If you have a vehicle that is giving a P0031 error code, there is a problem with an upstream sensor located on the exhaust. Fixing a P0031 error code falls into the DIY mechanic job, with many at-home backyard mechanics solving the issue. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your vehicle to… Read More »
If you have an engine with a compression problem you need to know if it is the valves or piston rings. This can be an issue since you may only need to pull the head instead of puling the entire engine apart. Knowing if the rings or valves are bad will point to the fix… Read More »
If you have a suspected bad fuel pump relay and need to temporarily jump it for testing, it is quick and easy to do. A better method in many cases is to look in the fuse box for a relay with the same part numbers and temporarily use it. Using another similar relay is commonly… Read More »
Locating an electrical short in a car or truck can be difficult and time-consuming. Wiring issues can be hard to find and locate, but by using a simple test light method, you can narrow your search dramatically. This process will save you time and money and is a quick way to find an electrical short… Read More »
A P1101 error code is a common problem with Chevy Cruze that points to an issue with the airflow going into the engine. A sensor called a MAF (Mass Air Flow) located at the air intake of the engine measures all the air flowing in and reports the information back the the computer. When the… Read More »
If you have a vehicle and the alternator keeps gin bad, failing, or burning out, it can be caused by several things. While alternators can fail, they should not fail constantly, and more than two failures usually indicate there is an issue. How Often Should an Alternator Fail? Most alternators are built to last 90,000… Read More »
If you have a Honda Acura and the VSA light comes on with a yellow exclamation (!) and triangle, this has to do with the driving stability. There is a switch to turn on or off the VSA system; if it does not work, there is an internal error with the VSA system. It is… Read More »
If you need to connect an exhaust pipe and do not have a welder, there are a several methods to get the job done. While welding joints together is often done by shops, using U-bolts and other connection techniques is also wildly used. In fact, whole exhaust kits can be bolted together without welding and… Read More »
The maintenance light for a 2012-2017 Honda Accord comes on when basic service is needed, and is a reminder that an oil change or tire rotation needs to be done. It is quick and easy to shut off with a few steps. The onboard screen can be used, or the speedometer method can also be… Read More »
If you have a Jeep and the ESP BAS light comes on, several things can cause the problem. When troubleshooting an ESP light issue, an OBDII scan tool will be needed to read the codes on the computer (ECM) If you don’t have an OBDII scan tool, most auto parts stores will scan the vehicle… Read More »
If you have a Honda with a P0118 error code, there is a problem with a coolant heat sensor. The official definition is an “Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High.” There can be 2-4 engine coolant temperature sensors (ECT) in a Honda, depending on the year and model. What is a P0118 Code Honda… Read More »
Symptoms of a Bad Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor How a Temperature Sensor Works Coolant Temperature Sensor Location How Much Does it Cost for a Coolant Temperature Sensor? Common Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor OBDII Codes How To Test a Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacing a Coolant Temperature Sensor Like all sensors on an engine, an engine coolant… Read More »
If you have a Toyota Tacoma and the speedometer is not working, there are several causes and fixes. Common causes include a bad wheel speed sensor, instrument cluster, or ABS control module. Often, when the speedometer is not working, neither is the tachometer and odometer. How a Tacoma Speedometer Works A Toyota Tacoma speedometer receives… Read More »
If you have a Ford vehicle with a dashboard error message saying “Check Fuel Fill Inlet”, the computer is seeing a problem with the “No Gas Cap System”. This is a common problem for Ford vehicles, including the F150, Mustangs, or any Ford Capless Fuel System. The No Cap system was created to eliminate the… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Malibu and can not find the gas tank button, you are not alone, as this is a common question with the car. There is no gas tank button as the fuel door is pressed on and will pop open when done correctly. The main car doors must also be unlocked,… Read More »
The purge valve is a common failure in an EVAP system which often needs to be tested to see if it has gone bad. There are several ways to test the purge valve, including using a multimeter, vacuum pump, or a quick method that requires no tools. While using a multimeter or vacuum pump are… Read More »
If your car has a noise that gets louder when you speed up, it can be caused by several things. Sounds can be hard to locate in a vehicle when driving, but if possible, try to find the side of the car the noise is coming from. If the location of the sound can be… Read More »
A bad IAC valve will affect the idle of the engine with a high or low idle speed. It will only affect the idle of the engine but engine will run well when the gas pedal is pressed. An IAC valve is controlled by the computer and allows air to bypass the throttle body butterfly… Read More »
If you have a car or truck and think it may have low fuel pressure, several symptoms are caused by fuel delivery issues. Symptoms include long start times, rough idle, check engine light on, misfire codes (P0300-P0308), engine running lean (P0171 Code), and reduced engine power. Low fuel pressure is often described as the vehicle… Read More »
Changing the oil on the 2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8 Liter is easy to do and part of basic maintenance. Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your car to a professional. A Maintenance Required message will display when the oil needs to be changed, which will need to be reset when done. Resetting… Read More »
If you think you have a bad clogged catalytic converter, there can be several symptoms that point to a bad unit. Common symptoms include low engine power, misfire, running rough, strange smell, and more. Symptoms of a Bad Clogged Catalytic Converter Lack of Power When a catalytic converter becomes clogged, exhaust from the engine will… Read More »
If you have a Chevy Malibu with a P1101 error code, there are some common causes and fixes that can solve the problem. Causes include the MAF sensor, throttle body, and a possible vacuum leak. What is a P1101 on a Chevy Malibu? A P1101 OBDII error code is listed as “MAF Out of Self… Read More »
A P0301 error code is a misfire that means the number-1 spark plug is not firing correctly. Other P0300 errors point to other cylinders not working correctly. For example, the P0302 code is spark plug-2 misfire, and P0303 would be spark plug-3. If the cylinder is not firing correctly, the engine performance will be greatly… Read More »
A video is at the bottom of this post for a visual walk-through if needed. If you have a 2015-2023 Ford Mustang 5.0 and need to check the oil level, it is quick and easy to do. The hood will need to be opened to get access to the dipstick, which will show the engine… Read More »
If you have a car that when the gas pedal is pressed and you are accelerating, there is a jerking motion, this can be caused by several things. Possible causes include air intake, gas delivery, spark, timing, and transmission issues. Each category, such as fuel delivery, needs to work correctly, or it can cause issues.… Read More »
If your vehicle makes a clunking noise when you are accelerating, it can be caused by several things. Causes include bad motor mounts, universal joints, bad shocks, damaged leaf spring, and more. What is the Most Common Cause of a Clunking Noise When Accelerating? The most common cause of a clunking noise when accelerating is… Read More »
Motor mounts are necessary components that bolt the engine to the frame of a vehicle. When a mount fails, there can be varying symptoms, such as vibrations or clunking and thud noises. What is an Engine Motor Mount? An engine motor mount secures the engine to the frame of a vehicle and helps to absorb… Read More »
If you have any questions, contact me with email, Linkedin, or in the comment section below. Contact Email: [email protected] About Backyard Mechanic Writers About Bob Thomas Linkedin Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/bob-thomas-9045445b/ Repair Videos: YouTube Channel Hi, I am Bob Thomas an automotive mechanic with 30-plus years of experience. I am a contributor to several book publications and… Read More »
What Causes Fuel to go Bad? How Long Can Gas Sit Before It Goes Bad? How To Tell If Gas is Bad? Symptoms of Bad Gas in a Car or Truck What is the Best Method for Gas When Placing a Vehicle In Storage? What To Do If Gas Is In a Vehicle for a… Read More »
A bad purge valve can have varying symptoms and will need to be examined and tested to see if it has failed. The main symptoms include the engine light staying on, less fuel mileage, and failing an emission test. What is the Purge Valve? The purge valve is a component in a vehicle’s EVAP system… Read More »
If you have a vehicle and suspect it has a clogged fuel filter, there can be various symptoms. The symptoms will vary depending on how clogged up the filter has become. A clogged fuel filter will block the flow of gas to the engine, causing it to run badly or not at all. What Happens… Read More »
A PCV valve is a necessary part of an engine that allows the pressure that builds in the crankcase to be released. When a PCV valve fails, and the pressure is not released, it can cause several symptoms, such as blowing out gaskets or engine misfires. The symptoms will vary and depend on whether the… Read More »
How a Fuel Injector Works Symptoms of a Bad Injector Common Faulty Injector OBDII Codes How to Test if a Fuel Injector is Good or Bad Test #1: Listen for Clicking Sound Test #2: Check Injector Coil Resistance with a Multimeter Test #3 :Spray Pattern Test Test #4: Circuit Power Test Test #5: Ground Trigger… Read More »
A multimeter is a tool that makes life easier when testing electronics or wiring in a vehicle. Checking if a battery has a charge or testing the alternator are common problems that can be quickly checked with a multimeter. A good meter for automotive work will have basic requirements that almost any meter should have.… Read More »
When a fuel pump fails, it is usually tested with a fuel pressure gauge to see if it is outputting the correct PSI. While using a fuel pressure gauge is the recommended method to troubleshoot a bad fuel pump, there is an old-school method that also works. Basically, starter fluid is used to see if… Read More »