Car Repair Questions
DenLors Tools has provided the question box above powered by Expert Car Advice to help answer auto repair questions that our blog readers have. Our automotive tool business has grown substantially since 2005 and the time required to answer auto repair blog questions has increased as well. Our readers deserve quick answers so they can save money, quickly do repairs themselves and get back on the road. We are lucky to have found a helpful service called Expert Car Advice that has certified automotive technicians waiting to help you save money by taking advantage of their experience. These techs like helping people and are also looking to make a few extra bucks on-line when they have some time away from turning wrenches – our readers are the ones that benefit the MOST!
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Benjamin trujillo – Mitsubishi Timing Belt Question
Thanks for the information , never replaced a timing belt on a Mitsubishi and was wondering if it had two belts instead of one it is a 3.0 6 cylinder . just the pictures themselves answer my question…
J-Dawg – Chevrolet Colorado Question
Thanks a bunch for posting this page!!! I had this same code, P0017, and I searched for someone who had this error (fault code). I pulled my solenoid valve out, and what do you know… the same screen was missing! Had to pay 98 bucks for the part. thank you so much!
Mike – Ford Lean Code Diagnosis
I have a 2001 Jaguar S-Type. It was throwing a code P0171 as well as P0174. We took it to the mechanic and they said it could be a number of problems, so I researched online and found your site. It was the Intake hose on the TOP of the Motor….
Ed Henson – Jeep Liberty Problems
Thanks for the Help!! I suppose that Jeep knows all about this and should have had a recall on the window regulators. There should be…
ron :
Date: January 27, 2010 @ 8:46 pm
who can tell me how big of job it is to chnge plugs on 2000 cad seville sts northstar?
ekundayo matimoju :
Date: April 18, 2010 @ 4:58 pm
Can you please explain the timing procedure for 1999 cadillac catera timing to me?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: April 18, 2010 @ 5:25 pm
Ekundayo, the removoal and re-installation is similar to any other timing belt job, with one exception. There is a special cam holding kit needed to hold everything in place, it’s a SPX Kent Moore J-42069. The kit is priced around 6 or 7 hundred dollars
. The good news is there is a comparable kit made by Sealey, it’s a VSE130 DLT priced at a fraction of the cost. For detailed instructions, see the Mitchell link at the bottom of the product listing. Click Here to the tool listing.
Pat :
Date: June 21, 2010 @ 9:24 pm
Hello Dennis,
I have a 2001 Grand Cherokee and every time I put the A/C on the compressor starts turning for about 5 sec then it stops for approx 15 and starts again for 5 sec and stops again ect… What do you think could be the problem. I’v been asking on the internet but they give me the runaround.
Thanks in advance.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: June 22, 2010 @ 6:19 am
Pat, The most likely cause of excessive cycling as you described, on any vehicle would be LOW refrigerant. The low pressure switch/cycling switch is turning the compressor off to protect it from running without lubrication. Refrigerant oil circulates with the Freon throughout the system. There can be other causes, however low 134A is the most likely cause. We have articles on how to find leaks and on AC readings explained that may also help you figure out what the problem is.
Tony :
Date: August 20, 2010 @ 6:18 am
Just got a tune up, timing belt (all belts) water pump, valve cover gaskets, pulleys, tensioner. When i picked it up the car started shaking the engine lite came on and it sounds like knocking sound coming out of the engine like valve slapping. The guys says it’s a cylinder 1 misfire. Never had a problem with misfires till i picked it up yeserday. Any ideas? Sensor (cam sensor)? I feels like I dropped a cylinder. I need help!!
Thanks
Tony
Tony :
Date: August 20, 2010 @ 6:21 am
by the way it’s a 3.0 liter v6 mitsubishi engine in a chrysler sebring lxi. Interferrance engine. Will my car die on the way back to the shop? Related to previous post from a couple of minutes ago.
syed :
Date: September 24, 2010 @ 3:17 am
2000 dodge caravan. A/c won;t hold a charge….spews out all the freon after about 10 minutes from the a/c compressor release valve.
I have noticed that when the a/c is on the low pressure reading starts to rise…once it gets to 50psi the fans kick in and bring the pressure down. This happens for a few times and then eventually the fan will not come on at 50 psi and all the freon will spew off from the compressor release valve.
I have replaced the fan relay and also the expansion valves…I suspect the fans malfunction but the a/c technician said the fans are acting up becuase there is a restriction in the system which we need to find out?? I am lost and would appreciate any input you could provide.
Is there any way to test if the fans are blowing strong enough to cool the freon?? does it sound like a restriction??
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: September 24, 2010 @ 6:28 am
Syed, sounds like a restriction, however you don’t mention what the high side reading is when the refrigerant is released through the relief valve. Usually around 500 psi is when the relief valve will open to help protect the compressor from being damaged (some systems will use a high pressure switch to turn off the compressor clutch). If the refrigerant is being released at a lower pressure the relief valve could be bad. You could try spraying water from a garden hose onto the condenser to insure it is being cooled enough (for testing). If there is a restriction, the refrigerant will need to be recovered and each component checked (except the compressor and exp. valves) by blowing compressed air through them. Sometimes the dryer or compressor can start to come apart from inside and cause a restriction somewhere in the system. The condenser is the first place to check since the refrigerant flows from the compressor to the condenser first from the discharge hose. See our AC Gauge Readings Explained repair article for more info on the readings. Good Luck
syed :
Date: September 28, 2010 @ 2:59 pm
Once I replaced the ac condenser the problem went away ! It is not as cold as it should be, but I think my compressor is weak. thanks a lot
Chris :
Date: November 12, 2010 @ 11:39 am
2001 Jeep grand cherokee. Passenger vents blowing air, but not heat? driver side is fine. Should I attempt this?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: November 12, 2010 @ 11:59 am
Chris, we have a car repair article on this subject. Click the following link – Jeep Dual AC Blend Doors.
It’s up to you if you think you are mechanically inclined enough to tackle the job. DIY repair is not for everyone. Here is another link that was done by one of our readers – click the following link – JEEP DIY Repair. Good Luck
Ronald P. Moreci :
Date: November 21, 2010 @ 2:33 pm
Hi,
I would like to know how to become an expert on this site please.
Thanks,
Ron
ORAL :
Date: November 24, 2010 @ 11:08 pm
Oil Leak 2.4 Dodge Caravan – Excessive Crankshaft End Play IS THERE A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I HAVE GONE THROUGH 2 OIL PUMPS AND 3 CRANK SEAL AND PROBLEM NOT FIX
ORAL 2.4 DODGE :
Date: November 24, 2010 @ 11:09 pm
Oil Leak 2.4 Dodge Caravan – Excessive Crankshaft End Play IS THERE A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I HAVE GONE THROUGH 2 OIL PUMPS AND 3 CRANK SEAL AND PROBLEM NOT FIXED
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: November 25, 2010 @ 7:57 am
Oral, the vehicle in the article had a used engine installed. It was that it was less expensive to install a used motor instead of tearing down the old one and rebuilding it correcting the end play from a faulty thrust bearing.
The reason the oil pumps and seals keep failing on your van is because of the excessive end play. I recommend looking for a used motor.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: January 29, 2011 @ 9:20 am
Summary: Expert Car Advice creator, Jeff Brown answers questions about his automotive repair answer site. ExpertCarAdvice.com is an alternative to JustAnswer.com and other answer websites designed to help provide information to the customer with automotive repair information in a timely manner. Many car owners are searching for repair information on-line everyday. The challenge is finding reliable information provided by an expert – as opposed to getting just another opinion from someone on-line that may not be qualified to give such advice. Finding correct information at a minimal price that leads to the car owner being successful in repairing their own car can potentially save them hundreds of dollars. Thanks to Jeff for answering emails over the past weekend to make this post possible.
Read the rest…
Tom Snyder :
Date: February 8, 2011 @ 5:34 pm
Had a gentle men change my timing belt and pump on a 2001 3.0v6 Galant.Never had an oil leak till he did that work.The camshaft seal is now leaking. Could he have caused this doing the work he did?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: February 8, 2011 @ 5:51 pm
Tom, anything is possible. Of course the car is 10 years old…
Tom Snyder :
Date: February 8, 2011 @ 6:17 pm
Would he have any reason to disturb the seals. In other words, are they right their where he was working? Thanks
bigdu :
Date: April 19, 2011 @ 1:35 pm
2001 Chevy 3500 with 8100 engine and 102,000 miles. Used to be I could bump the started and the engine would start, cold or hot. Now I have to bump it 3 times and on the third it starts. Was told it could be the coolant temp sending unit. Can you confirm this? Also with the rad cap tight how much coolant would leak out when removing the unit? Thanks for a great website.
Santo :
Date: May 7, 2011 @ 10:04 pm
1993 ford aerostar. My power door locks stopped working. The unlock button works but the lock button doesn’t. My manual hasn’t been much help either cause it says that the fuses are located above fuse block – left cowl side but i cant find it any ideas
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: May 8, 2011 @ 6:31 am
Santo, it has power or it wouldn’t “unlock” so it’s most likely the switch.
Santo :
Date: May 9, 2011 @ 12:19 am
so both of the switches (driver side and passenger door lock switches) are broken or what?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: May 9, 2011 @ 6:30 am
Santo, if the unlock does not work on ONE switch, it is most likely the switch. If the unlock does not work with BOTH switches (you left that information out) there is most likely a wiring or module problem. We know it’s not a fuse (or power) problem because the “lock” activation DOES work. The next step is to get a wiring diagram for related circuits – or you could get guidance from a Ford tech by asking your question in the question box at the top of this page. Good Luck.
Santo :
Date: May 9, 2011 @ 11:30 pm
so….. how do you check and test the wire and the module?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: May 10, 2011 @ 6:32 am
The next step is to get a wiring diagram for related circuits – or you could get guidance from a Ford tech by asking your question in the question box at the top of this page. Good Luck.
Paul :
Date: June 20, 2011 @ 1:50 am
2000 mustang 4.6L AC problem. Compressor cycling rapidly. Seems to happen most when cabin fan on slow speed. System pressures fan on max @85Deg 30%Humidity.
@idle low=30 high=180-200
@1500 low=23-28 high=250
A/C seems to cool ok cabin outlet temp=46Deg, mostly the rapid cycling problem when the fan is on low.
If I turn down the fan to lowest speed the low side drops gradually eventually to around 20 and then the cutout switch cuts out and then rapidly cycles on/off within seconds.
Sometimes the cutout seems to wait until the low side hits close to 30, but sometimes it seems to kick back off/on again between 20/~23. Seems like the pressure rises very quick once the compressor cuts off.
Also noticed some condensation on the accumulator and line to compressor.
Low charge, bad cutout switch??
Ron :
Date: July 18, 2011 @ 8:10 pm
Got the Sentra fixed. Thanks for all your suggestions. After taking the system apart the expansion valve was not restricted but the compressor didn’t pass a static pressure test so I replaced it. The old compressor couldn’t go over 100 PSI. It still pumped but just couldn’t build the pressure at idle. I also removed the evaporator and pressure washed it so now the system is like new.
Another question. What are some of the causes of a compressor making a rattling noise. This is on a Maxima after the system was serviced by a shop some years ago. It has been performing fine for over 5 years but I’m worried about the noise.
Chad :
Date: August 17, 2011 @ 10:09 am
I have a 2001 galant. Just yesterday the power windows and power locks stopped working. The power windows do not work from any of the windows. The front passenger power locks will work and control the back 2 doors as well but not the driver’s door. Fuse looks good. I think I probably need to replace the drivers power window and lock switches?? My Sunroof works fine and all other lights, radio, work as well.
Does this sound like a faulty driver’s side switch?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: August 17, 2011 @ 10:33 am
Chad could be a bad (driver’s) master switch or could be a different electrical issue or open circuit. An understanding of the circuits involved will be needed to diagnose along with a wiring diagram and circuit testing. Good Luck.
EC.LIM :
Date: September 4, 2011 @ 10:24 am
My Toyota SE aircond is not cold especially when environment temperature is app 31C. During night time, it\\\’s fine. The low side and high side pressure is app 110psi without the A/C is running. If engine idle at app 1000RPM with A/C temperature set to max and blower to max, the low side app 70psi and high side app 200psi.
So, should I reduce the refrigerant or increase the refrigerant?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: September 5, 2011 @ 12:46 pm
Sounds like the compressor is not pumping sufficiently. Good Luck.
Mike T :
Date: September 18, 2011 @ 8:30 am
I bought the jeep handle repair kit. Works great. There were also 4 long screws included. I did not see on the instructions where they are used. Can you tell me what they are for?
Thanks
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: September 18, 2011 @ 10:12 am
Mike, thanks for letting us know how the kit worked out for you. Some customer’s reported that the original screws that are in the center of the housing are not long enough with the new housings. I think it depends on how well the panel is put back into position. However, the manufacturer decided to provide the extra screws in case they are needed. If yours were long enough I would just discard the longer screws.
Ed Little :
Date: September 29, 2011 @ 6:30 pm
03,durango 4.7 ,after milled rebuilt heads, #7 washed, from low water PH cooling aluiminum heads. new stat,H20 pump, NEW RADIATOR,, NEW HD,FAN CLUTCH, ( dealer t stat ) and proper coolent with distilled water for 10 to 11.5 PH, DO ALL THIS EVERY 50K MILES, SURE IT COST SOME $, BUT FAR LESS THAN A HEAD JOB WITH DOWN TIME, BETTER SALE VALUE TO. BEEN THERE DONE THAT. P.S. I am a old cuda man myself. 273 with 340 cam and 360 police intercepter heads, windage tray, carter afb 780, 392 roadrunnrr gears, true 4 in the floor, poor mans magnum, BUTT DARN EFFECTIVE, HAVE A GREAT DAY.
joe mertz :
Date: October 20, 2011 @ 6:41 pm
2K Larado Ltd. is one (1) DUAL kit needed, e.g. left/right, or are two (2) needed, e.g. left/right?
Boki :
Date: November 9, 2011 @ 7:15 am
Hi, i hooked up the manifold on a forklift, before i started the engine the reading on low side was about 80 psi and on high around 110, when i turn on the ac low droped to 25 and high side was around 150, it blows out warm, fan on condener is working fine. what could it be ?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: November 9, 2011 @ 7:21 am
Boki, you may want to read our AC Gauge Readings explained. Good Luck
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: November 9, 2011 @ 7:22 am
Joe, we don’t sell the kits but ONE kit would have both doors. Good Luck
rob :
Date: February 3, 2012 @ 3:54 pm
hi have a 03 galant and the timing belt broke while i was driving. i replaced it. no valves were bent car starts up runs good except one thing, my car has like no power what is the problem
Michael Walsh :
Date: February 12, 2012 @ 4:59 pm
Regarding your blog “2003 Ford Explorer AC Not Cold Enough” under the heading – Unbolting the Dash – it states to unbolt the steering coupler……… My question is how/when to disconnect the upper intermediate shaft from the lower intermediate shaft? Does it come apart before the dash is moved,or does it pull apart when the dash is moved? I can’t figure out how to get it apart since the loosened coupler won’t slide or move out of the way with the dash in place?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: February 12, 2012 @ 6:13 pm
Michael, loosen it so the dash can be swung. Good Luck.
shawn :
Date: April 1, 2012 @ 2:01 pm
I can not find the drain plug for the transmission fluid on a 04 Chrysler Pacifica
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: April 1, 2012 @ 2:15 pm
Shawn, most cars are not equipped with drain plugs for transmissions. The fluid can be removed by dropping the transmission pan or by using a fluid evacuator to draw or suck the fluid out with vacuum. Good Luck.
Javier :
Date: April 13, 2012 @ 9:11 am
i have a 98 ford ranger. The ac will work great some days. then others the compressor will cycle off and on for a little while air not very cold. then suddenly it starts working like a champ. My brother has a 2002 ford ranger and is having the same problem. any ideas?? Got me stumped!!
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: April 13, 2012 @ 10:08 am
Javier, intermittent AC operation on a Ford may mean a cycling switch. I would start with basics. see our AC articles for more information. Good Luck.
Javier :
Date: April 20, 2012 @ 10:07 pm
ok. another stumper. my 98 ford ranger runs great for the most part. but sometimes at start up it will idle erradically and seem to run rough, then it quits and runs fine. any ideas?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: April 21, 2012 @ 7:35 am
Javier, this could be caused by many things. I would first check for pending or hard OBD II codes. If there are no codes I would consider when the last time a tune up was done and possibly change the spark plugs and air filter. Also, dirty throttle plates and IAC (Idle Air Control) motor can cause rough idling, so I would clean those with FI (Fuel Injection) spray and add some FI injector (liquid) cleaner additive on the next fill up. Good Luck.
Chris Smith :
Date: May 8, 2012 @ 1:34 pm
Hi Dennis,I own a 2004 Dodge Dakota 3.7.Im having a problem with the check engine light.The trouble code said it was engine coil #6..so I took it in to shop and had the work done,but the light still comes on sometimes at start-up and runs rough for a few minutes.I took it back to shop and they said to try fuel cleaner.I tried that but it still happens.The mechanic also said they reset the plugs,but when I trouble test it I still get the same trouble code that its coil #6….Could this be something else that they did’nt find wrong.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: May 8, 2012 @ 2:33 pm
Chris, You don’t mention the specific code. If it is a P0306 (#6 misfire) code it could be a number of things affecting the number six cylinder’s ability to produce it’s sufficient share of power. The most common causes of misfires are coils, plugs and clogged fuel injectors. There could also be mechanical failures also including valves, rings etc. Since the local mechanic has the advantage of seeing the vehicle in person, scanning it for data and specific codes, doing a compression test, etc. I would say they have the best chance of diagnosing your specific issue. Good Luck.
Tampa :
Date: May 13, 2012 @ 7:32 pm
Hey Dennis, Have a 2003 Grand Cherokee limited 4.0 . Revs up to over 2000 rpm when starting even when hot. Going to clean throttle body and all but wanted to know if this issue could affect the kickdown cable. The reason for my asking is because it seems when it idles high, I lose my passing gear and does not want to downshift from overdrive when slowing down. Do I need to adjust the kickdown cable?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: May 13, 2012 @ 8:42 pm
Tampa, there is no kick down cable on the 2003 Grand Cherokee. The transmission is controlled by the computer. I would check for trouble codes, transmission fluid condition etc. Good Luck.
Tampa :
Date: May 14, 2012 @ 11:15 am
Ok, I guess the correct name for it is T.V. cable. And it does have one of these.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: May 14, 2012 @ 11:28 am
I see that there is a TV cable. It is connected to the throttle body and goes to the transmission. You may want to check this cable to make sure it’s retainer is not out of position. It may be holding the idle up. Also a vacuum leak may make the engine idle high. I would still check for codes. Good luck.