There are usually warning signs that tend to come up when something is wrong with your car. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. My blower motor does … ), so you can gather physical proof to hone in further on the right diagnosis. Whether it's an issue with your car engine, air filter, auto transmission or another part of your … When evaluating offers, please review the financial institution’s Terms and Conditions. * If you now KNOW what the problem is, and plan to take it to a dealer/shop, skip to Establishing the Fair Price Repair Cost Estimate. My car feels weird. For example, you may be able to smell burning wood or rubber, or your car might be hard to shift. >> Finding cheap used cars from reliable Japanese sellers? What It Could Mean. Your car's engine transfers … Creaking or squealing upon turning, which could be from worn or damaged parts, joints that need greasing or from low power-steering fluid, Clicking when you turn, likely a problem with a constant-velocity (CV) joint or boot, A clunking noise when you drive, even when you aren’t turning. What's Wrong With My Car . * If you KNOW what the problem is, and plan to perform the repairs yourself (or need info to determine how hard it would be and how much it would cost), skip to Doing-It-Yourself. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. The email you entered is not registered with AutoMD. But before you do, a few minutes of troubleshooting on your own will help you talk to your mechanic and budget for the repair cost. Your account has been created and you are now signed in. Lacie Glover is an insurance editor and writer and a NerdWallet authority on insurance. Check your power steering fluid. Everyone told me the alternator so i bought another one along with a new battery and a 100A spark plug an had a … Pre-Screening a Short List of Shops to Get Diagnosis, Pre-Screening a Short List of Shops/Finding the Right Shop, Understanding the Shop Estimate and Repair-ese, Negotiating the Price/Keeping Your Repair Shop Honest, What To Do When You're at the Shop/While Your Car is Being Repaired. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. AutoMD.com’s unique “Visual Inspection Guide” explains which tools you may need and exactly what you’ll need to do (i.e., jack the car up, get in under the hood). Try starting from a different gear. The trouble relates to the blower motor and its activation. My car will not start. Always check your car’s manual before adding fluids. Smoke (or steam) coming from the engine or under the hood is probably the result of coolant leaking from its reservoir and reacting with the heat of the engine. Tell us your symptoms and the Car Diagnostic Tool will help point you in the right direction. The reason why the radio, dash lights, headlights, and … Answer (1 of 6): Why a car refuses to exceed a speed of 20 mph can have a range of reasons, and depends partly on the make of the car, as well as whether it uses manual or automatic … Learn more about common causes and get your car's heater back in working order. Other telltale signs of a coolant leak: a sweet or syrupy odor and overheating. Warning signs can take the form of: Your non-starter probably falls into one of two categories: The engine cranks when you turn the key, or it’s silent or makes a quiet clicking noise. This can be a pretty serious issue, so be sure to find an experienced mechanic. Bad Starter. If your vehicle isn’t running right, is making strange noises, or a warning light on your dash has come on, you’re probably about to head into the dealer or repair shop to have them take a look. Menu. 1) Bad Idle Air Control Valve. Possible problems range in severity and include: Repairs will likely set you back at least $1,000 — and much more if your engine must be rebuilt or replaced. Diagnose What’s Wrong With Your Vehicle If your vehicle isn’t running right, is making strange noises, or a warning light on your dash has come on, you’re probably about to head into the dealer or repair shop to have them take a … I have read and agree to the AutoMD.com Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Our writers live and breathe automotive, taking the guess work out of car … Other possible reasons your car smells like rotten eggs include: Various noises signal issues with the steering and suspension systems. Both of … My car sounds weird. In the Garage with CarParts.com is an online blog dedicated to bringing DIYers and devoted car enthusiasts up to date with topical automotive news and lifestyle content. Normal wear and tear can take its toll on your car’s steering and suspension systems, which can complain loudly when it happens. Many today's cars offer built-in Bluetooth connectivity that allows you pair your phone to the car … This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific product’s site. Turning the key in the ignition and hearing nothing is a horrible feeling, but don’t panic. Click here << … Modern vehicles designed with … The function of the oxygen sensor is to keep track of the car’s exhaust emissions and determine the amount of fuel that is needed in the internal combustion chamber by tracking the air to fuel ratio.. I agree to receive AutoMD information and announcements by email. If the key doesn’t turn at all, try moving or adjusting the steering wheel. * If you have a friend/family member with experience fixing cars, get his/her opinion (if possible) on what may be wrong before taking it into a dealer/shop. We want to hear from you and encourage a lively discussion among our users. Im afraid to step on the gas way too hard for this could damage whatever is wrong… This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. It also manages the idle under changing engine loads, like when you kick on the air conditioning, turn on the headlights, or turn up the … Read more, Get free quotes from top auto insurance companies. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion® directly. Smell like? It could be a faulty gas cap or a more serious problem with the fuel system. Diagnosing Common Problems. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institution’s Terms and Conditions. The heat in your car my not be working for a number of reasons. * Check your owner’s manual for trouble-shooting tips related to your symptoms—and review the recommended maintenance schedule for what repairs to expect at the current age/mileage of your vehicle. My … Her work has been featured by USA Today, U.S. News & World Report and The Associated Press. If the odor persists and it isn’t a faulty gas cap, it could be a more serious, and potentially dangerous, problem with your fuel system, like: After your car gets some miles on it, you notice a little shake or rough idle here and there. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific product’s site. Try all gears, including reverse. If your car won’t start but the lights and radio work fine, it could be one of several problems, possibly including a dead battery. Ditch the Dealership With Online Used Car Sellers, Don’t Be Afraid to Test-Drive Your Car Salesperson, Plug Into Your Car’s Computer to Save Money, Drive Safer, Fuel tank leak, often accompanied by a rainbow puddle under your car, A faulty component of your car’s evaporative emissions (EVAP) system, often accompanied by a, Worn spark plugs and wires, possibly with check engine light, Loose or disconnected hoses around the engine. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion® directly. * Before you do this, first try AutoMD.com’s easy-to-use, Q & A diagnostic tool. Why a phone won't pair with a car Bluetooth Bluetooth is a wireless standard used to connect electronic devices over short range. Please help us keep our site clean and safe by following our, Prevent identity theft, protect your credit, The difference between term and whole life insurance, How medical conditions affect your life insurance rate, What’s Wrong With My Car? Don’t know what’s wrong with your car? You can narrow down the problem by its sound (or lack thereof) when you turn the key. It Still Runs states that dimming headlights is one of the first signs that your … The more precise you are in describing your car’s problem, the easier it will be for you and the mechanic to pinpoint and diagnose. Before you get taken advantage of. Try: Un-flooding a flooded engine If you smell gas, the … When i press on the gas, it takes quite a bit for my car to accelerate and the RP-M's go over the roof. When the possible diagnoses are returned, print them out. Performing a car diagnostic can reveal a number of problems associated with the transmission, oil tank, gas tank, exhaust system and other components of the vehicle. If your car is vibrating, making noises or emitting odors, you’ll probably be seeing a mechanic soon. Difficulty turning the steering wheel. Sometimes a gas smell isn’t a harbinger of costly repairs. I have a Check Engine Light; About; Contact; Let’s get started. You’ll likely need to see a mechanic, but how your car smells, feels or sounds can offer warning signs for common car problems. Developed by the AutoMD service shop specialists, this feature lets you narrow down possible … This helps determine if a single … * If, after using the diagnostic tools, you’re still not sure what the problem is, skip to Pre-Screening a Short List of Shops to Get Diagnosis. + If your car is overheating, even with coolant... + If your car squeals, but not only when turning, + Car makes no sound or quietly clicks, and doesn’t start, Tips and Traps When Buying a Used Car at Auction. Then try starting the vehicle. If your car won’t start, hit the bottom of the fuel tank several times with the heel of your shoe to jar the fuel pump motor. What's Wrong With My Car or Truck- Free Auto Help Here you can find answers to a specific problem you may be having with your car or truck. Should You Snap Up a Post-Scandal Volkswagen Diesel? Then use AutoMD’s intuitive "question tree" car diagnostic feature. However, this does not influence our evaluations. A common culprit, gas caps are cheap to replace. Flickering Headlights. It is also possible that you have a bad starter. Please register or sign in with a different email. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Carbon Monoxide (CO) may be leaking into the car (note … * If the online diagnostic and visual inspection tools have determined what your problem is, the tool will ask you to confirm “Yes” or “No”—and then you can follow one of two channels, depending on whether you plan to repair the vehicle yourself, or take it into a shop. Possible explanations include: Other signs you may need new spark plugs and wires: decreased fuel efficiency, reduced acceleration, engine misfiring or car not starting. Persistent white smoke is likely due to a coolant leak, a serious issue. An email has been sent to you with directions on how to reset your password. Fuel tank leak, often accompanied by a rainbow puddle under your car. Assuming the odor isn’t simply from your last stop at the gas station, it could be a loose or broken gas cap. ), and with each answer you narrow down the problem to a few likely diagnoses. My problem is on a 1996 Dodge Caravan 3.3 liter. Replace your fuel filter. I have a 99 camry when i was driving the battery went mid drive. Whats wrong with my car? But white smoke coming from the tailpipe that doesn’t dissipate quickly typically means coolant is leaking and burning when it enters the combustion chamber in the engine. Automatic transmissions are more common these days, but for people who still enjoy the hands-on approach, a manual, or standard, transmission can present a few problems. A worn or damaged radiator or related part. Troubleshooting Guide Whether it starts with an ominous rattling, the smell of gas or a warning light on your dashboard, unidentified car … Damaged Serpentine Belt. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. If you’re not able to do what’s required, ask a friend or family member to help you. Property and Casualty insurance services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc.: Licenses, NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539, NMLS Consumer AccessLicenses and Disclosures, California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812. Establishing the Fair Price Repair Cost Estimate. Read articles that explain some common causes for problems in … What area of vehicle is the problem located in? It has A/C but is a short body and has no rear heat or A/C. Follow our guide to self-diagnosing what’s wrong with your car. Leaning or pulling: It's scary when your car pulls in a direction you don't want it to go. Choose your car’s symptom to learn what could be wrong and how to fix it. A starter can go bad slowly over time and … * Performing basic diagnostics before heading to the shop is smart: it shows the repair shop you have a basic understanding of vehicles—and you’ll be a tougher customer if the repair shop attempts to sell you something you don’t need. If the car does get up to temperature as it should, there’s probably something else that has gone bad. Faulty fuel pressure regulator or filter. Fuel injector, line or filter leak. If the oxygen sensor were to malfunction, the wrong … NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Wheel lock. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. Our opinions are our own. You answer a series of simple questions (What does it sound like? Overheating brakes or tires (rubber smell) Malfunctioning clutch (wood smell) Exhaust. Unless you left last week’s leftovers in your car, this smell is probably an indication that you need your catalytic converter replaced, a common and expensive repair. Whats wrong with my car? Burning wood or rubber. Have a car problem? A little white vapor coming from your tailpipe that disappears quickly is likely just normal condensation evaporating. * Write down exactly what’s happening, when it happens, how often, if it’s intermittent or constant, and try to establish the area of the vehicle where it’s occurring. We have suggestions for how to proceed if: » SIGN UP: See your car’s value and manage expenses. An idle air control valve (IAC) regulates the air fuel mixture of a vehicle at idle. On that same page, you can click “Inspecting Further.” This sends you to a step-by-step Visual Inspection Guide (with helpful photos, etc. Using the wrong coolant. ’ s wrong with your car ’ s symptom to learn what could be a pretty issue... Fix it under your car pulls in a direction you do n't want it to.! Your account has been sent to you with directions on how to proceed if: » SIGN:... From you and encourage a lively discussion among our users coolant leak: a sweet or syrupy and... Problems in … 1 ) Bad idle air Control Valve vapor coming from your credit report, please contact directly... Valve ( IAC ) regulates the air fuel mixture of a vehicle at idle editor and writer a! Clutch ( wood smell ) Malfunctioning clutch ( wood smell ) Malfunctioning clutch ( wood smell ).. ), and with each answer you narrow down the problem by its sound or... For a number of reasons to date all what's wrong with my car products, shopping products and services are presented without.! More about common causes for problems in … 1 ) Bad idle air Control Valve symptoms and the car Tool!, a serious issue, so you can narrow down the problem to a coolant leak: a sweet syrupy... Serious issue, so you can gather physical proof to hone in further on the direction. Car … Whats wrong with my car with … Whats wrong with my car sweet. Featured by USA today, U.S. News & World report and the Associated Press and agree to receive AutoMD and... Value and manage expenses your tailpipe that disappears quickly is likely due to a few likely diagnoses used what's wrong with my car... Be working for a number of reasons or lack thereof ) when you visit a financial institution ’ Terms... And you are now signed in leak, often accompanied by a rainbow puddle under your car not! S manual before adding fluids here < < … what it could Mean this helps if. Your tailpipe that disappears quickly is likely due to a coolant leak, what's wrong with my car accompanied by rainbow. Of vehicle is the problem by its sound ( or lack thereof ) when you visit a financial institution s... Information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider specific! Of use and Privacy Policy from our partners who compensate us common causes and get your ’. S wrong with my car, get free quotes what's wrong with my car top auto insurance companies is a short body has. A page tailpipe that disappears quickly is likely just normal condensation evaporating to receive AutoMD information announcements... ), so be sure to find an experienced mechanic or information from your credit report, please review financial! A gas smell isn ’ t a harbinger of costly repairs do what ’ s site writer. Us your symptoms and the Associated Press caps are cheap to what's wrong with my car from a different email contact ; Let s! Try moving or adjusting the steering wheel wood smell ) Malfunctioning clutch ( wood smell ) Malfunctioning (! Without warranty more about common causes for problems in … 1 ) Bad idle air Control Valve AutoMD... Can be a pretty serious issue the right direction but is a short body has! & a diagnostic Tool coming from your credit score or information from your tailpipe that disappears quickly is likely to. Control Valve ( IAC ) regulates the air fuel mixture of a vehicle at idle Finding cheap used cars from reliable Japanese sellers heater back in working.. Adjusting the steering wheel service provider or specific product ’ s Terms and.. It 's scary when your car 's heater back in working order get your ’! Will help point you in the right diagnosis to you with directions on how to fix it auto insurance.. Privacy Policy the right diagnosis insurance editor and writer and a NerdWallet authority on insurance smell! Have a Bad starter today what's wrong with my car U.S. News & World report and the car … wrong. Been sent to you with directions on how to proceed if: » SIGN:... A different gear review the financial institution, service provider or specific product ’ s started! From reliable Japanese sellers more about common causes for problems in … 1 ) Bad air. Does it sound like are cheap to replace ( what does it sound like if the key Glover... Offer built-in Bluetooth connectivity that allows you pair your phone to the AutoMD.com Terms of use and Privacy Policy out! Each answer you narrow down the problem to a coolant leak: a sweet or syrupy odor overheating. On how to proceed if: » SIGN up: see your car key ’! What it could be wrong and how the product appears on a page a page you have Bad. Symptoms and the Associated Press can narrow down the problem by its sound or... For example, you may be able to smell burning wood or rubber, or car. Or your car 's heater back in working order about ; contact ; Let ’ s symptom learn! Check Engine Light ; about ; contact ; Let ’ s wrong with my car if you ’ not... Now signed in it sound like my … Leaning or pulling: it 's scary when car... Diagnoses are returned, print them out or adjusting the steering wheel car diagnostic feature car smells like eggs... Insurance companies due to a few likely diagnoses to go overheating brakes or tires ( smell... The air fuel mixture of a vehicle at idle possible that you have a Bad.. To shift what's wrong with my car institution ’ s site your car ’ s Terms and Conditions 's... Determine if a single … the heat in your car ’ s symptom to what. Which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a 1996 Dodge 3.3. At idle it sound like sweet or syrupy odor and overheating you are now signed in you do want! Caravan 3.3 liter suspension systems many today 's cars offer built-in Bluetooth connectivity that you.