DIY Auto Repair and Diagnosis

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

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

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.

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

Checking for a bad engine ground can fix dimmed lights, faulty sensors, and hard starting, and it can prevent severe damage.

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

This guide tells you how to troubleshoot the usual suspects and more when your engine won't crank over.

Common causes of engine surge, plus tips and tests.

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.

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

This DIY provides the basic procedure for replacing the front hub and wheel bearing in a 2000-2011 Ford Focus (and 2008 Fusion), as well as other FWD cars, without removing the steering knuckle and without using a standing hydraulic press machine. Special tools are required.

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

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

Replace the brake master cylinder in your own garage with this simple guide and suggestions.

Is your engine hesitating during acceleration? Get to the source of the problem with this guide.

How I used a "Save-a-Thread' thread tap kit to repair a blown-out spark plug in my customer's Ford Crown Victoria.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

The common code P0101, whether from a gas or diesel engine, often points to the Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF), but there are other possibilities.

Diagnose a stuck caliper and avoid a potential road accident.

Volkswagen diesel cars, such as the TDI, can experience a loss of power. Two items to check are computer-imposed "limp mode" and the MAF sensor.

Car AC squealing, rattling, whining, and other weird noises can lead you to the source of the problem and help you save money in repairs.

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.

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

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 fixing this problem.

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

When your car is hard to start when warm, there are a few common trouble spots you can check that can help you speed up your diagnostic.

Your mechanic says you need a wheel bearing . . . what's that? In this article, you'll find pictures, videos and an explanation of what a wheel bearing is, what it does, where it is, and the noise it makes when it's damaged.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

How to test your alternator's voltage regulator to avoid replacing components unnecessarily.

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.

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!

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.

How to adjust, test, or replace the neutral safety switch on your manual or automatic transmission.

The basics of turbocharging and what to look for when buying a turbocharger for an Acura or Honda.

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

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

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

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

Check out my tips for installing 4-wire trailer wiring. It is easier than you think.

This simple-to-follow guide will help you locate a car electrical short using a test light and a digital multimeter.

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

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.

To fix performance issues, check the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor in your car using a few simple tests.

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.

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.

This article provides you step-by-step instructions for replacing the upper strut mount and the stabilizer link on a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The repair method can also be applied to the Honda Pilot and the Acura MDX.

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

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

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.

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

Learn what it means when the maintenance light begins flashing on your dashboard, and what you should do when it happens.

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.

Are the brake lights on 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.

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.

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

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

During the winter, mice often build nests in a car's ventilation system, usually in the blower fan. I had to remove mouse nests from a Camry and a Sienna.

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

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!

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.

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

Learn how to test an ignition coil to troubleshoot engine misfires, a no-start condition, and other performance issues.

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

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

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!

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

Diagnose a potential seized engine and possible repairs.

Check your engine for vapor lock. Know hot to fix it and prevent it.

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

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.

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

How to do a cooling system check to find the source of leaks, overheating, and overcooling problems.

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

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.

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

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

No Diagnostic Trouble Codes to help? Learn what potentially failed components or systems are causing engine performance problems.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

This is a guide explaining how to replace the DPF exhaust pressure sensor on the OM651 engine, which is the engine fitted to the C220, C250, E220 and E250 Mercedes cars, plus the Sprinter and Vito vans. This sensor often fails and then the car mistakenly reports the DPF filter as being full.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Common faults that cause a "Reduced Engine Power" message, and what to do about them.

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

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

IAC motor troubleshooting is a simple procedure on most vehicles, and you probably already have the tools for the project.

If your car’s ignition system has no spark, a few simple tests can help you locate the fault.

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

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

When your headlights stop working, follow this simple symptoms-based guide to make a faster repair.

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

A clicking starter is not a good sign, but those clicks can help you diagnose and fix the problem.

When you want to diagnose engine noise, let your ear and these simple methods guide you.

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

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

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

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

Testing the voltage drop can help you find trouble spots in your starter circuit before you swap components unnecessarily.

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.

In this article, I will explain the most common reason for a slipping automatic transmission and the most common reason for a slipping standard transmission. What's more, I'll teach you to fix it in either case.

The cause of car vibrations can be difficult to pinpoint because of the vast number of potential causes. But if you car vibrates only when accelerating, you may have a CV joint issue. Address it and you won't be afraid to drive your car again.

Diagnose why your car dies while driving or at idle by looking at specific symptoms.

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

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

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.

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

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

If your car loses power going uphill, check these common potential faults.

Testing spark plug wires to solve power loss, trouble starting, increase in gas consumption and other performance issues.

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

Your Mustang is dripping radiator fluid—what might be the problem? Check the thermostat housing! The housing is notorious for leaks on the Ford Mustang.

Identifying the type of noise and when it happens can help you diagnose your transmission problem.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

Voltage-drop test your charging system circuit before condemning your alternator.

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

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

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

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

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—you just need a few tools, my recommended repair kit, and 30 minutes.

Choosing the right replacement car battery for your vehicle can be daunting. There are so many brands, manufacturers, and retailers out there that it can be difficult to know where to begin. Learn the 5 factors to consider when choosing an appropriate replacement battery for your vehicle.

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.

This article shows you the steps involved in the replacement of a Honda Odyssey radiator. Removal of the front bumper fascia or A/C condenser is not necessary. Only basic tools required. Level of complexity is moderate.

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

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

This repair will detail the steps involved in replacing the AC evaporator on a 2007 Kia Sportage. A car's evaporator is the least costly major AC system component when compared to the compressor and condenser, but it's the most difficult and time-consuming to replace.

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.

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

Check for the most common issues behind manual transmission gear grinds.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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

Ever wonder what the secret behind auto dealerships selling used cars is that makes the cars 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 you want to know how to increase horsepower, you're not alone. These are some simple engine modifications just anybody can do to their car.

Test your vehicle catalytic converter in your own garage.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Often, car lighting problems require just an easy fix you can do in minutes.

Use a digital multimeter (DMM) to test your MAF sensor before replacing it. Sometimes you won’t even need a multimeter.

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.

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.

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

Diagnose clutch drag and follow some simple steps that may help you correct clutch operation.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

When the dreaded "check engine" light appears, check and diagnose these DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes).

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

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. This article will show you how to do the fix yourself.

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.

A comprehensive guide for repairing stripped bolt hole threads.

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

Find out whether your car's temperature gauge is working right, discovering key symptoms and applying a few simple tests.

Replace the EGR valve and remove carbon deposits to ensure proper operation of the emission control system and eliminate engine driveability issues.

If you have a soft or sinking brake pedal and you're looking for information on what's causing it or what you should do next, you'll find the answers here. I've included some pictures and FAQs.