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Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Launched Q&A site for mechanics and DIY enthusiast owners of cars, trucks, and motorcycles

Announcements

6  
Is this different than autos.stackexchange.com ? – Bob Cross Jun 16 '10 at 20:31
1  
Why not "Zen and the Art of Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair" :-) (as the title of Robert M. Pirsig's book, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance") – WikiSpeedia hang-around Jun 17 '10 at 19:29
1  
I've started a more general "autos" proposal for automotive questions that aren't necessarily about maintenance and repair – Kyle Cronin Jun 19 '10 at 4:02
show 5 more announcements

73 Example Questions (13 closed)

active newest votes
up vote 22 down vote
Which tools should I keep in an emergency repair kit?
added by Jon Seigel Jun 1 '10 at 22:09
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A. A Leatherman, or two. – Brad Gilbert Jun 7 '10 at 3:50
up vote 21 down vote
In "5W30", what do "5" and "30" mean?
added by Kyle Cronin Jun 1 '10 at 20:23
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6  
As a matter of fact, what does the W mean while we're at it – Mark Henderson Jun 3 '10 at 22:24
2  
this question is pretty 1337 – Kyle Cronin Jun 8 '10 at 20:25
up vote 21 down vote
There's a [chalky buildup on my battery terminals]. Should I be concerned? How do I fix it?
added by rlb.usa Jun 3 '10 at 20:36
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up vote 20 down vote
Is synthetic oil really better/worth the money?
added by Kyle Cronin Jun 1 '10 at 20:23
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1  
Pretty subjective.... – Adam Davis Jun 16 '10 at 15:25
up vote 17 down vote
I have an older vehicle, what can I do to help it before driving it on a really long trip?
added by rlb.usa Jun 8 '10 at 20:26
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up vote 17 down vote
How do I safely connect and use jumper cables?
added by Lee Jun 16 '10 at 9:31
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up vote 16 down vote
What things can the [Check Engine Light] indicate?
added by rlb.usa Jun 3 '10 at 20:37
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6  
This is really, really broad because the goal would be troubleshooting a problem. That being said, I think it would okay if details about the symptoms are provided. – Jon Seigel Jun 5 '10 at 2:26
I think there is a better example question that asks what a specific code means. – Dusty Campbell Jun 21 '10 at 16:59
Someone may want to consider changing an on-topic vote to this one. - One more vote and it's commitment phase time! – Doresoom Jul 9 '10 at 20:15
up vote 12 down vote
How do I replace the catalytic converter on a 2005 Honda Civic?
added by Randolpho Jun 1 '10 at 20:20
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up vote 11 down vote
What is a knock sensor and what does it do?
added by Lee Jun 16 '10 at 9:32
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up vote 10 down vote
Can having lots of keys and heavy objects on my keychain really damage my vehicle?
added by rlb.usa, edited by Joel Spolsky Jul 8 '10 at 4:36
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up vote 9 down vote
How long can I really go between oil/filter changes?
added by Kyle Cronin Jun 1 '10 at 20:24
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1  
Probably a community wiki because it's such a broad topic but good stuff to know... – Evan Plaice Jun 17 '10 at 4:34
1  
Interesting topic but too many variables for a solid answer, temperature range, city/highway miles, age of vehicle, type of oil, etc. – ManiacZX Jun 22 '10 at 18:01
up vote 8 down vote
What is the basic procedure to wax my car? What supplies are required?
added by Jon Seigel Jun 1 '10 at 22:02
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up vote 7 down vote
How do I perform [obscure repair that can only be found in an out-of-print Haynes manual]?
added by Robert Harvey Jun 1 '10 at 22:26
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up vote 6 down vote
What could be causing my vehicle to overheat if there is ample coolant?
added by soldier.moth Jun 16 '10 at 18:47
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up vote 6 down vote
What is a sway bar. What are the advantages and disadvantages of installing one?
added by Michał Piaskowski Jun 17 '10 at 8:50
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up vote 5 down vote
What kind of motor oil does my [vehicle] need?
added by rlb.usa Jun 3 '10 at 20:35
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up vote 5 down vote
How can I depressurize the fuel system to change the pump or filter?
added by Lee Jun 16 '10 at 9:31
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up vote 5 down vote
I'm getting a P2195 ODB code on my Ford. What does this mean and how do I fix it?
added by Craig Walker Jun 17 '10 at 3:58
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I am actually getting this in real life, and the Googled answers are a bit sporadic. – Craig Walker Jun 17 '10 at 3:59
up vote 5 down vote
Can someone point to a video or step by step instructions on how to inspect and/or replace the brakepads on my car?
added by Seth Spearman Jun 24 '10 at 16:55
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up vote 4 down vote
How does a sparkplug work? [closed]
added by Arlen Beiler Jun 1 '10 at 21:27
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closed as off topic by John Gietzen, Craig Walker, Jeremy White, t_scho, extropy Jun 29 '10 at 8:15

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.
up vote 4 down vote
What simple modifications can I do to increase the power of my engine?
added by Jon Seigel Jun 1 '10 at 22:03
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1  
Probably community wiki because it's broad, but good question anyway. – Evan Plaice Jun 17 '10 at 4:36
up vote 4 down vote
What could cause my ABS light to be lit up on my 2002 Ford Mustang GT?
added by soldier.moth Jun 16 '10 at 18:48
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up vote 4 down vote
What are the benefits of buying a $50 K&N air filter and recharging it over buying cheapo air filters and replacing them frequently?
added by Evan Plaice Jun 17 '10 at 4:43
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up vote 3 down vote
What causes gumming of oil in turbo engines?
added by Kyle Cronin Jun 1 '10 at 20:21
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up vote 3 down vote
Is hydrogen injection a valid, practical technique for increasing gas mileage?
added by Robert Harvey Jun 1 '10 at 22:24
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up vote 3 down vote
How can I add an iPod input to my vehicle's stereo system?
added by Robert Harvey Jun 1 '10 at 23:32
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up vote 3 down vote
My 2002 Holden Commodore has an M30 four-speed 4L60-E automatic gearbox. I want to change it to a M35 five-speed Getrag. Do I need a new flywheel?
added by Mark Henderson Jun 3 '10 at 1:46
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up vote 3 down vote
How do I re-gas my airconditioning?
added by Mark Henderson Jun 3 '10 at 1:46
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Somewhere not in Iceland, it's 105F and the AC is all out of juice. – rlb.usa Jun 3 '10 at 20:40
up vote 3 down vote
How does one go about hotwiring a car? [closed]
added by Lee Jun 16 '10 at 9:33
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closed as off topic by Adam Davis, Bob Cross, Annath, Stephen Jennings, Gelatin Jun 19 '10 at 12:52

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.

Is it off-topic because it's illegal? Maybe you need to know how they do it to better protect your vehicle... or maybe you lost your keys? :) – Xavier Poinas Jul 7 '10 at 13:27
I'd agree with it being on-topic, assuming the legality isn't an issue. It could be a legitimate repair question, and the answer would provide great details on the electrical system related to the ignition. – Paul Kroon Jul 9 '10 at 3:21
up vote 3 down vote
What should be connected to pin 2 on connector X of the ECU in a 1987 Toyota Celica Supra?
added by Mike Deck Jun 16 '10 at 20:59
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up vote 3 down vote
I have a nail in my tire, does that mean I have to buy a new one?
added by Evan Plaice Jun 17 '10 at 4:41
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up vote 3 down vote
Most common repairs after buying an 84-89 Nissan 300ZX?
added by ManiacZX Jun 22 '10 at 18:27
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up vote 2 down vote
How do I/can I replace my radio with a satnav unit?
added by Jon Seigel Jun 1 '10 at 22:29
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Were the off-topic votes because this is closer to enhancements/modifications than repairs? If so, is that something we should be avoiding, or are those acceptable questions? – Paul Kroon Jul 9 '10 at 3:24
up vote 2 down vote
My electronic throttle control won't turn on after I spun out my 2002 Mustang GT?
added by soldier.moth Jun 16 '10 at 18:51
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up vote 2 down vote
How do you determine proper tire size when putting on different size wheels?
added by ManiacZX Jun 22 '10 at 18:04
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up vote 2 down vote
On an air-cooled VW (60s and 70s-era Bug, Bus or Thing), what steps are required to replace the red silicone intake boots?
added by Matt Goldstein Jun 22 '10 at 18:06
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up vote 2 down vote
How to change the timing belt on an 84-89 Nissan 300ZX?
added by ManiacZX Jun 22 '10 at 18:42
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up vote 1 down vote
What are good torque wrench brands?
added by Kyle Cronin Jun 1 '10 at 20:21
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up vote 1 down vote
Can I take the air intake from a Japanese-spec Mitsubishi Diamante and fit it to a Mitsubishi Verada AWD?
added by Mark Henderson Jun 3 '10 at 1:47
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up vote 1 down vote
Where would the camshaft position sensor be located on my engine?
added by Evan Plaice Jun 17 '10 at 4:37
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