I noticed a vibrating sensation that runs through all of the car

QUESTION: Dear Sir, I own a 2006 Trailblazer, it is only 46000 KM. Recently I noticed a vibrating sensation that runs through all of the car. It is most intense when cold and decreases after running the engine for a while, even when driving it is there but with lower intensity. I can feel it much clearer when I start the engine apply the brakes and shift the automatic transmission to "D" and try to take off while still applying the brakes. The vibration max is at 1200 RPM. Please advise ANSWER: This could be real easy or could end up being a real pain to find. GM has issued a couple of bulletins regarding this kind of a problem from different components in the chassis and drive line, etc. It makes a difference if the truck will do it on a hoist in the air or not. Some of the more typical things to look for would be bent, loose or missing or miss aligned exhaust components that are grounding out. If you can power brake the truck and make it do the vibration while someone else walks around it with a pry bar, you may find it. Have him apply pressure in different directions to things like the exhaust system. The rear transmission mounts, cross members, etc. Just about anything that can move or is mounted in a rubber bushing should be suspect. According to GM, you should even go so far as to check the drive line angle to be sure there is no harmonic resonance coming from the drive shaft. Some of the earlier ones had to have a vibration dampener added to them to stop the harmonic vibration from them. Even loose steel fuel or brake lines flexing against the floor board or frame could set off this kind of noise or vibration, as could an out of balance or lose fly wheel or flex plate on the rear of the motor, if it happened to be loose or had thrown a balance weight off of it. This gives you a few ideas, unfortunately, it can't just automatically be pinned down to any one component as there are so many possibilities. Including mounting brackets under the hood. But GM also has what is known as a chassis ear that can be attached to various parts of the frame and body and then have the car driven to help narrow down the area or cause based on the harmonics of the vibration, you may end up needing to use that kind of a tool to find the problem.

Pontiac Grand Am is running on only two cylinders

Question: 2001 Pontiac Grand Am is running on only two cylinders...the mechanic I use has tried to replace the coil but it didn't help...he doesn't have the equipment to diagnose...but I feel sure he could fix it if he knew where to go next... Already Tried: replacing the coil...I don't really know what else he did...but the coil didn't fix it...and I had it replaced about 2 years ago so I don't know that it was the problem to begin with...but my mechanic doesn't have the computer diagnostics to figure out where to go next...please give me all options and opinions as to what else the problem might be...it will save me trying to drive it 15 miles (which is might not make) to get to a place that has the computer diagnostics to figure it out... Answer: This system uses both cylinders for the spark in each. If the plug or wire for one set of plugs on a coil is bad, the other won't fire. Change to plugs and wires for the cylinders that are not firing as that is an inexpensive attempt. If that does not do it, the Ignition module is the problem. I strongly suspect the module myself.

in the market to buy a used mid-sized sedan

QUESTION:

I am in the market to buy a used mid-sized sedan. I am looking to spend $10,000-12,000. What would be the best deal, and how long could I expect it to last?

ANSWER:

You could purchase a 2003 or 2004 Toyota Camry for that price. I have always been impressed with this car. A well-cared-for Toyota will give you many miles of happy motoring.

Which Online Repair Manual is Better, Mitchell or Alldata?

It is cheaper to fix the old one than to buy a new one. But with today's cars you need detailed information and wiring schematics in order to repair your Car, Truck or SUV. In other words, you need an Online Auto Repair Manual. We can all agree on that part of it. Both Online Auto Repair Manuals , Mitchell and Alldata, stand to be great sources of information for car repair procedures, wiring diagrams, torque specifications, belt installations, Service bulletins and more. One major difference is the price. Both cover 1983-2012.

1. Mitchell : minimum purchase is $9.99
2. Alldata : minimum purchase is $12.95 if you use coupon code 1MOTR2587

If you have an older car you can purchase a Vintage Manual DVD from Mitchell that covers 1960-1982

my fob doesn't work, and the car won't start. totally dead.

Question:

2008 Subaru outback : Last Sunday, my wife and I both used our key fobs at the same time, and while she was able to start the car with her key, we couldn't auto-lock it. Now, I just went to drive the car for the first time since then, and my fob doesn't work, and the car won't start. totally dead.

Answer:

If the vehicle is totally dead the problem could be the battery, that is where I would start. See if it can be jumped and if it starts see if anything was left on in the vehicle to drain the battery if nothing is noticeable have the battery tested.

My car is making a loud tapping noise when I start it

Question: 2004 Chevrolet Impala 3.4 : My car is making a loud tapping noise when I start it, but it fades as the car runs. I've been told I have bleeding lifters and there's nothing I can do out side of changing the lifters and it's no guarantee it won't happen again. What are my options can I buy something to add to my oil to stop this? Changed the oil every 20,000 miles. ANSWER: You can try an additive that is called "lifter quite". What it does is clean the passage ways so the oil can get through easier and it cleans what may be letting the lifters bleed down. This may be called something else where you live but if you ask your local auto parts store I'm sure they can get you something like this. In the future I recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles on all your vehicles. This will be the cheapest money you ever spend on your engine.

How do I remove the ECU from a 1994 Infiniti Q45?

Basically you just have to disconnect the negative battery cable, then remove the electrical connectors then remove the ECU. It is located behind the passenger side kick panel (In case you did not know.).

What does it mean when the TPMS light on my 2006 Pilot comes on?

QUESTON: What does it mean when the TPMS light on my 2006 Honda Pilot comes on? I know this means that the system has been deactivated, but what are the possible causes and can I ignore this or is there a way to resolve this without having to spend too much money? ANSWER: The first thing you should do is check the air pressure in the tires. Does the words TPMS actually light up or is there a picture of a tire with an exclamation point lit? If filling the tires up with air and driving the car over 30mph doesn't turn the light off than chances are there is a problem with one of the sensors. Usually they are the part of the system that commonly fails. Continuing to drive with the light on will not harm anything. Its just a tire pressure monitoring system. Basically warning you when a tire is low and prevents rapid tire wear or running it flat.

the a/c blower does not work on settings 1 thru 3, but it will work on 4

Blower Motor Resistor

QUESTION: We unfortunately own a 2002 Kia Sedona. the a/c blower does not work on settings 1 thru 3, but it will work on 4(max).. ANSWER: You have a bad blower resistor. It is accessed on the passenger side either from under the dash or through the glove box. This is about a $55.00 part and is held in by 2 screws. Here is a picture of it so you know what you are looking for.

How can I become a Car Mechanic ?

When you become interested in learning all that you can about being an Car mechanic, Nascar mechanic or just want to know more about Car repair, Automotive mechanic school is the place to start. Here are a few to get you started : NASCAR Mechanic Colleges - Features NASCAR Technical Institute ... Auto Mechanic School. Marine Mechanic. Motorcycle Mechanic. Aviation Mechanic. NASCAR Mechanic Government Statistics on Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics - The work of automotive service technicians and mechanics has evolved from mechanical repair to a high technology job. Race Car Mechanic School - Our beginning and advanced courses are included in your course fee as well as participation in our monthly race series. The Racing Schools at Infineon Raceway are a favorite in the USA. From go karting to formula racing, ESPN Jim Russell Racing can put you in the driver's seat. More Schools