Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Stack Exchange
Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
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3 answers

shifting stops when critically low on gas

I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota. It is a V6, 3.9 Liter, auto transmission. I have a weird problem that no one has been able to answer for me. HOW I CAME TO REALIZE THE PROBLEM: One day I was driving home and had to stop at a stop light. The light…
Linger
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Is this what is making my car sound like a racecar?

Recently, my car (2000 Mercury Grand Marquis) started sounding like a racecar: the engine became very loud. There's clearly something going wrong with the exhaust system. I'm trying to understand the problem. I took a peek under the car, and I…
cheeken
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At what time of day/temperature should I refuel my vehicle?

I mean, should I refuel my vehicle in the morning? The reasoning is simple, in the morning the temperature is low and the density of the fuel would be higher and I get more energy per litre(or whatever metric system you use). But in afternoon, or…
RogUE
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Should interior panels be held together with cable ties?

I think I know the answer to my question, but I just wanted to be 100% sure. I recently left my car in to a well known, certified Vauxhall servicing and repairs garage to get a new pedal box. I'll spare you the details, but if you're interested…
Darren Gourley
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what is round cylinder on top of classic car engine

This is probably ridiculous question but I can't seem to find a chart on google that explains typical parts of a classic american car. I always seen that round disc like cylinder on top of many muscle car engine . what is that called? PS - I am no…
nir
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6 answers

Normal to leave nail in tire after a flat?

So today was that epic event of walking out into the parking lot at high noon, sun blazing, and finding out you have a completely flat tire. Skipping over the usual details about changing out a tire with insufficient equipment on scorching hot…
user2776
19
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6 answers

Is it Safe to Drive With Low Engine Coolant?

I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu and have replaced the engine coolant in it twice in the last six months after the low coolant warning light came on, and the light has recently come on again. The climate is mild here so there's no risk of freezing, and I…
MooseBoys
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What's the most environmentally responsible method of car parts cleaning?

I'll be the first to admit that this one has been hard for me. I clean cylinder heads, axle bearings, calipers, crankcases....the list goes on. I want to be clear here. I am not talking about professional shops. I'm talking about all the people…
DucatiKiller
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What does under-square and over-square mean?

When building an engine, the terms over-square and under-square come up. What do these terms mean? How do they apply to engine building? Which is better for what purpose? Can you give examples of each and their usage?
Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
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Why did Ducati decide to use the desmodromic valve train rather than a more tradition valve train?

Ducati's use a unique method to open and close their valves. It's called the desmodromic valve train. The desmodromic valve system does not use springs to close the valve, it uses the cam and has a valve closing lobe. What are the benefits to…
DucatiKiller
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Vibration at idle, much worse after warm

My car is a 2001 Pontiac Firebird with a V6 (3800 Series II (L36)) and a manual transmission. These are all at a stop: When the car is cold, I don't feel too much vibration when sitting in it. (I mostly notice the vibration in the seat.) However,…
icor103
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How to dispose of engine coolant?

This question is pretty straight forward... How to properly dispose of engine coolant? Should it be taken to a treatment facility like used engine oil or is it safe to pour down the drain?
Davide
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Push start a car with automatic transmission

Is it possible to push start a car with automatic transmission? Use case: Let's say the battery is dead or you have a bad starter. I know this can be done on manual cars by putting the car in to gear after the car starts moving. Can you do the same…
rana
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Can this tire sidewall damage be repaired or should I replace the tire?

I* hit a curb and got a small tear in the front passenger side tire. The tear is about 1" long and goes mostly across the surface of the tire but also a little bit, maybe 1/4", toward the inside of the tire. If this is beyond cosmetic and not…
Shimon Rura
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What exactly is a "burnt valve" and what causes it?

I've come across this term a couple of times in the context of diagnosing engine-related issues, but don't know what it refers to. Here is an example from an automotive forum I frequent: I gotta say it's not likely to be a burnt valve. These…
Zaid
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