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 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 »
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 »
Resetting the Service light on a 2011-2015 Mini Cooper is easy to do. The Maintenance light can come on for a variety of reasons and will need a reset, mainly after an oil change. A series of buttons are pressed in the right combination of steps to reset the light. These same steps are used… Read More »
If you have a Chrysler 200 and can not 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. The battery… Read More »
A radiator cap is a necessary part of any cooling system to not only keep fluid in but let coolant out if it becomes too hot. If a radiator cap goes bad, it can be replaced by most DIY-type individuals. Remember never to remove a radiator cap while the engine is hot as the cap… Read More »
Like all sensors on an engine, an engine coolant temperature sensor (CTS or ECT) is critical for a motor to run properly. This is a guide for testing and replacing a temperature sensor if it is bad. While every vehicle will have a different location for a sensor, the basic information below will be the… Read More »
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 »
A P0301 error code is a misfire that spark plug-1 is not sparking correctly. Other P030 errors point to other cylinders not working correctly. For example, the P0302 code is spark plug-2 misfire, and P0303 would be spark plug-3. P0301 Error Code Causes Bad Spark Plug Spark Plug Wires Bad Coil Fuel Injector P0301 OBDII… Read More »
If you have a 2008-2016 Chevy Cruze with a 1.4L engine and the water pump has gone bad, it is often replaced by DIY individuals. It is a straightforward job which, like many vehicles, requires working in small spaces. All the work is mainly done from the front top of the engine with little to… Read More »
Recently I began to have fuel problems on a 1978 Dodge truck. I did all the obvious things, such as changing out the fuel filter and pump. which at first seemed to solve the problem, but it came back. Finally, I pulled out the fuel tank sending unit, which was rusted up good clogging up… Read More »
Replacing the alternator on a 2012-2018 Honda Civic falls in the DIY category and is done by many backyard mechanics. Like many mechanical projects, it requires working in tight spaces. While working in tight spaces can be difficult, having the right tools and taking your time is key to getting the job done. The belt… Read More »
If you have a (2005-2009) Kia Spectra that has a P2626 error code, the O2 sensor is likely bad. Be sure to check the wiring and connections, which can also cause the same error. Usually, the O2 sensor will need to be replaced. Replacing the sensor is easy enough with the right tools. It is… Read More »
There are times when a battery in a vehicle has such a low charge and in an emergency needs a jump start from another vehicle. This is done with jumper cables that hook to the battery on a vehicle with a good battery to the vehicle with a dead battery. Using jumper cables to jump… Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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. 2007-2012 Toyota Camry Upstream O2 Sensor Location The Upstream O2 Sensor is located inside the engine compartment. The O2 Sensor is located on top and front of the engine… 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 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 »
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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 »
Replacing the intake air filter on a 2005-2009 Kia Spectra falls in the Do-It-Yourself category and is an easy task to do. Most car intake air filters are replaced every 15,000 – 30,000 miles. Of course, the environment will make a big difference how often it should be changed. For example, if you live and… Read More »