Automotive Diagnostics Archives - Page 3 of 4 - HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire Blog

Is your vehicle’s sunroof clogged?

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireDecember 5, 2019

Over time, the sunroof of a vehicle can become clogged.

Charles from HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire faced this issue when he was working on a 2012 Toyota RAV4 last month.

The vehicle had come in because of a dead battery.

As he was looking into the problem, he noticed that the check engine light and oil pressure light stayed on, even when the key wasn’t in the ignition.

The floor on the passenger side was also saturated with water.

Many of the connectors were soaked and the sunroof was open.

Soaked floor on passenger side of Toyota RAV4. — Soaked floor

Potential sunroof clogged causes

Cars with sunroofs have a tube that runs down the vehicle.

If the sunroof is blocked with leaves or the bottom of the tube becomes clogged, it won’t drain properly. Instead, any water will overflow into the vehicle.

Charles cleared the hoses and, after closing the sunroof, ran water over it to make sure there weren’t any leaks in the tube.

Leaks can be the result of a poor windshield installation. Door seals can leak, as well.

As fall comes to an end and winter approaches, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for this problem and make sure your drains are clear.

You can do this by checking the sunroof for any leaves or buildup.

To check for any clogs in the tube, pour a bottle of water over the closed sunroof and look for any water that’s come out the bottom of the car. If you don’t see any water, you could have a clog.

If you suspect that there’s a clog in the tube, you should bring it into an auto repair shop to have it addressed.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Check engine light started flashing

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireNovember 7, 2019

Written by Erin Flynn

My work week had an unexpected (and slightly stressful) start.

I had filled up the gas tank for my Volkswagen Beetle on my way to work. But when I was leaving the gas station parking lot, my vehicle began to shudder.

It stopped and then started shuddering again a little while later. As I was traveling down the road and preparing to merge onto I-95, the check engine light began to flash. “Oh no,” I thought to myself. A few minutes passed, and the light became solid.

I decided to have my car checked out and I cautiously made my way to HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire. With a lot of luck, I arrived safely and explained my experience to the employees.

Determining the problem

When checking my car, the Woodbridge mechanics found out that it needed a new ignition coil.

They used a scan tool and noticed that there was a misfire, which means that the air in the fuel isn’t igniting the way it should. This problem may be the result of a bad spark plug or ignition coil, or too much or too little air or fuel.

Some symptoms of a misfire include the check engine light coming on, and a vehicle stalling, running rough or shuddering.

After the misfire occurred on cylinder 3, the technician swapped out one of the ignition coils with another one and saw the misfire followed to cylinder 2. If there had been an issue with the spark plug, the second misfire would have happened on cylinder 3.

Ignition coils, which can be found in most makes and models, command a spark plug to spark. Poor connection and oil intrusion can cause them to fail. They can also go bad over time.

Why did my check engine light turn on?

An ignition coil or spark plug going bad are a couple of culprits behind a check engine light turning on. However, there are many causes, such as a loose gas cap, low oil, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, and problems with the coolant system.

Meanwhile, a flashing check engine light may be a sign that there is an engine problem.

More reasons why the light turns are explained in an article posted on Bumper.com.

If you noticed that the check engine light came on and is remaining solid, there’s no need to panic. But the sooner you have your vehicle checked out, the better. Choosing to have it looked at early on can help automotive professionals pinpoint the issue more easily and quickly.

However, if your vehicle starts shuddering or your check engine light comes on, you should have a mechanic or auto repair shop look at it immediately. We also recommend that you avoid driving the car. Waiting to address a blinking check engine light could lead to bigger, more expensive issues, like catalytic converter damage.

It’s also a good idea to reach out to an expert if any other lights appear, or if you notice strange behaviors or sounds. To learn about dashboard lights and what they mean, check out this article we posted.

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What is a fuel injector?

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireOctober 29, 2019

Certain components need to be in good working order in order for your vehicle’s engine to run properly.

Its performance can be impacted when there is a problem with the fuel injectors. These parts are responsible for sending fuel to the cylinder, allowing the engine to operate.

A 2008 Jeep Wrangler that was brought to HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire needed new fuel injectors. The vehicle’s check engine light had turned on, and it had a fuel injector code.

The intake manifold on a Sahara Jeep Wrangler. — Intake manifold on a Sahara Jeep Wrangler

Replacing fuel injectors

To reach the fuel injectors, we needed to remove the intake manifold. On this Jeep Wrangler, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) tube runs from the valve on top of the intake.

While working on the vehicle, we realized that a fuel injector was out of specification. We needed to install new injectors before rechecking it.

The steps to replace fuel injectors vary among vehicles. Some fuel injectors are in the intake manifold. Others are mounted directly into the cylinder head like a spark plug. That’s called direct injection.The general injector replacement process includes releasing fuel pressure, disconnecting the fuel rail, and pulling the fuel injectors out of the fuel rail.

The number of injectors depends on the cylinders. Most vehicles have one per cylinder but some have two for each cylinder.

Fuel injectors normally last the life of the vehicle. However, there are a few common issues found with some automobiles. For example, when certain Chevrolets reach 70,000 or 80,000 miles they will have a misfire at a cold start. This problem tends to resolve itself as the engine warms up. We’ve worked on a bunch of those vehicles.

Signs of fuel injector problems

The check engine light turning on isn’t the only sign that the fuel injectors aren’t working correctly. You may also notice the vehicle is riding rough and lacking power.

Other indicators of a fuel injector problem include the car having trouble starting or using more fuel than normal.

Another symptom that can appear if something is wrong with the injectors are engine misfires, which is when the fuel isn’t ignited right.

As high tech as some of these vehicles are becoming – such as certain Mercedes engines – it could take a while to diagnose and track down what your misfire problem may be due to the injectors.

A direct replacement may not be a fix. The manufacturer may have to read the values of the injectors overtime, and they can recommend what cylinder the injector should be put in to balance out the engine.

However, it’s always good to check the basics first, such as spark plugs, ignition coils and the operation of the fuel injectors.

Fuel injector maintenance

The best way to make sure a vehicle’s fuel injectors last is to take care of them over a period of time. Having fuel induction services conducted regularly is one way you can maintain them.

Recommended every 30,000 miles, the fuel induction service cleans out the air induction and fuel injection systems. Contaminants are removed from fuel injectors and other parts by a fuel system cleaner.

It’s a good idea to replace any bad fuel injectors in your vehicle sooner rather than later. If you have a symptom that’s linked to a fuel injector problem and the part isn’t replaced, the symptom will continue to grow worse.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Check engine light may indicate catalytic converter problem

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireOctober 15, 2019

A catalytic converter helps reduce pollution by changing a vehicle’s exhaust emission.

Ray from HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire installed a new one on a Dodge Caravan on Monday.

The vehicle was brought to the shop when the check engine light came on.

When checking the O2 sensors on the computer, he realized that the catalytic converter wasn’t working properly.

An old catalytic converter and a new catalytic converter. — An old catalytic converter and a new catalytic converter

Catalytic converter types

Different types of two-way and three-way converters are available. Years ago, one-way converters were used.

Ray installed a two-way converter, which contains chemicals that changes the air.

The type of converter a vehicle needs depends on the make and model, and how the engine runs.

Some converters don’t go bad.

Others may need replacing if a misfire occurs. A misfire shoots raw fuel in the converter, which can’t switch over raw fuel.

In addition to the check engine light coming on, the smell of raw fumes is another sign that a vehicle needs a new one. However, the check engine light would be your first indicator.

There are many reasons why a check engine light turns on. If it does, it’s a good idea to bring the vehicle into an auto repair shop soon.

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Is your battery light on?

In Automotive Diagnostics, News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireSeptember 18, 2019

If your battery light comes on or flickers on your dashboard, it could be a sign of an alternator going bad.

The alternator is driven by the engine to produce electricity to run the accessories in a vehicle and recharge the battery.

Some common problems that could lead to an alternator not working correctly can be normal wear and tear, and the brushes or diodes going bad. A common overlooked problem is a drive belt — or serpentine belt — becoming loose or stretched and slipping around the alternator.

The large number of electronics in today’s vehicles and all the accessories drivers like to plug in puts a heavy load on the alternator. The alternators actually have to be more heavy duty than before so they can charge the battery at a consistent rate.

Battery light and other signs of an alternator problem

The battery light coming on steady or flickering, especially when you come to a stop, are some signs that you’re having an alternator problem.

If you’re having a problem starting your car, it could be because the alternator is struggling to charge the battery.

If you believe you’re having any problems, you’ll want to have your vehicle checked with good electrical diagnostic equipment at your local auto repair shop. Because of the demand on the electrical system and the way alternators are designed, the old way of checking alternators isn’t always accurate.

Don’t end up stranded on the side of the road this holiday season

In Automotive Diagnostics, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireNovember 21, 2017

It’s almost Thanksgiving, and if you’re like one of the 1.4 million other Virginians planning to travel for the holiday, or throughout the holiday season, then you need to make sure you’re prepared – otherwise you may end up on the side of the road.

According to AAA, the travel numbers for 2017 are up by 44,000 people – a 3.2% increase from the last year. In fact, they’re expecting Thanksgiving to be the most heavily traveled holiday in a dozen years. Totals for Christmas traveling may be even higher.

AAA says that they plan on rescuing more than 330,000 motorists left on the side of the road for the Thanksgiving weekend, primarily due to lockouts, flat tires, and battery issues. And whether you’re going just down the road, or traveling several hours out of state, it pays to be ready.

Here’s what you can do to prepare your vehicle for the holiday season:

Check the air pressure in all of your tires, including the spare tire you keep in the back. “If you end up with a flat, and you go to put the spare tire on, next thing you know the spare tire is flat,” said HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire owner ST Billingsley.
Check the oil level and fluid levels. These may need to be topped off to prevent overheating and other issues on that long holiday drive.
Make sure that you have windshield washer fluid in your wiper blades. “A lot of times when you’re driving on dirty roads, you go to use the windshield wipers, and there’s no washer fluid in there,” said Billingsley.
Check for any obvious battery corrosion. This could be a sign that something is wrong with the battery terminals, or that your car battery needs to be replaced before you head out of town.
Double-check that you have roadside assistance as part of your car insurance, or through a company like AAA. It’s easy to call the insurance company and check if you have roadside assistance in your plan. Don’t? It’s worth adding it for situations like this.

But even the best laid plans can go awry. If you’re on your travels and end up on the side of the road, here are some things you should have stocked and ready to go in your vehicle:

Flares or safety triangles. If you are on the side of the road, you want your car to be visible, and make other drivers aware that you’re there for a reason, especially if you need assistance. Make sure you’re careful when placing them on the side of the road during a breakdown, to prevent being injured or hit in the process.
Heavy duty work gloves. “Say that your tire’s flat and you’re in the dirt or all that, or you know sometimes it might be cold, grabbing all that metal…it’s just nice to have,” said Billingsley.

And if you’re too busy to do all of the checking and maintenance yourself, consider bringing it in to HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire so we can check it out before you head home for the holidays. Basic checks can be done by any automotive shop, although what they check varies from place to place.

At HomeTowne, we check the fluids and top them off, check the air pressure, check washer fluid, check the vehicle lights, rotate the tires, check the brakes, and more.

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Does your Mercedes vehicle have one battery – or two?

In Automotive Diagnostics, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireDecember 1, 2016

Do you own a Mercedes or BMW? Then it’s important to know if the model of your vehicle has one battery – or two.

The Mercedes S550 is one model that has two batteries; one to start the engine, and another – called the auxiliary battery – to run the car.

We recently had a Mercedes S550 in the shop that was experiencing some battery issues and wouldn’t start.

“If the auxiliary battery dies, the power locks don’t work, all of the accessories that work with without the key won’t work…but the car will still be able to start,” said HomeTowne Master Technician Keith Clausson.

One of the benefits of having a two battery system is that if your car’s main battery goes dead, you still have the ability to work the locks and get into the vehicle. But, it can also sometimes be a challenge for drivers to identify the problem if they’re not aware of the two batteries.

“Nine times out of ten that battery will give you a warning when that fails, with an indicator on the dash, this one did not. So we just had to go in and test, and see why it wasn’t working,” said Clausson.

If you’re experiencing a problem with your Mercedes or BMW vehicle, and you’ve changed the main battery but there are still issues, make sure you’re checking the panel with the relay boxes in the trunk, to look at the rear auxiliary battery, or bring it into the shop for a diagnosis.

Avoid major repair with regular car maintenance

In Automotive Diagnostics, Brakes, Oil Change, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireAugust 3, 2016

Chances are, that whenever possible, you’re trying to save money – particularly when it comes to big ticket items like car repair. While some car repair is unavoidable – like normal wear and tear on the vehicle, or getting into a road incident – there are actually ways that you can avoid major repair work. In order to do that, you need to make sure your car is getting regular maintenance.

This is why it’s important to get your car inspected regularly.

“Most repairs come from lack of maintenance,” said HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire Manager Rich Campbell.

Just like with preventative medical care, preventative and regular car maintenance on your vehicle can fix problems when they’re still small, or help you to avoid them altogether.

Each time you bring your car in for an oil change – 3,000 to 7,000 miles depending on specifications for your vehicle and the type of oil you use – technicians need to do a full inspection of the vehicle’s fluids, steering, suspension, and brakes.

If the shop you’re going to now isn’t doing this full inspection with every oil change, you need to find a new shop.

This full inspection looks at all of the common places where wear and damage can start to show in your vehicle, and provides service advisors with the information they need, so they can make appropriate recommendations for your vehicle.

Keeping your car maintained with regular oil changes and tire rotations will help your vehicle last longer.

At HomeTowne we provide recommendations ranked by level of urgency, so that even if you can’t handle all of the maintenance immediately, you can come up with a game plan.

Spending a few hundred dollars on importance maintenance here and there is far more reasonable than thousands on unexpected repairs, so make sure that you’re maintaining your vehicle and budgeting for maintenance work, so you can keep you and your car happy, and out on the road.

HomeTowne Auto Repair employee learn about catalytic converters

In Auto Parts, Auto Repair Warranty, Automotive Diagnostics, Service Standards, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireJune 23, 2016

A Tenneco representative, which makes Walker exhaust parts, was at HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire giving a class.

At HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire we recently hosted an employee training with a Tenneco rep about catalytic converters, shocks and struts, and other aftermarket vehicle parts.

Tenneco is the world’s largest manufacturer of aftermarket vehicle parts.

During the training, our technicians and service writers learned some interesting facts that will help them to better diagnose and understand vehicle issues.

“We learned that 95% of the catalytic converters that are sent back – that are claimed to be not working, or malfunctioning, are actually found to be still working as designed. And that’s typically because there’s another issue that has caused the readings to indicate that the catalytic converter has gone bad – usually a misfire, or a component in the engine that is not performing like it’s supposed to. Typically people will replace the catalytic converter because they’re not trained or skilled enough to know there’s an issue that’s further up in the engine assembly that actually causes the damage to the converter,” said HomeTowne General Manager Rich Campbell.

Auto repair shop holding classes from Tenneco at night.

A major upside of having technicians and staff specially trained on these parts is that we can potentially save our customers money. By knowing to check for things like misfires, and related problems in the engine assembly, we can potentially avoid having to replace your vehicle’s catalytic converter, which xan be a costly repair.

One reason why we’re proud to use parts made by Tenneco and their subsidiaries, is that they often the same warranty as the OEM parts already on your vehicle.

“The original equipment catalytic converter that you buy at a Toyota dealership, or a Lexus dealership, is no different, and carries basically the same warranties as the aftermarket. However, Tenneco differentiates itself and adds 125% of the precious metals the original equipment came with, therefore giving you a better, longer lasting aftermarket replacement converter,” said Campbell.

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Get a pre-purchase inspection before buying your next used car

In Automotive Diagnostics, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireFebruary 2, 2016

Pre-purchase inspections can help to spot problems with a used vehicle you want to purchase.

Are you looking to purchase a used car? Buying a used car can be nerve-wracking, even if you already know a fair bit about cars. That’s where HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire can help.

At our shop we offer a pre-purchase inspection service for used cars – perfect for if you’re planning on buying a car and want to check it out first.

Our technicians will do a thorough inspection of the vehicle, looking for any damage, system failures, problem areas and indicators of a lack of regular maintenance. We also run a test on all of the systems in the vehicle, to pinpoint any issues.

We offer different levels of pre-purchase inspections, depending on your needs and what you already know about the vehicle. With our most basic inspection we offer a state inspection-style check with an oil change, to look for problems with the vehicle.

In our more in-depth pre-purchase inspections we’ll hook the car up to our computer diagnostics and look for error codes, and check the entire vehicle’s body, frame and suspension for even minor issues that could be costly later on.

We inspect the entire car and test it’s systems to look for failures and a lack of maintenance.

With our third level inspection check, we’ll also test all of the buttons in the vehicle to ensure that they’re working properly and do a function test that includes climate control (heating and air conditioning) which can be costly fixes when buying a used car.

If you’re interested in getting a pre-purchase inspection on a used vehicle, give our advisers at HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire a call. The inspection can take up to an hour and a half, so we recommend scheduling ahead of time.

We care about our customers, and we’re hoping that getting an inspection with help you to make a decision on whether or not it’s right to purchase the vehicle you’re considering, and to help you make sure that you know what you’re getting.

It’s always good to double check, as buying any car is a huge investment. We’ve seen firsthand, with previous pre-purchase inspections, how it can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road.

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