DIY Auto Repair and Diagnosis

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Is your battery dead? Do you need a jump? Are you completely at a loss as to how this is done? This is the hub for you! We'll go over the simple process of safely jump starting a car battery.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

A turbocharged diesel engine that lacked power turned out to be caused by a stuck VGT mechanism, possibly due to long idling. A simple but careful rocking of the VGT actuator lever solved the problem.

The starter uses the battery and battery cables to provide the power to crank over the engine. The starting system can be tested to find a slow-crank or no-crank problem.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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!

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

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

Why is my car overheating? What can I do to fix it? There are many reasons why an engine might overheat, and many simple fixes for those problems.

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

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!

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

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

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...

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Changing the water pump on a Chevrolet 3900 V6 engine is not overly difficult, although you should expect to spend about three hours on it from start to finish.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

A comprehensive guide for repairing stripped bolt hole threads.

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

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.

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

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

DIY how to Toyota Camry shock absorber strut replacement

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Step-by-step instructions to change a flat tire, quickly and easily. This is a necessary skill, important to all car owners, because a car tire can become flat at any time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

DIY Toyota Camry tuneup, plus PCV valve cleaning. Use iridium plugs for better fuel economy and performance.

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!

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

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

You’re driving along and all of a sudden your sun visor pops down to get in your way. Sound familar? This is my tutorial on how to fix a loose car or truck visor.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Test your vehicle catalytic converter in your own garage.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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...

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

This article will teach you exactly how to repair, fix, or replace a broken door handle in your car. Our example is to replace the interior car door handle in a 1998 Toyota Corolla. Enjoy!

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.

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

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.

See how to replace a radiator in your 2002 Saturn L200 and avoid costly repairs. You may already own most of the tools you'll need.

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.

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

Check out my tips for installing 4 wire trailer wiring.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.