If you have a vehicle that is giving a P0031 error code, there is a problem with an upstream sensor on the exhaust. Fixing a P0031 error code falls into the DIY mechanic job, with many at-home backyard mechanics solving the issue. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your vehicle to a… Read More »
Replacing the camshaft position sensor on a 2002-2009 Toyota Camry falls in the DIY category. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take it to a professional. The camshaft position sensor is necessary for the Camry timing. When the sensor is bad, the timing is off, causing the car to run badly, not start,… Read More »
There are many causes for a vehicle not to start with a bad neutral safety switch one of them. There are a few ways to see if the neutral safety switch has gone bad, depending on the manufacturer. The most common way is to put a car in neutral, hold the brake, and try to… Read More »
A multimeter is a tool that makes life easier when testing electronics or wiring in a vehicle. Checking if a battery has a charge or testing the alternator are common problems that can be quickly checked with a multimeter. A good meter for automotive work will have basic requirements that almost any meter should have.… 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 »
The maintenance light for a 2012-2017 Honda Accord comes on when basic service is needed, such as an oil change or tire rotation. 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 done to clear the light. Using the… Read More »
If you find yourself with a vehicle where the engine does not start, the first things to check are the spark and gas. All mechanics will eventually find themselves with this problem and need to diagnose the electrical problem. Knowing whether an engine has a spark will quickly help narrow the problem with a vehicle… Read More »
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 »
If you have a leaking plastic radiator, it can often be fixed using two main methods. The main methods include using an Epoxy DIY repair kit or melting the plastic back together using a soldering iron. Often when a leak is seen on a plastic radiator, many think it must be replaced when it can… Read More »
If you have a 2001-2005 2.4 Liter Mitsubishi Galant that is giving a P0340 OBDII Code the Camshaft Position Sensor usually needs replaced. A bad Camshaft Position Sensor will cause a vehicle to not start at times and other times work intermittently. What is a P0340 Code on a 2001-2005 Mitsubishi Galant? A P0340 Code… 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 Honda CR-V and the “Check Fuel Cap” message comes on, there are several causes and fixes. This is a common error for a Honda CRV and is usually fixable by most car owners. Often Honda CRV owners ignore the message, but it is usually not a difficult problem to fix. Of… Read More »
If you have a Toyota that is giving a P0401 Code, there is a problem with the EGR valve. A P0401 OBDII error code is an “EGR Insufficient Flow Detected. “ This can be caused by three main components, including the EGR Valve, EGR Vacuum Modulator, or a Vacuum Line Leak. The location of the… Read More »
Doing a compression test is an easy task for a DIY mechanic and can show if you have bad piston rings or valves. Bad rings or valves can cause a leak to occur around them, which instead of sending a piston downward, the air goes around the piston. This will give an engine a lack… Read More »
If an engine light comes up on your dashboard, and after using a scan tool to read the error, it comes up with a P0455 error code, there are some common causes. The causes will be the same for Ford, Dodge, Chevy, or any foreign and domestic vehicle. What is a P0455 OBDII Error Code?… Read More »
If your car has long start times and hesitates to start, there are several things that can cause it. While usually a sign the vehicle needs to be tuned up, there are other causes that can occur. A car needs the correct mixture of gas and air combined with a spark to start immediately. If… Read More »
Having a good book on automotive repair can go a long way to help understand how a vehicle works. Repair manuals are good but require the fundamentals of mechanical repair to be already understood. Many articles online are also a good resource but can often skip subjects and leave gaps in explanations. This is why… Read More »
Automatic Shifters are a specialty performance part that gives more control to a driver and looks cool doing it. While mainly used for drag racing, they also can be used whenever more control over a vehicle is needed. If you are looking to get an automatic shifter, there are many available with those below some… Read More »
If your car or truck is misfiring, you may wonder, “how long can I drive with a misfiring cylinder?” The quick answer is it varies greatly and depends on how bad the problem is and how many cylinders you have. For example, if you have an 8-cylinder engine and a single spark plug wire is… Read More »
If you find yourself alone after changing out brake pads or a master cylinder and have no help to bleed them, there are a few ways to do it alone. This happens to many DIY mechanics as most people disappear when it’s time to go to work. Luckily there are some easy options. Can You… Read More »
If you have a Chrysler 300 and the ESP BAS light comes on, there can be several causes and fixes. The main fix is to do a reset procedure, and if this does not work, an OBDII scan tool will be needed to read error codes. An advanced OBDII scan tool will be needed to… 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. This includes 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 »
If you have a Chevy and get an “SVC Tire Monitor” error message on your dashboard, the onboard computer sees a low tire. It can also be an error from a bad sensor, but usually, it is a low tire that needs air. The vehicle may also give a “Tire Low Add Air” message. The… Read More »
If you have a Honda with a P1456 error code, the onboard computer (ECM) is seeing an error with the Evap system. The official definition for a Honda P1456 is EVAP Control System Leak Detected. The Evap system helps a vehicle run more efficiently and reduce emissions. When the system has is not working correctly,… 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 During Very Cold… Read More »
A common problem with many Ford vehicles is a door ajar message comes on even though all the doors are closed. This can be very annoying, especially when driving at night since often the dome light will also come on and sometimes the door chime. The door ajar light is controlled by the door light… 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 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 »
If you have a Chevy Cruze that is reporting 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, the… Read More »
Today we are talking about wheel studs and the tool needed to remove the studs. In this guide, you will find two pieces of information. What tool do you need, and a trick to use if you do not have the tool needed. Of course, the best way to tackle any job is with 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 »
DOT 3 and DOT 4 are commonly used as brake fluid in many modern cars and trucks. Both types work very well, with DOT 3 used for routine driving and DOT 4 used more in newer vehicles, or for high performance. Can You Mix DOT 3 and DOT 4 Brake Fluid? Yes, you can mix… Read More »
If you have a Toyota Tacoma and the speedometer is not working, there are several causes and fixes. The main causes are 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 Toyota Tacoma speedometer receives… 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 »
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 »