Popular questions

Question
How do I know if my brakes have spread fingers or not when I replace the calipers, rotors and pads?
Hi there. The best way to ensure you purchase the right parts is to first contact a Cadillac dealership parts department for an estimate. By giving them your VIN number, they'll be able to research this and provide you with...
Question
How do I remove a headrest?
All of headrests can be removed. To do so, first lift the headrest up to its highest position. Then press and hold the Release button on the headrest support while pulling the headrest up until it is removed. Tip Always...
Question
Where is the downstream O2 sensor located?
Hello, thanks for writing in about your 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The downstream O2 sensor is always mounted after the catalytic converter or on the back side of it. If you'd like some help wit this, consider YourMechanic, as one of...
Question
burning smell smoke out of vents, no blowing for air or heat
Hello there, Smoke coming out of the vents is not a common failure point. There are a few possible causes for this though. The most common would be the blower motor resistor, blower motor, heater core failure, wiring fault, or...
Question
Can you diagnose my car without a check engine light?
Hi there. In short, yes; it's possible to diagnose a problem with a vehicle even if the check engine light does not illuminate. A professional mechanic would start by downloading any error codes store in your 2005 Ford Explorer's computer....
Question
I use my turn signal and my brights come on
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Your turn signal and high beams are working on the same switch. If you push the switch up and down, it activates the turn signals. If you move the switch in towards you, it...
Question
How long should it take a mechanic to replace the a/c compressor on my 06 E 150 4.6
The a/c compressor replacement will not be the only component that will need to be replaced at the same time. The replacement of the compressor is about 1.5 hours and does not include the recover or evacuate and recharge of...
Question
My check engine light goes on when I go up a hill or speed up then it goes off and on
If the vehicle is not overheating and the check engine light is NOT "flashing", and there are no other outward indications of the engine malfunctioning, it is safe to drive the car until it is convenient for you to request...
Question
Ac compressor turning on and off
Hello. If the compressor is turning on and off fairly quickly then that means that there is still a pressure issue. It can be caused by low refrigerant or high pressure. It can also be caused by a bad A/C...
Question
Check engine light and vsa light on in 2009 Honda accord won't accelerate over 20 mph
Hi there. It appears that you have a severe misfire/misfires. The VSC light illuminates when the check engine light is illuminated, by default. When the check engine light flashes, this means that there is what is called a catalyst damaging...
Question
I tried to crank it but it wont start and the lights dim when trying to crank it
Starting systems are typically very simple. For the most part, you will be concerned with the battery and the starter. It sounds like your battery is dead. I would first attempt to jump start it. If using another car...
Question
Where is the fuel pressure regulator located at
The regulator is below the upper intake manifold assembly. There are quite a few steps involved and exceptional care has to be taken during replacement to ensure that there are no leaks on re-assembly. If the car has over 150,000...
Question
How do I fold the rear seats?
The rear seats can be folded down to create extra storage space in the cabin or in the trunk. To fold down the rear seats, follow these steps: 1. Unbuckle the rear seatbelts. 2. Fold the front seats into their...
Question
What are the positions on the ignition switch?
Your Accord has four different positions indicated by numerals on the ignition switch itself (0, I, II, III). Each of these does something different. Not sure what they mean? Don’t worry. 0: This is “lock”. The key can enter...
Question
Can I use a battery charger designed for deep cycle batteries to charge a regular car battery?
Yes you can. A deep cycle battery is not much different from a regular battery except it is designed to give out a small amount of power over a long period where a regular battery is designed to give out...
Question
Car overheated and battery light came on, now car won't start.
It sounds like you have had a failure of one of the belt driven accessories under your hood. The pulleys attached to you engine have bearing in them so they can spin freely. When one of these bearings fail you...
Question
Traction light/reduced engine power and check engine light coming on
Hello. From what you describe, it would appear that your vehicle may be experiencing some sort of intermittent wiring or sensor issue. If the problem occurred again after driving over a bump, then it may be possible that a damaged...
Question
How do I turn on the easy entry/exit feature?
The easy entry/exit feature helps you enter and exit your vehicle. When the driver’s door is opened, the driver’s seat will move to a position that makes it easier for you to get in or out of your vehicle. This...
Question
it won't start unless I major pump gas. Check engine light on now. Smell/see small oil or gas leak in engine by carb. runs fine
Your engine is fuel injected, so there is no carburetor. Pressing the accelerator pedal is not normally required to start a fuel injected vehicle. However, if you have noticed that holding the pedal to the floor while you are cranking...
Question
I installed a new starter...after start up constant grinding noise occurs
What you are describing sounds like a faulty starter solenoid or quite likely a misaligned starter. A faulty starter solenoid will generally produce a clicking sound when turning the key. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has...
Question
There is no Check Engine Light on but the car is making a lot of noise - it still runs ok
Hello - there are many things in the engine compartment which can cause unsettling noises: accessory belt idler pulley bearing failure, timing chain guide, tensioner or idler wear, valve timing cam actuators, as well as more traditional noises like worn...
Question
white smoke after head gasket repair
When ever an engine blows a head gasket and leaks coolant into one or more cylinders and pushes the coolant into the exhaust flooding the catalyst and muffler with coolant. After the repairs to the engine are made to fix...
Question
Car hesitates to start, and check engine light on
If the check engine light is on, that will possibly lead to an important clue as to what is going on. Typically, there will be stored OBD-II trouble code(s) when the check engine light comes on and those codes can...
Question
Car will go into gear, but doesn't move
Hi. This can happen for a number of reasons. It may be the transmission or it can be a braking system failure. If the vehicle will not move at all, even in neutral, then the brakes may be locked up....
Question
Squealing noise from front end during low speed turns.
Hi there. The noise you're hearing is metal-to-metal contact. Due to this fact, the best guess would be the wheel bearings starting to fail. When the bearings begin to wear out, the first symptom is commonly noise like you've described....