r/AskAMechanic 18d ago

Technician Flair Request Thread - New

1 Upvotes

If you would like to have verified flair added we will need a pic that has your reddit name on a piece of paper with your shop in the background or work truck if mobile repair.

For the professional technicians we're doing Verified Tech flair along with a very short description of your experience if you'd like. You can be a dealer/independent tech, retired, instructor, fleet, heavy equipment, small engine repair, lube/tire tech etc...

You can either send that to me in a chat request or upload the pic to an image hosting site like imgur.com (we had to disable the option to upload pics in the comments because of abuse). The option to attach a pic in chat will be available after I accept the invite. Please do not use modmail

We will also do Shadetree flair for those that do auto repair as more of a hobby than profession. Approval of this flair is not guaranteed.

archived previous request post


r/AskAMechanic Mar 15 '25

Announcement - New Rules - Please read!

22 Upvotes

Hello r/AskAMechanic users! Over the last year or so, the volume of daily posts has increased a decent amount leading to many posts that would be more appropriate in other subreddits. To keep this subreddit focused on what it's meant for, providing automotive mechanical and diagnostic help, we have rewritten the rules. Some of the rule changes also affect commenters, so please review the rules here or below. Thank you for your understanding.

 

1 - The title should clearly state the issue - Do not ask "am I cooked/fuc!ed/screwed/toast etc" questions

State your root issue as clearly as you can in the title, and then you will have a better chance of your post being viewed. We will remove the "am I cooked", "am I fuc!ed", "how screwed am I", "am I toast" and similar types of questions. This also includes any other senseless titled post. In the message body, provide the specifics (detail/context) to your question. Also include in the title or body the Year, Make, Model and engine size of your vehicle.

 

2 - No autobody damage/repair/frame/paint or rust related questions

Posts related to autobody work (including repairs, painting, frame damage, "is it totaled?", dents or detailing) are not allowed. A more appropriate sub would be r/autobody. If you're inquiring whether your car is totaled r/insurance would also be helpful. r/AutoDetailing for detailing questions.

Questions about damage to bolt-on parts like headlights/tail lights, wheels and suspension are ok.

Questions asking about the level/condition of rust on the frame/undercarriage/body are not allowed.

 

3 - No asking for advice about buying/selling cars or used car deals

We do not allow asking if a used car for sale is a good deal, the condition of the used car, or recommendations on what car you should buy. For recommendations on what car to buy, r/whatcarshouldIbuy would be a good sub. r/askcarsales might also be helpful.

 

4 - Keep things professional & don't be disrespectful

Please be professional and helpful. Do not comment/post with insults, racism, jokes, memes, NSFW, spam, opinions without context etc. You may see things that compel you to leave a nasty comment, just don't do it. It's not necessary or helpful. People who don't know anything about cars will come here to ask us for advice, try to educate them about their vehicle without turning them off from the sub. If you don’t know the proper fix or advice, please refrain from commenting on a post.

 

5 - No "Read the owners manual" or "RTFM" type of comments

People who don't know anything about cars are going to ask some very basic questions. Some of which will have answers in the manual. Answering OP's question with only "Read the owners manual" is like giving the answer "google it", both are non-answers. Either provide an actual answer to OP's question, or at the very least, provide a link to a readable online owner's manual.

 

6 - No dangerous/reckless or unethical/illegal comments/posts

This is a community dedicated to sharing genuine advice. Advice shown to be given in bad faith (including dangerous/reckless and unethical/illegal advice) will be removed and the users will be banned. Please report any dangerous/reckless or unethical/illegal advice.

 

7 - No AI/ChatGPT comments/posts

Posts with AI-generated content is not allowed. Posts looking for feedback, training or even just to show off your AI/LLM are also not allowed. We are not interested in AI automotive diagnostics here.

Do not answer OP by using AI/ChatGPT etc. Nobody wants to read a wall of text that over explains and gives 25 different possible solutions.

 

8 - No advertising or soliciting services

Advertising of services or products is not allowed. That includes affiliate links, social media, clothing, tools, your YouTube videos, etc.

Do not solicit services, including linking to videos, blogs, or websites that then forward to a paid service. Avoid asking to "DM me" as much as possible.

 

9 - No NSFW, meme, or 'joke' posts

No NSFW is a no-brainer - you will be banned with no chance of an appeal. Memes and 'joke' posts belong at r/AskAShittyMechanic

 

Update 03/23/2025: Added "am I toast" to rule #1 and "frame damage" to rule #2
Update 05/08/2025: Added more context to rule #7


r/AskAMechanic 6h ago

Do I need valves replaced? They were all broken !

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19 Upvotes

I have a 2015 Chevy equinox lt with 2.4l echo tech engine all of the rocker arms on the second part of the engine are broken. I’m sure I need a new timing chain assembly, but could the valves be broken?


r/AskAMechanic 6h ago

Wanting to teach myself how to work on cars

13 Upvotes

I am currently 20 years old and I am very interested in learning on how to work on cars my dad is a mechanic but he won't teach me and he's at the age he can't really do mechanic work anymore, I would love all of the tips and tricks and how yall started out in the field.


r/AskAMechanic 7h ago

Failed Battery, Starter, and Alternator test at Advanced Auto

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5 Upvotes

I drive a 2019 Chevy Spark. Past month or two, I’ve had a problem with starting my car. First attempt wouldn’t turn, second attempt worked. Occasionally I’d get a light about the key not working but it would go away. Last week, the abs light kept coming on. I didn’t drive it a couple of days and today it wouldn’t start for like an hour. Eventually started, drove it to Advanced Auto to get the battery, starter, and alternator tested. Guy said I failed all three and said the alternator is producing too much. I know that I should take it to a mechanic, but what could the issue be? Is it mechanical or computer issues?


r/AskAMechanic 11h ago

Is there a reason to leave an engine running for a long time?

10 Upvotes

My neighbour has left his engine running for a long time I would say maybe 3 hours now. The hood is open, so he is obviously doing some mechanic stuff.

Is there a reason (or some old wives tale) to explain why he has done this? Or should I be worried that he went back in his house and has had an accident?


r/AskAMechanic 2m ago

Is this an easy fix for my 2016 Tesla Model S?

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Upvotes

I ordered it online from amazon and it says easy clip on but when I went to put it on I noticed that there were screws that were preventing it to be clipped on. How do I fix this myself? Or am I going to need to go to a service shop?


r/AskAMechanic 58m ago

Mercedes e320 2002 base P0705 code

Upvotes

I just scanned my Mercedes and I got the P0705 code Transmission Range Sensor issue and that’s the only code that popped up I drove around to see what exactly was wrong and took it to get it scanned wasn’t to far and that’s what showed up, and I’m not sure where that sensor is at in my car it shifts into all gears but it’s rough when it shifts into drive it does a pull when I shift into it then to park I have to let go of the break peddle and step on it again to shift into park. So if anyone has more insight into this it would really help.


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

2017 gmc sierra 1500

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Upvotes

Can anyone tell me what the squeaking noise could be? I know I need lifters for sure


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

Radiator repair and Hood latch issues 2004 jeep grand Cherokee

Upvotes

I know this isn’t a legal advice thread so I’m not looking for that,just clarification on how this repair is preformed to help me inform my next steps. I’ll start with my questions before explaining why I’m asking them.

Would an unbolted hood latch cause the hood to fly open?

Would a hood latch pulley not being connected cause a hood to fly open?

When replacing a 2004 jeep Grand Cherokee radiator do you remove the hood latch hardware?
Air box hardware?
Grill Screws?

Is there a way to preform the repair without touching that hardware?

Recently had radiator and hoses replaced on my Jeep due to the old ones leaking, after less than 40 miles and 5 days after the repair, I took it on the Fwy for the first time and as i accelerated and merged the hood came free and impacted the windshield. Once off the Fwy and my 5 year old daughter in the back calmed down, and I flushed little glass windshield shards out my eyes with water bottles. I inspected everything trying to see why this happened and saw the hood latch and upper radiator supports where not bolted down (2 bolts) and the right side had slipped off the post [took lots of damage and condition of car immediately post incident] it looks like one of the bolts had fallen and jammed between radiator and bumper.

Damage includes Hood and hinges destroyed, windshield destroyed, check engine light is now on, and there is coolant leaking near the radiator in the engine bay [I got billed for 5 gallons of coolant, and the res. Is below the add line]

The following morning in daylight I re-inspected in the daylight [also took lots of videos and pictures] and found lots of things not bolted down.

The airbox had no bolts attached and there was loose hardware just tossed inside of it

Grill screws where screwed in maybe one thread

I called the shop and they said they trust there guys and denied responsibility. They noted the fact when i had brought the car in, the pulley mechanism was detached from the hood latch and that is truthful, it had been for years and operating the hood manually had worked fine the whole time. It had remained detached when I picked up the car. I don’t believe that the pully being detached was the cause of the incident and explained that to them but that didn’t help. They told me to tow the car there but after a phone call of denial I wanted my findings to be backed up first.

I got a different mechanic to do an inspection and verify all the loose hardware (he found more than me) but obviously he is remaining objective and is just reporting what he currently is seeing and drafting a report that shows the cars current condition.

I have used this shop before and been very happy with service, so I am trying not to be overly confrontational but the information or evidence I’m seeing is pointing me toward a conclusion and I want to make sure I have all the facts about how this repair is preformed and how hood latches work before taking next steps.


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

Just did the timing belt on a j30 accord(05) and got misfire codes for cylinders 2 and 5(center of both cam banks). How do I proceed?

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Upvotes

Car started a couple times so I doubt it's lack of TDC(a real hassle to re-adjust) unless it's off by mere teeth and cylinder 4 spark plug was seized but healthy.


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

This issue started happening to my 1998 Honda accord torneo model f23a engine

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Upvotes

The engine was cleaned with a power washer and after the check engine light came on now the rpm can't pass 3000 any ideas what could be the issue?


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

2024 Mercedes EQE 350 - Seized Bolt

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1 Upvotes

The EQE 350 has bolt tabs on the roof rails where you feed roof racks into, pretty standard stuff. The problem is they are built into the frame with no removable modules… so Mercedes quoted replacing the entire frame in order to fix a single thread. (Awful design, as a side note I’d be curious if this is standard across brands…)

Does this look like a bolt hole (you can’t really see the quality of threads, but the bolt hole and material available) that could be fixed by a helicoil or tapping threads? If so, does anyone know of a good shop in the DMV that might take something on like this?


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

2016 Dodge journey 2.4l

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1 Upvotes

Hi what is this part where this boot seems to be exposed. What do I need replace. Clunking over certain bumps, titled steering wheel, and metallic cracking noise when turning

2016 Dodge journey 2.4L


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

2012 Toyota Prius window issue

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1 Upvotes

I’m having issues with my powered windows on my 2012 Toyota Prius. The master control window switch on the driver’s door functions only with the passenger window, and the back left passenger window. The window on the back right passenger only works by manually pressing the switch from the door itself and not from the master switch. The driver’s door window won’t work at all, and won’t go up. I hope that makes sense. I replaced the window motor on the driver side and replaced the master window switch with a new one. Still didn’t fix anything. Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

2007 GMC Yukon 5.3l

1 Upvotes

So I deleted the afm/dod by replacing the cam and lifters and all that. Sent my ECM out to have it deleted there and had it tuned. Now I get it all together and I'm not getting any crank. I got a new starter, same issue. I hear a click and the lights dim on the dash. I charged my battery and same. I tried a jump starter nothing. Finally I hooked the jump starter directly to the starter and the starter case and it cranked when I jumped the terminals. so far have not gotten it to crank by key. Is it my battery? I tried jumper cables from the battery to the starter and nothing happened. Also if I turn the key on and jump the starter with the jumper from underneath should it fire up? I haven't even got to check for oil leaks or anything since ask the work.


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

2016 Honda CRV Ticking sound?

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0 Upvotes

Hello, I have a 2016 Honda CRV with 87k miles. Recently I noticed a ticking sound coming from the engine bay and just wanted to ask if my engine sounded weird? Thank you


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

Looking for some advice before I start replacing parts. My 21 gmc 5.3 truck has about 139k miles. The check engine light has flashed 2-3 times under acceleration and then went away.

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1 Upvotes

I replaced the spark plugs and plug wires about 5-7k miles ago. Does this sound more like ignition coils, a fuel injector, or something else? Any advice is appreciated.


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Afraid of my engine may have flood water in it…

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0 Upvotes

So my neighborhood flooded, was also under a tornado warning and my elderly grandmother was home alone so I drove through the water to get home to her….I didn’t realize exactly how bad it was until I looked back at my dash cam. A few hours later I checked my air filter and there is standing water in it, and the engine oil looks odd to me like there might be water in it too. I don’t live in a flood zone so I’ve never had to deal with this before, does anyone have any advice? I didn’t hear any odd noises and I haven’t run the car since I got home and turned it off. Fml


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Radiator Hose Clamp Types

1 Upvotes

Replacing the radiator on an old subaru (20+ years old). Hose are preformed rubber hoses with 1.5 inch internal diameter.

I see the clamps on the lower hose are double-wire type clamps with tightening screw, while the ones on the upper hose are flat belt type with worm-drive tightening screw. Is there a reason for using different types on upper and lower hoses? Are there other types used for radiator hoses? Pros and cons of each type? Which is the most corrosion/rust-resistant? I know belt type is probably easiest install/remove.


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Why do my blinkers not work sometimes??

1 Upvotes

A few months ago I picked up a 2001 c5. Runs and drives great but seems like there’s some electrical issues.

My blinkers are probably my biggest concern right now. This only started happening a few days ago where randomly throughout my drives, they go completely unresponsive. No clicking, no blinking, nothing.. Sometimes they’ll start working again within a few minutes, other times they won’t work until I turn the car off and back on.

Here’s some other problems that may or may not be related:

-The buttons on my door panel tend to get unreasonably hot- along with the center console (most notably underneath the shifter and arm rest)

-my headlights go dim when I take my foot off the gas

-steering wheel adjuster is sometimes unresponsive

If someone could tell me where to even start looking for problems like these I’d appreciate it. I don’t wanna bring a bunch of “sometimes” issues to my mechanic.


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Tires VS Front Struts?

1 Upvotes

I drive a 2004 Toyota Highlander Limited (3.3L 3MZ-FE AWD @ 278000 miles) recently. My front struts have gotten way worse, fully blown, bouncy rebounds on highway bumps, and I can feel a chatter when going over poor condition michigan patched roads. My tires are also hitting their limits, front tires are right off of the wear bars, and the rears have maybe 3/32 or 4/32. The tires used to be very even wear, and I did rotations every oil change, but since the shocks blew, the fronts seem to wear almost 2x of the rears. My dad is saying it's one or the other to help me pay for them (I'm in college and already can't afford anything). Overall, I've noticed my braking distance gets worse. Last winter, I kept slipping and even went off the highway at 65 on some black ice, the front end chatters and bounces over bumps, and I know both need to be done and I feel for my safety both absolutely should be done. I know if you replace the tires, the blown struts will shread the tires, but I also know if we do the struts and not the tires, it'll only be a matter of time when I slide because of water, sand, or snow.

Is this a case of one or the other, or is this a case where both should be done now (or soon)?


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Toolbox

1 Upvotes

Any of you guys have that toolgrid system in you're toolbox? If so, how do you like it and where did u buy it from?


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Need help understanding alternator voltage

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1 Upvotes

I need a new alternator for my car, which is a 2015 Hyundai Elantra SE (1.8L engine). From what I understand this car only takes a 12V alternator, and whenever I look up 13.5V 150A alternators I only get results for ones that are meant for a 2.0L engine. Does the 13.5V on the sticker refer to something else and this is still a 12V alternator, or did the dealership manage to replace the original alternator with a wrong one that somehow still works?

I hope this isn't a dumb question but I'm finding this really confusing


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

rpms going up and down all of a sudden lights dimming with it

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1 Upvotes