Automotive Troubleshooting Made Easy

Taking the time to do some automotive troubleshooting will find problems before they become costly repairs. Those few minutes can save hundreds of dollars in repair costs and ensure the vehicle provides years of hassle-free enjoyment.

Spot Vehicle Trouble

A visual inspection of the vehicle can turn up some potential problems. Before heading out, check for strange drips or leaks.

• Yellowish green, pastel blue or florescent orange drips: An overheated engine or an antifreeze leak from a bad hose, water pump or leaky radiator may be the culprit.
• Red oily spots: A transmission or power-steering fluid leak.
• Dark brown or black oily fluid: An engine leak that may be caused by a bad seal or gasket.
• A puddle of water: Not usually a cause for concern; likely condensation from the air conditioner.

It is important to always give the vehicle a quick visual once-over each time it is used and especially before and after a long drive.

Problem Vehicle SmellsA keen sense of smell can detect unusual smells that could indicate a problem with a vehicle. It is important to be alert to strange smells from the vehicle to prevent further damage.

• A burned toast smell: Often an electrical short or burning insulation. Get it checked immediately.
• A smell of rotten eggs: A problem with the catalytic converter or other emission control devices may be to blame.
• Thick acrid odor: Leaking motor oil.
• Gasoline vapors: A flooded engine from a failed start. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the smell continues, there could be a leak in the fuel system – a problem requiring immediate attention.
• Burning resin or an acrid chemical odor: May be from overheated brakes or clutch. Check the emergency brake. Stop. Allow the brakes to cool down after hard braking on mountainous roads.
• Sweet, steamy odor: A coolant leak. If the engine light does not come on, continue driving to the nearest service station while watching the gauges.
• Hot, metallic scent and steam from under the hood: An overheated engine. Pull over immediately, as continued driving could cause big engine trouble.

It is not always easy to tell between different smells from a vehicle but continued practice will hone the senses. It is an important skill that pays off.

Problem Vehicle SoundsAn odd sound from a vehicle can mean trouble so being alert to strange noises is key to a vehicle’s long life. Learning to listen out for trouble is an important skill for drivers.

• Shrill, sharp squeal: When related to engine speed, indicates a loose or worn power steering, fan or air conditioning belt.
• Slight sharp click: When related to engine or vehicle speed, could mean a loose wheel cover, loose or bent fan blade, a stuck valve lifter or low engine oil.
• High-pitched, piercing metallic screech: The likely cause is brake wear.
• Low-pitched rhythmic rumble: Could warn of a defective exhaust pipe, converter or muffler or a worn universal joint or other driveline component.
• High-pitched metallic ping: When related to engine speed, usually caused by using gas with a lower octane rating than recommended. Engine ignition timing could also be at fault.
• Rhythmic, pounding knock: May be a worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings or a loose transmission torque converter.
• Random, thumping clunk: A loose shock absorber or other suspension component, or a loose exhaust pipe or muffler.

Vehicles make lots of noise while operating but anyone can distinguish sounds that mean trouble with a little effort.

Detect Vehicle ProblemsUnderstanding how a properly functioning vehicle handles allows drivers to sense when something is wrong. An unusual pull, vibration or abnormal handling often means vehicle trouble.

• Pulling to the left or right: Under-inflated tires, misaligned front wheels or worn steering components like the idler or ball joints.
• A rough, vibrating ride: Worn shock absorbers, improper tire inflation, worn springs or unbalanced tires.
• Pulling to one side when brakes applied: The brakes need work.
• Scraping or grinding when brakes used: Brakes need to be looked at.
• Rough idle or stalling, poor fuel economy, excessive oil use: The engine is having problems.
• Aburpt or hard shifting, slippage during acceleration: Transmission repairs are needed.

Obvious signs of trouble include hard starting and the ‘check engine’ light but being observant and knowledgeable about proper handling will detect more subtle warning signs.

Use Sense, Avoid Repairs

It makes good sense to be aware of what a vehicle is saying. Using the senses to catch and fix mechanical problems can help avoid costly repairs and prolong a vehicle’s life.