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Articles by Dan Ferrell
What Can Drain a Car Battery When the Car is Off?
You get into your car, turn the key, and… nothing. Just that dreaded "click, click, click." Your car battery is dead. But, what can drain a car battery when the car is off? Leaving a light on by accident. Dirty or loose connections on your battery or alternator. An electrical part that's not working correctly. A battery or alternator that's getting old or failing.
How Long Does an Alternator Last
An alternator typically lasts between: 6 to 10 years. Or, if you are thinking in miles, about: 60,000 to 150,000 miles (that's roughly 96,560 to 241,400 Km) Sometimes, they can even last longer. However, many alternators don't make it that far. This is often due to factors like: Tough driving conditions. Too much heat. Putting too much strain on the alternator. Failing to keep up with basic car maintenance.
What Does an Alternator Do?
When you turn the key to start your car, the engine comes to life and the electrical system jumps into action. At first, it is your car's battery that provides the power to the starter motor to crank the engine, get the electrical system going, and get everything moving. But once the engine is running, the alternator steps in, generating electricity to power your vehicle's electrical system and recharge the battery, replacing the energy it used to start the engine.
How to Charge a Dead Car Battery
Find out how to charge a dead car battery safely using jumper cables, during an emergency, or a battery charger. Whatever method used, it is important to follow safety guidelines and use the appropriate method to: Properly fully charge your battery. Avoid battery troubles in the near future. Ensure battery long service life. When done properly, fully charging a dead car battery can save you time and money. In This Article 1. Your Vehicle Repair Manual 2. Working Safely Around Car Batteries 3.
Why Are My Brakes Grinding?
Most of the time, brakes grinding, when depressing the brake pedal or when your vehicle is moving, may be caused by: Worn brake pads. Stuck brake caliper. Worn or damaged brake rotor. Or some other problem in the brake system. Any of these issues may lead to grinding noise, squealing brakes, and other brake noise. Regardless of the cause, grinding brakes can be a safety risk. So, it's important to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs soon to prevent a serious road accident.
How to Tell If a Spark Plug is Bad
You can learn how to tell if a spark plug is bad by: Gathering appropriate information, like learning about its average lifespan and recognizing the symptoms of a bad spark plug. Using some diagnostic procedures, including a quick check of the ignition system and reading your spark plugs. Performing some tests to check the condition of a spark plug and the quality of the spark.
How Long Do Spark Plugs Last
Mostly, the shape of the electrodes and type of material used in their construction determine how long spark plugs last: Copper: 20,000 to 30,000 miles (32,187 to 48,280 km). Platinum: 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,560 to 160,934 km). Iridium: 100,000 miles or more (160,934 km or more). However, most spark plugs on the road today will see a shorter service life because of: Driving patterns. Poor engine maintenance. Less than ideal operating conditions. Faulty spark plug installation. Vehicle age.
How to Check Spark Plugs
To check spark plugs at home, you can make use of three simple tasks: Remove and visually inspect each spark plug. Test the electrical resistance of the spark plug (if applicable). Check the spark condition on each spark plug, if necessary. Spark plug inspection can give you information about: The condition of the engine. Potential fuel system faults. Cylinders performance issues. Necessary repairs. The following sections help you check your car spark plugs following safety and best practices.
How to Do an Oil Pressure Test
An oil pressure test can help you diagnose issues like: Abnormal engine noises. Low or high oil level warnings. Potential oil leaks. Lubrication system condition. These and other related issues may come from: Low oil pressure. High oil pressure. Bad oil pressure indicator circuit, sensor, or gauge. Adequate oil pressure is necessary for proper lubrication between moving components to prevent excessive engine wear.
Why Is My Lifter Ticking?
A lifter tick noise in the valve train assembly of your car engine may point to: Worn engine oil or wrong oil viscosity Low engine oil level Bad oil pump Sticking (worn or dirty) lifters Rocker arm issues Valve problems Broken valve spring Worn cam lobes or lifters Lifters in some vehicle models tend to tick during a cold start.
I Hear a Rubbing Noise When Turning
If you hear a rubbing noise when turning the wheel, chances are you are dealing with a: Tire issue Brake problem Steering system issue Faulty wheel bearing Suspension problem Although rubbing noises are not uncommon, it can be annoying and could lead to more serious, and expensive, problems, if left unchecked. In most cases, though, you'll be able to find the source of the noise with a bit of diagnostic work and fix the problem using a few common tools. In This Article 1.
Car Making Grinding Noise When Accelerating
Is your car making a grinding noise when accelerating? A problem in a number of components may cause a grinding noise during acceleration: Transmission Axle bearing Clutch Motor mount Wheel bearing A fault in any of these will cause a rotating component to clash against another part, causing the grinding noise you hear. In most cases, this type of problem can lead to severe damage and potentially dangerous driving conditions.
Car Making Whining Noise When Starting
A car making a whining noise when starting may be caused by problems with one or more components: Accessory belt or pulley Water pump Power steering system Alternator Transmission Whatever the cause, you need to investigate the source of the noise and make the necessary repairs before it turns into serious damage. Most of the time, you can identify the problem using some simple troubleshooting techniques and fix the problem using some common tools. In This Article 1.
Brake Noise After New Pads and Rotors
Usually, brake noise after new pads and rotors installation comes from: Need to bed-in the new pads and rotors. Hardware problems (improper installation, worn, out-of-round rotors; brake caliper issues) Using low-quality components. Using the wrong part for the application. However, some pads are inherently noisy and doesn't mean there is a problem with your new brakes.
Connecting a Car Battery
Connecting a car battery is a relatively simple process: Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive cable. Remove the bracket holding the battery in place. Remove the battery. When ready: Set the battery on its tray. Secure the battery with the mounting bracket. Connect the positive cable first, then the negative cable. However, connecting a car battery is more than following the correct sequence. You need to: Pay attention to safety precautions to protect yourself and your vehicle.
Replacing Battery Cables
Replacing battery cables is a relatively simple task but can help you fix serious car electrical issues that result in: Slow or no-cranking conditions Stalling Charging system problems Discharging battery Intermittent electrical faults Dimming lights Engine performance problems Transmission faults and many other electrical problems caused by: Often-overlooked damaged cables. Out of shape terminals that resist current flow. Heavily corroded battery cables and terminals.
My Car Overheats When the AC Is On
If your car overheats when the AC is on, most likely you are dealing with a: Faulty AC system Low level antifreeze Restricted condenser or radiator Bad water pump Faulty radiator fan Bad thermostat It is a common issue and, in most cases, you can diagnose and potentially fix it, once you understand what's going on. Don't overlook the issue.
Mice Eating Car Spark Plug Wires
There are many ways to combat this problem of mice eating through your spark plug wires. I am going to tell you what you should do. You need to take care of the problem because if you are in a rural area you need your car. And there are health concerns of coming into contact with mice. If I were you I would not use mouse poison. The mouse may find a hole to die in where you cannot get him out. That could be unpleasant. The odors could be a problem.
Performance Air Filter Vs Factory Fitted Panel Paper Element-Why It May Not Work In Your Car
There is an important reason why aftermarket performance air filtration may not work on everyone’s car, and why it may be wiser to stick with the factory fitted one, instead. Let us delve into the importance and the purpose of correct air filtration into an engine, especially with the sportier aftermarket filters, and folks expectations concerning the positive effects such as gaining more horsepower, better sound and sharper throttle response, and often benefitting from slightly better MPG.
How to Do an Engine Compression Test
WARNING: You'll need to remove the spark plugs while the engine is warmed for this test. If a spark plug seems too hard to remove, DON'T FORCE IT LOOSE. This may deform the mounting plug threads on an aluminum cylinder head. To avoid this, before warming up the engine, remove one spark plug at a time and add a dab of anti-seize compound to the spark plug threads and tighten the plug to the torque listed in your vehicle repair manual using a torque wrench.
Maintaining Your Car at 100,000 Miles: Key Items to Replace at this Maintenance Interval
These days people are keeping their cars longer than ever before. In fact, according to the latest statistics from R.L. Polk Co, the average car on the road is now almost 11 years old. There are several reasons for this striking statistic. However the most obvious reason is the fact that the economy took a nose dive in late 2008.
DIY Toyota Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Wheel Bearing Replacement
From the wheel bearing remover tool kit, select a disc (Q) that is smaller than the diameter of the outer wheel bearing race. Place the flat side of the disc against the outside of the race. Select a bearing cup that is larger than the wheel bearing. This cup can can be mounted against the back of the steering knuckle, and will receive the old wheel bearing when the bearing gets "squeezed" out of the hub.
How To Clean or Replace a MAF Sensor for VW or Audi DIY
The more oil and dirt accumulates on your MAF the worse it serves it's purpose. The dirtier it get get the less accurate the reading it gives to your ECU (computer). These readings can cause lower gas mileage and a small loss of power. Cleaning your MAF will not only extend the life of the sensor it will also help keep the power level and gas mileage where it should be. So if you feel that lack of power when you hit the gas or have noticed a change in your MPG.
Bad Starter Symptoms: Why Won't My Car Start?
Bad starter system issues are more common than you may think. Starting system troubles may be caused by poor maintenance, or just wear and tear. Even with decent maintenance, the different system components get a lot of wear during their service life and are bound to start having problems eventually. Problems may show up as a no-crank or slow-cranking condition, caused by a worn-out component, a bad electrical connection, or an undercharged or failed battery.
Five Signs That Your Car Has a Bad Heater Core
You might be wondering what the heck a heater core is, what it does, and how it can affect your vehicle. These are all great questions, and we’re going to get you some quick and easy answers so you can get your car fixed ASAP. It’s part of the car’s cooling system. It looks exactly like the mini-me version of your radiator, and is, in fact, a small radiator itself, with a grid of little tubes and a waffled appearance from the fins that disperse the heat.
Five Signs Your Car Battery Is Dead (or About To Die)
If you look at your battery, somewhere on it you should find a label stating a number for "Cold Cranking Amps.” Those amps are responsible for giving your engine enough energy to get started the first time of the day, generally referred to as "cold cranking.” Thus it’s not surprising that an early sign that your battery is running out of life—a sign most people miss—is that you are regularly putting extra energy into starting the vehicle. You know what I'm talking about.
How to Diagnose an Alternator or Electrical Problem
Spark plug or coil problems can also make your car lose power and die, though they also have other symptoms. When a coil goes bad, the result is similar to when the alternator goes bad. You'll seem to lose power and then the car will just die on you. One reason for this is because when an alternator dies, it no longer powers the coil, which then can't give the spark for the engine. In this circumstance, it's difficult to tell whether it's the alternator or the coil that's the source of the problem.
How To Avoid Costly Auto Repairs If Check Engine Light Is On
Does the check engine light eventually turn off without fixing the problem? If the problem is not due to an actual component, but rather just a faulty sensor which is intermittent, then you may notice the light goes off after some time. But it may come back on again once is a while if the sensor continues to send faulty signals. It's best to have a mechanic look at it, but tell them that it seems to be a faulty sensor so they know you already have some knowledge of the situation.
How To Remove, Clean Or Bypass EGR Valve On Trafic, Vivaro & Primastar Vans
The exhaust gas recirculation valve is attached to the air inlet manifold. Under certain circumstances it opens up to feed exhaust gases into the air intake of the engine. There are several reasons for this, the first is that it heats the engine up quicker from a cold start, which leads to improved efficiency on short journeys as diesel engines don't run efficiently when cold. The engine also creates less NOx, which is better for the environment.
How to Determine If a Car's Engine Thermostat Is Stuck
If a car's engine is too hot, it can actually warp and become damaged. But when it's cold, it doesn't run efficiently. So it is important to keep the engine at the right temperature, which is where the thermostat comes in. An engine's thermostat regulates the temperature of the engine by controlling coolant flow. The coolant does exactly what you imagine—it cools the engine down. The engine thermostat can open and close.
Symptoms of a Bad EGR Valve
Are the symptoms above a sign of EGR problems? An increase in hydrocarbon emissions isn’t necessarily caused by a stuck-open EGR valve. Problems in other systems may cause this same symptom as well: a leaking fuel injector, bad ignition timing, bad cylinder compression, bad oxygen sensor, or other problems. Similarly, an increase in NOx may be caused by a vacuum leak, a clogged fuel injector, low fuel pressure, a leaking head gasket, or other problems.
Car Thermostat Problems: Do I need to Replace the Thermostat in My Car?
As any other water-cooled engine on a passenger vehicle, the engine in your car operates at a temperature range of 180 F and 210 F (82 C and 99 C), approximately. To help it operate within this range, your car engine uses a thermostat. In simple terms, the thermostat responds to changes in temperature — in this case coolant temperature — by opening or closing a valve to control coolant flow between the radiator and engine. The valve itself operates through a wax-container element.
Honda “Check Engine” Light: What Could Be the Problem?
1. Has your car been in the shop for service recently? 2. Have you fueled your car recently? 3. Did you possibly overfill your fuel tank? 4. Have you installed any new electronic devices recently? 5. Did your “check engine” light come on after driving through a deep puddle? 6. Do you have excessive humidity in your car caused by a water leak? 7. Do you live in a rural area where there are lots of critters? 8. Are other warning lights illuminated on the dash? 9.
Four Common Brake Squeaks
Most brakes squeak after sitting overnight, usually because of moisture. The moisture can come from rain, dew, or condensation that collects on the surface of the rotors. When moisture collects on the brake rotors, it causes a thin layer of rust to form on the rotor surface. As the rotor turns, the pads scrape the rust off the rotors, and then the rust gets caught on the leading edge of the brake pad. These fine particles of rust then get embedded into the leading edge of the pad and cause a squeak.
Brake Noises: What Causes Them and How to Fix Them
This brake issue is one that will annoy the hell out of the driver, and suck the life out of the technician. It took me months to figure out what caused this thumping noise in the rear of a vehicle when braking. After tearing apart the rear of the vehicle, lubing every bushing, and checking the clearances of every part imaginable, I came to the conclusion that it’s the rear drums that cause the noise.
What Is A Wheel Bearing? Diagnosing a Wheel Bearing Noise
Wheel bearing noise is one of the hardest problems to diagnose on vehicles because you have to drive the vehicle in order to reproduce the noise. Take it easy on your mechanic if he spends a lot of time trying to chase down your noise. Note that tires that are "chopped" or "scallopped" (worn in patches) also make a rhythmic noise that increases in speed, very similar to a wheel bearing. Look at your tires as well if you hear this kind of noise.
Steering Wheel Vibration: My Car Shakes While I’m Driving
Mechanics use these words to refer to different operations, though sometimes you get them both done at once. Alignments only realign the tires so they are all pointing in the proper direction while driving down the road. If a car’s tires need alignment, it may pull one way or the other instead of straight when you let go of the steering wheel, or the tires may wear unevenly (deeper on the inside than the outside or vice versa).
Four Common Car Noises
Water pump noises are very difficult to diagnose, because the water pump is generally buried deep in the motor, and the noise will resonate through the engine making it difficult to identify. The water pump on your engine is a thick metal casting containing a pulley, pump fins (a palm-sized propeller to push the water along), and a bearing set. When a water pump fails, the noise is usually caused by damage to the bearings.
Water Leaking Into a Car
The number one cause of a water leak in a car is the poor installation of a windshield. If you have had a windshield replaced recently, take a look at this possibility. I'm not trying to disrespect windshield replacement companies, it's just that some companies hire people who just don't care; they will cut out the old windshield and slap in the new one without proper preparation. If a professional replaces the windshield, it will take a minimum of an hour.
Number-One Reasons for a Slipping Transmission
A standard (“manual”) transmission uses fluid too, but leaks aren’t a common issue; a standard transmission could lose all its fluid and never slip at all, though eventually it would lock up while driving down the road. If you have a standard transmission, and it’s slipping—the engine revs but it doesn’t transmit power to the wheels—the problem is usually in the clutch. If you think your clutch is starting to slip you can try a stall test.
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