The Robinair AC Machine is one of the most popular units for car air conditioning service.

Summary: In this auto repair article we discuss the reasons why a car’s air conditioning system may leak water inside the vehicle. Sometimes the fix is simple and other times the repair can be much more labor intensive. As an automotive technician that’s worked over 25 years in Florida, I’ve dealt with this problem many times on different models. If leaks aren’t fixed quickly, the carpet and padding underneath can become a breeding ground for mildew and harmful bacteria. People with certain allergies can be affected the most.

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Summary: This auto repair article covers the common problem of ”the key being stuck in the ignition.” The shift interlock system is usually the cause of the key being stuck in the ignition lock. We do a general overview of this problem as it is related to a wide range of vehicles and have a specific vehicle, a 2006 Jeep Liberty that has the problem too. As with all vehicle systems, it’s best to have an understanding of how the system works to be able to diagnose the problem properly.

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Summary: In this article we cover the Smart car and how it was named. The Smart car obviously gets great gas mileage, however with it’s miniature size how does it hold up in a crash? The Crash test video shown in this article helps to reveal how it measures up when it’s involved in a collision. Our exclusive pictures show how small the Smart car really is, we couldn’t resist the temptation to compare it with a golf cart.

 An interesting fact is how the Smart car was actually named. The Smart car was originally a project of the Swatchcompany (a Swiss watch maker). Prior to it’s final naming, Swatch approached GM and then VW for for possibly teaming up to produce then nicknamed Swatchmobile. GM and VW ended up declining the proposal to produce the Swatchmobile. Daimler-Benz and Swatch ended up coming to an agreement to produce the car. That’s when the name “Smart” was created as an acronym from Swatch Mercedes (SM) ART.

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Summary: In this article we point out a common problem with Nissan automobiles equipped with the 3.5 Liter engine that causes engine tapping noises typically on cold start up. The engine has variable timing cam sprockets, three timing chains, three tensioners and three guides. Vehicles subject to similar issues may include Nissan Altima, Maxima, Murano, 350Z, Infiniti G35, G37, EX, FX, M series and QX4. 

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Wiring can cause door lock problems, switches and actuators are more common

There are several things that can cause the power door locks not to work properly. The most common cause of a single door lock not to work, is a bad door lock actuator (also called a door lock solenoid). Another common problem or cause of door locks not working is simply a bad door lock switch. Many cars today have computers that are also in the loop when it comes to controlling the door locks. Fortunately, body computer systems are pretty dependable and give problems seldomly. It seems as though the most troublesome vehicles regarding door locks related to computer control issues, are Chrysler’s; Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country vans sometimes have BUS related issues (BUS means “a collection of wires through which data is transmitted from one computer to another”)… but this is still rare. Ford Explorers also have a few BUS issues that can be related to door lock security module, or wiring shorting out that goes from the door into the body. Usually when checked with a scan tool in the body control or security section, there will be a code indicating if there’s a BUS fault.

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UV dye can help in detecting oil leak sources.

It can be very difficult to pinpoint and detect the cause of leaks when the engine is covered with oil. Sometimes it’s best to clean the motor to help determine where the oil is coming from. By adding UV (Ultra Violet) Dye, the leak can be traced much easier back to the source. To begin with, it’s best to determine what type fluid is leaking, there are several things that could be leaking on an automobile.

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Who knew the EGR passage on this Honda was underneath a cover on the plenum?

The best source for free auto repair manual information on-line can be found by simply using Google or other search engines for the mechanical problem or issue at hand. For instance if you were having a problem loosening a Honda crank pulley bolt for pulley removal; just type into Google “honda crank pulley removal”and you will find helpful information.

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Early Broncos have a clean design that is lost in more modern trucks. 

Finding early Bronco parts for restoration projects can be a bit challenging. Some parts like fenders can be acquired in the aftermarket that are actually better than the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) ones. NOS (New Old Stock) must surely be all gone by now, but some aftermarket fenders are a thicker gauge than the original ones. Some inferior, thinner gauge replacement fenders might be less money but they may NOT line up as well. 

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Car cranks over but doesn’t start.

OK, so you don’t have a Model T like in the picture but all your car does is crank over and does NOT start. I’ve been writing some articles geared more for the weekend mechanic and publishing them on a different site. Since this auto repair blog is mainly for professional technicians, I generally don’t post the more basic auto repair tips and tricks articles here. But I realize that not everyone that reads this blog is a professional tech, so I wanted to provide this link to one of my most recent articles posted at EzineArticles.com.

Read the entire diagnosis tips article on cars that crank over but don’t start.  

Recently, I had a blog reader with a blown spark plug on a 2002 Mazda Tribute, she may have found us by using the search engines for blown spark plugs, even though our articles are mainly for specific Ford engines that do have this problem. She asked my advice about what she should do with her Mazda. While this is not a common problem with 3.0 engines, like in some Ford 4.6 and 5.4 engines I offered my advice. More than likely the spark plug had either been left loose or was cross threaded at some point and it blowing out was the end result. Below is what this reader had to say and my response.

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