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ABS light and possible problems behind it

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Is there a light on your car’s dashboard that says “ABS” with a circle around it? This is your ABS light and if it turns on, there could be a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The ABS runs as drivers step on the gas, press the brake pedal, and turn. There are wheel sensors that determine how quickly it’s moving by monitoring the high points of tone rings.

Information is collected by a computer and goes to the power control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM).

If a tire is traveling slower than the rest, brake fluid is sent to it by a modulator valve. This ensures that the wheel won’t lock up and drivers are able to maintain control.

Reasons why the ABS light comes on

Computer problems: Any computer problems are usually going to be associated with the ABS control module.

Malfunctions with another system: Issues connected with different systems can trigger the light, too. This includes the traction control system.

Bad battery: An ABS light may link back to battery problems.

Tone ring: The tone ring is another potential cause. This component might break off or become damaged. 

Braking: If your brakes lock up or you press the brakes really hard, sometimes the warning light comes on as the ABS is going through its function.

ABS wheel speed sensor.

ABS wheel speed sensor

Bad ABS wheel speed sensor: The ABS wheel speed sensor might malfunction or not read correctly. A GMC Terrain and BMW 3-Series had wheel sensors that needed to be replaced. In both cases, the ABS light was turning on intermittently.

Other sensor issues: Other culprits include a chafed or broken wire, or corroded sensor. The end of an ABS sensor is basically magnetic and reads like a gear that’s at the end of an axle shaft, per se. It might have trouble seeing it or too much rust could have built up.

Body control module: It’s possible that something is going on with the body control module (BCM).

ABS diagnostics

How do our technicians perform diagnostic testing for the ABS light? This process involves a number of steps.

We will want to make sure there aren’t any battery problems, such as a weak battery or issues with the terminals.

A scan tool is used to check for codes. There can be codes related to the ABS, wheel speed sensors or ABS control module. The specific code number may vary among manufacturers.

What we do next will depend on the codes that appear and any other issues we find.

The ABS setup could look differently for each vehicle. 

Typically, the wheel speed sensor is going to have a harness connected to it and a connector that’s already there. On the other side of that harness, if there’s damage that goes into the engine compartment, that connector may need to be replaced.

You have 2-wheel and 4-wheel ABS. Pickup trucks might have an ABS sensor in the center of the differential versus one on each side of the wheel.

With the many problems that can lead to an ABS light and the different parts that make up this system, it’s best to rely on a trustworthy automotive expert if this warning light turns on.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Engine misfire symptoms and causes

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

As in the case of cooking, cars require the correct mix of “ingredients” and circumstances to work properly.

For example, it’s important that the fuel and air levels in a vehicle are right – that they don’t lack or exceed what’s necessary. If they do, it could result in an engine misfire.

Misfires impact how an engine runs. If left unresolved, they can eventually cause damage to components, including the catalytic converter.

A catalytic converter may melt if the exhaust contains raw fuel or a lot of fuel.

How to tell if your vehicle is misfiring

Several signs can be associated with an engine misfire.

How do you know if your car is misfiring? Performance problems and a warning light might appear. The running conditions experienced can come across differently among drivers.

Indicators of a misfire include:

  • Vehicle running rough or stumbling
  • Car stalling
  • Check engine light turning on or flashing
  • Acceleration problems
  • Chugging when driving up a hill
  • Vehicle feels like it’s shuddering or stuttering
  • Popping sound (in more serious cases)

You may not notice any of these signs in the beginning but they can become worse or occur more often over time.

Problems behind misfires

A wide range of car problems can lead to an engine misfire. 

Spark plug replacement for Audi A3.

Spark plug replacement for Audi A3

This issue can take place if components need to be replaced. Bad spark plugs, worn camshaft lobes, and failing sensors are a few examples.

Other possible culprits include fuel injector problems, valves that won’t open and close correctly, and issues with the fuel system.

Misfires could also mean that the ignition coils or timing belt have reached the end of their life. There could be something wrong with a rocker arm, too.

In some cases, a tune up or fuel induction service are recommended.

Through fuel induction services, we can clean different fuel system parts, such as the intake valves, fuel injectors and throttle body. This mileage-based maintenance can improve how the engine operates, as well.

A fuel induction service, tune up and ignition coil pack assembly were suggested for a Chevrolet Trax, which had a P0300 random misfire detected code.

What to do if your car has an engine misfire

Are you seeing engine misfire symptoms? Ask an automotive expert to check out the problem for you.

Using a scan tool on a Mazda 3.

Using a scan tool on a Mazda 3

When looking into misfires, our technicians conduct diagnostic testing. In this process, they connect a scan tool to the vehicle and see if there are any codes or if the issue is happening on a particular cylinder. These codes give us a place to start.

From there, additional testing may be needed to figure out what parts or computers are involved.

New spark plugs and ignition coils were suggested for an Audi A3. We saw a code for P0302 cylinder 2 misfire. When the plugs and coils on cylinders 1 and 2 were swapped, the engine misfire moved to cylinder 1.

Test drives might also be completed to determine if there are any changes to the car’s performance or see if other issues arise.

Sometimes, a deeper investigation is needed because there could be a code that isn’t related to a misfire or a common culprit.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dumfries, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Shaking steering wheel when accelerating

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Some may refer to it as a “shimmy”. For others, it may feel like a shaking or vibration. Whatever you call it, you or someone you know may experience this when operating a vehicle.

Bad CV Axle from Toyota Avalon.

Bad CV Axle from Toyota Avalon

A Toyota Avalon had a shaking steering wheel while accelerating. The problem started at 25 miles per hour and only went away when the driver took their foot off the gas pedal.

As he was inspecting the car, the technician saw a very worn out CV Axle. After we replaced this item, the vibration disappeared.

What can cause a car to vibrate?

A worn axle isn’t the only potential cause behind a car vibrating.

Here are some other reasons why you may feel shaking while driving:

  • Tire problems
  • Worn suspension parts
  • Steering parts going bad
  • Engine mounts
  • Transmissions
Balancing a Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Tire.

Balancing a Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Tire

Tires: Most commonly, tires are the source of vibration. Perhaps there is a loose wheel or the tire has become unbalanced. If the wheel weight gets knocked off, it might result in vibration. Even something as little as half an ounce can make a difference. Prior to tire installation, our technicians balance the tires. They should routinely be rebalanced as the rubber wears out. 

Suspension parts: Sometimes the issue lies with worn suspension components. Shaking could be the result of control arms. Control arm bushings may cause a vibration, especially under acceleration.

Steering components: Bad steering parts can be the culprit, too. Loose steering parts and those that have play (or move) might lead to a vibration. This includes the rack and pinion, which the tie rods connect to, and the struts.

Engine mounts: A vibrating could be felt when an engine mount is wearing out.

Transmissions: It’s possible to get a vibration if there’s a problem with the transmission. On a CVT transmission, sometimes there’s something wrong with the clutch and belt mechanism, where it will cause a shudder. For non-CVT (or traditional) transmissions, you have valve bodies and solenoids that open and close on command. When they get dirty or clogged or break, they might malfunction. That will cause the car to have a weird vibration. 

Shaking steering wheel on Toyota Avalon

A shaking steering wheel is one of several signs you might notice if your vehicle has a bad axle. Drivers may also hear a clicking sound or see grease on their tires. Noisy u-joints and leaking axle seals are other symptoms of an axle going bad.

What helped us figure out the problem in the case of the Toyota Avalon was the shaking steering wheel and knowing that the problem was localized to the front end. Observations like these (often provided by our customers) allow us to narrow down the search.

During diagnostic testing, we will take a vehicle for a test drive. However, our technicians might pick up on another problem or the symptom could appear different to them. 

If you notice a problem but aren’t sure if it’s considered a vibration, shudder, shake or shimmy, it may be helpful to ask an automotive expert to ride with you so you can point out what you’re feeling.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dumfries, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Can multiple dashboard lights be from one issue?

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Having a light on your vehicle’s dashboard turn on can catch your attention and even be a bit distracting. Multiple dashboard lights, however, might cause some concern.

The tire pressure light, check engine light, oil pressure warning light, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) light are some of the symbols you may see.

Different meanings are typically associated with each of them, and more than one problem could be behind the alert. But did you know that multiple dashboard lights can stem from one issue?

Multiple dashboard lights, one problem

On specific vehicles, a problem might result in a couple of symptoms or prompt more than one icon to appear on the dashboard.

Certain manufacturers will trigger multiple lights to catch the driver’s attention and encourage them to stop driving.

This would sometimes occur on older Toyotas. If your check engine light came on, so would your traction control light and vehicle stability assist (VSA) light. 

A lot of customers would say they all turned on at the same time. Usually, this meant that the problem was related to the check engine light and led to the other lights illuminating.

For some GMs today, it will say that the stability control is off if your vehicle is experiencing a major engine misfire. The shaking of the vehicle could impact the ABS system.

A problem with a battery or alternator could trigger different lights and many codes. You could get a code or a light for the air bag, ABS and check engine at the same time.

The diagnostic process

Check engine light and TPMS light on a Mitsubishi Outlander.How we resolve dashboard lights varies.

During check engine light diagnostics, our technicians pull codes using a scan tool. These codes act as a starting point. Then, we look up Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to check for any safety recalls or updated parts. If there are no safety recalls, we perform component testing based on the codes.

Check engine lights are very broad because each system operates differently.

Looking into the ABS light has a similar procedure. However, rather than an Engine Control Unit (ECU), the ABS system has an ABS computer that talks to different systems and collects information.

For the TPMS, there are sensors that read the pressure and have a radio frequency that is sent to the dashboard. When TPMS was first designed, it was much more complicated, very difficult to figure out, and expensive to repair. Now, it’s very simple. Certain vehicles don’t have sensors in their wheels. Instead, they read off the ride height.

Oil pressure sensors have constant power. The light will come on if it loses its ground, which is oil.

Testing the dashboard lights

We have had drivers bring their vehicle in and say that multiple dashboard lights are rooted in one problem. However, we aren’t able to confirm that this is the case until we start looking into it.

The various lights require various types of testing. Every system, manufacturer and monitor differ. To add to the complications, there are also many makes and models.

So, determining why a vehicle has multiple dashboard lights isn’t necessarily a straight path. It can take time and the process could change based on the situation.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Why is my car AC not working?

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Warmer weather is on its way, and before we know it we will have the A/C system on full blast.

During this transition – where it isn’t too hot or too cold – we recommend confirming that your car’s air conditioning system is working.

If you notice that it isn’t blowing cold air or no air is coming through the vents, have the problem checked out by an auto repair shop.

Air conditioning condenser.

Air conditioning condenser

Common a/c issues

There are numerous causes behind car AC problems. Among them are several common ones.

You may have a malfunctioning expansion valve or a blocked condenser that needs to be changed. A/c repair might require changing out other bad parts, like the compressor, drier, blower motor, or cabin air filter.

Something could also be wrong with the Electronic Climate Control System, which can be found on newer cars.

The a/c system having low freon is a possibility, as well. This might be a sign of an air conditioning leak. 

As silly as it may sound, user error is another potential reason why you’re having a problem. This article we wrote provides more details about these issues.

Complicated air conditioning problems

Chevy Colorado AC repair.

A/C diagnostics on Chevy Colorado

The reason why a car AC won’t run the way it should can be the result of a deeper problem, such as a bad wire.

A Chevy Colorado we worked on had an intermittent issue. Sometimes the a/c and heat would work, but then it would randomly stop blowing air. Various parts were replaced, including the blower motor, but the problem persisted. We couldn’t pinpoint the cause and eventually it stopped working altogether.

Through diagnostic testing, the technician found that we had bad ground to the blower motor and needed to replace the ground wire.

Other wiring problems are possible, too. You have a control head and signal wires that go to the mode door and temperature door. There’s a separate set of wires that go to the blower motor and resistors for the blower motor.

Problems with the mode and temperature controls could also occur. These can be a bit more complicated and time consuming, because you need to get into the dashboard. They also require technicians with a higher skill level who can perform circuit testing. Sometimes, a scan tool needs to be connected.

Getting your car AC working again

Having an air conditioning problem can be frustrating, especially as the temperatures rise. However, it can take time to determine where the issue lies, especially if it’s a more complicated problem. 

You may need to replace different parts and make a couple of visits to the autoshop before the issue is resolved completely. It might even require leaving your car at the shop for a couple of days so they can delve into the problem further.

Providing as much information as possible – what’s happening (or not happening), when it occurs, issues that seem related, and other repairs that have been performed – can help speed up the process. 

Before long, you should be back on the road, comfortably enjoying all that the spring and summer months have to offer you.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Manassas, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.