This site uses cookies to improve your experience. To help us insure we adhere to various privacy regulations, please select your country/region of residence. If you do not select a country, we will assume you are from the United States. Select your Cookie Settings or view our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Used for the proper function of the website
Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Strictly Necessary: Used for the proper function of the website
Performance/Analytics: Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
Lately, I’ve been getting questions from our #sheCANic community and friends wondering if they should buy a device to read the codes set off by the dreaded checkenginelight. For this reason, companies are offering services and products to help drivers decipher and decode their checkenginelights.
5 Signs You Need an O2 Sensor Replacement Some indicators of a malfunctioning oxygen sensor include: Illuminated checkenginelight: The ECU (Engine Control Unit) monitors the functioning of oxygen sensors and their heater circuits.
Catalytic converters are important to every vehicle because they convert harmful compounds from your engine’s emissions. When your vehicle has a faulty catalytic converter, it usually causes your checkenginelight to come on. Your checkenginelight will illuminate if your catalytic converter is overheating.
We’ll explain what a “service engine soon” light means and why it turns on, so you can identify which carpart needs a little love. We’ll also tell how it differs from the dreaded checkenginelight and how to turn it off. This Article Contains: What Does a Service Engine Soon Light Mean?
My goal was to help other women learn from my mistakes and to change their perceptions about cars. Part of being an adult is taking care of the expensive things you must buy to live. A house and your cars will always be the most significant personal purchases you make in life.
This throws off the air-fuel ratio, resulting in rough idle , reduced fuel economy (often accompanied by the checkenginelight), and difficulty starting your vehicle. An active checkenginelight : The ECU monitors the amount of released fuel vapor and triggers the checkenginelight if it’s deficient or excessive.
Well, your car might be struggling to breathe — all thanks to a clogged air filter. A clogged air filter can affect your engine performance, bring down your fuel economy, and damage other important carparts. That’s because your engine can’t keep the combustion process up due to the lack of air supply.
This unassuming little device detects abnormal vibrations in your engine, helping prevent any damaging knocking sound that can lead to severe performance issues. However, like any carpart, the knock sensor can wear out over time, leading to the question: how much will it cost to replace it?
Additional repairs: Any extra repairs, such as fixing the alternator , voltage regulator, or other carparts, can increase the overall cost. Damaged car battery terminals are ill-equipped to conduct electricity between the battery and the car’s electrical system. Is it Worth Replacing the Battery Terminals?
CheckEngineLight On along with VTM 4 Light (Displays P0171/P0174 Code) These trouble codes indicate your ECU (Engine Control Unit) has detected a lean fuel mixture in your vehicle, activating the checkenginelight. How Much Does Honda AWD System Diagnosis and Repair Cost?
Illuminated checkenginelight: When a malfunctioning crankshaft sensor sends incorrect signals to the ECU, it detects the issue and triggers the checkenginelight. Your car will also register a P0335 trouble code , indicating a crankshaft position sensor circuit malfunction.
Reduced fuel efficiency : When there’s not enough air, the engine will compensate for this by using more fuel. Lit checkenginelight : Multiple sensors can trigger the checkenginelight when you have a dirty air filter. What Causes a Bad Engine Air Filter?
If the camshaft position sensor in your car malfunctions, it can disrupt the vehicle’s fuel injection and ignition timing by sending inaccurate or delayed signals to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Note: The checkenginelight can also illuminate due to a bad crankshaft position sensor or other faulty components.
Types of electrical connections: Simple 1-wire alternators, typically found in older vehicles, are less expensive than 3-wire alternators used in newer cars. Additional repairs: During the alternator replacement, mechanics may discover that carparts, like the serpentine belt , a bad battery, or a battery cable, need attention.
7 Things That Happen When the Serpentine Belt Breaks A malfunctioning serpentine belt (drive belt or alternator belt) affects every carpart, from the alternator to the engine. Here’s what happens to a car when the serpentine belt breaks: 1. Without coolant flow, the engine’s heat can’t be dissipated.
This limits your engine RPMs and driving gear (on automatic transmission vehicles) to prevent damage to other carparts. Illuminated CheckEngineLight When the ECU detects a problem with the transmission solenoid, it’ll trigger the checkenginelight. It can indicate several problems.
Simplify Fuel Pump Replacement with AutoNation Mobile Service A malfunctioning fuel pump can strain your carparts, potentially affecting your drive and putting you in danger. So, instead of risking your life, you should call a mobile mechanic to fix your fuel pump problem. Want to ensure the pump replacement is perfect?
Poor Battery Connections Loose, faulty, or corroded connections can create resistance in the circuit, preventing power from reaching the ignition components and making it difficult for the engine to start. You may also notice issues like a dead car battery or an illuminated CheckEngineLight.
Like most carparts, the camshaft can wear out over time. It plays a crucial role in engine function, controlling the flow of air and fuel into and out of the combustion chambers. We’ll give you the lowdown on the expenses and some signs that indicate it’s time for a trip to the car repair shop.
Is your car squealing or has the air conditioner lost its cool? That’s your car crying for a new alternator belt. This unsung hero is a single belt that helps power key carparts, like the alternator, power steering, and air conditioning. Wondering how much an alternator belt replacement costs ?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs. aftermarket parts: An OEM air conditioning condenser will cost more than an aftermarket one. Additional repairs: If carparts, such as a radiator, evaporator, or any other AC component, are damaged, your mechanic will include their repair cost in the final bill.
If you’re not confident with carparts, let a mechanic do it. Engine misfires: Oil-soaked spark plugs struggle to create a spark, causing ignition issues, misfires, and an illuminated CheckEngineLight. To fix this, you’ll need to install a new plug.
This leads to a loud squealing noise when you start the car and might get louder as you accelerate. You should check how often your timing belts need replacing in your manual. Plus, keep an eye out for any tell-tale signs, as a bad timing belt can damage other expensive carparts.
When a car is new, it takes about 5,000 miles before you should begin routine maintenance. This first check-up is important because the carparts are "breaking themselves in." It will also be checked to make sure all valves and hoses are not leaking anything straight from the factory.
Consequently, your vehicle will run rough, or you may experience engine backfire. Note: When there’s a misfire, your vehicle’s ECU will trigger the checkenginelight and register a related code such as P0300 , P0301 , P0304 , etc. If you’re not comfortable with carparts, let a mechanic handle this job for you.
We organize all of the trending information in your field so you don't have to. Join 5,000+ users and stay up to date on the latest articles your peers are reading.
You know about us, now we want to get to know you!
Let's personalize your content
Let's get even more personalized
We recognize your account from another site in our network, please click 'Send Email' below to continue with verifying your account and setting a password.
Let's personalize your content