Popular questions

Question
When pressing gas pedal car starts to shake then stops when i let go
Hello, thank you for writing in. Due to the occurrence of your symptoms being related to the acceleration of the vehicle, it is likely that the vehicle is misfiring for one reason or another and causing an engine vibration. Misfires...
Question
Temperature gauge is fluctuating, sometimes showing overheating.
Hey there. There are combustion gas analyzers that you can buy and use on a DIY basis for this, but I would have a professional perform the diagnostic, and hopefully find the fault elsewhere (other than head gasket leak). You'll...
Question
Does being very low on oil cause the check engine light to come on? And what else could be wrong if there are no symptoms along wi
The low oil level is something that certainly needs to be addressed. However, it is generally not a cause for the check engine light to come on. The check engine light comes on when an electrical / electronic issues in...
Question
my car wont go over 20mph and the engine light is flashing
The issue you are writing in about is common enough that a specific diagnostic, namely a reduced engine power diagnostic is performed by technicians dispatched by YourMechanic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this issue...
Question
Car is burning coolant very quickly, no leaks in the system
If you are loosing coolant and had it tested without any leaks identified then you may have a head gasket leaking or a heater core leaking. Look at the exhaust to see if you see any white smoke indicating...
Question
My high speed on my blower not working new resistor motor is good what could it be the relay
Hi There, The resistor is what controls the speed of the blower motor, not the relay. The blower motor relay supplies power to this motor when you turn the switch to "on" that can sometimes fail. When this happens, you...
Question
2014 jeep patriot reading code u 0401. Jeep wont accelerate when given gas. Traction control light blinks and lightning bolt light
The U0401 code broadly identifies "communication errors" in the vehicle's controller area network (CAN). In your circumstance, because the electronic throttle control (ETC) warning light has come on, an attempt should be made to diagnose the ETC system first because...
Question
My car idles rough when I have my foot on the brake at a stop light
This may be a sign of a failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve is located on or near your intake manifold that monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected...
Question
Violent shaking when hitting bumps at high speeds
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. The cause for the bouncing around the road is a loose suspension, loose steering, or failed shock. Check all of the suspension control arms and check the sway bars front and rear. Check the...
Question
How do I know if I have a bad coil or a bad fuel injector?
The easiest way to test for spark is to pull the spark plug boot off of the number 3 cylinder spark plug and install a spark tester. Most auto parts stores have them for a few bucks. The spark plug...
Question
Engine misfire and traction control
Hi There, It is possible that the misfire (depending on how severe) may have produced enough of a jolt in the vehicle to cause the traction control system to detect a change in the stability of the vehicle. The traction...
Question
What does the slip light mean on my Nissan Pathfinder mean
Hi There, The SLIP light relates to your vehicle's traction control system that helps to control the vehicle in certain driving conditions. The traction control system monitors the steering and stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction...
Question
Got P0420 code and I had the catalytic converter replaced but still have the code. What is going on?
The code P0420 can be caused by the catalyst, O2 sensors before and after the catalyst. If both O2 sensors and catalyst was replaced then you may have an exhaust leak at the manifold or pipes. I suggest you have...
Question
Does my ECM / PCM have to be reprogram after replacing with new one?
Hi there. If you were to get an ECM (engine control module) from the dealership, the dealership will flash (program) the ECM to the VIN number to your vehicle and all of the specs. However, if you were to purchase...
Question
Right, Rear Turn Signal Not Working but its a New Bulb
It only takes a small amount of corrosion to interrupt the flow of current. You probably just have a dirty light socket. If you get a small strip of 400 grit sandpaper and rub it on the contact surfaces in...
Question
How do I change the instrument cluster language?
Your instrument cluster can be displayed in three languages: English, Spanish, and French. To change the language that is shown, follow these steps: 1. Press the Up/Down buttons on the steering wheel until Settings is displayed on the instrument panel,...
Question
Car died when driving after it struggled to accelerate.
Hi Carlos. Thanks for contacting us. There are a few things that might be causing these type of starting and engine running problems. The first and most obvious would be that the engine is not getting either enough fuel -...
Question
The back of my right tire is smoking.
Hi There, This is a dangerous situation which could be caused by a couple of different things. You may have a brake pad that is sticking to the rotor causing it to get red hot generating the smoke, or potentially...
Question
Chevy 5.3l - Lost oil pressure, why?
Hello - since you didn't appear to be leaking oil in a significant way (busted oil line, hole in the pan), I suspect that the oil pressure relief valve may have been stuck in the "relief" position. Some of the...
Question
2008 Chevy Impala 3.5 reduce engine power I have changed out the oil pressure sensor throttle body and the camshaft position senso
Hi Twan. Thanks for contacting us today. A Reduced Power light usually indicates a fairly serious problem with the throttle system. When this light illuminates the vehicle will often go into a “safe mode”, which will severely limit the speed...
Question
During acceleration, the car behaves as if the brakes are being applied.
This is a known problem with this vehicle related to a faulty brake master cylinder. The symptoms are very similar to what you are describing in that the brakes will feel as if they are being applied when the car...
Question
Do I need a special tool to remove the knock sensor?
Hello. There does not appear to be any special tool required to remove the knock sensor on an 84 Corvette. Only the correct size socket should be needed in order to loosen and remove the sensor. The sensor is located...
Question
What causes brake to grab? It it a serious problem? Should I have the dealership to investigate the problem.
If the brakes on a car are not functioning properly, they absolutely should be inspected and repaired. Among the many causes of grabbing brakes are contaminated brake pads (dust, grease, fluid), misaligned calipers, loose brake mounting bolts, seized caliper pistons...
Question
When I turn ignition off and pull key out, car doesn't shut off. when i can shut it off, next morning battery is dead.
Malfunctions in the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system would not affect the ignition system or battery. If the EGR system has a fault, the service to request is EGR system diagnostic/inspection. If your vehicle engine continues to run after the...
Question
How do I adjust the brightness of the dash lights?
Adjusting the brightness of your dash helps you preserve your night vision and drive more comfortably. It’s also easy to do on the Civic. Here’s how: Locate the brightness control knob on the dash of your car Turn it...