Either be patient with the mechanic and try hard to understand what he is telling you. Many of my customers jump to the conclusion "that nothing shows up" after explaining what is happening in that particular situation.
There are "monitors" or self tests the computer runs the car through a drive cycle, if a problem occurs, it may not run all of the self tests until that problem is taken care. Therefore, another problem may exist. It is emission related. OR hook up a scanner that is capable of clearing codes, and hope that none are still active. Disconnecting the battery can create other headaches and will not likely solve your dilemma. Best bet is to contact the local snap-on dealer and have him refer you to a known good shop that specializes in this technology-he will know.
The " check engine light" is by far one of the most misunderstood technological advances by the public. This is an needed in-depth understanding for the public. It is a warning light that is illuminated when there is a problem affecting the EMISSION SYSTEM only. Emission system being the pollution control system. Don't get a hard on against it as it is a good thing once you understand it. One point that was brought up a a recent meeting of technicians was that the amount of hydrocarbons is greater when the gas cap is left off than when the engine is running. Hydrocarbons are part of pollution emitted as gasoline evaporates. Going a step farther, one facet of the emission system is the "Evaporative" portion. This is when the fumes from the gasoline are leaking from the system into the outside air. This is one part of the emission system that can trigger a check engine light. I would say that about 7% of the vehicles that have a check engine light are the result of a loose or inadequate gas cap. But understand that many scenarios are possible with the "check engine light" The vehicle's powertrain computer (note that some vehicles have 17 different computers) will run a series of self-tests. They will only run under certain criteria. And they can be vastly different from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some self-tests are not run until preceding ones have run successfully. So if there is a problem in one particular area that is preventing another self test from running, you can have a situation where one problem is fixed, but another still exists. If you fix a problem and drive the car through a drive cycle that sets the monitor (or self test) the light will go off as it passes that criteria that triggered it in the first place. After 1996, the auto industry went to a idea called OBD II (on board diagnostics). This was to get all the manufacturers onto a similar plane for troubleshooting and powertrain control. While they still differ vastly, many corrections and adaptations were made for technicians to better fix the check engine light problems. Prior to this there were so many different and poor troubleshooting data from a check engine light problem that resolving the problem was much more difficult. Many early warning light of this nature were set to illuminate based on mileage. An Oxygen sensor was one of the things that were meant to be replaced when that mileage was hit. This is much like many current "Change oil lights� that are set based on a pre-set mileage.
Yes, a loose gas cap will cause the MIL light to go on, but tighening it will turn it off after a few restarts. Mechanics, even SAE certified mechanics generally do not know how to diagnose a MIL problem. Normally, each MIL code has a diagnostic procedure, e.g. flow charts with diagnostic steps. Dealers have this information but, for obvious reasons, do not share it with the public or with non-dealer repair shops. Nevertheless, the latter type repair shops should not guess at the problem, but should obtain this information rather than use "stab in the dark" techniques. Example: I had a MIL code that indicated High Voltage on a Particular O2 sensor. Sometimes the O2 sensor is the problem, but not always. After (stupidly) replacing the Oxegen sensor multiple times and not solving the problem, the mechanics assumed the problem had to be the computer or something else. after doing research, I learned the a higfh voltage on an O2 sensor means the fuel mixture is too rich. After checking the vacuum ports and air intake and air filter, I discovered a defective air Temp sensor and replaced it, solving the problem. I am really upset with the mechanics for not finding this, and for guessing (not knowing) what the problem really is. Don't believe anything the mechanics tell you, because remember, it's not their money, it;s yours.
What would cause white smoke from the exhaust on a 1991 buick regal?
Why is a 1991 ford explorer running rich you smell gas and black exhaust is coming out?
If you have black smoke coming out it would be because you have bad timings, i have a buddy who had that happen to his jeep and we replaced the spark plugs and air filter and fixed the timing and it solved the problem, but wen you blow black smoke its because of bad timing it happens with diesels to.
You have white smoke coming from your exhaust?
White "smoke" in the exhaust usually means there is moisture in the exhaust stream.
If the "smoke" appears while you're driving away shortly after the car is first started on a cold morning it is likely the condensation boiling off the inside of the exhaust pipes (steam). This is normal and goes away as the exhaust warms up. The condensation is also normal; it usually happens after the car is shut off on a cold day and the water vapor in the exhaust gases is allowed to condense as the exhaust system cools down.
If you have white smoke all the time, you may be leaking coolant into the cylinders which could mean a head gasket leak. Usually there is oil residue in the exhaust as well, which would be a tell tale sign of a blown head gasket. Then the white smoke would have a hazy blueish tinge to it. Also, certain chemical engine cleaners and fuel additives can create a white smoke. Have a mechanic check it out if necessary.
How do you convert a 1988 Caprice Classic from single exhaust to a 'true' dual exhaust?
The only main problem you are going to have is there is no dual exhaust cross member available as far as I know, but a good custom pipe bender at a muffler shop can pancake the driverside pipe. Which means they square off the pipe where it won't hang below the crossmember's nonexistant hump. If you run dual after market converters it should pass emmissions.
If you want the look of duals, go to Big Al's muffler and break. They do cat-back (from the converter back) duals for $200. I don't think putting true duals on this car is worth the money as you need another converter not to mention the problems mentioned above.
Actually, you can get a dual humped cross-member out of an older model Caprice cop car, but they're hard to find.
No, that is not true. No 77-90 B-Body GMs had double hump crossmembers. Even the 9C1s had a single converter that split into two pipes.
One option is to take the cross member to a good welder and have him cut a section out, flip it over and re-weld it. Then use 1/4" angle iron to reinforce the cross member. Use it on both sides of the C M and extend the angle iron 6" in either direction from the out side edge of your modification.
That big pipe on the bottom of your car with the cat and muffler on it, ends in a tail pipe, squirts pixie dust.
You should not smoke because it damages your health and can do so in many ways. It makes you a slave to the people in the cigarette industry because tobacco is addictive. It makes you smell like an ashtray. it can interfere with your sex life as a non smoking partner will not be turned on by the smell and taste of cigarettes at close quarters. the list can be endless.
What causes the check engine light to come on when the horn fuse is replaced?
The fuse for the horn and the OBD2 diagnostic computer is the same n recent FORD and Mercury models. The computer controls the check engine light. So replacing horn fuse is also isturbing the OBD2 computer
Will removing the baffle out of a stock four wheeler exhaust pipe give you more power?
It will make it sound better and it will give you more power. For an example I made this one hill once but i didnt make it easy when i took my baffle out of my dirt bike I count fly up it and it sounds cool but try not to get mud of dirt in the exhaust after market pipes suck sometimes you have to jet your carborater and you waste more gas.
Were do you put a glass pack muffler on a truck?
Original muffler location best, but I advise against. They are called glass packs because they are packed with fibreglass which burns out leaving you a hollow shell. they are also usually the cheapest quality mufflers you can buy.
It is slang for the female external reproduction organ the vulva
Addition: To people my age -- old -- the slang term is not unknown, but the word "muff," out of context, is more likely to evoke an image of an article of clothing worn by women; specifically, a hand-warmer used in place of gloves.
Both women and men sometimes wear articles of clothing that serve to protect their ears in cold weather--so-called "ear muffs."
There are also "ear-defenders," headsets that serve to protect the ears against loud sounds. Such devices, also known as "muffs," are used in industry and in the military.
White smoke out of muffler - is that really headgasket replacement?
depends on amount of smoke and when it happens On a cold start it could just be condensation If this happens after vehicle has been run for a while is at normal operating temperature could be head gasket
What causes the check engine light to come on for a 1991 Mitsubishi gallant?
Problem with emission system - have vehicle scanned to determine problem
How do you replace muffler on a 1995 Chevy Corsica?
you may need specail tools and a welder to do it right, otherwise check out the local library for a shop manual for free d
it could be an oil leak.. my boyfriend had that happen to his s10 and he had oil leaking into his exhaust system
white smoke means you're burning antifreeze...check for loss of coolant in the tank and look for leaks
Why does your exhaust pipe leak water that smells like gas?
Condensation forms in the exhaust system while it is cooling and as gas fumes pass through the system it bound to smell that way. If large amounts of water come out of the exhaust it may be a sign that there is a blown head gasket, cracked head or block causing water from the cooling system to enter the cylinders.
What causes smoke to come out when a car is started?
The most common cause is worn valve guides. Any oil sitting on top of the valve will run down the valve stem while the car is not running. When you start the car, the oil that has accumulated at the valve seat immediately gets sucked into engine and burned off when the engine starts. This results in the blue puff of smoke coming out of your tail pipe which goes away after the motor has been running a while. Carl King http://www.classiccarauto.com
What causes the check engine light on a 1999 Toyota Tacoma to come on?
It means the ECU has detected a problem with the emissions system. Have the ECU scanned with an OBD2 scan tool. The code it brings up will lead you in the direction of the problem.
Does wrapping your ATV muffler hurt the engine?
It depends what stroke it's on, 2 stroke, 4 stroke?
ANS2:Wrapping a muffler will not damage the engine if you don't block the exhaust.What is the best exhaust performance wise for an 2002 Camaro Z28?
SLP™ Loudmouth was stock on Camaro SS cars and probably has the best hp/dollar.
Borla™ has a small hp advantage on SLP™ but is much more expensive. Max. hp is only going to be realized as a complete system (headers, cats, cat-back) Note the fine print on advertisements: "...up to ??hp gains..."
Chevy 327 Small Block, or Chevy 427 Big Block for horsepower, being bullet proof, very inexpensive, lasts a lifetime. Just really personal opinion really. :)