Welcome to 2Carpros.com your car repair information portal. Bob, Ken and their team of auto repair specialists have answered your car repair questions online since 1998. Our mission is to provide you with information that can help you solve your car problem quickly. Our online database contains thousands of previously answered car repair questions. Check Auto Repair by Topic (water pump, brakes, tune up, etc.) or Car Repair by Manufacturer (BMW, Chevrolet, Toyota etc.) To find information on a particular repair or service check our Car Service section. To ask your own car repair question, join our Car Repair Forum, with over 168,000 members and over 240,000 Car Repair Questions.

• Ask a Car Repair Question - Our team of 2CarPros repair technicians will help guide you to the root of your auto repair problem and help you avoid costly and unnecessary repairs.
   
• Auto Repair Questions by Topic - Check our database for previously answered questions by topic. Chances are someone has had the same problem as you, and your question has already been answered by one of our auto repair professionals. Use the search feature to look for the same or a similar problem you are experiencing. For example: water pump, engine misfire, brake pull etc.
   
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• Repair Troubleshooting - Hear something strange when your car is running? Are your brakes making funny noises? Look here to find the first things to check.
   
• How Does it Work? - Here we explain how the various systems in an automobile work, from air conditioning to suspension.
   

• Car Repair Forum - Search our question and answer data base of over 200,000 posts for previously answered questions.

• Car Repair Videos - We have created an auto repair video series to help explain and guide you through popular car repairs and maintenance procedures.

Featured Car Repair Question

Question: 1993 Chevy Silverado V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 228000 miles - Ok, here is the deal the other day I went to start my truck up. First try didn't start thought it was odd usually it starts on the first try. Second try started right up, drove it to work and parked it, later when I got off work went to start it and would not start up. At first I figured the fuel pump went out. So I had to tow it home, next day I replaced the fuel pump motor and strainer only, along with the fuel filter. Hoping it would start, It didn't It turns but will not turn over to stay on. I then sprayed the TBI with starting fluid and it started but was Idling real bad, none the less I stepped on the pedal to give it some gas when I would let go of the gas pedal it Idling bad still, I could see the gas shooting from the TBI into the carb but it was shooting in spurts not a constant flow. I thought that was strange. After awhile it would shut off and would not start on its own again. It was getting late so I figured I would work on it the next morning. Next morning I went and tried to start it once again, and to my surprise it started on its own when I turned the key. No problems at all was Idling perfect as if nothing had happened. I left it for awhile while warmed up, I then peeked into the carb again and I could see the TBI was shooting gas into the carb with a constant flow no interruptions at all. I thought maybe it would be back to normal again, then I decided to take it on a test drive down the freeway, drove it at around 65-70mph for a ways no problems up and down. When I came to a stop light after getting off the free way I felt a jerk like it wanted to shut off, but it stayed on good thing I was close to home.. when I pulled up to my house it just died on me no shaking no jumping just dead in drive. I then tried to start it up and it started but then it would die when I would put it in gear. Now I'm stumped. after a bit the temp gage went up close to 210 while the truck was off. that too was odd because I had changed the radiator a few years back to a larger one and it never got hot past 120 not even on hot summer days above 100 degrees especially when I would shut it off. So that was weird I thought. Then I tried to start it and it would not I looked into the carb and I'm not seeing any fuel coming from the TBI anymore bone dry!. I checked the codes and at first I got code 54 which according to the repair manual it states "Fuel pump Circuit (low Voltage) what ever that means. I don't have a clue on it. then I read somewhere about maybe the fuel pump relay switch which I replaced and still no luck, I ran the code test again and now I get codes 22 and 54.. 22 is for Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) circuit signal low voltage. again no clue what it means. Can someone please point me in the right direction as to how I can fix my truck. I really need it for work and I'm running out of options or clues. I'd can't really afford to take it in to the shop.. that would have to be last resort. This just all happened out of the blue no signs of it going bad nothing. Also I've heard mentioned something about the fuel pressure, How do I check it where do I look for it? Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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Car Repair Articles

Getting the Most from Your Gas?

It's no secret gas prices are up and putting a big pinch on our pocket books.  Car Maintenance and driving habits play a large roll in optimizing fuel economy.  We have a few tips that will help you get the most for your buck.  First, check the air pressure in your vehicles tires.  Most vehicle tire pressure recommendations are located on a sticker in the drivers door jam or on the side wall of the tire.  While tire and car manufactures recommended a prescribed tire pressure it has been shown that slightly more tire pressure is optimal for achieving higher fuel economy by allowing the car to roll with less resistance.  Hybrid cars are manufactured with tires that can hold up to 55 P.S.I. opposed to a typical tire pressure of 32 P.S.I.  Next, analyze your driving habits, do you take off quickly from a stop? try easing into the throttle and allow the vehicle to accelerate slowly.  Observe the traffic load and signals in front of you, if a stop is eminent release the gas peddle and allow the car to coast the remainder of the distance before braking.  Finally, the maintenance on your car's engine is accentual for optimum performace, if your engine is misfiring it will decease mileage.  If engine oil and filter changes have been neglected it will cause additional friction inside the engine hindering performance effecting gas mileage.  Inspect your engine service records to perform a tune up or oil change as required. Following these gas saving tips will increase your mileage and save money. To post your own gas saving tips please join our Car Repair Forum.

Taking your Car in for Repair?

Before taking your car in for repairs make a list needed repairs. The repair shop should inspect your car and estimate repairs before beginning work. The shop must provide a written or verbal estimate and the final bill cannot be more than 10% higher than the original estimate. Always ask to see the damaged or worn part. Get it returned to you in the box the new replacement part came in before signing the work order. After inspection have the repair garage dispose of parts as needed or retain for further inspection.

Always insist on factory OE parts (amazingly there are many car part manufacturers that produce substandard replacement parts) original manufacturer parts offer better usability and durability. If you are unsure of the reason the part must but replaced ask the technician to show you the specific damage and why the part has failed. Also, ask how long the repair shop will warranty the repair and if the warranty covers labor on the part if it fails prematurely. It never hurts to get a second opinion, once you have received the first estimate try checking around at a few shops and the dealer to make an informed choice.

Don't be Fooled by the "Low Ball Bid"

Some repair shops and dealers practice the low ball bid method of business to get you in the door, this is how it works, lets say you call in for a radiator replacement and you get a low bid, it sounds good but was is really happening on the other end of the phone is the service writer is planning on hitting you with job add-on's.

EXAMPLE:   Ring,,,Ring....  Mrs. Johnson..... I have bad news,,, your cooling system needs to be flushed, the thermostat is shot and your water pump is leaking...... I'm sorry your car is already in pieces so I can't put it back together...  bla.. bla.. bla..

You can see the cheapest estimate is not always the best way to go. To safeguard yourself get several estimates for the same repair, if one is much lower there might be something wrong. Most garages know what it takes to stay in business and stay competitive. For the most part you are safer taking it to the middle to upper end repair shop.

 At the Shop (Ken's Corner)

One of my customers called me today asking me if I could help him. It seems he was having a problem with his 2001 Toyota Avalon (V6 engine), the car had 76,000 miles. In the morning he would try to start the car, it would crank over and start but then just die, this happened three more times before he got it running again and now the check engine light was on. His office was right next door to a repair shop so he took it in for a diagnosis, they told him it needed an idle air control motor and an air mixture sensor to the tune of $1,100.00 dollars. He brought the car to me the next morning, I checked it out and recommended a simple solution. Some manufacturers use a magnetic field style idle air control motor that is very susceptible to carbon build up. I removed the idle air control unit, cleaned it, reassembled it and cleared the trouble codes from the PCM. This fixed the problem for the cost of a can of carburetor cleaner. The customer has never been happier with a car repair. With the right information you too can avoid costly auto repairs. All it takes is knowing the right information. "Knowledge is power". Ask your Car Repair Question

Change your OIL!

I had a new customer come in with a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier with 82,000 miles on it. She had never changed her oil, but always checked the oil level and added oil when needed. The engine now has a bad camshaft, cylinder head and two failed cam followers. The engine oil broke down and failed to lubricate the bearing surfaces on the valve train components. This repair is going to cost close to $1200.00 for a new cylinder head, camshaft, gaskets, cam followers and labor. That's a lot of oil changes! Just like my Dad always says: "Change your oil, its cheap insurance".

Having Problems with your New Car?

A new car can be great, but sometimes a new car can have problems. The dealership may not be has helpful as they should be once you drive the car off the lot. If you have a problem with a dealer that you can't resolve you do have some recourse. Contact the manufacturer of the vehicle. All major manufacturers have a customer help line that will put you in contact with a company representative who can help you get your new car working properly. Most dealerships are independently owned and operated and sometimes they aren't always responsive. Your involvement with a manufacturer's representative will help you get the leverage you need to resolve the problem promptly.


Inside this Website Check out some of the most common repairs and service on your vehicle.

	Air Filter Changing an air, oil, fuel or air cabin filter is necessary to keep your car in top running condition. In most cases this service is easy to perform we show you how to replace all of your vehicles necessary filters and fluids. When a filter is left unchanged it can cause poor running, low power, engine misfire, poor mileage and more. Check your filters and service your car regularly to ensure proper operation of your car. How to Change an Air Filter Video
	Engine Scanner The engine code scanner has made automotive repair easier then ever. When the check engine light comes on while your driving it means there is a system that is having a problem. With the trouble code scanner your are able to retrieve the trouble code stored in the vehicles computer. Once the system has been identified replace the shorted senor or other repair and clear the codes out of the vehicle's computer. Once the codes have been cleared the computer will go into relearn procedure and run any number of system monitors to determine if the trouble has been properly repaired.
	Front Brake Pads All vehicles wear out brake brakes and rotors, learn the proper way to service your brakes by reading through our step by step instructions. Neglecting your brake system can lead to system failure, brake inspection is mandatory in some states, check your brake system regularly to ensure proper operation of your vehicles brake system.

Engine Coolant - There are many different types of engine coolant find out what is best for your engine

Should I Buy, Lease or Repair My Car? - Facts about car purchases, leases and repairs everyone should know

Replace Air Filter

Check Engine Light