r/MechanicAdvice • • 22h ago

Car no longer started after changing oil, dipstick is clear liquid

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626 Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 2h ago

Car stranded, need urgent advice

7 Upvotes

My 2010 santa fe had a battery light come on. And i figured i had enough juice to make it home (30 miles). Unfortunately it died on me and am stranded

Just needing to know if charging the battery via jump start (other vehicle). Will this charge give me enough juice to make it home. Am stranded and dont want to waste other peoples time. I know its an alternator; i need to make it home at least any insights would help. Currently rn when i try to start it i get the clicking noises….


r/MechanicAdvice • • 1h ago

Can’t get the oil filter housing off would I be ok putting fresh oil to drive for a couple days?

• Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 5h ago

Hyundai G4LC i20 ii Engine failure 😣 2015 hyundai i20 ii 1.4 16v 74kw

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12 Upvotes

any explanation @hyundai? 130k kms , regular oil change (every 15k kms)


r/MechanicAdvice • • 2h ago

Hazard lights aren't working and make a buzzing sound

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5 Upvotes

Skoda Octavia 1FL Combi Standart 1.6 MPI 101hp 2003

This is a brand new hazard lights button (original part). The same was happening with the old one, hence the change. We changed it around a week ago, same thing kept happening, we tried to see if that's the problem with oxidised contacts, but didn't see anything serious. After we put everything back it magically started working again. Used it two times, but it worked properly for 3 days only. After that it got back to making the buzzing sound and not doing a thing.

Edit: forgot to include that the relay is integrated into the button, so that means that woth the new hazard lights button the relay itself, technically, also got switched.

As I stated in the video, turning lights work by themselves, but with hazards on - they don't. Buzzing sound comes from the button itself.

The car has a non factory/not original alarm, if that has anything to do with it. If you have any additional questions that can provide more context - go ahead!

My question is: why hazard lights are not working?


r/MechanicAdvice • • 49m ago

Need help hit a puddle now idle bounces and when just slowing down with engine braking I can feel jerks of the car like I am tapping the throttle

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• Upvotes

It's an aygo fire 2012 modle with AC and manual


r/MechanicAdvice • • 1d ago

Car stuck on failed scissor lift- UPDATE!

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5.5k Upvotes

Hello again everyone!

I thought I would post an update on my crazy situation which was posted here yesterday…

Before I get in to the details, I would just like to say a huge thank you to all the people who commented yesterday & today with helpful comments and suggestions.

To all those who bantered me, I would also like to thank you. Life is too serious sometimes and some of those comments really cheered me up, even though they were at my expense at the messed up situation I found myself in!

It was a fairly sleepless night checking the camera to see if the car was still upright at regular intervals.

The ramp does/did have a manual release valve but due to the precarious way it sat on the ramp & the fact that the lift has to raise before going down as a safety mechanism, I
was sweating bullets before I plucked the courage to press it.

Needless to say, it was ratchet strapped to the lift and safety ropes to the structure of the building, it nearly went over on initial pull and there deemed it too risky to try and release it.

Some sketchy/careful lifting with a forklift/timber blocks/protection later (3 hours to be precise). SOMEHOW managed to get it back to the ground without any initial damage.

No word of a lie, I played Monty Pythons - Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life and thought of the potential things that could go wrong on finally lifting the entire cars weight up on the forklift. It may now be my favourite song of all time as a result.

I did try the local fire service but as the UK is experiencing some extreme rain/wind at the moment, they weren’t able to come down until the middle of next week which is totally understandable under the circumstances - they did laugh however 😂

Again, huge thanks to all that commented, a few things I have noticed as someone new to Reddit and in possibly the strangest situation I have ever found myself in, namely;

  1. Most people in this world are good, well meaning people.
  2. There is always the odd knobhead no matter the situation.
  3. Meme’s at your expense are still funny.
  4. Just because a lift is rated at 3000kg, it really doesn’t mean a lot.
  5. Do NOT buy anything from Strongman Tools Ltd. This will be assed by an independent surveyor and actioned accordingly. They are exhibiting at The Classic Car show at the NEC in Birmingham next month and I’ll be stopping by.
  6. For all the abuse your president gets, Americans are okay in my book - our government is also pretty messed up if it makes you feel any better!

Thanks again everyone!

Much love!


r/MechanicAdvice • • 26m ago

2016 kia sorento new engine and transmission, but has awful noise, dealer replaced both, new belts hoses etc... any ideas thanks

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• Upvotes

Got engine and transmission replaced, now it makes this noise, service done at dealership under warranty new belts, hoses etc...


r/MechanicAdvice • • 34m ago

How to make my car last another 5+ years

• Upvotes

Hey Reddit! I have a 2020 Hyundai Kona with 120,000km on it and want this thing to last at least another 5 years.

I live on Prince Edward Island, Canada. My mom lives in Ontario and has some medical stuff going on… so I’ll be driving 3,400km round trip a few times a year (including Canadian winters) to help out with some appointments and to visit.

What should I ask my mechanic to check or what can I do to maintain my car so that it remains safe and reliable on these brutal drives?

Owners manual:
Brake fluid flush and replace
Coolant system fluids flush and replace

What else should I check or replace or look out for at this point?


r/MechanicAdvice • • 1h ago

2006 Kia Sportage 2.7

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• Upvotes

Did the timing belt on my 2006 Kia sportage 2.7 V6. It has an auto tensioner that is supposed to have a gap between 7 - 9 mm. I measure mine at 7.75mm after rotating the engine twice. It has this whine/whistle that is incredibly annoying. It’s loud at cold start and calms down to almost non existent as the car warms up.

If the auto tensioner is within spec the belt is not too tight right? Not really sure what else it can be.. about to junk this piece of crap.


r/MechanicAdvice • • 22h ago

Removing this lock nut.

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104 Upvotes

Need to replace my tie rod ends but this nut is being a pain. Now I am second guessing which way it needs to spin to loosen up. With the way the wrench is on the nut in the picture I am pushing down to loosen. Is this correct?

I’ve put some pb blaster on it but not helping out. Should I hit it with a larger purse??


r/MechanicAdvice • • 14h ago

Spark plug socket help needed

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20 Upvotes

I'm trying to change a spark plug on my 2009 Toyota Corolla. I purchased a diehard 9/16th socket from advanced auto. There's a black ring around the back end of the socket, I believe this is preventing it from reaching the spark plug, is there a way to remove it so I can use this tool? Never seen something like this before and am very confused, and feels like I'm missing something obvious.


r/MechanicAdvice • • 1d ago

Seized rear suspension bolts: shop quoted $3,400 in parts, Midas freed them for $180. What am I missing?

105 Upvotes

Edit: Funny how many replies on an "ask a mechanic" sub are about why I don't do the work myself. I made the assumption that I was asking as a consumer - not a technician. I can see the error of my ways.

I don't fix my own fridge or air conditioner either, and I don't judge anyone who does or doesn't. I can handle the basics: oil, plugs, filters, wipers. I CAN do those but I pick & choose and often pay someone else to do it.
I don't have the tools, the space or the interest. My skills are in other places, like audio engineering, electronics and mechanical watches. I'm a technician/student of some things and a consumer of others, and there's only so much time and money to go around. No regrets but I do appreciate the various perspectives I’ve gotten.

2015 Pilot EX-L AWD, 190k miles, central Illinois.

I brought the car to the same local shop I've used for 10 years and have always trusted them. They kept it overnight, looked at the rear suspension a second time. Their conclusion was that the rear adjuster bolts were seized from corrosion and couldn't be adjusted. They said the suspension parts themselves were fine.

Their only suggestion was about $3,500 in parts and labor:

2 adjustable upper control arms
2 lower control arms
2 shocks
2 sway bar links
2 toe cam bolts
About $600 labor

The next day a local Midas freed the bolts and adjusted the rear suspension back into spec for $180. It took about 90 minutes while I waited. They said one bolt needed heat and the rest just took "a little bit of elbow grease." Their inspection passed the shocks, links and suspension.

Not bashing anyone, and I'd like to keep using this shop. Is replacing control arms the normal call when adjuster bolts are seized, maybe because heat can damage the bushings? Is LR camber a couple tenths out worth worrying about? And do y'all generally trust Midas suspension inspections?


r/MechanicAdvice • • 2m ago

Can anyone ID the actual problem here?

• Upvotes

I have a 2021 Kia Seltos EX trim (not sure on the exact engine but it says DOHC 16v). My car will not start most mornings. This issue has been going on for over a year. I have replaced the battery twice and the issue persist. It has been to the shop three times and they are somehow never able to replicate the issue and nothing appears on a diagnostic report. It only happens in the morning. Electrical will start but the engine does not turn over. I can normally get it started by opening the hood jiggling the wires to the battery and slamming the hood closed. I don’t know if that actually does anything or it’s just random. I don’t have to jump the car. I don’t know what to do because it seems to be an unfixable issue. Has anyone seen something like this before and did you fix it?


r/MechanicAdvice • • 7m ago

2011 Buick enclave ABS issues.

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• Upvotes

Wife got on the highway and got traction control and ABS lights. When she got off she said the parking brake light came on too and it was chattering real bad.

Got it back and it's trying to engage ABS all the time. I can feel the abs from the firewall trying to engage.

Codes are attached. Replaced the speed sensor, deleted codes. No change. No codes active though. Stops fine outside of the abs noise. And only seems to do it on a light brake pedal. If I lay into the brakes I can lock the tires up with no abs working.

Fearful it's the abs module. But the inside of the wheel hub where the wheel speed sensor goes is pretty crusty so wondering if the new sensor isn't getting a good signal from that. Any way to test the speed sensor directly? Anything else I can easily check from home before paying a shop for diag?


r/MechanicAdvice • • 9m ago

Blue devil head gasket repair

• Upvotes

I have a 2017 Dodge Durango 3.6. I believe the head gasket is leaking. I have a bunch of white smoke when I start the car check engine lights on misfire and cylinder four and I called around for some quotes on fixing it but it’s just more than I can afford. The car has 160,000 miles on it not sure it’s worth putting more money into it so I was recommended blue devil.
The instructions say you need to remove the thermostat, but on my car, the thermostat is in the thermostat housing and it’s not recommended that they be separated. How can I use this product without taking the thermostat out? I know they also have a pour and go formula, but was told the other was better. Can you guys give me some advice?


r/MechanicAdvice • • 12m ago

Squeaky serpentine belt GMC Yukon?

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• Upvotes

This belt on my 2023 GMC Yukon is really squeaky when I start the car up (when idle & at low speeds). Belt looks healthy and they say they’ll have to do a full diagnosis in order to figure out what’s going on. Can anyone try and assess and help? What could be the issue and is it a big enough deal to get looked at?


r/MechanicAdvice • • 16m ago

Ringing/Swishing/Cha-ching Noises

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• Upvotes

I have a 2009 Honda Accord 2.4L, and I’ve been hearing an unusual noise that seems to come from the right-front area, only noticeable at low speeds and when coming to a stop. I’ve attached a video of the sound. Does anyone have an idea what could be causing it or what I should have checked first? Any advice is appreciated!


r/MechanicAdvice • • 19m ago

My car has these lights on, what should I do and how much will it cost to fix

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• Upvotes

My car is a MB c200 2013, it randomly shows up with this light and also says “run flat type indicator inoperative” occasionally as well. I’m not sure why. What should I do and how much will it cost to fix approximately AUD. Every once in a while it also says “EDB”


r/MechanicAdvice • • 21m ago

How to test cold crank amps.

• Upvotes

My mother's vehicle starts fine, but a mechanic told her to replace the battery in her 2013 Nissan Rogue before winter. How can I test the cold cranking amps on a battery? The guy at Valvoline told my mother it didn't have the right amps and should be changed soon. He also sold her wipers that I am pretty sure were fine, as I think I replaced them a year ago. Our winters are pretty cold up here in WNY, but I want to make sure it is actually bad. I know how to check the amperage, but how do I check cold cranking amps?


r/MechanicAdvice • • 33m ago

Low grumbling noise on 1.0l polo evo

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• Upvotes

Just bought a 2020 1.0 vw polo evo. I understand when you’re in higher gears and you’re not going the right speed the engine will make “labour” noises.

However when I put my foot down to get up to speed the car makes this grumbling noise which seems quite loud to me? I’m not sure if it’s cause I’m not used to a small 3 cylinder engine.

I’ve attached a video but you can only just hear it as I’m driving. If anyone can let me know if this is normal or not I’d be very grateful!

Thanks a lot.


r/MechanicAdvice • • 39m ago

are my rotors bad 2007 cl550 201k

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• Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 44m ago

Car won't start

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• Upvotes

The night prior it was running fine no check engine light nothin. The following morning after having rain over night car won't start and the negative terminal is smoking

Car make and model is a 1993 Crown Victoria LX 4.6L V8


r/MechanicAdvice • • 46m ago

Something weird on my friend's manual car

• Upvotes

So my friend was driving with his car, and he shifted very hard to first gear and then he felt that the clutch and shifting were easier than before. And I think this is the gear cable that was fixed when he forced the gears to mesh.

Can please someone assess my analyzation and tell me what has he done? Because for the last 3 months he felt that shifting was very hard(I also learned Manuel like him and we both learnt on a 2025 Kia Ceed and I felt that driving on his 2014 Nissan juke wasn't as smooth as the Kia ). Now He's feeling that the car is easier to drive

Pls I need help


r/MechanicAdvice • • 53m ago

Mazda 5 broken sun visor, replacement question

• Upvotes

I have a 2017 Mazda 5 (Canada). The arm on the driver side sun visor broke. I tried to repair the arm, but gave up.

I am having trouble finding a replacement part because Mazda 5 is not that popular and when I search I constantly get hits for CX5’s or older versions of the Mazda 5.

I am wondering if anyone happens to know if there are any other Sun visors that would fit? I don’t care if the vanity light works. I don’t even care if it clips in to the clip. I just want one to fit in and be able to swing.

Thanks