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 187,000 members and over 260,000 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 Question 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.
   
• Car Repair Question by Manufacturer - Check our database for previously answered questions by manufacturer. For example: Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Camry etc.
   
• Car Repair Instructions - How to repair or service your car. We've created step by step instruction tutorials that show you how repairs are performed.
   
• 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 Video - 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: I just bought a 98 Honda Passport with 140,000 miles. it has a V6 3.2 liter engine. problem is it is running rough acts like it wants to cut off when driving especially when going up hills and sometimes at red light. I got these codes out of it, codes P0101, P0306, P0440, P0452. I have had a tune up, but did not replace ignition coils. Also have tried fuel injector pour in the tank kind. I am afraid of being ripped off if I go to repair shop. I paid $250 dollars to get plugs in and new air filter but have since learned that I paid too much. Please Help.

Answer: First codes you have a mass air flow sensor out of range check your air intake boot for cracks or rips, if ok replace the mass air flow sensor, next code number is a #6 cylinder misfire, check the spark plug, ignition coil, injector and compression test, the last codes are for the EVAP system, check your gas cap and vacuum feed lines. Clear codes and recheck system. Thanks for visiting 2CarPros.com

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Car Repair Articles

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 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.
	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