue with the transmission. If you are driving when the D (Drive) starts flashing, it is best to find a safe spot to pull over and get the vehicle examined. Why Does the D (Drive) Light Flash in… Read More »
There are many good OBDII scan tools for almost any vehicle, including Honda’s. Some scanners can only read basic functions, while a few have more advanced features that are Honda-specific. Do Honda Vehicles Have an OBDII Port? All Honda vehicles built after 1996 have an OBDII port built in. It is usually located under the… 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 »
If you have a vehicle and the alternator keeps 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 to 120,000… Read More »
If you suspect your vehicle has a bad alternator, there can be several symptoms. Symptoms can vary but include the car not starting, dim lights, dashboard lights coming on, and more. How Do You Know if Your Alternator is Failing? The alternator will not charge correctly when it has failed. A test can be done… Read More »
Alternators provide electrical power for a vehicle to operate, including the engine, lights, radio, or any electronic device. It also keeps the battery charged, which is necessary to start the engine. If the alternator fails, the battery will no longer receive a charge and will drain until it is dead. Type of Multi Meter Needed… Read More »