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For decades in auto mechanic training , routine oil changes have been the gold standard in car maintenance. Miss one, and your engine pays the price. Just like oil keeps your engine running smoothly, software keeps your vehicle’s digital systems performing correctly and securely. Now, many issues are digital or a mix of both.
Todays vehicles rely on advanced electronic systems to monitor performance, safety, and efficiency. Whether you’re servicing a gasoline-powered car or working as a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic, recognizing what dashboard alerts mean is crucial for diagnosing and repairing vehicles effectively.
That sudden lightning bolt symbol on your dashboard can be alarming — is your car on the verge of breaking down? It’s your electronic throttle control light indicating a fault in the throttle system. This Article Contains: What is the Electronic Throttle Control Light? This lets air into the engine.
Unlike recall notices, TSBs typically address non-safety-related defects, from software glitches to persistent checkenginelight triggers. That means knowing how to navigate TSBs gives you a distinct edge, especially as vehicles become increasingly dependent on electronics, software, and advanced diagnostics.
Turbine speed is not a PID you will see on your scan tool for a Volkswagen or Audi turbocharged car or truck. But the turbine speed can be influenced by the engine and valves on the turbine and compressor side of the turbo. The signs of a leaking turbocharger system start with a lack of power or random misfires on Audi and VW engines.
A hissing sound from your car often signals a coolant, vacuum, or exhaust leak. Not sure what’s making your car hiss at you? This Article Contains: 8 Common Causes of Hissing Sounds from Your Car and Signs to Watch For Is It Safe to Continue Driving with Hissing Sounds from Your Car? Don’t worry.
If your cars gear shifts feel rougher than your Monday mornings, a failing transmission valve body could be the culprit. This covers: Parts cost: $100 to $2,500 Labor cost : $300 to $1,000 NOTE: Only automatic transmission cars have a valve body. Use jack stands to safely raise the car for access to the transmission.
Why Software Updates Are Becoming the “Wrench” of the Future Modern vehicles rely on dozens of electronic control units (ECUs) that govern everything from engine performance and transmission behaviour to safety systems and infotainment. Electric Steering Glitches: Updated firmware can correct steering stiffness or unresponsiveness.
When your car starts to slip or veer off course, electronic stability control systems like StabiliTrak kick in to help you stay in control. If you’re dealing with a Service StabiliTrak warning light or vehicle control issues , understanding the StabiliTrak repair cost can help you prepare for what’s next. Your best move?
This unpredictable behavior is likely due to a failing transmission control module (TCM) in your car. A faulty TCM can put you in a risky situation by making your car less responsive or worse immobile. Reconnect the wiring harness and the cars battery. Does it also stall when idle and lurch between shifts?
How to Add Engine Oil the Right Way How Often Should You Check Your Engine’s Oil Level? Which Oil Does Your Car Need? What Happens If You Use the Wrong CarEngine Oil? How to Check Your Engine Oil Level the Correct Way Checking your engine oil level is simple.
Let’s dive into the general procedure a mechanic would follow to reset an electric throttle position sensor: The mechanic will turn the car off and disconnect the negative battery terminal. This allows the engine control unit (ECU) to reset completely and drains any residual power from the capacitors, wiping any stored throttle sensor values.
Have you been experiencing rough idling or difficulty starting your car? This helps pinpoint the exact car problem and check if other related parts function correctly. If you notice any signs of a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor, it’s best to book a car repair with a reputable auto repair shop. Ideally, you shouldn’t.
That’s your car telling you it’s in trouble, and if you keep going, things can go downhill fast. You might also see the engine temperature warning light if the transmission affects the shared cooling system. You may also see the checkenginelight appear. So, what causes your transmission to overheat?
Additionally, a faulty wiring harness can disrupt signal transmission, which may reduce engine efficiency or even prevent the car from starting altogether. Investigate Any Engine-Related Fault If they see a CheckEngineLight along with the chassis control error, they’ll dig deeper.
No-start conditions can stem from a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues, especially in todays technology-packed cars. A blinking security light may signal an immobilizer issue, and a checkenginelight could point toward a failed sensor or control module.
Historically, misfires have always been a common problem, but in the past the occasional misfire was frequently ignored because cars simply didnt run as well as they do today. That may seem unusual, but on old cars, incomplete combustion was common (one reason emissions were so bad).
Repairing a car can feel overwhelming. You see fluids leaking, you hear strange sounds, or the check-enginelight glows. What types of car problems can be fixed through online chat? But complex electronic faults, brake or transmission issues require a mechanic. This article explores every angle.
Car makers are always looking for methods to improve the safety of their… Read more » The post Stabilitrak Repair Cost: Is It Worth The High Cost? In any vehicle, your safety is paramount. appeared first on Motor Verso.
Why you should pay attention to “checkenginelight” warnings By Brian England When a VW came in running badly with the “checkenginelight” on we started the diagnostics by scanning the computer for data. Since this was the car’s first visit to the shop, we performed a baseline check of the entire car.
Faced with the dreaded CheckEngineLight (CEL)? While it’s easy to jump to the worst conclusions, sometimes your vehicle may simply trigger the CheckEngineLight for gas cap issues. Let’s understand the connection between a bad gas cap and the CheckEngineLight and how you can fix it.
Your Volvo’s checkenginelight tells you there’s a problem that needs addressing. However, when your checkenginelight illuminates , it won’t always provide the exact reason. We’ll discuss the causes of a checkenginelight and what to do if it illuminates on your Volvo’s dash.
A lit CheckEngineLight on your Audi’s dashboard may have you wondering: What’s wrong with my car? Read on as we answer these questions and explore more about the Audi CheckEngineLight. How to Reset the CheckEngineLight on an Audi? Your Audi’s gas mileage may also suffer.
A lit CheckEngineLight on your Audi’s dashboard may have you wondering: What’s wrong with my car? Read on as we answer these questions and explore more about the Audi CheckEngineLight. How to Reset the CheckEngineLight on an Audi? Your Audi’s gas mileage may also suffer.
Is your car not shifting gears like it used to? When an automatic transmission equipped car won’t shift gears, there could be several potential issues. Below is technical expertise on “Why is my automatic car not shifting gears?” But that convenience comes at the price of complexity.
You know something’s up when you see the tachometer needle swinging while your car idles. Sometimes, the RPMs drop too low, and the engine stalls. Let’s explore the symptoms of a bad throttle body and what the issue means for your car. This could cause the engine to stall. Your car may also enter “limp mode.”
Check your owner's manual or the inside of your gas door to see what you should be using. The "Premium" or high octane gas - and its premium price tag - is designed for premium cars. Cars made after 2008 have built-in pressure sensors (TPMS), but they can be fickle. So can the electronic gauges at the gas station.
Keep your vehicle running strong and charged up with our hassle-free car battery replacement and diagnostic services from AutoNation Mobile Service, right here in Fernandina Beach. Your car’s battery is the heart of its electrical system, crucial for starting the engine and powering all electronic components when the engine is off.
Electrical System Problems The MK8’s advanced electronics can be its Achilles’ heel. The complex electronics continue drawing power even when the car is off, potentially leaving you stranded after a week of non-use. This typically improves as the car warms up but warrants attention if persistent.
If your car won’t reverse but will go forward just fine, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll dive into the 10 most common reasons your car refuses to reverse but moves forward. Will I Need a New Transmission If My Car Won’t Reverse? Can a Faulty Speed Sensor Cause My Car to Not Reverse?
Have you ever driven your car and then suddenly you’re not getting any power? And then your checkenginelight… Read more » The post Limp Mode – Why Is This Happening (And How To Fix It)? appeared first on Motor Verso.
You and your car have survived the Chicago Winter and we should be all finished with any real snow and ice. Winter is very hard on many components of your car and some wear or damage to important components may have occurred. Contact Midwest Performance Cars today to schedule an appointment for your Spring Maintenance.
But if your car is consuming excess fuel and idling roughly, the throttle body needs a good scrubbing. This Article Contains: How to Clean a Cable-Operated Throttle Body How to Clean an Electronically-Operated Throttle Body 7 Warning Signs You Need to Clean the Throttle Body How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Clogged Throttle Body?
Your traction control warning light normally illuminates when the traction control system (TCS) engages to maintain grip on the road surface. It also comes on briefly when you start your car. It shows a symbol of a swerving car — a vehicle with “wavy lines” underneath. Next, let’s see how to turn this light off.
This imbalance leads to poor engine performance and acceleration. This alert indicates the vehicle has detected an electronic throttle control system problem and has limited engine power. The engine can’t maintain a stable idle if this expected airflow isn’t achieved. How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Throttle Body?
A fuel pressure regulator ensures the fuel injectors release the right amount of fuel into the engine. If the regulator fails, it can cause excessive harmful emissions, poor fuel economy, and other problems for your car. In such cases, it’s important to take your car to an auto repair shop ASAP.
This system traps and reroutes fuel vapor to the engine, reducing harmful emissions and improving fuel efficiency. The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) opens and closes the canister purge valve to control the vapor flow. Poor engine performance: You need an optimal air-fuel ratio for the combustion process and to start your car.
Imagine this: You’re cruising on the highway, and as you hit the gas pedal to accelerate, your car starts to jerk. At that moment, you probably ask yourself: why does my car jerk when I accelerate? How Much Does it Cost to Fix Car Jerking Problems? Here are the 10 most common reasons for car jerking: 1.
The mass air flow sensor (MAF) is a key component of the electronic fuel injection system in a car. It is located between the air filter and the engine’s intake manifold. In some cars, the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is built into the mass air flow sensor. What is a Mass Air Flow Sensor?
Part of being a responsible car owner is staying up to date on the maintenance that your vehicle needs to run smoothly and efficiently. That means learning the ins and outs of your particular car so you can keep it in the best condition possible. What is General Car Maintenance?
Can Damaged Fuel Injectors Cause Engine Overheating? Here’s an estimate for replacing a bad fuel injector at a car repair shop: A. Additional repairs: Your car repair mechanic may charge extra to replace additional damaged parts, such as pistons, valves, lifters, fuel rail, and more. How Do Fuel Injectors Work?
Factors Affecting Cost Other than parts and labor, these factors can also influence your final costs: Vehicle make and model: EGR valves for luxury and high-performance cars are usually more expensive, raising the overall replacement cost. Type of EGR valve : There are two types of EGR valves — electronic and mechanical.
Your car’s smooth operation depends on the coordinated performance of various sensors, and the camshaft position sensor takes center stage in this automotive choreography. If this sensor goes bad , it can affect your engine and drivability. You also need to calibrate or reset the new sensor to ensure optimum engine performance.
With the help of PA Auto Inspection, you can get your car running in no time. How A Mass Airflow Sensor Works A MAF sensor is part of your car’s electronic fuel injection system and checks the amount of air that enters the engine. Rough Idle Your engine is in a sensitive situation when your car is idle.
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