Replacing the air filter on a car is usually a simple procedure and can be done by almost any home do-it-yourself type of person. What is a Car Air Filter? All combustible engines need to air fed into the intake for combustion to happen. If the air fed into the intake is dirty, it can… 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 »
The trunk latch on my 2003 VW Passat would not close. After reading the forums, I dived into it, and below is what I have found out about the trunk latch and how I fixed the problem. I believe this is the same procedure for 1998-2005 Passat since the parts are the same. First of… 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 »
Replacing the camshaft sensor on a 2011-2017 Hyundai Elantra is an easy task that falls into the DIY category. There are two camshaft position sensors, A and B, both located next to each other. The Hyundai Elantra, 1.8 Liter DOHC, has two camshafts, so it has two sensors. The OBDII code for a Hyundai with… Read More »
Changing out a rear tail light bulb is an easy DIY task that almost anyone can do. Some basic tools will be needed, usually a screwdriver but this changes from vehicle to vehicle. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your vehicle to a professional. Below are the basic steps for replacing a… Read More »
If you have a dashboard 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 gas… Read More »
Antifreeze is commonly used as a coolant inside 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. Different additives were used to lower the freezing point of water to stop ice from forming,… Read More »
Replacing the Headlight Bulb on 2005–2010 Pontiac G6 falls into the DIY category. It does require removing some bolts and inserts, so call a professional if in doubt. The bulbs on the Pontiac G6 have the inside as High-Beam, and the middle is Low-Beam. The outer one is the running light. Tools and Parts… Read More »
How a Fuel Injector Works Symptoms of a Bad Injector Common Faulty Injector OBDII Codes How to Test if a Fuel Injector is Good or Bad Test #1: Listen for Clicking Sound Test #2: Check Injector Coil Resistance with a Multimeter Test #3 :Spray Pattern Test Test #4: Circuit Power Test Test #5: Ground Trigger… Read More »
DOT 3 and DOT 4 are very 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? The short answer… Read More »
The coolant system in modern vehicles differs slightly from older cars as they use a reservoir tank many older cars and trucks did not have. Older cars and trucks often had an overfill tank that would capture fluid that came out of the radiator when hot but was not truly a part of the system.… Read More »
If you have a suspected bad fuel pump relay and need to temporarily jump it for testing, it is easy to do. A better method in many cases is to look in the fuse box for a relay with the same part numbers and temporarily use it. Using another similar relay is commonly a quick… 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 »
If you have a GMC Acadia with a P0496 error code, the onboard computer (ECM) sees a problem with the EVAP system. A GMC P0449 OBDII error code is listed as “Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Flow During Non-Purge.” The most common cause is a bad gas cap or purge valve. Both fixes fall in the… 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 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 »
There are times when a vehicle battery has lost its charge and needs a battery charger to get it back to a charged state. This is an easy task to do that most any DIY person can readily get done. Things To Know About Charging a Battery. Every battery charger has a different style and… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Malibu and can not find the gas tank button, you are not alone, as this is a common question with the car. There is no gas tank button as the door is pressed on and will pop open when done correctly. The main car doors also need to be unlocked,… Read More »
Replacing the transmission filter and adding ATF fluid in a 2012 Corolla is a task that many backyard mechanics can do. The 2012 is a 10th-generation Toyota Corolla that uses a 1.8-liter engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Full Transmission Flush vs. Partial Flush A full transmission flush is when all the fluid is replaced and… 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 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 »
A common problem many Ford vehicles have, is the door ajar light or 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… Read More »
If you have a Toyota that is giving a P0134 Code, there is a problem with the EGR valve. A P0134 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 »
The ESP system on a car or truck is built to help a driver have better control while operating the vehicle. If the system malfunctions, the light will stay on and need the system to be looked at to find the error. The ESP light should not be on continuous but only when driving conditions… 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 »
If you need to connect an exhaust pipe and do not have a welder, there are a few 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 »
If you have a broken door handle on a 2005-2008 Kia Spectra, a new one can be installed. This is a common problem for Kia with many broken door latches. A handy DIY type of person can replace a broken door handle. It does require removing the indoor panel and the wires that connect to… Read More »
Changing the oil on the 2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8 Liter is easy to do and part of basic maintenance. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your car to a professional. A Maintenance Required message will display when the oil needs to be changed, which will need to be reset when done. Resetting… 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. It comes on every 5000 miles and should have the oil changed. After the oil is changed, resetting the message is quick and easy to do. The message does not go off… Read More »
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Replacing the Upstream O2 sensor on a 2007-2012 Toyota Camry very much falls into the DIY category. Of course, always call a professional if in doubt. It is located on top and front of the engine making it easy to access. Tools Needed New 02 Sensor 10mm socket 22mm wrench Screwdriver Pliers Copper anti-seize (Usually… Read More »
Automatic Shifters are a specialty performance part that gives more control to a driver and looks cools 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 »
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 »
Having a good Portable 12-Volt DC tire inflator with a built-in tire pressure gauge to see the air pressure is ideal in many situations. From having a spare tire that has deflated to airing up a bicycle tire having a good working inflator is invaluable. A 12-Volt unit that can run from the cigarette lighter… Read More »