DIY Auto Repair and Diagnosis

Troubleshooting the sounds your car suspension makes can save you a small fortune. Before you spend a dime, read this first, and leave a comment for specific advice about your car.

VSS, WSS, CKT and CMP speed and position sensors are used by the ECM or other computers to keep track of the position and speed of the crankshaft and camshaft, and the speed of the vehicle and its wheels.

DIY how to Toyota Camry Power Steering Fluid replacement.

If you have an oil drain bolt that is leaking or the threads are damaged beyond repair, you don't need to have the oil pan replaced; just a few tools, my recommended repair kit, and 30 minutes.

DIY: How to replace the radiator on the Honda Accord and Acura CL (F23 engine). Lots of pictures.

One of the most nerve-wracking diagnoses that an engine can receive: BLOWN HEAD GASKET. Dive into this article to learn the 3 most common signs your engines developed a bad head gasket.

For car and truck owners who have a "check engine" light on caused by OBDII codes P0171 and P0174 (Fuel System Too Lean), here are some tips for diagnosis and troubleshooting.

DIY for Jetta, Golf, GTI, Passat, New Beetle, A4 on cleaning or replacing the MAF (mass air flow) sensor. Step-by-step pictures, part numbers, and tools required for the job.

Complete description of Case backhoe hydraulic cylinder repairs, rebuilding, and replacement, with step-by-step photos to guide you through the process.

Learn how to test an EGR valve in a few minutes to confirm you actually need a new replacement.

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

A malfunctioning sensor can cause performance problems, turn on the "Check Engine Light" and fail an emission test. Testing a sensor is usually done with a DVOM. Test the ECT, TPS and pressure sensors

See and learn how to replace an AC evaporator and heater core. In this article with over 30 minutes of video, you will see how to do it step-by-step. I did this replacement on an '01 Lexus RX 300 with over 150,000 miles.

Front end clunking noise when acceleration from a dead stop? Maybe a new front motor mount requires replacement.

Recognize bad fuel filter symptoms, improve engine performance and avoid expensive repair bills.

Is your thermostat stuck? Photos, tests and helpful recommendations for the engine thermostat.

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

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

What do you do when your power window gets stuck in the down position and you don't have the money to get it fixed by a mechanic? Here are the steps I took to manually close my car's power window.

Alternator problems? This guide shows you how to test an alternator in your car using a digital multimeter.

Diagnosing an electrical short can be very difficult and expensive. The actual repair usually consists of an inexpensive wire connector and some tape. The real expense is the time it takes to locate the problem.

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

On the Chevrolet (GM) 3.1-l engine, intake manifold gaskets can fail and damage the cylinder heads. DIY replacing the gaskets and removing the heads is possible with the right tools and manual.

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.

Your DDEC 3 or DDEC 4 engine computer connects on one side to engine sensors and on the other side to vehicle sensors and controls. Here are the pinouts and signals for both connectors.

This article focuses on the often-misunderstood, underestimated RB20DET, as found in various late-eighties/early-nineties Nissans.

Replacing the timing chains of a Hyundai Accent CRDi engine seems to be a very tedious job. There are so many bolts to be uncrewed before we can get access to the chains, and so many 'WARNINGS' that we have to be aware of to carry out a successful replacement job. However, following this replacement procedure very closely saves you time and costly reworks.

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

Learn how to test a fuel pressure regulator to save money and time in car repairs.

How to replace a washer fluid pump on a 2006 BMW X3. Often these pumps begin leaking and must be replaced. Step-by-step instructions with pictures.

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.

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

Your mechanic says you need a wheel bearing, what's a wheel bearing? Pictures, video and explanation: what a wheel bearing is, what it does, where it is, and the noise it makes when it's damaged.

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

That serpentine belt noise could be more serious than you think. Troubleshoot your belt with the help of this guide and fix it.

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

Car thermostat problems — Check your thermostat in a few minutes without removing it from your car.

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

This guide shows you how to locate, remove & clean your exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve on Renault Trafic, Opel / Vauxhall Vivaro & Nissan Primastar vans. Cleaning helps your diesel engine run smoothly and it's possible to bypass the valve to increase performance & economy.

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

Worried your fan belt is bad? Hearing strange squealing or whining noises from your car? Thinking about a few extra things every car should have in a tune up? Look no further! This article's for you!

How to fix or replace broken wire harness clips or plugs on all VW and Audi cars: 1.8T Jetta, GTI, Golf MK4, and Audi B5 and B6. You can use a special tool or a paper clip!

DIY (Do It Yourself) instructions on performing a Starter Motor replacement on the Toyota 1MZFE engine commonly found on the Camry, Avalon, RAV4, ES300, RX300 & Highlander. Step by step instruction with photos. No special tools required. Approximately less than 1.5 to complete the Starter Motor replacement.

Recognizing symptoms of a bad EGR valve will help you troubleshoot potential problems sooner and restore engine performance faster.

How to use a voltage drop test to troubleshoot common automotive problem circuits to speed up repairs and save money.

This video and procedure shows how to replace the front suspension upper control arm and ball joint, strut, and lower control arm and lower ball joint on a Honda Accord.

Replace your coolant temperature sensor at home now using some common tools, a few minutes, and this practical guide.

Replacing a worn bushing on the sway bar (stabilizer bar) will eliminate a common rear end rattle in the '90s Camry.

A comprehensive guide for repairing stripped bolt hole threads.

If you think you may have rodents or mice living in your vehicle, here are a few tips on where to find their hiding places and how to evict them permanently!

Learn how to recover and recharge an AC system as well as replacing AC; compressors, condensers, evaporators, accumulators, receiver driers, H-blocks, orifice tubes and lines.

When the compass and temperature display on my 13 year old Ford Explorer SportTrac faded away, a little bit of research, time and soldering skills solved what would be an expensive fix.

Here's why your Camry's "Check Engine" light comes on and what the codes mean that it generates.

Learn about different problems that can occur with your car's electrical system.

If the air conditioning goes out in your car, you want to get it fixed quick. There are a number of problems that could cause this issue. Keep cool with these tips and tricks.

Learn how to change a front wheel bearing with a step by step guide with photos and a video. In the video, you will learn what a damaged wheel bearing sounds like and how to determine which wheel bearing is causing the noise. Once you learn this trick of the trade, your mechanic can never sell you a wheel bearing you don't need.

Diagnose and fix common vehicle charging system problems using a few tools and this guide.

Change a car battery without damaging electric components and prevent corrosion build up at the same time.

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.

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

Our article explains how to build a turbo Honda or Acura and what to look for in a bolt-on turbo kit.

DIY How To Honda Accord engine head gasket, timing belt, water pump and radiator replacement / replacement.

Lets face it. The instructions provided with your update kit are less than understandable. You open your kit and you are left scratching your head, "Where do I even start?" I understand this problem because I help customers, like you, over the phone...

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!

Install a brake booster replacement following these simple steps, even if you have to remove the brake master cylinder.

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.

Most impact torque wrenches are used for lug nuts on the wheels of a car. The varieties are cordless, 12-v outlet, corded and pneumatic. Fathers Day, Christmas, Birthday.

There are many reasons that your heater might be giving you the cold shoulder - literally. This article will cover the three most likely reasons why your heater is blowing cold.

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.

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.

DIY How To Honda Accord / Acura CL Timing Belt and Water Pump Replacement - 4 Cylinder - F23

DIY Toyota I4 (5SFE) engine oil leak repair. Plenty of photos and step-by-step repair instructions.

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.

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

This is a guide to finding, cleaning or changing the MAF sensor on your Opel / Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic or Nissan Primastar van. This sensor is often the cause of low power, an inability to rev properly and rough running. Follow this easy to follow guide to find out how to change it yourself.

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

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

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.

Is oil leaking from your car or truck? Want to know why that's happening or how to fix it? Great! You've found the right article here!

A low coolant level can mean a coolant leak. These methods help you locate hard-to-find leaks.

Do a cleaning EGR valve job at home to improve engine performance and prevent serious engine mechanical problems.

BMW X3/X5 Brake, ABS, and 4x4 warning lights all on at the same time. Information on the probable cause (defective BMW transfer case actuator motor gear) and fixes.

This DIY provides the basic procedure for replacing the front hub and wheel bearing in a 2000-2011 Ford Focus, as well as other FWD cars, without removing the steering knuckle and without using a standing hydraulic press machine. Special tools are required.

There have been complaints of the EPS light going on suddenly or the power steering failing in Civics and Accords. What you can do if this happens to you.

Performance car enthusiasts have been asking this question for years and continue to ask it. Both are great engines that offer subtle trade-offs over the other. Understand which one is right for you.

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

Check out my tips for installing 4-wire trailer wiring.

Hydraulic brake systems use the principles of hydraulics to amplify the drivers foot power to slow the vehicle. They use Department of Transportation (DOT) rated brake fluid.

A how-to guide for replacing spark plugs on a 2004 Toyota Tundra V8 with high quality Iridium spark plugs. Also serves as a general spark plug replacement guide.

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!

Diagnose engine knock with the help of this simple guide before your engine suffers costly damage.

The average automotive hobbyist can do a passable DIY seat repair to prevent further damage. My technique depends on whether the rip borders on a seam or not.

Depending on the type of engine you have, a broken timing belt can cause immediate and massive damage. It happened to me with no warning.

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.

The most common reason for a slipping automatic transmission, and the most common reason for a slipping standard transmission. What to do to fix it in either case.

Do you know what to do in the event that you get in and turn your car on but it doesn't start? Check out this hub for some helpful tips on what to do.

Very simple do-it-yourself instructions for replacing the valve cover gasket on Volkswagen 2.0L AEG engines to help seal vacuum and oil leaks. Includes Jetta, Golf, and GTI.

Besides battery problems, solenoids are probally the most common cause of failure in a golf cart. I'll show you to how check your solenoid in a matter of seconds.

Instructions on changing the front disc brake pads and rotors on a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. May be applicable to other years or vehicles.

I didn't want to pay a fine for a burnt-out headlight and I didn't want to pay someone else to replace it either. Here's how I did it, with some nuances that may help you.

If your car consumes more fuel than usual, find the culprit fast and stop throwing money at the gas pump.

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

Brake fluid leaks: learn how to find a leak in the brake system before it's too late.

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

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

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.

Ever wonder what's the secret behind auto dealerships selling used cars that look good as new? This is the biggest part of it and now you will learn how to do it even better than they do, the pro way.

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.

Test your vehicle catalytic converter in your own garage.

A do-it-yourself battery replacement is a real money-saver but you also have to be responsible with the proper disposal of your old battery. There are 5 important factors in choosing a car battery: size, brand, reserve capacity (RC) rating, age, and cold-cranking amps (CCA) rating. The car battery is the power underneath the hood of your car. It provides electricity needed for door locks, sliding windows, lights, and other car accessories. Your car is dead, the moment your battery dies. At first

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.

How to replace the door glass, door glass guide, window regulator and window motor on a Camry. No special tools required. Most parts can be obtained from a salvage yard and transferred to your car.

A pictorial tutorial on changing the 12V battery in a 2004-2010 Toyota Prius. While more difficult than most cars, a Prius battery replacement is still within most homeowners abilities.

Are you having car-starting trouble other car issues and wondering whether your alternator is still good? Here's how to tell and how to rebuild or replace your alternator if it is in fact the culprit.

Learn how to solve your BMW`s electrical problems easy and avoid the costly trips to the dealership.

In this article, I will explain step-by-step how to replace a water coolant outlet (sometimes called a coolant air bleeder) on a 2006 to 2009 Dodge Charger with a 2.7L engine. This guide does not cover the RT, SRT, and SXT trims.

Does it really kill your own battery to jump someone else's car? Are there any ways to protect your battery when helping out a friend? Read this article to find out more.

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

Do you know how old the 12-volt battery is in your Prius? Think it needs replacing? Read on to find out how easy it is to perform a battery test without even breaking out a wrench!

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

When deciding I wanted a more custom look for my car I decided on a custom subwoofer enclosure in my trunk. This is how we did it.

Installing a front license plate is a cheap and easy DIY project you can knock out in minutes. The handful of dollars you spend on this project will avoid fines and wasted time in the future.

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

Describes how to remove and replace a power steering pump from a small Massey Ferguson tractor. Complete with step-by-step photos and tips for complete repairs.

Car starter problems? Don't blame the starter motor yet. These 5 troubleshooting tips will help you find the culprit.

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

The 7 speed DSG has made many improvements over the older 6 speed variant, but it's not without its problems.

The four noises that car owners complain about most often: CV joint noise, water pump noise, belt noise, and heat shield noise. What your noise means and what might fix it. Plus a car buying tip.

Replace the light bulb inside the climate control/heater knob in your MKIV, Jetta, Golf, Gti, Beetle, or Audi.

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.

Locate a car electrical short using a test light, digital multimeter and this simple to follow guide.

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.

Check these common sources of car vibration and noises and repair your car sooner.

The symptoms of DTC P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction) are Hard Starting, High Fuel Consumption, and Rough Operation. Presented here is a procedure aimed at solving this problem.

You've fixed the issue which was causing your check engine light to turn on, but now it wont turn off! Try one or more of these approaches to get the light to go off and be sure your engine is ok.

Testing spark plug wires to solve power loss, hard-to-start, increase in gas consumption and other performance issues.

How to replace an in-tank fuel pump and its associated filter assembly, with pictures. The disassembly and the assembly of parts, the testing of the installation, and trouble-shooting.

Spark plug problems can be tricky to identify. The symptoms of faulty spark plugs are pretty general and can be attributed to a number of other issues. So read this article for tips and tricks on how to differentiate spark plug problems from other issues.

Imagine getting a flat tire on your way to work. You stop to change your tire and a lug nut is stripped and won't come off. Access to a couple simple tools will prevent this from becoming a problem.

The braided hose that is connected to the fuel pressure regulator (FPR) is a common spot for vacuum leaks on 1.8T cars. Your FPR itself can also get clogged and stuck.

Sources of engine rough idle problems and related symptoms for a faster diagnosis and repair.

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.

Ford Fusion owners: Beware if your A/C has stopped working! Ford had a genius idea to install a sensor in the top of the evaporator case. What does this mean to the owners of the Fusion? I should start by saying there are many reasons why your...

Do an oil pan gasket replacement at home following the safety precautions, tips, and method outlined in this guide.

A quick DIY with part number for fixing a broken back seat latch for VW, Jetta, Golf, GTI, MKIV

Does a rubber oil pan drain plug work. Not really. The self threading piggy back oil pan drain plug cold welded in place is the answer!

It is possible to cheat an emissions test to conceal catalytic converter faults. Oxygen sensors behind the converter can be tricked.

A DIY how-to on replacing the thermostat and temperature sensor on a Toyota Camry.

When your engine hesitates during acceleration, get to the source of the problem with this guide.

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

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

A guide to changing the brake pads on a VW Touran. The information that follows applies to many of the VW, Audi, SEAT, Skoda range of vehicles.

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.

Learn how coolant loss happens, where to look for the leak, and what tests you can do at home to find the leak source faster.

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

Five common brake problems: soft brake pedal, pulling to one side while braking, vibration while braking.

When your engine lopes, focus on those systems more likely to give you trouble.

When the battery on a Nissan Micra goes totally flat the electronic locking system won't work, so you can't open the door. Here's how to unlock your Nissan Micra when the battery dies.

Car dents are unsightly things, and even a couple of small ones really depreciate the value of your car.

How to remove and replace the right (passenger side) CV axle on a Kia Sportage. A nylon strap or rope can be used to "snap out" the axle from the transmission. This repair can also be performed on a Hyundai Tuscon (2005-2007).

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.

Check common sources of engine misfires using this friendly tip-filled guide.

This video details the steps involved in replacing the water pump and water pump gasket on a 2012 Ford Mustang V6. The same water pump is also used on the 2011-2014 Ford F150.

Hyundais have a common problem with the A/C not working when the car is stopped. It's often a bad connector that is very easy to fix for under $20.

DIY Toyota or Lexus Fuel Pump replacement. Many photos and step by step instructions. No special tools required. Relatively safe and easy and not too time consuming.

Whether your car is hard to start when cold, hot, or both, this guide gives you tips and tests to help you fix your car sooner.

Locating the EGR valve in an engine. An integral part of the emissions control.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing a power steering pump on a GM small-block engine. High-resolution photos illustrate every step.

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

ECU remapping, engine chipping, and chip tuning all mean the same thing. This guide explains exactly what is meant by these terms and will help you to decide whether remapping your car or van will benefit you!

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

Figure out if your car battery is keeping your car from starting.

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

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

Many Chrysler wipers made since the seventies use plastic bushings as bearings. They wear out. Here's how to replace them.

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.

Transmission flush DIY for all VW cars on the MKIV platform using Pennzoil synchromesh. 17mm and specialty bit # XZN16MH are used depending if your car is a GLI 20th or standard MKIV.

Engine misses can be hard to diagnose, but you can start with the most likely sources to speed up your repair.

The topic of RB20 intake manifolds is a hot one. As the price of used Nissan RB20DET engines continues to tumble, more people are viewing them as a viable option to their current engine. The RB20 itself is a marvel, with a sturdy iron block and...

Learn how to jumpstart a car and how to charge a car battery to restore battery power and increase its service life.

Read and clear your car's "Check Engine" light codes through its OBD-II diagnostic port using a simple ELM327 Bluetooth reader, your Android phone, and the Torque Pro Android app.

How to remove and replace the fuel filter to help with rough idle, lack of performance or low fuel pressure. For VW MKIV, Jetta, GTI, and Audi A4.

Simple-to-follow instructions for repairing a spark plug wire that has been pulled off the clip.

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.

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

DIY repair of the rear door handle, door latch, or door lock actuator. Detailed step-by-step photos and no special tools required. Save money doing it yourself.

Tips for replacing your Toyota Prius smart key battery, buying replacement keys for cheap, and tips for lost smart keys.

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.

Both sliding doors on my Dodge Caravan quit working. This is how I fixed them myself.

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

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

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

Here is a way to take the cheap Bosch oxygen sensor #15718, made for Ford cars, and use it on your 2.0 L Volkswagen engine. This is an old trick on the MKIII engine but has not been tried on the MKIV.

Radiator stop leak should only be used in certain circumstances. Check out this radiator stop leak review to see if it might be right for you.

Knowing how to retrieve OBD trouble codes when the Check Engine light comes on will help you save time and money.

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

When testing fuel injectors for common problems, you don't need to be an expert or have expensive tools.

If your engine cranks but won't start, this guide tells you where to begin your diagnostic and what to do next.

My new Jetta MKIV 2.0L had some serious brake issues going on. But they were easier to fix than I thought they would be.

A picture walkthrough that shows how to change the spark plugs in the Toyota Sienna.