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Evaporative charcoal canister problems on Nissan Pathfinders

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Recently, a customer called and made an appointment for check engine light diagnostics when the check engine light of their Nissan Pathfinder turned on.

They also expressed concerns about how gas pumps would click off while they were pumping gas.

After we hooked up the computer to the car, a few codes appeared — one of them was related to the canister vent solenoid.

The evaporative system on today’s cars collect the gas fumes and then the computer will control the release of the fumes into the engine. They will be burned while driving, preventing them from going into the air and harming the environment. There are electronic systems on here that can fail over time.

Replacing the canister vent solenoid and evaporative charcoal canister

The canister vent solenoid failing is a common issue found in Nissans. When it isn’t working properly, it won’t open as it should. So, when you get gas, it doesn’t allow the air to escape while you’re filling up. This will extend the time you spend at the gas station.

To do the testing, you have to remove the fender well on the left rear of the vehicle to verify that the solenoids aren’t working. Since this is a place that gets a lot of water, other metal components, including brackets and wiring, rust. We have found that it’s better to replace the evaporative charcoal canister with the solenoids.

After clearing the codes, we go for a test drive, reset the monitors to make sure the vehicle is fixed, and everyone is happy.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, 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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Dashboard lights: What do they mean?

In Battery, Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

When you first turn the key to your vehicle, a lot of the times you will see dashboard lights turn on as it does a system check.

But when they stay on, the various icons can indicate that there’s a problem.

Types of dashboard lights

Here is more information about what the lights mean:

Check engine light.

Check engine light Woodbride, Virginia

Check Engine Light

The Check Engine Light can come on for many reasons. When it blinks, there is a more immediate concern with an engine problem that could cause catalytic converter damage. When it’s blinking, in this condition, you should not wait to go to your auto repair shop.

If the check engine light comes on and stays on, the reason could range from a loose gas cap to an internal engine problem. It’s just an indicator that something is going on with a car or truck and should be looked at soon.

 

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.

ABS light Woodbride, Virginia

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

Your Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light that is yellow indicates that there’s an issue with the anti-lock brake system, which prevents your brakes from locking up in an emergency to help you maintain steering control.

 

 

Brake Warning Light.

Brake warning light Woodbridge, Virginia

Brake Warning Light

This light is red, which would warn you of a hydraulic brake failure. If this light comes on, you shouldn’t drive your vehicle because you could lose hydraulic pressure and may not be able to stop your car.

 

 

 

Oil Pressure Alert Light.

Oil pressure light Woodbridge, Virginia

Oil Pressure Alert Light

A vehicle’s Oil Pressure Alert Light means that the engine oil pressure is decreasing. You should stop as soon as it’s safe to do so and check your engine oil.

Before bringing your vehicle to an auto repair shop, make sure that your oil level is correct.

 

Battery Alert Light.

Battery light Woodbride, Virginia

Battery Alert Light

The Battery Alert Light indicates that your vehicle’s battery is short on power. There could be a problem with the battery or it might be charging accurately.

When this icon appears, it could mean you have a bad battery, a bad alternator, an electrical issue or a broken wire.

You should bring it to an auto repair shop to have it checked out.

 

Tire Pressure Monitoring Light.

Tire pressure light Woodbridge, Virginia

Tire Pressure Monitoring Light

When a Tire Pressure Monitoring Light turns on, it’s saying that one of your tires is too low. It may mean that there’s a problem with the tire pressure or tire sensor.

If the light stays solid, it means that there’s a tire pressure issue. If it blinks for a minute before going solid, it’s a sensor or module problem.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, 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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What you should do if you have a flat tire

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

You’re on your way home after a long day when you hear an odd noise coming from your car.

Once you get to a safe spot, you pull over, get out of the car and find … a flat tire.

So, what do you do?

Drivers who are on the interstate and can’t get far enough off the road, should call a tow truck. It isn’t worth changing the tire between your car and the highway. Another option is to change the tire yourself.

Steps for changing a flat tire

Drivers should avoid using fix-a-flat, because it can compromise the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors located in the wheel. If fix-a-flat is used, let the repair shop know, because it’s hazardous and can be harmful to the automotive technician.

If you’re in a safe location and decide changing your tire is the best option, start by setting up safety equipment, such as safety triangles. Make sure the wheels and parking brake are secure and that your spare tire jack is working.

After you get the car jacked up, you need to take the lug nuts off. Once the flat tire is removed, you should put the spare on and tighten the lug nuts.

How to avoid getting stranded

Doing some routine checks can help prevent you from getting stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire.

Each week, check your jack and make sure your spare tire is inflated.

Don’t ignore your TPMS light if it goes on. Tire pressure on vehicles that don’t have a TPMS system should be checked regularly.

You can’t always tell by the naked eye. Some tires may look softer if you turn your wheel a certain way.

Keep in mind that not all flat tires are repairable, especially those with punctures on the inner or outer shoulder or sidewall.

Some injuries in the center third of the tire can be fixed, depending on the angle and diameter. But if a hatchet runs through your tire, we’re not going to be able to repair it.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, 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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Does your BMW have an update for the oil filter housing?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

A common problem on some BMW engines is the oil filter housing may leak.

This can occur when the original, plastic housing warps and cracks.

Automotive technicians are able to replace it with updated oil filter housing that’s made out of aluminum.

Looking for oil leaks

There can be many places on a BMW engine that leaks oil. If a lot of oil is covering the engine, it could be difficult to determine where the leak is coming from.

One of the first places to start is to degrease the engine and then add an ultraviolet dye that’s compatible with the engine oil. Then, run the engine and use and ultraviolet light to locate the oil leak.

Generally, you can find it in one to two hours. Small leaks, however, may take between one and five days to show up. The vehicle might also need to be driven around and brought back to the automotive center to recheck it.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire services BMW’s. Call today to make an appointment and ask us about our shuttle service. Check out our article about oil leaks for more information. 

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, 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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High performance tires — Goodyear may be an option for you

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

If you are looking for ultra high performance tires for specialty and original equipment, such as a Corvette, the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-2 EMT Tire may be a good choice for you.

The steering responsiveness of this tire — with having a solid center line and large shoulder — helps deliver responsive steering and confident cornering. The run flat technology of this tire allows for driving up to 50 miles on a deflating or deflated tire at a top speed of 50 miles per hour*.

The wet traction capability of this tire is due to the full depth grooves and directional tread pattern that help provide efficient water evacuation for excellent wet traction.

Things to remember when getting high performance tires

When you’re putting new tires on a vehicle it’s a good opportunity to have the wheel alignment checked. This will ensure the longevity of your tire.

When you’re making a decision about high performance tires, give our service center representatives a call and they would be happy to work with you on what the proper and fitment would be for your vehicle.

It’s also a good idea to consider road hazard insurance since the investments of these tires is quite high.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, 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.