How to Troubleshoot Car Problems

Cars are great when they work, but they will always need maintenance. When they do break down, the problem isn't always obvious. To run a diagnostic check on the car, you'll likely need to take the vehicle to a mechanic who has access to a diagnostics machine. Initially, many problems will result in the check engine light coming on. The check engine light will not tell you the exact problem, but will indicate that there is, in fact, a problem. The diagnostic machine will actually read the code that the car's computer is generating to tell you the exact problem. However, you can troubleshoot some problems without using any diagnostic machine. This, in turn, can help you get straight to the heart of the problem without wasting a lot of time or money.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the fuses. If you are experiencing any electrical problem, or any problem that has an electrical component (almost every system on a vehicle has an electrical component associated with it), check the fuse for that component first. Open the glove box and remove the fuse or fuses in question with the fuse puller on the fuse panel. The diagram on the underside of the fuse panel cover will help you locate the correct fuse you need.

2. Check for colored smoke coming out of the tailpipe. When there is something wrong with the engine, most common tailpipe smoke has a blue color. Exhaust with a slight blue tinge indicates that the engine is burning oil. The blue smoke indicates an oil leak somewhere inside the engine. This needs to be fixed right away as it can cause the engine to hesitate, and create hard starts on a cold engine. White smoke indicates that the head gasket has blown and engine coolant is leaking into the engine.

3. Check for vibration in the steering wheel while braking. Feedback or vibration in the steering wheel during braking indicates that the brake pads and rotors need to be changed.

Tips & Warnings

• If your car suddenly becomes wobbly or you suddenly lose some of the control over the car's steering, pull over immediately as this indicates a blown or flat tire.

References

• Auto Repair For Dummies; Deanna Sclar, IDG Books Worldwide; 1999

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