Cars Failing, Owners Frustrated
10 posts in the last 60 days, all from r/MechanicAdvice.
“Recently had an electrical issue, first time driving in the rain and got a huge cascade of codes and went into limp mode from shorting. Checked all the fuses, couldn’t find an issue, let it dry out overnight. The next day I checked everything I could think of, found nothing, so…”
“2014 Jeep Patriot 2.4L FWD. So I’ve been having the issue of my car stalling when the AC gets turned on and that code has been very much consistent throughout me trying to fix the problem, I have a new AC system , new plugs , changed the throttle on it, tried the sea foam but it…”
“Hey y'all Just replaced a vacuum hose going into my vacuum chamber on my Blazer hoping to fix an A/C issue it's been having, and it's still doing this. This gear/module will spin, catch and stop, then start up again. Is this normal, or is there an underlying issue I'm not…”
Numerous posts detail mechanical failures across various car makes and models (Toyota, Hyundai, Buick, Jeep, Audi, etc.). Users are experiencing issues ranging from intermittent electrical problems to engine noises, steering difficulties, and brake malfunctions. The high cost of repairs is a recurring concern.
SOURCES (31)
“Recently had an electrical issue, first time driving in the rain and got a huge cascade of codes and went into limp mode from shorting. Checked all the fuses, couldn’t find an issue, let it dry out overnight. The next day I checked everything I…”
“Hello everyone! My new to me 2004 Trailblazer has an electrical gremlin. Im very unfamiliar with chevy. The dash bings and bongs at me alot. Sometimes the voltage dips to 9 then right back up again. When this happens it goes to Unkown driver and when it comes back up to 14 volts it returns to Driver 1 and bings and bongs at me. It has a terrible mis and I have coils+plugs coming in for it. submitted by /u/Senda1-1 [link] [comments]”
“2014 Jeep Patriot 2.4L FWD. So I’ve been having the issue of my car stalling when the AC gets turned on and that code has been very much consistent throughout me trying to fix the problem, I have a new AC system , new plugs , changed the throttle on it, tried the sea foam but it still has issues and the check engine light comes on intermittently. Can a bad cat+the ac be the root of all my problems?? submitted by /u/NamiiikazeTX [link] [comments]”
“Hey y'all Just replaced a vacuum hose going into my vacuum chamber on my Blazer hoping to fix an A/C issue it's been having, and it's still doing this. This gear/module will spin, catch and stop, then start up again. Is this normal, or is there an underlying issue I'm not seeing? Also just replaced a PCV valve too, not sure if that makes a difference. Edit: Only does this when the A/C setting is on "max a/c" "norm a/c" and "bi-lev a/c" submitte”
“Looking for some opinions before I start replacing parts. I have a 2016 Chevy Malibu 1.5T with about 168k miles. I’ve been dealing with an extremely intermittent P0299 underboost code. The weird part is the car drives normally and the turbo definitely works. I can hear/feel it spool and I’m not experiencing a constant loss of power. One time the code stayed gone for around 500 miles before returning. It came back again today after previously being cleared. Freeze frame when it triggered: • 2,065”
“Hello was wondering if anyone better at reading this could let me know if I have a bad cat or sensor 2004 Jeep Wrangler 4.0l submitted by /u/IncidentPristine346 [link] [comments]”
“Hello All, hoping someone can help. The internal fan for our T30 X-Trail is making a racket as you can hear from the video. At the moment only speed setting 4 seems to work, but occasionally you'll be able to set it to two or 3 (with ever so slightly less noise). We're assuming the blower motor needs replacing, but when we've called around everywhere is quoting ~$600 just for the replacement OEM part to be ordered in from Japan, as well as saying that they're aren't any after”
“Hey everyone, I recently picked up a 2003 Subaru WRX and I’m currently trying to figure out some electrical issues, but don’t really know where to start. The (known) issues I’m having: - stereo (aftermarket) won’t turn on - passenger and rear windows won’t roll down at each respective door, but will at the master switch on driver’s door - aftermarket gauge cluster wired into dash clock won’t turn on (dash clock is gone, it’s just the cluster there) - cruise control doesn’t work - defrost doesn’t”
“I’ve been slowly trying fix this thing, got it in an emergency. I’m trying to find the source of some poor gas mileage, misfires, stuttering, etc. and I’m slowly but surely ticking boxes. Spark plugs and ignition coils have all been tested (with a multi meter), all evap systems are now good and passed smoke testing (intake manifold and evap solenoid and vent replaced) vacuum line on fuel pressure regulator and fuel filter replaced, air filter replaced, throttle body cleaned and reprogrammed, 2 c”
“This vehicle has been a headache from the start with 2 transmission replacements and 2 starter replacements and no clue of what's wrong with it. All these parts have been replaced in the last week. It currently also has a kill switch because of an on-going parasitic draw it has. At this point I'm just desperate to get some sort of clue or answer as to what is going on. My mechanic also doesn't know and we're 7k deep into repairs that are going no where. P.S it was supposed to be”
“I have a 2016 jeep patriot with the 2.4L engine and the check engine light with these codes came on. After I turned the car off and back on the engine light went away but the codes remained. I assumed maybe the throttle body was dirt and cleaned it. After like 4 days the lightning bolt light(best way to describe it) came on, but just like the engine light it went away after I turned the car off and back on. Is the throttle body just bad? submitted by /u/Piano_Severe [link] [com”
“My 2011 4Runner (sr5) horn works intermittently so i did some research and my own diagnosis and confirmed its the clock spring. Went to Toyota and told them i need that confirmed and they decided to do their own full diagnosis ($600) to tell me exactly what i knew. The cost to replace is $2100 from them. My question is, can i buy a clock spring from ebay and use it? Is there a possibility of the airbag going off after an aftermarket install? I'm also okay with ordering it from toyota for $80”
“Car sat all night so shouldn’t be hot. Tried to start and it just makes clicking noise any idea what it could be? submitted by /u/Primary-Owl4245 [link] [comments]”
“2010 santa fe 3.5L v6 AWD, 217,000km. Electromagnetic coupler (borg warner system) failing intermittently which is confirmed by disconnecting the wire. All symptoms (intermittent thunk, intermittent gripping on tight parking lot turns, intermittent hesitation from a stop) go away entirely when wire disconnected. Given very high replacement part costs (my mechanic quoted 2.5hr labor and $2000 part 4780039420. His company doesn't install the aftermarkets), considering driving as 2WD by leaving”
“Got a f150 with the cab corners rusted pretty good. Whats a cheap efficient way to deal with this? Im a mechanic not a body guy. Im not too concerned with the paint. If i gotta rattle can the corners i can. I just dont want it to spread if possible. Got the truck cheap. This is pretty much all the rust. Aside from the bumper a little. Frame is surprisingly pretty solid. submitted by /u/Hayben906 [link] [comments]”
“The SRS light comes on and off since yesterday. Horn still works and radio control works, but I did notice the cruise on/off wasnt always responding yesterday when I was on the highway. I checked fuses and the connectors under the seats seem fine. Anything else it can be before I order a clock spring? submitted by /u/Apprehensive_Let_828 [link] [comments]”
“2008 Chevy Trailblazer Fan blows very slowly on settings 1, 2, and 3, blows more on 4, but not at all at 5. This is also accompanied by this awful sort of burning / chemical smell. From what I've read online the blower motor is probably the culprit but I'm wondering if I should just replace the whole thing or if the symptoms I'm having point specifically to the resistor? Would prefer to save a few bucks if the latter is the case. submitted by /u/Nibblets03 [link] [c”
“Just picked up a 2015 corolla LE my first car and my steering doesn’t feel right. The steering wheel sometimes feels loose and almost like it wants to oversteer, especially at higher speeds. The brake abs and traction control lights are on but my dealer said its only a sensor issue. Im still learning how to work and diagnose cars but I’m sure something is still off. How can I tell if it’s an alignment issue versus a worn suspension or steering component? Any advice would be appreciated. su”
“My 1956 Buick Special is making a noise that it has never made before in the 15 years I’ve had it when I try to start it. And it is also not starting. I can smell gas in the engine compartment, so I assume the gas is getting to the carburetor when I’m pumping the gas pedal. Would greatly appreciate any ideas on what I should trouble shoot? submitted by /u/neinnohet [link] [comments]”
“I am currently running this oil in my car. I haven’t seen any test reviews on it. I wonder if it’s just as good as the Valvoline restore and protect? I drive a 2014 Toyota Yaris. 183,000 miles on it. submitted by /u/Dodgerblue1977 [link] [comments]”
“if the abs and traction lights are on there's a solid chance your steering angle sensor is throwing things off, especially if the dealer already mentioned a sensor issue. that sensor tells the car which way the wheels are pointed and if it's giving bad data the stability control can freak out and make the steering feel floaty or like it's trying to correct itself when it shouldn't for checking worn parts yourself, jack up the front end and grab the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock, s”
“If you have a jack and jack stands I would start with checking the front ball joints and tie rods.”
“I did notice that the light will shut off when im going straight for a little bit then turn on when im turning”
“clock spring is the usual suspect when cruise control acts up alongside an airbag light, they share that ribbon cable so one dying circuit can take out both check if the light behaves differently when the wheel is turned full lock either way, that'll pretty much confirm it”
“Yeah i took it to the local shop (small town) and their reader doesnt pick up SRS codes”
“Read the fault code and see what the actual error is, otherwise you might end up spending a load of money on parts you don't need.”
“just run it in 2wd and keep an eye on it, if it starts binding you’ll know pretty quick”
“You don't need another diagnostic if you just approach a shop and ask if they'll fit a part for you. If course you can have more certainty in the part, at a cost of ~$2,500. Or a bit less certainty at a price more like $500. That's the price of the certainty, the question only you can answer is if you're willing to pay it.”
“You can get aftermarket ones from china for around $250, have one of those fitted and you'll likely be completely fine. You'll likely need either another shop to do it, or explain to these guys that you can't afford the main one, but will they fit one you supply for the labour with no warranty etc on the work.”