Samantha Reed

A rough idle, mysterious misfire codes, or fuel economy that has dropped off a cliff — these are the moments when learning how to test fuel injectors for clogging and balance saves you a costly shop visit and keeps you from replacing parts that do not need replacing. I have spent years diagnosing fuel system … Read more

If your check engine light popped on right after filling up at the pump, or you’ve been chasing a stubborn EVAP code for weeks, you’re not alone. I see this question every week in mechanic forums, and the truth is most people can diagnose the issue at home without expensive shop fees. This guide on … Read more

When the check engine light pops up and the code reader shows P0325, the first thing many drivers assume is the worst: the engine is about to destroy itself. In reality, the story is more nuanced, and understanding how to diagnose a knock sensor code properly can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs. … Read more

Learning how to test a crankshaft and camshaft position sensor saves you hundreds in shop labor and gets your engine back on the road faster. These two sensors are the unsung heroes of modern engine management. When one fails, your vehicle can refuse to start, stall at idle, or trigger a check engine light that … Read more

If your engine idles rough, hesitates when you press the gas, or stalls at a stoplight, a dirty throttle body is one of the most common culprits. Cleaning the throttle plate and bore takes about 45 minutes with basic tools, and it almost always fixes the symptoms. What catches most DIYers off guard is the … Read more

You pulled the code, and now the guessing game begins. P0128 lands on the screen and everyone from the parts counter to your uncle has an opinion about what to throw at the engine. I have spent years testing these codes on customer cars, and the same rule applies every time: do not replace a … Read more

When your check engine light comes on, the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stored in your vehicle’s computer can tell you a lot, but only if you know which kind of code you are reading. Pending versus stored versus permanent trouble codes represent three distinct stages of fault confirmation in the OBD-II system, and each one … Read more

That high-pitched shriek from under your hood is not something to ignore. A belt squeal is one of the most common and frustrating noises a vehicle can make, and getting the belt squeal diagnosis right saves you from throwing parts at the problem. I have spent years tracking down mysterious engine noises, and the truth … Read more

If your engine suddenly sounds like a flock of angry birds at startup, the serpentine belt tensioner might be the part to blame. A worn tensioner is one of those parts that fails quietly at first, then all at once, often stranding you on the side of the road. I have dealt with this twice … Read more

You pop the hood, ready to swap out a worn serpentine belt, and discover the routing diagram is missing, faded beyond recognition, or stuck on a different engine. I have been there, and it is one of the most frustrating moments for any DIY mechanic. The good news is that learning how to route a … Read more