DIY Auto Repair and Diagnosis

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

DIY how-to Toyota Camry power steering fluid replacement.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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 stuck caliper and avoid a potential road accident.

Learn how to replace a timing belt and water pump on an Accord/Acura CL F23 2.3L I4 engine (w/ video). The replacement should be performed every 100,000 miles or 10 years; whichever comes first.

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

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

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

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

How to drain and replace the ATF on your Camry, or flush the ATF if necessary. Includes videos of flushing the ATF with and without the help of a 12-volt oil pump.

How to evacuate and recharge the AC system on a Toyota Sienna. Part III of a three-part article on servicing the AC on a Toyota Sienna.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Electrical Switches and Relays can control the power or ground to an electrical device. The switches can also be used to be an input into a computer system. SPST, DPDT and SPDT are types of switches.

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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 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!

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

A comprehensive guide for repairing stripped bolt hole threads.

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!

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.

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

If your vehicle has just overheated, or keeps overheating, this article will clue you in as to what's happening.

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!

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

DIY Toyota Camry tuneup, plus PCV valve cleaning. Use iridium plugs for better fuel economy and performance. Also, if you notice an oil leak inside the spark plug tube, I have a video showing you how to fix it.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fix your car's electrical open by looking for the most common faults, using simple tests and tools.

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!

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

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

How to replace burned-out bulbs on the '99-'01 Toyota Camry, and which bulbs to buy for which uses.

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

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.

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

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

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

Know how to replace an oxygen sensor safely. A bad oxygen sensor will increase fuel consumption by up to 40%.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Use a car battery hydrometer on a dead car battery or suspected bad car battery to learn its state of charge and health in minutes.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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.

Distributor replacement and timing adjustment step-by-step.

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.

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

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.

Test your vehicle catalytic converter in your own garage.

A guide on 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.