January 2024

Learn how to fix an Ecoboost 3.5L Burning Oil Problem Ford has issued a service bulletin to address a problem with the Ecoboost 3.5L burning oil. The TSB 19-2232 applies to vehicles with the 3.5L Ecoboost Engines Built On Or Before April 1, 2019. The bulletin applies to the vehicles listed below. The Ecoboost 3.5L Engine may have excessive oil consumption with no visible oil leaks. In addition, it may or may not have a  P0365 and/or P0369 trouble code. The Ecoboost 3.5 oil burning problem is caused by a … Read More
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Fix a bad TIPM by getting yours rebuilt from one of these TIPM rebuilders The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a critical component in many Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. The TIPM is a fuse box, relay box and electronic module all in one. It houses all of the important fuses and power relays in the vehicle. Unfortunately, TIPM failure is a common problem. When it fails, it can cause all kinds of electrical problems. You can’t fix it yourself. You have two choices; buy a new one from … Read More
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A speed density air-fuel system works differently than a mass airflow system. Learn how it works and what can go wrong A speed-density air-fuel system is a type of electronic fuel injection system that calculates the amount of fuel to be delivered to the engine based on the engine’s speed and manifold absolute pressure (MAP). The system uses a MAP sensor to measure the air pressure in the intake manifold and the engine’s speed to calculate the engine’s airflow. The computer then uses this information to determine how much fuel … Read More
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Learn the most common symptoms of a bad brake booster vacuum pump Carmakers use a brake booster electric vacuum pump to supply vacuum to operate the brake booster on vehicles with small displacement engines or engines equipped with a turbocharger. A bad electric brake booster vacuum pump can fail in predictable ways. Here’s a list of the most common booster vacuum pump symptoms A stiff brake pedal is the most common symptom One of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the brake booster vacuum pump is a stiff … Read More
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Learn why carmakers use a brake booster electric vacuum pump Most vehicles use a vacuum brake booster to provide power braking. In the past, the vacuum assist was provided by engine manifold vacuum. But all that’s changed with the newer, smaller engines, turbochargers, and EVs. In fact, EVs don’t produce any vacuum or have hydraulic power steering that could provide hydraulic pressure for a hydroboost braking system. Due to the lack of manifold vacuum, carmakers have added a brake booster electric vacuum pump to supply the needed vacuum. Newer engines … Read More
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Your car should be driven at least twice a month to keep your battery charged — it can’t sit used for more than 4 weeks If we learned one thing during the pandemic, it’s that you can’t let your car battery sit unused for long periods and still expect it to start your car. Battery replacement statistics show that battery replacement doubled during the pandemic and it was mostly caused by owner’s leaving their vehicles unused while they worked from home. A newer car battery can be permanently damaged if … Read More
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A check engine light on means there’s a problem. As long as it isn’t flashing and it’s driving ok it’s probably not an expensive fix What does a check engine light mean? Vehicle computers are very sophisticated and can routinely test each system in the vehicle, fuel, spark, exhaust, emissions, etc. The emissions laws state what minimum standards the vehicle must meet, so when the vehicle computer tests emissions and the results come up outside of spec, it will set a check engine light and store a trouble code. A … Read More
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Learn what a P012B code is, the most likely causes, and how to diagnose and fix it A P012B code on a Ford F150 with a turbocharged 3.5L engine is a somewhat common problem. The code is defined as Turbocharged/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance. You may also see a P012C code which is Turbocharged/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low. The most common cause In most cases, the cause of a P012B code or a P012C is a bad Turbocharged/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor. But it can also be … Read More
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Tips to Sell a Car With a Bad Engine Or Transmission Selling a car with a bad engine or transmission to make the most money can be difficult, but not impossible. However, your first consideration is whether you live in a state that requires a current smog check before selling a vehicle. If you do, then you’ll have to follow different rules and in most cases that means you’ll have to sell it as scrap. I’ll leave it up to you to research that topic. What is a car with … Read More
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Which Aerosol Brake Parts Cleaner is Most Effective and Safest to Use? Aerosol brake parts cleaner is an essential tool for any DIYer. It’s used to remove brake dust and grease from just about anything. There are two types of aerosol brake parts cleaners: chlorinated and non-chlorinated. So how do you choose? I’ll give you the pros and cons of each. What you should know about Chlorinated Aerosol Brake Cleaner Chlorinated brake cleaners are made with industrial solvents like perchloroethylene, and methylene chloride; the same chemicals used by dry cleaners. … Read More
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