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Why the check engine light comes on All modern vehicles have at least one computer to run the engine and transmission. Those computers take in data from sensors like the intake air temperature sensor, oxygen sensor(s), engine coolant temperature sensor, manifold absolute pressure sensor, and the mass airflow sensor. Something is wrong with the data or the circuit and that’s why the check engine light comes on Based on all the data coming in, the computer determines the following: 1. Is the circuit to the sensor in proper condition (are … Read More
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How to buy the right tires for your car or truck — a step-by-step guide Tire buying can be confusing, but these tips will help you buy the right tires for your car or truck Tire buying tip #1 Buy the recommended tire size Don’t assume the tires on your car are the factory recommended size. Instead, get the recommended size right off the factory tire sticker located in the driver’s door area. That size tire is the optimal size for your vehicle. Don’t second guess the engineers. Rank your … Read More
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What is an alternator in a car? The alternator in a car provides electrical power to recharge the battery and to provide additional electrical current to power high draw electrical accessories like heated seats, window defogger, blower motor, etc. How does a car alternator work? In simple terms, an alternator produces electricity by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Most car alternators are driven by a belt that’s connected to the engine’s crankshaft. The belt spins an electromagnet called a rotor. A series of electrical windings called a stator surround … Read More
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How to test blower motor and resistor A blower motor problem is easy to fix if you understand how your particular system is wired. Here are the blower motor fix steps: To determine which blower motor wiring diagram, first determine if you have a 4 speed blower or variable speed Many automatic temperature controlled systems have variable speed blowers and those don’t use a blower motor resistor; they use a variable speed controller. If you have a manual system where you vary the temperature, you probably have a 3 or … Read More
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How to add Freon when the compressor isn’t running What you need to know before you start adding Freon to your AC when the compressor isn’t running Important AC Fact #1: It’s the refrigerant (Freon) that carries oil throughout the system to lubricate the compressor. Important AC Fact #2: If your AC system is low on refrigerant, you have a leak, and when refrigerant leaks out, so does the refrigerant oil. So the AC system is now low on oil. Important AC Fact #3: If the compressor doesn’t engage, you … Read More
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Brighter headlight bulbs — which brands are brighter? Every car owner seems to want brighter headlight bulbs so they can see farther down the road. And headlight bulbs companies have jumper on the bandwagon to produce and market brighter headlight bulbs. But is there really any such thing? Are Sylvania Silverstar headlight bulbs brighter? Sylvania says so and they charge a pretty penny for their Silverstar headlight bulbs. But their claims that Silverstar headlight bulbs “are brighter, project a wider beam and allow better sight down the road” got them … Read More
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A look at the TopScan OBD II Bi-directional code reader and scan tool The TopScan scan tool comes in two versions Lite and Pro TopScan Lite and Pro versions work as an OBD2 code reader and performs all 10 modes of OBD2 testing, allowing you to access crucial information on even more vehicles. It also supports full functionalities including reading DTCs, clearing DTCs, Live Data, I/M Readiness Monitor Status, View Freeze Frame Data, O2 Sensor Testing, On-board Monitor Testing, Evap Testing, Read Vehicle Information, and DTC Look Up. Read, clear, … Read More
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How to diagnose and fix a gas gauge not working or wrong condition How a gas gauge works In older pre-computer days, the gas gauge connected directly to the fuel sending unit in the tank. The instrument cluster sent a 12-volt signal to the sending unit and the sending unit returned a varying return voltage based on the level of fuel in the tank. The sensor in the tank is simply a variable resistor with a wiping arm that moves in an arc by the float and float arm. In … Read More
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How long can you drive with power steering leak? How long you can drive with a power steering leak depends on how big the leak is and how often you check and refill the system. Some large leaks will deplete the power steering fluid reservoir in as little as a few hours, while small leaks may take a week before the reservoir gets low. What are the risks of driving with a power steering leak? Loss of power steering assist If you’re driving and the system runs out of power … Read More
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What causes a power steering rack leak? An hydraulic power steering rack develops leaks in three ways: 1) The seals have worn out due to age, heat or contaminated power steering fluid 2) Excessive pressure has damaged the seals 3) The metal hydraulic piston has worn, creating excessive clearance between the piston and the seals. What can you do to prevent power steering rack leaks? • Use the recommended power steering fluid • If your vehicle is equipped with a power steering cooler, clean the fins to allow proper cooling … Read More
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