By Mark Gittelman
In most cases, when I guess or even take an educated guess, I pay the price. Even though my educated guess comes with 24 years of hands on experience it is wrong nearly 50% of the time. This means I have just increased my diagnosis time, and wound up replacing a part that was not required.
This brings me back to the proper troubleshooting of car problems. Get a good auto repair manual and perform all the step-by-step diagnosis that the troubleshooting manual provides. When you feel like you have found the problem take the extra step and test the individual component.
For example, let's say you are diagnosing and overheating condition. Your educated guess says that you should replace the thermostat. Why not go the extra step and actually test, the operation of the thermostat by throwing it in some boiling water and observing if it opens? If the thermostat does open while it is soaking in the boiling water you know that this was not your overheating problem. Using the same example, you may feel that the electric fan motor needs to be replaced. Again, let's take the extra step and test the operation of the electric fan motor. Applying 12 V to the power side of the fan motor and grounding the negative side can test the cooling fan operation. If the fan motor kicks on and runs, you know that this is not the problem with your overheating.
The next step would be to test what turns on the cooling fan motor. In most cases, there will be a temperature switch and a fan relay that complete the circuit to the electric motor. Both the temperature switch and relay can be tested.
As you can see from the above examples, when you are troubleshooting car problems, there may be multiple answers to what is causing the problem. Just guessing, and throwing parts at the vehicle may cost you more than if you took the car into a repair center and had somebody else do the work.
The reason that we work on our own car and perform do-it-yourself auto repairs is to save money, down time on the vehicle and learn something about the troubleshooting of car problems in the process. Using the above example again, let's say that your vehicle overheating problem was a poor connection to the temperature switch that operates to cooling fan motor, which I have seen many times. If you replaced the cooling fan motor and the thermostat, you have just spent about $300 in parts and a full day's work on things that did not need to be replaced. Your overheating problem could have been solved for free with no parts by repairing the loose connection.
So to review, let’s make sure before we start the do-it-yourself car repair that we are mentally prepared to diagnose it correctly. And only replaced the parts that are needed. Saving money and repairing the car can be a very satisfying experience. Do not cheat yourself out of this euphoric feeling by throwing un needed Parts at your vehicle.
Mark R Gittelman is an ASE Certified Master Mechanic. Mark can be your friend in the auto repair business. For more free info visit his automotive information blog. Or see mark's new squidoo page that answers online auto repair questions
Auto Repair Manual
Showing posts with label Car Repair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Car Repair. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Car Repair - Warning Signs You Must Not Ignore
By Erika Ayala
There's nothing more irritating than finding out the hard way that your car needs a repair. Unforeseen problems like these can be really irritating, so you need to be aware of these warning signs to avoid bigger expenses in the future that you didn't prepare for, especially if you're having a car repair in San Francisco where there is no government-mandate fee on the rates.
1. Vibrating steering wheel - if you've experienced your steering wheel suddenly vibrating at certain speeds, this is usually caused by a faulty front wheel. However, if the vibration you feel is on your seat, then it's the back wheel that's out of balance. Either way, you can easily take your car for a repair and have all four wheels balanced so that you can avoid problems like this.
2. Humming noise from tires - this may be cause by not rotating your cars for a long time. If this is the case, you should try rotating the rear tires. This kind of problem usually happens to front-wheel drive cars so if this is applicable to you, then you can solve this by following the procedure provided by your car's manufacturer.
3. Steering wheel spokes not in center - when this happens, there is usually something wrong with the alignment of the steering wheel. In this case, the mechanic should be able to adjust it easily and check for damaged parts at the same time. However, if this is an unexpected problem after you hit a curb or something, don't let days pass without having it checked because the damage might escalate to something very serious.
These are just some of the warning signs that you must always be on the lookout for. These repairs that you have to undergo doesn't only concern these little issues. Sometimes, you will also have to have the body of your car repaired, and for that, there are specialized centers in San Francisco that you can go to.
But the bottom line is that if you ignore these, you will have much bigger problems in the future and you don't want that to happen. Times are difficult today that's why you do what you can to avoid unnecessary expenses due to neglect. If you need help in finding a car repair in San Francisco, don't hesitate to use up all your available resources.
Apart from the San Francisco car repair that you need, you may also find this resource on smog check rates helpful.
Auto Repair Manual
There's nothing more irritating than finding out the hard way that your car needs a repair. Unforeseen problems like these can be really irritating, so you need to be aware of these warning signs to avoid bigger expenses in the future that you didn't prepare for, especially if you're having a car repair in San Francisco where there is no government-mandate fee on the rates.
1. Vibrating steering wheel - if you've experienced your steering wheel suddenly vibrating at certain speeds, this is usually caused by a faulty front wheel. However, if the vibration you feel is on your seat, then it's the back wheel that's out of balance. Either way, you can easily take your car for a repair and have all four wheels balanced so that you can avoid problems like this.
2. Humming noise from tires - this may be cause by not rotating your cars for a long time. If this is the case, you should try rotating the rear tires. This kind of problem usually happens to front-wheel drive cars so if this is applicable to you, then you can solve this by following the procedure provided by your car's manufacturer.
3. Steering wheel spokes not in center - when this happens, there is usually something wrong with the alignment of the steering wheel. In this case, the mechanic should be able to adjust it easily and check for damaged parts at the same time. However, if this is an unexpected problem after you hit a curb or something, don't let days pass without having it checked because the damage might escalate to something very serious.
These are just some of the warning signs that you must always be on the lookout for. These repairs that you have to undergo doesn't only concern these little issues. Sometimes, you will also have to have the body of your car repaired, and for that, there are specialized centers in San Francisco that you can go to.
But the bottom line is that if you ignore these, you will have much bigger problems in the future and you don't want that to happen. Times are difficult today that's why you do what you can to avoid unnecessary expenses due to neglect. If you need help in finding a car repair in San Francisco, don't hesitate to use up all your available resources.
Apart from the San Francisco car repair that you need, you may also find this resource on smog check rates helpful.
Auto Repair Manual
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Car Repair
Car Repair 101
By: Simon Harris
The more you notice about your vehicle, the more likely you'll be able to head off repair problems. Yep- even if you're mechanically challenged. You can detect many common vehicle problems by using your eyes and nose.
“See No Evil”
Is there a little stain or a drop of fluid under your vehicle? It may mean absolutely nothing. But you do want to check the wet spots immediately - just to make sure.
What color is the fluid under your car? Yellowish green, pretty blue or neon orange colors indicate an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator. Not good. I remember the yellowish green ooze from my Chevette as the tow truck took it away to its final resting place. Get to a repair shop while you still can!
A dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking oil. A bad seal or gasket could cause the leak. This is how my first car met its demise.
A red oily looking spot indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak. Also, not good.
A puddle of clear water usually isn't a cause for concern. It may be normal condensation from your vehicle's air conditioner. Whew!
“Smell no Evil”
Take a whiff, and you may detect your vehicle's problem.
Do you smell burned toast? This odor often signals an electrical short and burning insulation. Have someone come look at your car. Don't drive it anywhere until the problem is diagnosed.
How about the smell of rotten eggs? This usually indicates a problem in the catalytic converter. Get to a repair shop! Pheee-yew!
A thick sharp odor usually means burning oil. Look for the sign of a leak. This problem needs to be addressed immediately if having transportation is important to you. You may also notice a bluish smoke coming from your vehicle. Ask me how I know. Ahh… memories.
The smell of gas after a failed start may mean the engine is flooded. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the odor continues, there may be a leak in the fuel system - a potentially dangerous problem that needs immediate attention.
A chemical odor may mean overheated brakes or clutch. Check the parking brake. Stop and let the brakes cool after repeated hard braking. Light smoke coming from a wheel indicates a stuck brake. Call a tow truck.
Do you notice a sweet odor? This may indicate a coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge and warning light and drive to a repair shop. Now, if you see steam from under the hood, stop and pull over. If you keep driving an overheated vehicle, your engine will be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck.
The basic rule of smell is that if you do notice an unusual odor - get to a mechanic or get one to come to you. Pretty simple!
A little extra attention to what’s coming out of your car or truck could save you the cost of a new vehicle payment! Keep those eyes and that nose on the job!
About the Author:This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-leasing-guide.com
Car Repair
By: Simon Harris
The more you notice about your vehicle, the more likely you'll be able to head off repair problems. Yep- even if you're mechanically challenged. You can detect many common vehicle problems by using your eyes and nose.
“See No Evil”
Is there a little stain or a drop of fluid under your vehicle? It may mean absolutely nothing. But you do want to check the wet spots immediately - just to make sure.
What color is the fluid under your car? Yellowish green, pretty blue or neon orange colors indicate an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator. Not good. I remember the yellowish green ooze from my Chevette as the tow truck took it away to its final resting place. Get to a repair shop while you still can!
A dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking oil. A bad seal or gasket could cause the leak. This is how my first car met its demise.
A red oily looking spot indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak. Also, not good.
A puddle of clear water usually isn't a cause for concern. It may be normal condensation from your vehicle's air conditioner. Whew!
“Smell no Evil”
Take a whiff, and you may detect your vehicle's problem.
Do you smell burned toast? This odor often signals an electrical short and burning insulation. Have someone come look at your car. Don't drive it anywhere until the problem is diagnosed.
How about the smell of rotten eggs? This usually indicates a problem in the catalytic converter. Get to a repair shop! Pheee-yew!
A thick sharp odor usually means burning oil. Look for the sign of a leak. This problem needs to be addressed immediately if having transportation is important to you. You may also notice a bluish smoke coming from your vehicle. Ask me how I know. Ahh… memories.
The smell of gas after a failed start may mean the engine is flooded. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the odor continues, there may be a leak in the fuel system - a potentially dangerous problem that needs immediate attention.
A chemical odor may mean overheated brakes or clutch. Check the parking brake. Stop and let the brakes cool after repeated hard braking. Light smoke coming from a wheel indicates a stuck brake. Call a tow truck.
Do you notice a sweet odor? This may indicate a coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge and warning light and drive to a repair shop. Now, if you see steam from under the hood, stop and pull over. If you keep driving an overheated vehicle, your engine will be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck.
The basic rule of smell is that if you do notice an unusual odor - get to a mechanic or get one to come to you. Pretty simple!
A little extra attention to what’s coming out of your car or truck could save you the cost of a new vehicle payment! Keep those eyes and that nose on the job!
About the Author:This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-leasing-guide.com
Car Repair
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