DIY Auto Repair and Diagnosis

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

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.

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.

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

Is your vehicle having a hard starting problem or cannot start at all? Here are some common symptoms and possible causes

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

Know how to replace a fuel pump safely, whether it's an in-tank or inline fuel pump.

Know how to replace an oxygen sensor safely and stop wasting fuel.

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

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.

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

Have you been having trouble starting your car, truck, van, or SUV? Here are some signs that you have a dying battery.

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.

This engine compression test will reveal your gasoline or diesel engine's mechanical condition. It's fast, cheap and reliable.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

The transmission and cooling systems may need attention on Corvairs from 1960-69.

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

Change an oxygen sensor on your 2000 Dodge Stratus without leaving behind damaged threads and exhaust leaks.

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.

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.

AC systems remove heat and moisture using refrigerants such as R134a in a closed system. The pressurized refrigerant boils after a pressure drop using the heat from the cabin of the vehicle.

The important function of a working PCV valve, how it works, signs that it's failing, and how to test.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Repair manuals for the Datsun/Nissan 720 series of trucks fail to mention the fuel pump relay—where to find it, what it does, how it's wired-in, and how to repair or replace it.

When the dreaded CHECK ENGINE light appears, there are many resources you can use to check and diagnose these DTCs.

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

A comprehensive guide for repairing stripped bolt hole threads.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

Camry DIY How To replace a worn Sway Bar / Stabilizer Bar bushing. Replacement will eliminates rear end rattle / noise.

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

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

DIY to remove Intake manifold on 1.8t VW audi cars. Jetta, GTI GOLF, A4 and B5. Replace old gasket that is causing vacuum leak. Or removing Intake for polishing. 028-129-717 part # MS96151

The Nissan Quest is an excellent vehicle. I have owned several of these and have had really great service out of them. There are a few issues with these vehicles. One of which I would like to go over today is the replacement of the thermostat. The...

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

DIY How To Timing Belt and Pulley replacement instructions for the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Spectra. Step by Step instructions and plenty of photos for the do-it-yourselfers.

Hyundai's have a common problem with the A/C not working when the car is stopped. The usual cause of the problem is very easy to fix and will cost under $20. Try to get out of an auto repair for $20!

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.

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

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.

If your car does not have electric windows, then you have a window crank handle on your door.  If this handle becomes damaged you can easily fix it without taking your car to the auto mechanic.

My car is getting to the age where a lot of lights are coming on and flashing, most notably the maintenance light. When I start the car, it will flash on and off for five seconds and then turn off again.

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.

If you're wondering why your car shakes when you hit your brakes, you more than likely have one or more warped rotors behind your wheels.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Loss of air conditioning in your Chrysler Pacifica is usually a matter of inconvenience rather than a serious problem. I'll show you how to check refrigerant pressure and refill it for $25.

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

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

Switches and encoders and actuators....oh Chevy.

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.

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.

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

Replace a fuel filter in minutes. This guide works for most vehicle models, even if you don't have much mechanical experience.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 want to know how to increase horsepower, you're not alone. These are simple engine modifications just anybody can do to their car.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Car thermostat replacement is not difficult when you know what to pay attention to. Check these tips for a successful repair job.

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

DIY instructional article on how to remove and replace the driver's side CV Axle Shaft and Seal for most Toyota Camry's. Detail instructions and plenty of photos. No special tools required.

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.

Camry DIY How To replace a worn Tie Rod End with no special tools.

DIY how to Toyota Camry shock absorber strut replacement

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

How to find an oil leak in your car using a simple strategy to save you time and money.

Are the brake lights of your Honda staying on even after you remove your foot from the brake pedal? The solution to this problem is simple and costs less than five dollars in most cases.

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

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

Know your engine. A simple guide to what's under the hood of your car with maintenance tips and pictures. Try the quiz at the end to see what you learned.

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...

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

DIY How To Rear Door Handle, Door Latch or Door Lock Actuator Repair. Detailed step by step photos and no special tools required. Save money doing it yourself.

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

Learn how to change a starter motor using a step by step approach that highlights what you need to pay attention to.

Solenoid problems can be very difficult to diagnose properly. Of all the electrical components in a car, the solenoid might be the least understood.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 charging system consists of the alternator and the batteries. The alternator's task is to keep the batteries charged and produce enough amperage to run the vehicle.

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!

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

Test your vehicle catalytic converter in your own garage.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

A very straightforward and simple job. This DIY covers how to change the tie rod in Jetta, GTI, Golf 1.8T, and MKIV. The tools needed and the tie-rod part number.

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!

This easy to follow illustrated guide explains exactly how to service your car or van at home. Save money and get the job done right. No problem!

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...

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.

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

This guide is for owners of the 1981-1985 Datsun and Nissan 720 4x4 pickups who need to change the clutch or make transmission repairs. This information is shared freely, comments are welcome!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

How to drain and replace the ATF on your Camry, or flush the ATF if necessary.

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

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.

When the rear end suspension of my GMC Envoy failed, I panicked. With the advice of a dear friend, I was able to order the parts I needed to get my SUV fixed affordably.

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

Loss of cooling at high engine speeds? It is very likely that you have a variable-displacement compressor. Before deciding to replace the compressor, read this article.

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.

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.

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

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

My golf cart came to a sudden halt. My battery meter was fluctuating on and off. With some help, I managed to repair my broken battery terminal post. Here's how I did it.

I mentioned losing a battery in our Club Car EZGO electric golf cart at my "How to repair a broken battery terminal". That repair didn't last long; I soon had to buy a new battery.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

This guide shows you how to fix the exhaust pipe or muffler on the cheap.

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

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

Edible not by humans but by rodents. This is a story about how our Prius's wiring harness was chewed by rodents...and it could happen to you as well.

This is how to change the oil on a Honda CL360. It's good to learn how to do it yourself because it can be expensive at a shop.

How to choose a sway bar that will work both for your car and your driving style. Suspension components and vehicle dynamics are complicated systems, but a proper sway bar upgrade can make all the difference when it comes to performance handling.

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

When your engine will not rotate, these simple checks and tests can help you diagnose and repair the fault.

Replace a brake caliper at home using these steps and tips and a few simple tools.

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.

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.

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

Camry DIY How To replace worn rear suspension struts and springs.

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

DIY for changing the valve cover, half moon seal, and cam tensioner gasket on VW Audi 1.8t jetta, gti, golf A4 cars. great for polishing and fixing vacuum leaks.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Squeaky brakes, shakes, vibrations. Check this list of common brake problems and identify their potential source so you can fix your brakes.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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, Camshaft, Vehicle Speed and Wheel Speeds.

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