Recently a friend bought a 2012 Toyota Corolla that had the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) light on and would not shut off. The ESC light is a dashboard light with a symbol of a car with wavy lines under it. After reading online below is what I found so far with this problem and will… Read More: Toyota Corolla ESC (Car with Wavy Lines) Light Stays On… »
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: What Is a Nissan P1564 OBDII Code and What are… »
If you have a Honda that displays the error “Electric Parking Brake Problem,” there can be several causes and fixes. Many Honda owners report having issues with cars equipped with the new braking system. The vehicle will keep beeping and display on the screen “ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM.” Often the “BRAKE” and “BRAKE SYSTEM” lights… Read More: 3 Causes and Fixes Honda Electric Parking Brake Problem »
If you have a Chevy Silverado with a P0102 OBDII error code, there is usually a problem with the MAF sensor. A Chevy Silverado P0102 OBDII code is a “Mass Air Flow Circuit Signal Low.” While a faulty MAF sensor is the usual problem other things can also cause the error. What Is a P0102… Read More: Cause and Fixes P0102 Code Chevy Silverado »
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: 4 Causes and Fixes for a P0171 Honda Accord »
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: How To Fix a P0521 Code Chevy Silverado Sierra Tahoe »
Flushing a radiator is an easy task for the DIY Backyard Mechanic. Precaution should be taken mainly that the engine must be cold. Never open a radiator cap on a hot engine as it will have built up pressure that could explode out possibly causing injury. Since radiator fluid is damaging to the environment be… Read More: How To Use A Radiator Flush Kit With Pictures and… »
What Happens if You Overfill Coolant? If the coolant is overfilled, it will likely be blown out of the system through the radiator cap or reservoir but usually does not damage any components. Occasionally the radiator fluid can be blown into the electrical system, which may cause a problem, but this is rare. Usually, there… Read More: What Happens if You Overfill Coolant? »
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: What is No Powertrain DTC or Freeze Frame Data Meaning »
If you have a Honda Odyssey and a “Check Fuel Cap” message comes on, there are several causes and fixes. The most common fix is to tighten the gas cap, but other things can also cause the issue. A “Check Fuel Cap” message is common with Honda vehicles and is usually a DIY job. Of… Read More: Causes and Fixes Honda Odyssey Check Fuel Cap Message »
If you have a Chrysler 200 and cannot 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 to access the… Read More: Where is the Battery in a Chrysler 200 and How… »
If you own a 2005-2009 Kia Spectra and the air conditioning stops blowing cold air it may need to be recharged. This is a common problem with older cars with it being a simple fix to add more refrigerant to the system. I have a 2006 Kia Spectra that needed a refrigerant charge, so I… Read More: How To Add Refrigerant on a 2005-2009 Kia Spectra Recharge… »
A Video is at the bottom of the page for a visual walk-through if needed. If you have a 2009-2013 Toyota Corolla and the air conditioning stops blowing cold air it may need to be recharged. This is a common problem with cars as they age with it being a simple fix to add more… Read More: How To Add Refrigerant 2009-2013 Toyota Corolla Recharge the AC »
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: Fixes for Chevy Silverado P0171 Code: System Too Lean (Bank… »
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: 3 Causes and Fixes P2646 Error Code Honda »
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: Understanding OBDII Scan Tools for the Beginner »
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: Review: Actron CP9125 PocketScan Code Reader »
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: What is a P1345 OBDII Engine Code? »
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: Causes and Fixes for Chevy 5.7 Vortec No Spark from… »
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: 2 Ways to Test a MAF Sensor with an OBDII… »
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: How To Replace Headlight Bulb Tesla Model S (2012-2016 Gen… »
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: How To Fix Kia Spectra P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor Error »
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: 5 Reasons a Car Won’t Accelerate and Move But RPMs… »
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: How To Read Ford Check Engine Light Without a Code… »
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: How To Bench Bleed a New Master Cylinder With Pictures »
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: How to Get a Free Diagnostic Test for Your Car »
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: What Is an Engine O2 Sensor and How To Test… »
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: What is a Chevy Sonic Code 82 and How To… »
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: Bad Torque Converter vs Bad Transmission »
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: Types of Automotive Electrical Testing Tools »
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: How to Replace Headlight Low Beam Bulb 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata »
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: Tips for Rebuilding a Edelbrock Carburetor With Step by Step… »
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: Our Picks for Best Portable Jump Starters »
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: How to Replace Headlight Bulb on 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma »
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: How to Replace Headlight Bulb 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt »