This site uses cookies to improve your experience. To help us insure we adhere to various privacy regulations, please select your country/region of residence. If you do not select a country, we will assume you are from the United States. Select your Cookie Settings or view our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Used for the proper function of the website
Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Strictly Necessary: Used for the proper function of the website
Performance/Analytics: Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
Worried about the checkenginelight flashing on your dash? This warning is more than a minor hiccup — it often points to urgent issues that could harm your vehicle’s engine if left unchecked. This Article Contains: What Does a Flashing CheckEngineLight Mean? Wondering what to do next?
Every experienced mechanic knows that troubleshooting car repairs is as much about instinct as it is about technical skills. But when he started the car, the CheckEnginelight began flashinga sign that something was seriously wrong. I had never seen a flashing CheckEnginelight before, Hugo admitted.
Designed by Bruno Sacco himself, it may look outdated by today's standards, but it comes with features that some car owners of today can only dream of. The CheckEngine. Now, it is on a test drive that will prove if it is junk and should be on its way to a scrap yard, or still has life left in it. continue reading. )
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.
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. EVs have unique warnings that differ from traditional cars, such as thermal management system failures and inverter issues.
You should stop driving as soon as its safe and get your carchecked. Here are examples of the red dashboard emojis: Battery Emoji Your car could lose power at any moment. If this comes on, your battery isnt charging properly, and your car may shut off unexpectedly. First, check that your parking brake isnt engaged.
Whether it’s winter car care, “new year, new car” resolutions, or creative customer appreciation ideas, this episode is packed with ways to turn small efforts into big wins. Winter Car Care Tips (00:06:14) Discussion on educating customers about winter car maintenance and safety.
When today’s vehicles roll into the garage with a checkenginelight or a strange misfire, gone are the days of relying on guesswork. Think of it like a heart monitor for a car. Complex auto mechanic diagnostic problems now require high-level tools and skills, and one of the most valuable is scan tool graphing.
Whether it’s “Why is my checkenginelight on?” That shift means your auto repair shop’s online content needs to do more than rank high on search engines. That’s where GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) comes in. That’s where GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) comes in.
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. This means that the goals are increased torque at lower engine speeds.
More horsepower, faster acceleration, and even better fuel economy for smaller engines. We’ll also highlight the red flags of a bad one and whether all cars support a turbo if you’re thinking about getting one. Can You Add a Turbo to Any Car? But a bad one can cause power loss , smoky exhaust, and strange noises.
Its easy to take the sound of the starter turning over the engine for granted every time you get behind the wheel. A crank no start diagnosis involves troubleshooting the underlying cause of a cranking engine that refuses to start. Air Intake Problems Your carsengine requires an optimal mix of air and fuel to function efficiently.
For instance, the mass air flow (MAF) sensor plays a critical role in metering the air flowing into the engine and informing the engine control module (ECM). However, the MAF sensor can become dirty, malfunction, or fail, leading to significant engine performance issues. Start the engine and let it idle.
Unlike recall notices, TSBs typically address non-safety-related defects, from software glitches to persistent checkenginelight triggers. From the Classroom to the Shop Floor: A Real-World Example Imagine a customer brings in a car with a transmission that jerks at low speeds. What Makes TSBs So Valuable in the Shop?
Is your car jerking or shaking excessively while stationary? That’s called rough idling — a sign your engine is struggling to maintain a smooth combustion process. Without timely inspection, a rough idle can lead to severe engine problems or even complete failure! How Do You Diagnose a Rough Engine Idle? Let’s find out.
Other factors influencing the final bill at the car repair shop include: Type of exhaust manifold : Exhaust manifolds come in three types — cast iron, stainless steel, and titanium. Service fees: The labor cost is higher at car dealerships and professional service centers than at independent car repair shops.
Your cars radiator hoses might not get much attention, but theyre the unsung heroes of your cooling system. These flexible tubes keep your engine from overheating by maintaining coolant flow between the radiator and the engine. Radiator hoses facilitate coolant flow between the engine and the radiator. Absolutely.
A PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve might be small, but it’s crucial for keeping your engine healthy and your emissions in check. If it gets clogged or worn out, you might notice rough idling, an oil leak, or even the dreaded CheckEngineLight. It may be caused by a leaking hose.
One critical part that plays a vital role in keeping your car running smoothly is the alternator. If your car’s alternator fails in cold weather, it can leave you stranded on the side of the road. Dashboard Warning Lights: Check your dashboard for any warning lights, such as the battery light or the checkenginelight.
The wrong oil can pose an electrocution hazard, as well as cause the checkenginelight to come on in some cars if they detect electrical connectivity in the A/C compressor. EV and hybrid A/C compressors operate off a high-voltage motor, and therefore the A/C oil cannot be electrically conductive.
The Mechanic Doctor - Resources for Amateur and Pro Auto Mechanics There is no moment quite like getting behind the wheel of your first car and feeling the shiny surfaces and the new car smell. However, in the process, you might overlook maintaining the car’s mechanical system, which is just as important as its appearance.
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.
To check your engine oil level, park on a level surface and turn off the engine. Then, remove it again to check the oil level compared with the dipstick’s markings (maximum and minimum). Open the hood and locate the dipstick: It usually has a yellow or orange handle and sits near the front of the engine bay.
The purge valve (also called canister purge valve) keeps the fuel vapor in check, recycling it to save gas and cut emissions. But when this little valve goes rogue, your engine takes the hit. In contrast, standard plastic valves are cheaper but may wear out more quickly, especially in hot engine environments.
With a limited number of vehicle brands to learn, it didn’t take long to become proficient in all areas of automotive repair, from engine mechanical, drivetrain, electrical, steering, suspension, and all other systems. The Big Three, as they were once known, dominated the roadways in those days. That was back then.
Is your car hesitating to start ? Since these essential components ignite the fuel in your engine , a timely replacement can prevent potential performance issues, reduced fuel efficiency, and unexpected breakdowns. However, its best to replace them based on the recommended car maintenance schedule and manufacturer specifications.
The fuel rail pressure sensor in your car monitors fuel pressure, enabling the engine control module (ECM) to adjust ignition timing for optimal performance. But if you’re experiencing starting troubles and refilling the gas tank more often, your car might need a brand-new fuel pressure sensor.
Pistons are the heart of your engine , moving up and down within the cylinders to generate the power that drives your car. Over time, piston issues can sneak up on drivers — starting with subtle problems, like a lit checkenginelight , but eventually leading to performance issues and costly engine repairs.
Mounts & Suspension Alignment: Loose engine or transmission mounts, as well as misaligned suspension, can amplify vibrations. If consumption is severe, consider having your engine inspected and tested for compression. Have these mounts inspected and re-torque suspension components to factory specs. Diesel-Specific Issues (3.0L
If your car is experiencing performance issues, shifting problems, or triggering the checkenginelight, a faulty PCM could be… Read more » The post PCM Reprogramming Cost – Reset Your Powertrain Control Module appeared first on Motor Verso.
Odd knocking sounds from under your car and engine misfires could indicate you need a new crankshaft. The crankshaft is responsible for converting the pistons’ up-and-down movement into a rotational motion that makes your car’s wheels move. The total cost will depend on the number of journals and cylinders in your car.
If youve been towing heavy loads without noticing amber fluid leaks or a burning smell, your cars transmission cooler is doing its job. Read on for a breakdown of potential expenses, key pricing factors, and tips on choosing the right transmission cooler for your car. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes.
An oxygen or O2 sensor keeps an eye on the air-fuel mix in your engine to boost fuel efficiency and minimize those nasty emissions. When it goes bad , your engine’s performance will take a nosedive, potentially damaging parts like the catalytic converter. This can result in engine misfiring , rough idling, and stalling.
However, it plays a crucial role in the overall performance of your car. When your engine overheats, it can cause damage to the catalytic converter, reducing its effectiveness and leading to increased emissions. When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the exhaust system is often overlooked.
A failing cabin air filter diminishes air quality inside the car, while a faulty engine air filter can compromise engine performance. What Other Types of Filters Do Cars Have? Range Replacing an engine air filter costs between $55 to $215. Wondering how much will the air filter replacement cost?
How to Check Transmission Fluid (A Step-By-Step Guide) Here’s how your mechanic will check your vehicle’s transmission fluid level: Park the vehicle on a proper level surface and engage the parking brake to ensure safety during the procedure. Start the engine and allow it to reach a normal operating temperature condition.
The Porsche 911 996 generation introduced water-cooled engines for the first time, a highly controversial move among enthusiasts, but also brought with it many updated systems. IMS Bearing Failure One of the most serious concerns in the 996 is the design of the IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing located in the engine.
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.
The intake manifold gasket might not be the flashiest part of your engine, but it plays a crucial role in keeping things running smoothly. When it starts to fail, you could notice serious issues that can lead to engine damage if left unaddressed. Engine configuration: Some vehicles are easier to take apart than others.
Is your car’sengine constantly misfiring ? These are classic signs of a bad head gasket — a seal between the cylinder head and engine block that keeps the combustion chamber secure. However, when this gasket fails , it must be replaced ASAP to prevent an engine meltdown. And is it overheating, too? depending on the type.
Factors Affecting Cost The price for replacing a DPF can vary based on local labor costs as well as the make and model of your car. Beyond the legalities, a clogged DPF reduces the efficiency of the exhaust system, compelling your engine to overexert itself. This includes: Cost of parts: $500 to $3600 Cost of labor : $170 to $200 B.
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. In most modern vehicles, this system electronically manages the throttle plate to control how much air enters the engine.
Engine Concerns Some owners of the 2.7L V6 Bronco have experienced sudden engine power loss, knocking sounds, or complete engine failure, sometimes traced back to valve or valvetrain failures. V6): Manufacturing inconsistencies or high engine stress can lead to early valve problems. Additionally, some 2.3L
As temperatures rise, the heat can put extra strain on your engine, making it work harder to keep your car running smoothly. Lubrication: Oil plays a crucial role in lubricating the moving parts of your engine. Cooling: Oil also helps to remove heat from the engine.
We organize all of the trending information in your field so you don't have to. Join 5,000+ users and stay up to date on the latest articles your peers are reading.
You know about us, now we want to get to know you!
Let's personalize your content
Let's get even more personalized
We recognize your account from another site in our network, please click 'Send Email' below to continue with verifying your account and setting a password.
Let's personalize your content