r/AskAMechanic • • 12m ago

I found this glitter in my oil.

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• Upvotes

Plus my truck has a big camper on it, what should I do? 2012 Toyota Tacoma TSS sports series base model. I assume I should start saving up for a new engine? Pls help


r/AskAMechanic • • 1h ago

2012 Mazda CX-9 suddenly won’t start this morning

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• Upvotes

2012 Mazda CX-9 with 102k miles wouldn’t start this morning around 7AM. It was pretty cold, so the first thought was that it might be the battery. The dashboard lights come on, but when the key is turned, the power seems to drop and the engine won’t start.

I checked the battery terminals and even disconnected the battery, but they’re clean with no green corrosion and the issue is still there. I tried again about two hours later when it was a little warmer, but got the same result. Any ideas what could be causing this?


r/AskAMechanic • • 1h ago

I put my high miler in neutral at red lights.

• Upvotes

I drive a 2012 Silverado 5.3 with 320,000 km on it. Sitting at long red lights in gear , under load at idle can't be good for it. So i keep the brake pressed like I normally would and just bumb the gear selector into neutral. I change the oil every 5000 but it's still only a matter of time before something in he valvetrain let's go.

Let's hear if you think this is a bad idea


r/AskAMechanic • • 2h ago

Car not getting power

0 Upvotes

My car doesn’t get any power at all from the battery (brand new). I have a 2006 Honda Civic and I’m pretty sure the recommended CCA is 435 and my new battery is 500. It started fine when I first installed it but it wouldn’t start the next day and now the car only starts when jumped. I took a multimeter to the battery and it only read 0.07. So is this as simple as charging the battery or could it be something else entirely?


r/AskAMechanic • • 2h ago

Is this my battery dying

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3 Upvotes

Maybe a stupid question but i never had my battery die before


r/AskAMechanic • • 3h ago

Squishy Brake Pedal - 2010 Ford Escape 6 Cylinder 3.0 Liter Engine

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

The brake pedal on my 2010 Ford Escape has a far travel distance before the brakes engage.

One day when driving, the brakes were working normally, then all of a sudden, the brake pedal needed to be pushed to the floor for the car to brake.

I brought the car to the mechanic, and the master solenoid was replaced, the ABS pump and module was replaced, and the brakes have been bled about 5 times. When I picked the car up, the brake pedal still had a long travel distance before the car was able to brake. I called the mechanic, and he said it could be because they front brake pads are so worn (rear brakes are drum brakes). I replaced the brake pads, but this didn't seem to make any difference.

Does anyone have any insight on how I could diagnose this further? My next steps would be checking the drum brakes to see if they need to be adjusted/replaced, and ensuring the new ABS pump was bled properly at the mechanic.

Thank you!


r/AskAMechanic • • 4h ago

P226d fault code

1 Upvotes

Just wondered if anyone had any experience of this code and what they might of done or what had come of it, says it’s particulate filter missing or detoriated and I’m getting it back in soon but just wondered if anyone had any experience of this and what my best options are?


r/AskAMechanic • • 4h ago

HONDA ROD KNOCK???

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1 Upvotes

honda dc2 vtir engine b18c2

really rough idling and car was shaking heaps when i put in neutral coming to a red light, then it stalled itself out. had to revv hard just to get it moving from first gear. check the spark plugs they were all cooked… replaced them, clean fuel injectors smehow there was oil on the tip… also used mutimeter on the wiring came out fine. issue still remains w fast ticking noise and rough idling. also little drops of smth comes out the tail pipe and it smells so sour. help me pls is it looking like i need to replace the whole motor 😪


r/AskAMechanic • • 4h ago

Charcoal canister

1 Upvotes

I have an 08 Toyota Highlander hybrid with check engine light on and code p1420. Maybe charcoal canister. Anyone have experience with replacing and potential repair cost? It has 250k on it and wonder if it’s time to throw in the towel… gonna need timing belt, water pump, front bearing and axel done soon too.


r/AskAMechanic • • 4h ago

2010 Subaru Outback – $900 quoted for front catalytic converter replacement. Any cheaper options in Massachusetts?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I have a 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i that needs its front catalytic converter replaced. My mechanic quoted me around $900 for parts and labor, and I believe roughly half of that is labor.

I'm located in Massachusetts, near Boston, and I'm trying to find a more affordable option.

I've seen aftermarket catalytic converters online for around $250–$450

A few questions:

  • Is $900 a reasonable quote for this repair or am I being ripped off?
  • Has anyone purchased an aftermarket catalytic converter online? Any brands or websites you'd recommend?
  • Does anyone know a reliable exhaust shop in Massachusetts that installs customer-supplied parts?
  • Are there specific emissions requirements in Massachusetts I should be aware of when purchasing a replacement?

I'm not looking to bypass emissions requirements. Just trying to get the car repaired properly without overspending.

Any recommendations or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!


r/AskAMechanic • • 5h ago

2011 Toyota Camry radiator fans not working correctly

0 Upvotes

I’m working on a 2011 Toyota Camry LE 2.5 and am having an issue getting the radiator fans to come on under normal conditions. This all began when the car started over heating. So I replaced the following: Thermostat, coolant temp sensor, and all relays (fan #1, 2, and 3). I also topped off the coolant in the radiator after replacing those parts. The car now seems to stay right around 190 when at idle for the first 30 or so minutes. But eventually the temp gauge will creep up and the radiator fans never turn on. I know the fans work though because they do run when I have the temp sensor wire unhooked. Just not it when it is connected. I have tried a total of 3 sensors (the original, a Duralast from AutoZone, and a more expensive brand from O Reilly). I also used an OBD2 scanner and found a code for temp sensor high voltage P0118 and cleared this after installing the new sensor. I’m at a loss as to where to go from here to make the rad fans work as expected. Any help is appreciated.

Edit: I should also mention that the radiator fans never turn on when the AC is on. I read multiple sources saying that turning the AC on high should make them turn on.


r/AskAMechanic • • 7h ago

Volvo V70 2005 D5 - injector leak

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2 Upvotes

I recently changed the swirl flaps on my volvo v70 d5 2005

When removing the fuel pipes from the injectors the second one was particularly stiff and the adapter bolt slightly rotated (I stupidly didn't stabilise when removing the cap), it eventually came off

When I've put everything back, the second injector is slightly leaking fuel, at the bottom point where the adapter meets the injector - see pictures

Im not sure whether I need to:

\- tighten the adapter more into the injector to tighten the seal back to where it was (although im worried about over doing it),

\-replace the washer that sits between the adapter and the injector its a 10mm external ringwith a slightly raised lip, 5mm internal - although I cant seem to find where id buy one from?

\-or ive damaged the thread of the adapter or where it screws into the injector and I just need to take the plunge and buy a new injector (or use ptfe tape around the thread??)

Really keen for any advice


r/AskAMechanic • • 10h ago

Does this diesel look good?

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2 Upvotes

Ive got a 2001 f350 7.3L with 33k miles in near mint condition but it has low power ( nearly a full minute to reach 60mph) Person i bought it from said its been sitting for 16years. Im in the the process of diagnosing the issue. I hear diesel ages really well, does this look like bad diesel?


r/AskAMechanic • • 10h ago

Insurance buyback

1 Upvotes

So I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn that I use as a work truck, a few weeks ago in Jersey we got hit with the worst flooding we’ve seen since Hurricane Sandy and I unfortunately got stuck driving through it. I filed a claim with the insurance just to be safe than sorry down the road, they totaled it but my mechanic doesn’t seem to think there’s any bad water damage. He threw around the idea of me buying it back but I want to see what everyone thinks, would it be worth it? It has 200,000 miles on it, runs relatively fine but it does have a hemi tick. I’m assuming I’d have to try and get a salvage title and everything so I’m not sure it’s worth it.

If I were to buy it back it would just be a work truck until the wheels fall off


r/AskAMechanic • • 11h ago

2003 Ford Crown Victoria Rear Drivers wheel hesitating/stuck

1 Upvotes

Hello all, can't believe I'm posting here.. I'm a heavy diesel mechanic for the US Federal Government and I am working on a personal vehicle and have run into an issue.

I have a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria with an open diff. I replaced all my rotors, pads, and my parking brakes because the parking brake pads were non existent and what was left of them just fell off when I went to look over my car before deciding to do the brakes. When I finished everything up, I took her for a long test drive and noticed a noise coming from my driver's rear wheel (rear left). I raised the rear end off the ground, went to adjust the parking brake thinking it was rubbing, and when I put it back together, I went to spin the wheel and it was tough to spin. I also decided to start the car with the rear end off the ground and put it into gear and see if I heard anything. Well, the rear left wheel wouldn't move until I accelerated a bit. The rear right wheel started spinning as soon as I put it into gear. So, I thought maybe the caliper is sticking. It feels right and like I can't seem to get it to release. I was in a time crunch because of work and life stuff. So, I got a new caliper from the parts store and a new brake hose. Got everything put together, bled the brakes. Great. The problem still persists. Still fighting to spin the wheel until I push through the acceleration, it still has a noise. Has me thinking the axle shaft bearing is seizing up until I accelerate and power through it but I replaced those with the shafts a year ago. So, I'm reluctant to accept that.

Any advice or knowledge about these situations or a direction I can start looking in would be greatly appreciated! I haven't had a ton of time to dig down and focus on it and I don't want to keep shooting the parts cannon at it. Thank you!


r/AskAMechanic • • 11h ago

Can bad starter seize the engine?

1 Upvotes

Car: 2004 Lexus LS 430, 3UZ-FE engine

My starter has been failing recently. It was cranking fine, but making a grinding noise for a fraction of a second at the moment of engine start. I assume the pinion was not retracting properly.

Now my car will not start and the engine is stuck. Battery and relay ruled out. With the serpentine belt slackened, the crankshaft pulley will not turn clockwise.

I recently changed the timing belt. I had a scare when the camshaft jumped, possibly some light piston-valve contact. However, in this subreddit and elsewhere online, I was advised that the chance of serious damage was low. I moved forward and the car ran fine. No codes, no weird noises.

On my last drive, there was no unusual sound from the engine that I noticed (although I often play loud music). Oil level is perfect, temp was never high.

Is there a chance that my starter pinion is somehow stuck in the flex plate and preventing the engine from turning? Or more likely a true internal seize related to the timing belt job? 😭


r/AskAMechanic • • 12h ago

Recommendations for how to loosen these fork clamp bolts

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0 Upvotes

Any recommendations for what tool I need to get these fork clamp bolts out? They're Torx T45 torqued to 20NM.

I have a T45 socket but it's too big to get in there with the rachet attached. The biggest gap available is about 2 CM.

I'm thinking maybe a 1/4 inch T45 bit with a bit ratchet maybe? Or a T45 L key - although not sure I'll be able to shift them with something like that.

Any ideas / recommendations?


r/AskAMechanic • • 12h ago

Oil filter

1 Upvotes

I already drained my oil and removed the oil filter on my 2019 Silverado 1500 5.3eco. The new oil filter doesn’t fit (the sales rep said the correct one I had had was wrong and gave me a different one). Is it safe to reuse my old oil filter? It has around 5-7 thousand miles on it and is a k&n rated for 20000 miles


r/AskAMechanic • • 12h ago

‘05 Legacy Outback Carrier bearing?

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2 Upvotes

136,000 miles on my 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon. Very difficult to diagnose this issue. I just replaced CV axles and flushed ATF fluid. Not sure if this is related? Started as a highway speed noise intermittent. Now it’s whining all the time over 25ish mph. Coming from my transmission tunnel area while I drive. Can a carrier bearing howl this high pitched?


r/AskAMechanic • • 13h ago

Small hunting idle

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1 Upvotes

I drive a 2001 Ford Expedition XLT 4.6 V8 with 164,000 miles. I’ve been fixing it up, but u can’t seem to figure out this issue. When I’m idling in drive, sometimes I get this small surge in idle where I’ll start at 650 RPM, then it’ll drop to 590 and shoot up to 700 and then level back at 650. It only happens when idling in drive. I’ve replaced the IAC and TPS with Motorcraft ones. I’ve replaced a couple vacuum lines that were old and cracked as well as all PCV rubber elbows and put a new OEM PCV valve in. I’ve cleaned the throttle body and actually had the whole intake manifold changed out (old one had a small crack).

I’m not getting any engine codes either. I’m kind of at a loss. I’ve checked the battery and alternator as well and they seem to be fine. Could it be a subtle misfire? I noticed the previous owner had put lots of different brand ignition coils in. I have changed all the spark plugs already but not the coil packs.


r/AskAMechanic • • 13h ago

Honda Accord (2022 Sport 1.5T) Struts/Shocks Replacement

1 Upvotes

Hello!

Found out today from my mechanic that I need my struts replaced ASAP, they're currently leaking hydraulic fluid slowly. He also mentioned it would be good for me to get my shocks replaced while I'm at it. Being that I don't have the knowledge or skills (yet) to do it myself, I'm happy to have him do it for me.

I was looking to pick a few brains on here regarding how important OEM vs aftermarket parts are for this type of fix, and if anyone out there has any solid recommendations for brands/shops to snag the parts from? He quoted me $660 for the struts, and $400 for the shocks (parts + installation). Is it worth the time/saved money to snag the parts myself and just be charged for labor or is he cutting a pretty decent deal at that price?

Thanks!!

[2022 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T Automatic ~57k Miles]


r/AskAMechanic • • 13h ago

New wheel - hub caps don't fit?

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2 Upvotes

I have a 2009 Ford Explorer that I just bought new wheels and tires for (from a large retail tire chain). My wife picked up the vehicle, and 2 of the new hub caps (for both rear wheels) were not installed. When I had a look, I could see that the threaded part of the axle shaft appears to be sitting proud and won't allow the cap to fit/be seated.

This seems more than a simple annoyance, and likely something that should be installed? I can't imagine that exposing the axle nut and threads to road salt with no protection is a good idea. Is this something I should bring up? Any other recommendations on how to fix it if they say there's nothing they can do? I was thinking that maybe shaving off the unthreaded nub off the end of the axle shaft might give me the required clearance, but I suspected that the countersunk hole on the end of the shaft is probably there for a reason...

TIA!


r/AskAMechanic • • 14h ago

Thin nail in my tire…not losing air though

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1 Upvotes

Went out to my car and saw this sticking out… my neighbors are building on their house so maybe something from their stuff they got in to build with ? Anyways does it seem low? I’m pretty sure i have insurance for these torees 🤒 it looks driveable right ? Thanks 😊


r/AskAMechanic • • 14h ago

tire replacements

1 Upvotes

2025 Kia carnival FWD - my tires are at: FD 4.5, FP 4, RD 8, RP 7

Is it reasonable to buy two new tires and put them in the front, since the fronts wear substantially faster? Then get on a regular rotation to ensure they wear evenly?


r/AskAMechanic • • 14h ago

Is this fair pricing for labor?

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0 Upvotes

2007 MERCEDES E CLASS AWD
5.5L DOHC ELECTRONIC FI

Parts x2 WHEEL HUB BEARING ASSY $265.98 each
Labor $594.00 😳

I will look line to see if I can find a compatible part that’s cheaper than $265.98 but the labor concerns me… should I go to another mechanic?

Location: San Antonio, TX

Thanks folks!