DIY Auto Repair and Diagnosis

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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Diagnose a potential seized engine and possible repairs.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

P0300 random misfires can be hard to diagnose, leave you stranded and with an expensive repair bill, but this guide can help you.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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. Luckily for you, this article has the answers.

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

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.

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.

This article with video shows you how to replace all the front torsion bar suspension components on a RWD '06 Chevrolet Tahoe.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

I see it every so often: When the tire rotation guy doesn't screw in the lug nuts by hand before using his impact driver, the next person who tries to remove the lug nuts has to use so much torque that the lug stud strips its threads or even breaks off.

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.

Test your vehicle catalytic converter in your own garage.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

DIY for changing the valve cover, half moon seal, and cam tensioner gasket on VW Audi 1.8T, Jetta, GTI, or Golf A4. Great for polishing and fixing vacuum leaks.

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

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

Learn how to jump-start a car and how to charge a car battery to restore battery power and increase its service life.

Radiator stop leak should only be used in certain circumstances. Learn if this product might be right for you.

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

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!

This article 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. Video included.

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.

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

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.

Distributor replacement and timing adjustment step-by-step.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

When do you need to replace it? What should you replace along with it? And what does it take to do it yourself?

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

If your car stalls while driving, check the sensors that most often cause this condition.

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

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.

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

A comprehensive guide for repairing stripped bolt hole threads.

Stuck brake and no brake are common brake failures encountered when replacing rubber seals or repair kit on a brake master cylinder. This shouldn't be a problem if we know how a master cylinder works.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a Camry DIY on how to replace a worn tie rod end without any special tools.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

How to replace your Camry's worn ball joint.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

You may get some warning before the turbo fails on your 91-94 Mercury Capri. Here's what to do if it happens.

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

Fix your car's electrical open by looking for the most common faults, using simple tests and 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 close my car's power window manually.

If you have disconnected your battery for any reason, then your Honda radio and/or navigation system will say "code" and not work. Here are three ways to get that code and how to make your system(s) work again.

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

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 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!

Many Chrysler wipers made since the 1970s use plastic bushings as bearings. They wear out. Here's how to replace them.