First Things to Check - Troubleshooting Guides

When a problem occurs, the first step is to troubleshoot the related system. Then, perform simple tests that will lead you to the problem. Once the malfunction has been identified perform the repairs necessary to correct the problem. We have complied many popular problems and their solutions. Click on the appropriate link below:

Engine:

1. Engine wont crank over

2. Service engine soon or check engine light on or flashing

3. Engine stalls

4. Engine over heats or runs hot

5. Engine runs rough

6. Engine surges while driving

7. Engine cranks over but wont start

8. Engine vibrates at idle

9. Engine stalls (die) at idle

10. Engine idles too high

11. Engine idles low

12. Engine has low power output

13. Engine makes noise

14. Coolant leaking from engine

15. Engine stall at the top of a hill

16. Engine stalls after replacing the battery

17. Engine cranks excessively before starting

18. Engine backfire

19. Engine hesitates

20. Excessive smoke coming from exhaust pipe

21. Engine has high or low oil pressure

22. Engine stalls after replacing the battery

23. Scanner OBDII code gathering incomplete

24. Coolant in the engine oil

25. Lean mixture codes?

26. White smoke or steam coming from exhaust pipe

27. Exhaust system keeps breaking

28. Engine leaks oil

29. 1996 - 2005 Audi, Volkswagen overheats

30. GM 3.0 liter V6 oil in coolant


Body and Chassis

1. Car door won't close


Brakes Suspension Steering:

1. Brake pedal goes to the floor

2. Front of car shakes @ 35-45 MPH on acceleration

3. Car wonders from right or left when driving or braking

4. Steering wheel shakes when the brakes are applied

5. Car is hard to steer

6. Power steering making a gurgling noise

7. Popping or clicking sound while driving

8. Front suspension noise ticking, popping, bumping and rattling

9. Squeaking noise from the front while driving

10. Low tire pressure indicator light


Electrical:

1. Blinkers will not work

2. Ignition switch won't turn

3. Turn signals blink too fast

4. Both headlights blow out

5. Blower motor works on high speed only

6. Everything quits when engine is cranked over

7. Rapid clicking sound when engine is cranked over

8. Car battery is dead overnight

9. One headlight is dim

10. Engine stalls after replacing the battery

11. Burned fuse holder

12. Blinkers will not work 1994 - 2005 Ford

13. One or all brake lights not working

14. No Taillights or taillight light bulb out


Heater and Air Conditioner

1. Car air conditioner will not work

2. Car heater will not work

3. Vents stay or go to the defrost position

4. Low or no air flow coming from vents


Transmission and Drive Train:

1. Clutch works sometimes or not at all

2. Whirring sound from rear end (rear wheel drive)


Vibration and Noises

1. Car is making a bubbling noise

2. Car is making a chirping sound

3. Car is making a clicking noise

4. Why is my car making a grinding noise?

5. Why is my car making a popping noise?

6. Why is my car making a rattling noise?

7. Car is making a scraping sound

8. Why is my car vibrating?

9. My car is making a whistling sound