Auto Repair

Clean and replace the throttle body for VW and Audi 1.8T engines to cure rough idle and carbon build-up.

Using a DVOM is an important tool to diagnose vehicle components, including batteries, starters, alternators, computer sensors and actuators, injectors, lighting and accessories like ABS and AC systems.

Match these common symptoms to your possible manual transmission issues for a faster diagnosis.

Were you told you need an $900 catalytic converter because your check engine light is on with code P0420? I’ll describe a low-cost alternative you can try first.

Diagnose the most common problems with your car's starting system without special equipment or knowledge, based on the symptoms described here.

Find out why your car stalls and get tips to fix the problem yourself.

If your brakes squeak and you want to know why, maybe I can help! Here are four common brake squeaks plus a bonus scraping noise; compare these situations to yours. Questions are welcome.

Is your car using too much oil? How to do some tests to find the reason. Learn about common leak sources and prevention.

Here are the most likely reasons for bad clutch performance, a noisy clutch, or strange behavior by the clutch pedal. Look for your symptoms here.

In this article, you'll find step-by-step instructions for a Toyota or Lexus Fuel Pump replacement with photos. There are no special tools required, and it's relatively safe, easy, and not too time consuming. The OEM fuel pump provider for Toyota and Lexus is Denso.

Find and fix a vacuum leak in your car in a few simple steps using simple tools.

Do it yourself (DIY) replacement of the timing belt, water pump, and oil seals on the 4-cylinder Toyota Camry and similar cars, with photos, lists of tools, and parts recommendations.

Water leaking into a car can lead to mold, corrosion, computer issues, and bad smells. Water can leak into your passenger compartment from outside or inside the car, often from the windshield.

How to replace worn rear suspension struts and springs on your Camry. Video included.

Install a car thermostat replacement in minutes without causing coolant leaks, damage to components, or engine overheating.

The existing lead terminal connectors on this 3000 GT looked beat up, worn and ugly. This video shows you to replace your battery terminal connectors and repair the frayed battery cable ends with new copper lug connectors.

DIY instructions for cleaning or replacing the MAF (mass airflow) sensor in a VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Passat, New Beetle, A4. Included are step-by-step pictures, part numbers, and tools required for the job.

Diagnose engine backfires with this guide and prevent potentially serious engine damage.

Find that parasitic battery drain that's causing your car battery problems whether you have a newer or older vehicle model.

How to remove and replace the driver's-side CV axle shaft and seal on most Toyota Camrys. Detailed instructions and plenty of photos. No special tools required. In addition, I've provided a video on how to replace a split CV boot if you want to avoid a complete axle replacement.

How to replace front-end strut mounts (and struts) on the '97–'01 Toyota Camry, with a video. Plus other causes of front-end noise.

Check your fuel pump relay — and other automotive relays — in minutes using three different simple methods.

Don't let trouble code P0171 or P0174 leave you without your ride and, worst of all, with an expensive repair bill later on.

AC system diagnosis can be done by feeling the lines for the correct temperature/ pressure relationship. With gauges hooked up, the pressures can be measured and then diagnosed.

Of all the faults the ZF 6HP automatic transmission can throw at you, the E Clutch fault is by far the hardest to determine the cause of.

Common brake problems, such as a soft brake pedal, pulling to one side while braking, or vibration while braking can have serious implications for your car's health (and your health, in turn!). Learn more about the most common brake issues and their solutions, here.

There are a few types of transmission you might find in your vehicle; here are the differences between them.

Ten possible events that can trigger a "check engine" light in a Honda. Read the ten questions here; they will give you useful information that will help your mechanic diagnose the problem quickly.

This video will show you how to replace the front brake pads and rotors on a 2012 Ford Escape. This "floating caliper" hardware design is typically found in European automobiles. There are no abutment clips. The inside pad is spring-mounted into the caliper piston and remains fixed.

Proper maintenance helps prolong the useful years of your car. I’ll tell you how I'm keeping my old car running as good as new with little cost for upkeep.

This article, via video, will show you how to remove the right cylinder bank coil packs and spark plugs from a 2004 4.0L V6 Nissan Xterra WITHOUT removing the intake plenum.

Troubleshoot an inductive or Hall effect type crankshaft position (CKP) sensor using a digital multimeter.

This article will explore signs and symptoms of a bad heater core in your car, from fog and drips to funny smells in the cabin, no heat in the cabin, or the engine overheating.

How to replace the radiator on your Toyota Camry. No special tools required. Plenty of photos and step-by-step instructions.

How to troubleshoot a mass airflow sensor in a few simple steps. What to look for, and how to interpret your results.

How to replace the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, and guide pulleys on the 2005-2015 Honda V6 Pilot, 2004 Acura TL (same as Accord) with a video showing the repair performed on a 12' Pilot and another on a 04' Acura TL.

The GM 5L40-E is a popular transmission, but it is not without its faults. Here are some of the most common ones.

If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, check these common sources of trouble.

Starting a workshop business or auto repair shop can be very profitable if you get the basics right.

Find the source of valve train noises and other symptoms using this simple guide.

When your brake lights don't work, apply these simple diagnostic tests.

This video will show you how to rebuild a brake caliper assembly.

Diagnose a water pump failure faster with these three simple step-by-step methods.

Automatic transmissions need love too. Why and when should you service yours?

DIY guide for installing a boost gauge and wiring in a VW MKIV Jetta, Golf GTI, or New Beetle.

How to drain and replace the ATF on your Camry, or flush the ATF if necessary. Includes videos of flushing the ATF with and without the help of a 12-volt oil pump.

This guide helps you diagnose turn signal problems when one or more of the signal lights refuses to work.

Three common brake noises I encounter every day: a grinding sound, a thumping from the rear, and a squeak. Includes a repair technique for noisy drum brakes that I found by trial and error.

Learn the main causes of a blown head gasket, and prevent your new gasket from suffering the same demise.

How to do a timing belt replacement for the Toyota V6 Camry, Avalon, Solara, Sienna, HIghlander, Lexus ES300 and Lexus RX300. Video instruction, lots of photos, and step-by-step instructions.

If your engine fires and coughs after it's been turned off, this guide helps you target the different systems and components you should pay attention to.

When your engine starts but stops, concentrate your diagnostic efforts on those systems or components most likely to cause the failure.

Clean your MAF sensor in minutes using a simple procedure. Fix rough idle problems and other performance issues.

Starter motor replacement performed on a 2009 Honda Accord with the 4 cylinder 2.4L K24 i-VTEC engine. The Acura TSX, Honda CRV, and Element also use this engine - therefore the repair procedure process should be similar.

Check for cooling fan problems using this simple guide and tips.

If your engine won't turn over, this guide will help you find the most common—and not so common—problem sources.

Bleed the power steering system using one of two simple methods to prevent expensive repairs and potential road accidents.

Troubleshoot your potentially bad brake booster by using the simple tests in this guide to save time and money.

Use a car battery hydrometer on a dead car battery or suspected bad car battery to learn its state of charge and health in minutes.

Batteries are the heart of the electrical system on cars, trucks and boats. The battery is a storage unit that converts chemical energy into electrical voltage. Problems can effect the entire vehicle.

Find out why your car battery discharges by applying these simple tests at home.

How to tell if your MAP sensor is bad and how to test it in your garage.

DIY how-to instructions, with photos, for replacing the head gasket, timing belt, water pump and radiator on a Honda Accord. The repair pictured here was done on a Honda F23 2.3L I4 engine, the engine also used in the '98-'99 Acura CL, '98 Odyssey, and '98-'99 Oasis.

How to replace the timing belt and pulley yourself on the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Spectra. Step-by-step instructions, plenty of photos, and a video!

An explanation of the types of sensors found in an engine, including their typical functions and locations.

This video will show you how to replace the CV axles (driver and passenger side) on a 99'-03' Acura TL. These shafts are also used on the 01'-03' Acura CL and the 98'-'02'Honda Accord.

Basic electrical knowledge applies to so many vehical components: batteries, starters, alternators, lighting, sensors, actuators, AC systems, electric windows, and computer systems.

Do-it-yourself replacement (with video!) of the front end of the Honda CRV: the front suspension strut, lower ball joint, control arm, and sway bar/stabilizer bar link.

Simple, easy-to-understand, proven methods on how to earn the highest salary as an automotive technician without stealing from the customer.

Does your engine crank, but won't start? This guide tells you where to begin your diagnostic and what to do next.

I discovered how to avoid expensive car repair bills when the 'check engine light' is on. If it’s a catalytic converter warning, try my low-cost solution before going to a mechanic.

If you smell gas inside your car, your first guess might be that there's a fuel leak, but here are five other very common reasons you might smell fuel.

Diagnose alternator and charging system problems with this practical guide to get your car back on the road faster.

Test the throttle position sensor in a few minutes using a digital multimeter.

Having problems with your car's thermostat? This article shows you how to check your thermostat in a few minutes without removing it from your car.

How to replace a clogged fuel filter and clean the throttle body on a Camry.

Do-it-yourself Front Wheel Drive (FWD) wheel bearing replacement for most Toyotas and many other cars. Lots of photos, and details about tools needed.

Though old news, 6-speed DSG transmissions are still on the road in many vehicles. So let's look at some of the more common problems you might encounter with yours.

Eight ways your car radiator can cause your engine to overheat, plus troubleshooting tips.

Does your Toyota erratically change steering direction? Do you notice thumping or a tugging sensation when accelerating from a slow speed and turning? New control arm bushings may be needed. Includes video!

The four noises that car owners complain about most often: CV joint noise, water pump noise, belt noise, and heat shield noise. Find out what these noises mean and what might fix them.

This collection of repairs for Honda Harmony lawnmower transmissions is growing monthly. If your Harmony transmission has a problem, we probably have the solution!

DIY Toyota Camry tuneup, plus PCV valve cleaning. Use iridium plugs for better fuel economy and performance. Also, if you notice an oil leak inside the spark plug tube, I have a video showing you how to fix it.

If you recognize one or more of these symptoms, have a look into your camshaft position sensor before it gets you in trouble.

Tips and precautions to use when replacing your brake pads, so you can get quality results on a Honda or any other vehicle.

Learn how to check an oxygen sensor and eliminate hit-and-miss repairs using a digital multimeter.

There are common reasons for knocking noises in your car when driving over bumps, large and small. I will cover the five most common ones we see every day and explain how to check the components' integrity and condition.

Diagnosing simple fuel pump problems is within the reach of the average car owner. Use this guide to get your car back on the road faster.

DIY (Do it yourself) Toyota MZFE V6 Fuel Injector Replacement. Detailed instructions with plenty of step by step photos. Replacement method can be used in the Camry, Avalon, Sienna, ES300 & RX300.

This is a DIY on changing out your coolant temperature sensor that can lead to rough idle and a number of other problems. This DIY works for Audi and VW across the board depending on year.

How to test your vehicle yourself to investigate common and not-so-common reasons for a sluggish engine.

How to bleed the brakes at home fast using a vacuum pump, plus tips and warnings.

A knocking or ticking noise from your engine is a sign that something is wrong, usually because of a lack of oil. If you're questioning what is normal engine noise, I may have the answer.

Fluid leaking from a car could mean immediate repairs are needed, or it could be something totally normal. In this article, you will learn how to identify the leak and figure out what, if anything, needs to be done about it.

You're supposed have your automatic transmission oil changed every so often... but what about the filter?

Why should you wash your car regularly? It matters to the life of the car, as well as the resale value.

The video in this article will show you how to perform a front and rear brake service (brake pads and rotors) on a 2004 Acura TL. The same brake components are used in other Acura and Honda vehicles (CL, TSX, RL, and Accord).

This video will show you how to replace the front strut on a 2007 ('07 - '12) Acura RDX or a 2007 ('07 - '11) Honda CRV. Both vehicles share the same suspension strut design, making the parts interchangeable.

Computer systems operate and monitor almost every system on our vehicle today. Sensors and switches are used for inputs to the computer. Output devices are solenoids, relays, lights, and injectors.

This article shows you step-by-step how to replace the alternator on Toyota V6 engine (MZFE type). The alternator placement used on this V6 engine is the same for the Camry, Solara, Highlander, Avalon and Lexus ES300.