A Chevy Silverado with a P0171 Code is having an issue with the Air/Fuel ratio going into the engine. When troubleshooting a P0171 code, be sure to look for other codes that will help to troubleshoot the problem. For example, if you have a P0171 code along with a P1101 MAF air flow sensor, the… Read More »
If you have a Honda with a P2646 OBDII error code, the ECM does not see the rocker arm oil switch working when the rocker arm oil control solenoid is switched on. An OBDII error code will be given “P2646: Rocker arm actuator A- Bank 1 Perf. or Stuck off.” or “A Rocker Arm Actuator… Read More »
OBDII protocols make modern vehicles easy to read errors with an OBDII scan tool to see what problems it may have. The OBDII protocols have evolved over the years adding new definitions and code types to the standard. One such added code type is the Permanent OBDII Code Type which began to be added in… 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 »
Like almost everything new today, your car has a computer, and if it’s 1996 or newer, it has an OBDII port which stands for onboard diagnostics second-generation, that allows for error codes to be easily read. A good OBDII code scanner can read and clear error codes, which is invaluable to troubleshooting a car or… Read More »
If you get an OBDII code P1345, it is a “Crankshaft Position-Camshaft Position Correlation” error. This is one of the more interesting errors since the vehicle still usually runs and often is not a bad camshaft position sensor. While the Camshaft Position sensor may be bad, replacing it often does not fix a P1345 error… Read More »
If you have a 5.7 Vortec engine and it is not getting any spark, there are several things that can cause the issue. Problems include the fuses, crank sensor, cam sensor, distributor, ignition module, plug wires, and rotor. With the many things that can cause a no spark issue, each component will need to be… Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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. If you have an OBDII scan tool for the Kia, be sure to scan for any engine errors if possible. First, be sure it… 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 »