Popular questions

Question
when I put my car in drive it won't go but when I put it in low gear and up the RPM its will slowly take off then I have to shift
Hello. The transmission malfunctions you are experiencing can be caused by a wide variety of issues. A few common causes for improper shifting behavior are low or contaminated transmission fluid, transmission sensor issues, or a worn transmission. The first thing...
Question
The hazards come on when i turn either left or right signal switch.
Generally this is something caused by the flasher relay going bad. This is a small relay that allows the lights to flash based upon current flow and a resistor inside that causes them to flash. When this is faulty, this...
Question
How do I turn on or turn off the compass display?
The compass shows you what direction your car is traveling in. This feature can be turned on or turned off very easily: 1. Press the Up/Down buttons on the steering wheel until Settings is displayed on the instrument panel, then...
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A warning light saying “VSC OFF” has lit up on my dashboard and I don’t know what that means. Is it dangerous?
Hi Jessie. Thanks for contacting us today. The VSC light stands for the vehicle stability control system. If the VSC light came on, then you may have an issue with one of the speed sensors causing the system to engage....
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How do I fold down the rear seat?
The rear seat of your Accord is designed to fold down onto the seat bottom to provide access to the trunk, as well as to help make carrying larger items easily. Folding down the seat back just requires a few...
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Can I bypass my vapor canister by hooking my lines straight to the intake?
This is likely a sign of a failing EVAP purge solenoid. The EVAP system prevents fuel vapors from the fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The EVAP system collects and temporarily stores the fuel vapors in the charcoal canister....
Question
Does the dipstick tube just pull out of the block or are there retaining clips?
To answer your first question: yes, it does have a bracket on the oil dipstick tube but, if you remove the bracket, it will pull out. Your dipstick is going to have some curves in it; this is normal for...
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How do I turn on or turn off the speed dependent volume control (SDVC)?
The speed dependent volume control (SDVC) is a feature that helps your volume adjust. When the SDVC is turned on, the volume will automatically adjust based on the vehicle speed, to combat road noise. Turning on or turning off the...
Question
My dash lights and gages won't cut on the car starts now but won't go into gear
Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your vehicle may be experiencing more than one issue. If your dash lights and gauges are not functioning then the first thing I would do is check the vehicle's fuses. It...
Question
Not able to open the trunk with the button on the trunk door
Most of the time, if the vehicle is equipped with a valet system, the button is hidden in the glove box. If this system is activated, the key fob nor the key will be able to open the trunk until...
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How do I adjust the auto light sensitivity?
When your headlights are in automatic mode, they will come on whenever the vehicle detects that it is dark outside. However, you can adjust the sensitivity of the light sensor by choosing one of five settings: Max (lights will come...
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Car won't start. I have a push button start so we couldn't jump it
Hi there. Even a push start button vehicle can be jump started; it's done the same as any other vehicle with the exception of a hybrid. More than likely, you have a failed battery. I recommend the use of portable...
Question
What are the ignition switch positions?
If your car is equipped with a standard ignition and a mechanical key/remote combination, you have several different ignition switch positions that you’ll need to know (smart key systems have one less ignition switch position). Here’s an overview of each...
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How Does the Fuel Pump Know When to Shut Off?
The are two main components that make most fuel pumps run: the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and the fuel pump relay. Fuel pumps themselves don’t know when to shut off. They are entirely dependant on the fuel pump relay to...
Question
Serpintine belt broke, there's fluid everywhere, and steering is very difficult now.
Once you clean off all the fluid and have put on a new belt make sure belt is turning and fill the power steering pump with fluid and let idle and move steering a quarter turn back and forth several...
Question
Volvo won't turn over, but has power. How do I get it to start?
Prior to performing diagnostics be sure you have a fully, 100% charged battery that passes a load test. Confirm that the engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated thus preventing the car from starting. If the immobilizer system is...
Question
I’m seeing and smelling smoke and my traction control light is on.. is this a common problem? Also my ABS light blinks on occasion
Smoke from under the hood will be oil or coolant leaks. If I had to guess, I'd say you probably have some oil leaks that are getting oil on the exhaust manifold which burns when it hits the hot surface....
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Car idles and dies on cold start but starts when warm
It sounds like you may have a fuel supply problem in getting the proper amount of fuel to the fuel injectors. The fact that the condition gets better when using starting fluid also points toward a fuel supply problem. As...
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I just changed the battery and alternator. Now my air conditioner is blowing hot. What can I do?
Hello. If you recently serviced the electrical system and now your AC is no longer working then it may be possible that the issue is related to the work. The first thing I would do is check the vehicle's fuses...
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I just got my transmission replaced, and then my check engine light comes. Could that have something to do with the light?
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2003 Honda Accord. If you had your transmission just replaced, then your light may be on for the transmission. The light could still be on for another reason. I would have the...
Question
What does the “PARK BRAKE ENGAGED” warning mean on the message center?
Your car’s message center can display a very wide range of warnings concerning critical vehicle systems. If you see a message that reads “PARK BRAKE ENGAGED” displayed, it means that your parking brake is on and you need to disengage...
Question
What does the Ice Possible Drive with Care message mean?
The Ice Possible Drive with Care message can appear on the driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, then the system has detected that the roads may be icy, and you should adjust your driving accordingly.
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Car making grinding noise for 2 seconds after starting
It sounds like you may have a starter that is allowing the starter gear to hang onto the flywheel for a bit too long when starting the vehicle. When you turn the key, there is a small gear that comes...
Question
My car makes a creaking noise when cold but once warm it is completely quiet
Trying to pin down noises in writing can be pretty tricky. what you call a whine I might call a roar, What you call a rattle I may call a knock, you get the idea. The reason I say this...