CAR VIBRATES AT HIGH SPEEDS

SYMPTOM SUMMARY There is a vibration or shimmy at high speeds. The symptom may get worse as the vehicles speed increases and may or may not be present at lower speeds.USUAL CAUSE The usual cause of a vibration or shimmy at high speed is improper tire balance or damaged tires.DIAGNOSIS Perform a careful visual inspection of each tire. Look for damage to the tires such as bulges or exposed steel belts. Inspect the wheels for dents, warpage or missing lug nuts. Check the tire pressure to ensure all tires are inflated evenly and to the correct pressure (check the owner's manual for the correct tire pressure - it should also...

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BRAKE WARNING LIGHT IS ON

SYMPTOM SUMMARY The red brake warning lamp remains on after the vehicle is started. USUAL CAUSE The brake system is equipped with a red brake warning lamp that will illuminate under certain conditions. Some vehicles feature a float located in the master cylinder that will illuminate the brake warning lamp when the fluid level becomes too low. The light will also come on if hydraulic pressure is lost in one of the front or rear brake channels. Usually the proportioning valve contains the circuit that will turn the light on during hydraulic pressure failure. It will also automatically prevent any additional fluid to be...

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MASTER CYLINDER IS LOW ON BRAKE FLUID

SYMPTOM SUMMARY The master cylinder is low on brake fluid or the brake fluid continually goes low. USUAL CAUSE It is normal for the master fluid level to decrease slightly as the brake pads wear. As the brake pads wear, the pistons in the caliper extend to compensate for the friction wear. As this occurs, the caliper will store more brake fluid in the caliper cylinder and will decrease the fluid level in the master cylinder.DIAGNOSIS You will need to determine whether the fluid level is low in the master cylinder due to a fluid leak or the normal brake pad wear discussed above. A brake inspeciton should be...

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LOUD SQUEAL HEARD WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED

SYMPTOM SUMMARY A loud squeal is emitted from under the hood when the steering wheel is turned.USUAL CAUSE This symptom is usually caused by a loose or worn power steering belt.DIAGNOSIS With the help of an assistant, rotate the wheel all the way to the right or left while inspecting the drive belts. If the drive belts slip or squeal, service will be necessary. With the vehicle off, inspect the belts for wear or cracking. Some vehicles utilize a single serpentine belt that drives all of the accessories. These types of belts usually use an automatic tensioner that maintains the proper tension at all times....

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THERE IS A LIQUID ON THE FLOORBOARD OF MY CAR

SYMPTOM SUMMARYThere is a liquid present on the floorboard of the vehicle. The fluid may be green or clear and may be more noticeable after operating the heating or air conditioning system. USUAL CAUSE Water present on the floorboard is usually caused by one of two things. Water is circulated into the passenger compartment through the heater core. The heater core is heated by the engine coolant. Air is then blown over the heater core, by the blower motor when the heater is on, to heat the passenger compartment. If this core develops a leak, it will usually leak into the passenger compartment floorboard. A heater core that has only a pin-hole sized leak, may not be leaking on the floor but may produce a fine mist or oily film that collects on the...

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FRONT END DIPS WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKES

SYMPTOM SUMMARY The vehicle dips forward when the brakes are applied.USUAL CAUSE This symptom is usually caused by misadjusted rear brakes or weak shocks or struts.DIAGNOSIS The shocks or struts can be tested by bouncing the front of the vehicle several times by placing your body weight on the front bumper. Once the vehicle starts the up and down motion, remove your weight from the front bumper. The up and down bouncing should come to a stop after only one or two additional bounces. If the the vehicle continues to bounce, the front shocks or struts may require replacement. A tire inspection can reveal worn...

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CAR PULLS WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKES

SYMPTOM SUMMARY The vehicle pulls to the right or left when the brakes are applied.USUAL CAUSE The usual cause of this symptom is contamination on the braking surface or a malfunctioning caliper. It can also be caused by different tire sizes on the right and left wheels. Worn suspension components can also cause this symptom.DIAGNOSIS If contamination, such as grease or oil is present on the left side, the vehicle will pull to the right since the left side will not provide the same braking force as the right. A visual inspection is the first step in diagnosing the problem. Perform a visual inspection on both sides of...

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