Anyone who has an engine light come on will no doubt like to know what the problem is. The standard way is to use an OBDII scan tool which will give the error code, and can then be looked up. But what if you dont have a scan tool? Most vehicles have a built-in diagnostic… Read More »
Bleeding a new brake master cylinder is necessary to remove any air that is in the unit. It is easy enough to do for a handy DIY type person with the right tools. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to call a professional. It is best to bleed the cylinder before installing it since… Read More »
There are a few different ways you can get a free diagnostic test done on your car or truck. All vehicles from 1996 and newer have an OBDII port under the dashboard that, with a scan tool, can read engine codes. The OBDII port, along with an OBDII scan tool, is the main way to… Read More »
The O2 or oxygen sensor is a major component in modern fuel injection engines and allows for better efficiency and emissions. It is the main sensor the onboard computer (ECM) receives data from when regulating the fuel-air ratio mixture. The O2 sensor affects everything from fuel economy to performance and catalytic converter efficiency. How Does… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Sonic and get a Code 82 displayed on the dashboard, it is a reminder that it is time to change the oil. It is not an engine error code but a reminder that the oil should be replaced as soon as convenient. What is a Chevy Sonic Code 82? A… Read More »
A torque converter and automatic transmission are two of the main components that work together to shift gears and move a vehicle forward. Often they are thought of as the same component but are separate parts. What is the Torque Converter? A torque converter is located at the front of an automatic transmission and is… Read More »
Troubleshooting the electrical on any vehicle can, in some cases, be simple but can sometimes become complex. Having the right tools to help you find the problem can be critical to getting the job done. Keep in mind every mechanic will have their own style and method when it comes to finding a problem. Some… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. As always, if in doubt, take your vehicle to a professional. Below are the steps with screenshots to replace them along with a video if needed for a visual walk through. 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata Headlight Bulb… Read More »
Carburetors are complex and many will not tackle rebuilding them. There are some simple rules you can follow when rebuilding a carburetor to ensure you get it done correctly. First, always take a picture of all sides of the carburetor before taking it apart. Including but not limited to the bottom and the top. During… Read More »
Portable car battery smart jump starters have become very popular in recent years. Portable jump starters are a great item in an emergency when a battery has lost its charge. Modern-day devices, from smartphones to laptops, can drain a battery leaving a user in need of a jump which makes emergency jump kits a good… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. As always, if in doubt, take your vehicle to a professional. Below are the steps with screenshots to replace them, along with a video, if needed, for a visual walk-through. 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Headlight Bulb Type… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. The headlight assembly needs to be removed, which is held in place with two 10mm bolts. Removing the headlight assembly is sometimes easier than removing the center plastic from the bumper. While not necessary; removing the… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma is an easy task that falls in the DIY category. As always, if in doubt, take your vehicle to a professional. If the driver-side bulb is bad, the battery may need to be removed to get to the bulb. If your hands are small enough, the… Read More »
The maintenance required message that displays on the dashboard of a 2019 Toyota Corolla is given as a reminder to change the oil. The Maintenance Required light comes on every 5000 miles and the oil should be changed. After the oil is changed, resetting the message is quick and easy to do. The message does… Read More »
Resetting a Toyota Highlander Maintenance REQD Service light is easy to do with a few steps. The light will come on and is a reminder that maintenance should be done on the vehicle, such as an oil change. After the oil is changed, the light is reset. Below are both quick steps, along with the… Read More »
Low-cost OBDII scan tools have become very popular since they can point to the problem a car or truck is having, which can then be fixed. The OM123 is one such low-cost vehicle scan tool that can read and clear engine codes. This makes it a good unit in many scenarios, such as a part-time… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Spark and get a Code 82 displayed on the dashboard, it is a notification that it is time to change the oil. It is not an emergency, and the vehicle will continue to operate, but the oil should be replaced as soon as convenient. What is a Chevy Spark Code… Read More »
If you have a vehicle with a P0171 error code, the onboard computer (ECM) is reading a problem with the air/fuel ratio. An OBDII scan tool will give the error message “P0171 “Bank 1 System Too Lean.” The P0171 code is a notorious engine error that can be caused by several things. Unlike many ODBII… Read More »
Spark plugs that are wet with gasoline, are caused by the inadequate spark to the air/gas mixture, or too much gas leaking into the cylinder. Sometimes called flooding the engine, the fix can be a bad injector or a component of the spark such as wires and coil. An engine will misfire with wet spark… Read More »
If the Maintenance Required (MAINT REQD) Light comes on in your Toyota Corolla dashboard, it is simple enough to reset. The Maintenance Required Light usually turns on as a reminder it is time to change the oil. The vehicle does not know if the oil has been changed; it is simply a reminder light that… Read More »
If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle and the driveshaft is making a clunking noise, it can be caused by different components. The driveshaft works with several components that will need to be examined to see which one has failed. The main components include U-joint, differential gears, bearings, and more. Any noise being made by… Read More »
I recently had a 2006 Kia Spectra that had no spark, and I could only find limited information. If you find yourself with the same problem, below is what I found. If you have an OBDII scan tool for the Kia, be sure to scan for any engine errors if possible. First, be sure it… Read More »
When it comes to auto body work, deep dents are not easy to get out and either need to be hit from the back or pulled out. Since many dents cant be reached from the back, dent puller options are often looked at as the best method. One of these methods is called a Stud… Read More »
If you have a Honda with a P3400 OBDII error code the onbard computer is seeing a problem with the oil pressure. This includes the Honda Odyssey, Pilot, Stream, Shuttle, Accord, Palisade and more. What is a Honda P3400 Engine OBDII Error Code? A Honda with an Error Code P3400 is a “Cylinder Deactivation System… Read More »
Antifreeze is used as a coolant in an engine to help protect it from very cold temperatures and corrosion. Water was originally used to cool engines but quickly caused issues since the freezing point is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When a fluid such as water freezes, it expands, which can crack the engine block. Different additives… Read More »
An ignition coil is a necessary component of any engine to provide voltage to the spark plugs. No matter how old or size a gas engine, 4, 6, or 8 cylinders all will have an ignition coil. How Many Ignition Coils are in a V6 engine? A V6 engine can have 1, 3, or 6… Read More »
A Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler vehicle with a P0113 OBDII error code, means the onboard computer (PCM) is reading an error at the intake air temperature sensor. It is usually an easy problem to diagnose and fix with the most common fixes below. What is a P0113 OBDII Error Code? A P0113 OBDII error code… Read More »
Replacing the headlight bulb in a 2013-2017 Honda Accord is an easy task that most car owners can do. No tools are needed; only a new bulb needs to be bought. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your vehicle to a professional. 2013-2017 Honda Accord Headlight Bulb Type High Beam 9005 Headlight… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Equinox and it gives the message “Engine Power is Reduced” error message along with an exclamation mark, this can be caused by several things. When the vehicle on-board computer (ECM) detects a system error, it will go into reduced power mode, also called limp mode. The most common fix is… Read More »
If you have a Toyota and a “Check Charging System” error message displays on the dashboard, there can be several causes and fixes. What Is the Toyota Check Charging System Error Message? The Check Charging System message is a warning that the alternator is not keeping the battery charged. Vehicle electronics, including the engine, use… Read More »
3 Ways to Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Headlight Bulb Types 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Passenger Side) How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Driver Side) If you need to replace the headlight bulb in a 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it falls… Read More »
If you are bleeding brake lines and no fluid is coming out, there can be several causes. Causes include blocked lines or ports, leaky hoses, bad parts, and more. Below we look at the most common reasons no fluid comes out when bleeding the brake lines. How Come When I Bleed My Brakes, Nothing Comes… Read More »
Testing an alternator with a multi-meter is a common method, but if no meter is available, there is another method. There is an old-school method to check the alternator by starting the engine and removing the battery cable. While I always suggest using a multi-meter to check the battery, there are some scenarios when no… Read More »
A Honda with the D (Drive) light that keeps flashing means the onboard computer is seeing an issue with the transmission. If you are driving when the D (Drive) starts flashing, it is best to find a safe spot to pull over and get the vehicle examined. Why Does the D (Drive) Light Flash in… Read More »
If you suspect your vehicle has a bad alternator, there can be several symptoms. Symptoms can vary but include the car not starting, dim lights, dashboard lights coming on, and more. How Do You Know if Your Alternator is Failing? The alternator will not charge correctly when it has failed. A test can be done… Read More »