Auto Repair Questions - Free Help - Expert Mechanic

Today's auto repair industry requires more electrical equipment, training and know how to diagnose car problems than ever before. Here on this website you will find free car and truck repair help, questions, advice, pictures and videos. An expert mechanic explains the basics to the latest high tech in automotive repairs.

Scanning the computer for stored "Trouble Codes" is the first step to diagnose most newer car and truck problems. But, the days of pulling codes from the computer because a warning light is on, then replacing parts because it is in the code list, are over.

Repairing problems on todays vehicles requires a scanner that can not only read codes, but also view live computer sensor data and control different systems and their related components. Parts replacing can get very expensive.

Have you had the experience of you or a mechanic replaced a part, did not fix the car, then guessed at another related item. When that did not repair the car, the usual response of a local mechanic is:
"Well, gonna have to take it to the dealer".

THAT'S WHERE I COME IN.

I have been an ASE Certified Dealership Technician for over 20 years. I started as a apprentice back in the late 1980's. Fuel injection was just coming onto the automotive scene. The industry was changing rapidly from then on.

Antilock brakes were just in their infancy. Airbags were getting ready to play a big part in the safety of new cars and trucks. Transmissions were being developed with a fourth gear, called overdrive. Many different modules were being added on board every year to make the vehicles more fuel efficient and luxurious.

The industry has changed so much over the last 20 years that it was, and is getting harder to keep up. I go to training more often recently than I ever have. Car technology is changing more each model year. Some vehicles change in the middle of the current year being produced.

The day to day job of auto repair has become more difficult, but also more rewarding. Many more customers are grateful for the job I do. They seem to understand that most car repairs cannot be done by the backyard mechanic anymore. Even simple things like replacing brakes or doing a tune up can easily be done improperly and cause more harm to your vehicle.

So look around. I think you will find some excellent information and learn a few things in the process.

Question: I have a 2002 Buick LaSabre Custom, with a bit over 97,000 miles. While I am driving the car starts to sputter, and then shuts off on me. I have taken it to the mechanic 4 times and because when I bring it in it is not having that problem the mechanics say they can't figure out what the issue is. I have had the battery and alternator replaced by one mechanic, the line from the battery to the box under the hood cleaned of corrosion by the 2ND, and the something sensor replaced by a third, the fourth mechanic couldn't do anything. After all this I am still having the problem. Would you happen to know what might be causing this, and is it common in these cars.

Question:Does the coolant temperature sensor have anything to do with the fuel injectors on 2002 Buick Lesabre?

Answer: The coolant temperature sensor has nothing to do with the fuel injectors.

Car starts fine when warm but won't start when cold unless primed with starting fluid and will not start when it cools unless primed.

I'd think you have a fuel pump problem.

The pressure at the fuel rail is correct.

What was the pressure?

Around 45 PSI.

Around 45 psi? That isn't very specific?!

On the first crank 47 psi then varies slightly after about the 3rd crank but never falls below 45.