Common questions

Why do my brake lights stay on all the time?

Why do my brake lights stay on all the time? The most common reason that they stay on is a brake light switch that has failed. Brake lights work by having an electric current sent to the brake pedal switch at all times (even with the vehicle off). When you press the brake pedal in, it sends the current to the brake lights. It’s a very simple system that has not changed in almost a century. Where is the brake light switch on a car? When the brake pedal is pressed, it closes the switch, and the current flows through...
Easy tips

What should I do if I change my oil pan gasket?

What should I do if I change my oil pan gasket? Replace the drain plug and any items you had to remove to access the oil pan. Lower the vehicle and add the oil or replace it with new oil. Unless you have recently done so, change the engine oil and filter. Closely monitor your vehicle for oil leaks after changing the oil pan gasket. Can a faulty gasket cause an oil leak? A faulty oil pan gasket can result in oil leaks around the perimeter of your oil pan. Many people mistake a faulty gasket for a faulty oil...
Easy lifehacks

What can cause a power surge in a car?

What can cause a power surge in a car? If an engine is not getting enough fuel (this is called “running lean”), due to fuel pressure (regulated by the fuel pump and regulator), restricted fuel injectors, a vacuum leak or really anything that throws off the fuel mixture going in to the engine, this can cause the surge. Why does my torque converter slip while cruising? Torque convertor clutches may have excess slippage while cruising. The solutions range from updating the TCM (Transmission Control Module), Fluid change, and replacing the torque converter. This doesn't mean that that's what's wrong with...
Easy tips

Is it OK to drive with a bad steering coupler?

Is it OK to drive with a bad steering coupler? A severely worn coupler can cause the steering to bind or lock up suddenly when the wheel is turned. This can make the vehicle difficult to steer, and can even make it unsafe to drive. This is usually the final symptom appearing after excessive vibrations and play have already occurred. When do you need a steering coupler Rag replacement? If you have a minimum 1/4 turn play, and you see the slop in the joint if you have a helper turn the wheel {assuming it's not a worn out steering...
Easy lifehacks

Why are my dashboard gauges not working on my car?

Why are my dashboard gauges not working on my car? Q: Could the reason for my dashboard gauges not working be a fuses and or fuses needing to be replaced? I was just wondering if the reason for my gauges on my car not working (gas, speedometer, temperature, RPM) would be because there may be a fuse that needs to be replaced Where are the fuses for the dashboard lights? Check under the hood, under the dashboard, or near or in the glove compartment. Once you find the fuse box or boxes, remove the lid and check the diagram on...
Easy tips

Why are my high intensity discharge ( HID ) headlights not working?

Why are my high intensity discharge ( HID ) headlights not working? High intensity discharge (HID) headlights can also fail due to other associated components. Neither of the headlights work. The cause: Burned out bulbs, or an issue with power or ground. The fix: Check for power and ground, and fix if necessary. Otherwise, replace the bulbs. What does it mean when your headlights don't work? With that in mind, it can be tremendously useful to start off by looking at whether both, or just one, of your headlights have failed, and whether or not the high or low beam...
Other

Is there a diagnosis for intermittent power steering?

Is there a diagnosis for intermittent power steering? With power steering complaints such as yours where the symptom is intermittent the diagnosis is mostly guesswork in a setting such as this. You can do a few things to get to the source though. What are the common problems with power steering? Typical Power Steering Problems – Common Fixes When Your Steering Acts Obnoxious Let’s take one of the power steering problems that’s not directly associated with low power steering fluid. This non-hydraulic failure involves the power steering system’s electrical components. Is the power steering pump leaking or failing? The power...
Common questions

Can I drive my van with back doors open?

Can I drive my van with back doors open? Yes, driving with van doors open, or with your doors open in any other kind of car, is illegal because it's a hazard to others on the road. As a general guide, driving with the doors open — whether you're driving a van or any kind of vehicle — will almost definitely affect your insurance coverage. Is it safe to drive with door ajar warning light on? In most cases, it’s safe to drive your vehicle with the door ajar warning light illuminated, as long as you have checked that all...
Easy tips

Is there a fuse in my truck for Onstar?

Is there a fuse in my truck for Onstar? Comments from the dealership, the fuse location for the Onstar system is located as follows: Drivers-side instrument panel fuse block, exposed on the left edge of the panel when the drivers door is open. Pull the fuse labeled: #22, a 10A fuse. Why does my Chevy Silverado truck not start? The starting problems of a vehicle can be different. In some cases the truck starts at least sporadically and allows its owner to drive independently to the nearest specialist workshop. In other cases, the truck won’t start until the underlying problem...
Other

Why does the fuse blow on my AC heater?

Why does the fuse blow on my AC heater? With a good fuse in the AC work fine and you can switch the fan from Auto to Fan on with no problem. As soon as you request heat the fuse blows and when I try to run the fan to on nothing happens. I read on-line to jump the W and R on the control board and see if the fuse would blow or if the heater would kick on so I did that. What should I do if my AC fuse blows? AC works fine but as soon a...