Auto Repair

Using an automotive vacuum gauge to diagnose engine condition, and component function, is almost a lost art. Today's computer controlled engine management systems are beginning to take the place...

The thermostat in your Toyota Camry can become stuck in either the open or closed position; either case will affect your engine's performance. A thermostat stuck open makes it harder for the...

Ford Escort owners are fortunate when changing the fuel filter on their vehicle; the Escort's fuel filter is located in the engine bay (driver's side) against the firewall. The fuel filter in most...

Engines require three things to run: air, fuel and spark. Though the main throttle butterfly controls the majority of the engine's airflow, all engines must include a provision to feed the engine...

When rebuilding an engine, you will often find rust in the cylinders. Before installing your pistons and new piston rings, it is essential to remove the rust so that the piston rings ride smoothly...

The Rio is a subcompact car produced since 2000 by South Korean automaker Kia. The Rio was redesigned for the 2005 model year and in 2009 it is offered as a four-door sedan and five-door...

The fuel filter in your Toyota Camry is designed to prevent contaminants from reaching the engine through the fuel tank. Occasionally, the fuel filter needs to be replaced to maintain the vehicles...

All cars require maintenance and repairs to keep them running smoothly and safely. Making small repairs yourself can help prevent long-term problems and is a good way to save unnecessary trips to...

If you've owned your vehicle for any length of time, you know when it sounds normal and when something sounds "off." However, there are a variety of car sounds your car will make when there is...

The sole purpose of an oil pan is to store the oil used by the engine. Oil pans are one-piece designs, which makes them fairly durable. However, they can sometimes crack. Oftentimes the crack can...

The motor mounts on a Nissan Altima hold the engine in place. They perform a very basic--but very important--function. The mount is actually secured with two large bolts. One bolt connects the...

Are you wondering how to reset your check engine light in a 1998 Honda Accord? Resetting your check engine is sometimes required when you install new parts into your car and the light does not...

Any problems your Nissan vehicle's engine has in cooling can be a result of the thermostat. If you know the coolant level is good and the engine takes a long time to warm up, the thermostat is...

The cooling system is a critical part of your vehicle; one of the first parts that can fail in it is the thermostat. If it goes out, water isn't directed through the block as necessary, which...

Identification of the small block Chevy (SBC) engine requires searching for numbers and codes, and referring to sources to help identify size, date of casting and assembly, and, among other...

With its history of endemic auto recalls, it may shock some to learn that Dodge/Chrysler hasn't yet begun to just forward all of its mail to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration...

Small cracks in large pieces of concrete are rarely anything to worry about, unless that chunk of concrete is a dam and you are standing at the bottom. Seemingly innocuous, the heater-core...

The fan clutch on a Toyota is a silicone-filled device that engages the fan when the temperature of the engine rises above the value of the thermostat. As the temperature drops, the fan blade is...

The idle air control valve (usually referred to as the IAC valve) is an important part of your engine. The valve regulates the average rotation of your engine at idle. If your IAC valve is faulty,...

If your Thunderbird fuel filter is clogged, your engine will likely sputter and have reduced power. The fuel filter keeps harmful objects and contaminants from entering your engine; unfortunately,...

Acura luxury cars are relatively trouble-free vehicles produced by the Honda Motor Company. Only two recalls have been issued specific to Acura engine problems since 1989. Minor issues involving...

The catalytic converter is a filter for the harmful emissions of the combustible engine's exhaust. It converts harmful carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrous oxide into carbon dioxide, water...

The engine block in a standard automobile holds the cylinders of the combustion engine, which is usually made of cast metal to help protect the engine. In automobile accidents, it is common for...

Was there ever a time when you really wanted to find out if your car alternator was actually producing electricity or not? Your car does not hold electrical charge or it simply won't charge the...

The Chevrolet Aveo is an inexpensive small car that was introduced in 2004. Several Aveo owners have complained about faulty thermostat housings; the housings are made of plastic, rather than...

The EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve on your Crown Victoria helps reduce tailpipe emissions and improves engine efficiency. The EGR valve is located at the rear of the engine bay. Cleaning...

The Bonneville was a long-standing model in General Motor's Pontiac lineup. It was discontinued in 2005. The Bonneville thermostat is a bit more difficult to access than other models because the...

When Dodge introduced the all-new, all-aluminum 2.7L V6 as the base engine for it's top-selling Intrepid, the initial reception was quite positive. Though much smaller in displacement than the...

Kia automobiles have been imported to the U.S. since 1992. Recalls due to serious engine problems or failure are non-existent, but several mechanical components in Kia engines have proven to be...

Introduced in the 1998 as the all-new Intrepid's abase engine, the 2.7L had everything going for it: all aluminum, dual overhead camshafts and 92 horsepower per liter. It weighed less than 2/3s...

Though GM cars as a whole are no more likely than any other brand to experience catalytic converter failure, the company has recently begun hearing complaints of premature converter failure on...

The engine cooling system on your vehicle is designed to counteract the natural heating of the engine caused by the internal combustion process. One safeguard in the system is your thermostat....

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 Nissan Sentra is a compact car produced by Nissan Motors since 1983. In the past decade, the Sentra has been powered by engines ranging from 1.3 liters to the 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder...

When rebuilding an engine, you often find rust in the cylinders. Before installing your pistons and new piston rings, it is essential to remove the rust so that the piston rings ride smoothly...

Mazda cars, trucks and SUVs have enjoyed a good reputation for being durable, dependable vehicles. Few have experienced significant engine problems. However, some RX-8 1.3-liter rotary engines...

There are ways to troubleshoot a car check engine light that can save time and money. Do it yourself up front to see if you can fix the problem before taking the vehicle to a repair shop. For a...

The Dodge Dakota was originally introduced in 1986 as a 1987 model to handle the duties that smaller Chevrolet S-10s couldn't. Though offered with both inline 4 cylinders and V6s over the years,...

Though it could just as easily be a case of varying fuel quality as one of planned obsolescence, the fact remains that catalytic converter failure amongst fifth- and sixth-generation (1996-2006)...

One of the biggest expenses of a new or used car is the cost of professional repairs and maintenance. While regular service is necessary to keep a car safe and running its best, many of the work...

The Monte Carlo is a midsize luxury coupe, produced by Chevrolet from 1970 to 2007. Models built from 1970 to 1988 were rear wheel drive vehicles, based on General Motors A-body platform. Models...

The fuel pressure regulator in your Chevy Blazer is used to help keep the fuel system's pressure constant. If the regulator is bad, the result is often low pressure in the system. Symptoms can...

It's happened to all of us who drive. Your heading down the road when suddenly the little check engine light on the dashboard comes on. Don't panic. Chances are the check engine warning does...

The heating system in an Oldsmobile Silhouette consists of the heater core, the fan unit and the engine cooling system. Hot engine coolant is diverted away from the radiator and into the heater...

The 1991 Ford F150 is one of Ford's most popular trucks. It's fairly reliable, but it does have a few common problems that owners need to be aware of. Before taking your F150 to a Ford dealership...

The Toyota Camry remains one of the best selling cars of all time, a mid-size sedan known for it quality, reliability and value. Various engines have powered the Camry over the years including a...

The internal combustion engine has been in use for over a century, and though it has been modified with the advancement of modern technology, it is still constructed using the same general parts...

An engine power flush is a procedure in which a high-pressure solution is flushed into an automobile engine in order to clean out contaminants that could harm its performance. Performing engine...

Recognizing the symptoms of a faulty water pump on your Jeep is the first step to replacing it. An engine that regularly overheats is a good sign that your water pump is failing. Water leaking on...

If your Chevy van is having temperature problems, the thermostat could be the cause. If the thermostat is stuck open, the engine will take a long time to warm up. If the engine overheats, it can...