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1500 questions
9
votes
1 answer
How to Detect a Bad Transmission When Buying a High Mileage Vehicle
Rebuilding a transmission is one of the most expensive things that can be done on a car and I've been told it's one of the main reasons people dump cars other than timing belt issues. I've read conflicting reports of "when a transmission is going…
Robert S. Barnes
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5 answers
Is it safe to overload the roof rails?
According to the manual, the "permissible" load for the standard rails is 35kg. I need to take two Kayaks around with me, which in total weight is about 40-45kg.
Would I unintentionally turn my 2003 Opel Agila into a convertible by putting 45kg on…
George
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3 answers
Subaru Forester Power Tailgate won't open
When I press the power tailgate button to open the tailgate, it beeps 3 times quickly (and does not open). Same behavior when trying to close the gate using the button on the bottom (3 beeps, doesn't close)
Workaround is to press the release for a…
BadPirate
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votes
2 answers
Why does an engine's idle RPMs take time to settle from a cold start?
I've noticed my car's (healthy) engine will idle at a slightly higher RPM for a few moments after it's been started from cold/not run for a day.
I also noticed that my (somewhat less healthy) other car's engine which was left for over 6 months…
Tito
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9
votes
2 answers
Why not have drive chains instead of drive (serpentine) belts?
My drive (serpentine) belt was recently chewed down to about half the width and I had to replace it.
Which brings the question: if the automotive industry has been gradually replacing timing belts with chains (my Tacoma has a chain and the model…
amphibient
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9
votes
4 answers
The car won't start, not even click, but everything else works fine in the car
The car has powerful new battery (1 week old). I drove the car and after 4 hours, the car will not start, not even click when you try to start the car? All the lights are ok and they are not dim. What could be the problem?
TheTechGuy
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3 answers
How much fuel does it take to start an engine?
I appreciate this is a question that can't be answered in facts and figures, so I'm after a general idea. I drive a 1986 Supra, which has a modest 2.8-litre engine. I often shut the engine off while waiting at traffic lights to save fuel, but I'm…
Gargravarr
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9
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7 answers
Is it typical for a shop to charge extra for labor if you bring your own parts?
I brought my car into a new mechanic today for brake issues, and they discovered that my rear brake calipers had completely seized up. They gave me an itemized quote for parts (~$700) and labor (~$300).
With my previous mechanic, I shopped around…
alexw
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2 answers
Do you need a charged battery for a car to Idle?
I am planning to acquire a 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5. The car runs perfect but it has an almost flat battery. Even the horn doesn't work unless the car is driven around. (No starting Problem though weirdly)
The problem:
The car only idles for…
Shobin P
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9
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4 answers
Is it safe to reuse oil that was drained for a repair?
Let's say that I just replaced my engine oil but decided I want to lift the valve covers to do some gasket replacement. I know it may sound cheap but I'd rather not throw away $25 worth of almost new oil. Would it be safe to catch the old oil in a…
amphibient
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9
votes
5 answers
How to test if head gaskets are blown?
Is there a definitive way to test whether head gaskets in most engines are blown, without actually reaching for the gaskets themselves (at which point you might as well go ahead and replace them) assuming that the engine is overheating and that all…
amphibient
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9
votes
3 answers
Grinding when shifting into 1st from a stop
My car (2013 Ford Focus, 12k miles, 5 speed manual) suddenly started to grind when shifting into 1st from a stop about halfway through my commute home. I realized that if I depress the clutch for long enough, and then shift into 1st, it is a…
the-nick-wilson
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9
votes
1 answer
Carburettor jetting on installation of aftermarket air filter
I have a 150cc motorcycle and am planning to install an after market air filter(K&N) since the stock one was favoring fuel efficiency and not performance.
The bike has a carburetor (Mikuni) not fuel injection, I was suggested that I should Jet the…
Shobin P
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9
votes
3 answers
Do power steering hoses just burst randomly or is it usually caused by installation error?
Power steering pump went out 10 months ago. Took it to Pep Boys where they replaced it.
Today, while driving, the power steering goes out again....
It was explained to me at Pep Boys that the power steering hose had leaked, broke the power steering…
P.S.
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9
votes
1 answer
What wears out windshield wipers?
If you use your windshield wipers when your windshield is mostly dry, are you damaging them at all?
My understanding has been that using your wipers on a dry windshield increases the amount of friction the motor has to work against, and therefore…
Sterling
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