Share your thanks with Tom Eisenberg
Your thanks is on its way!
Tom Eisenberg
Auto Technician
wikiHow's Editorial ProcesswikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Forum Comments (1)
Q&A Comments (48)
Co-authored Articles (66)
How to Get Out of Limp Mode: 5 Ways to Bypass, Signs, & More
Signs your car is in limp mode, and how to start driving again Has your car's Check Engine light come on? Is your car not reviving up to full power? Are you not able to shift into high gear? Your car may have entered "...
Moving a Vehicle’s Electric Power Seat Forward or Back Manually
The manufacturer-recommended method, plus DIY optionsPower seats are really convenient for getting comfy in your vehicle—until they decide to stop working, that is. When that happens, a power seat becomes a big hassle....
How to
Flush a Heater Core
If your vehicle’s heater isn’t working as well as it used to, or has stopped working entirely, it may be the result of a clog in your heater core. The heater core is similar to a radiator and is a part of the vehicl...
Does Your Car Struggle to Start But Then Runs Fine?
How to diagnose and solve the problem If your car is struggling to start, it generally points to an issue with your starter, battery, air filter, or fuel pump. However, your alternator or coolant sensor may be involved...
What Happens if You Put Too Much Oil in a Car? Your Questions Answered
You probably know that low engine oil is problematic, but did you know adding too much oil can cause issues and potential damage, as well? If you're curious about what happens to a vehicle in this scenario, you've come t...
How to
Clean an Abs Sensor
Your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) keeps the tires from locking up when you brake, helping you stay safe on the road. If you notice the ABS light lit up on your dashboard, that means something is interfering...
Can You Start a Vehicle with a Bad Starter? Quick Fixes & Troubleshooting
Bypass your vehicle’s starter to get back on the road safely There’s nothing worse than hopping into your vehicle to take a trip or run some errands only to turn that key and nothing happens. Luckily, there are a few...
How to
Fix a Cigarette Lighter in a Car
Even if you don’t smoke in your car, you probably use the cigarette lighter—which, in newer vehicles, often doesn’t even come with the “button” that actually heats up to light a cigarette—to plug in things li...
How to
Find Your Engine's Top Dead Center (TDC)
Top dead center, sometimes referred to as TDC, is the point in which the piston in the number one cylinder position of your engine is at its highest point on the compression stroke. You may need to identify top dead cen...
How to
Add Oil to Your Car
The oil that runs through your vehicle's engine helps cool down all of its moving parts.. 26 July 2019. You can save yourself a couple of bucks by changing the oil in your car yourself. While all vehicles are a little di...
How to
Tell if Engine Is Damaged from No Oil
Oil is a key factor in keeping your car running, and a low oil level could be detrimental. Engines create heat, and oil flows through them to cool each moving part.. 26 July 2019. No oil means no cooling. In this article...
How to
Install a Rear View Camera
A rear-view camera, also known as a backup camera, lets you see what’s behind your vehicle without having to look backwards. Though the device comes standard with many new car models, you can add a rear-view camera to ...
How to
Open a Trunk
When you can't find your car keys or your electronic key fob isn't working, getting into your trunk may seem like an impossible mission. Fortunately, there are some tricks you can try to get into the trunk. If your car i...
Causes and Fixes for a Vehicle That Won’t Start after Fueling Up
A simple guide to help you repair your car and get it back on the roadIf your car doesn’t start up after getting gas, there may be an issue with your battery, the fuel system, or the ignition system. We're here to expl...
How to
Test a Car Starter
A car that won’t start is definitely frustrating. If your car won't start, it might be a sign that something is wrong with your car's starter, which is responsible for kicking over the engine.. 26 July 2019. If you ha...
How to
Find the 5 Digit Default Keyless Code on Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer
Using the Keyless Entry feature for a Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer can be a convenient feature. However, if you forget your personal code it can be a challenge to get into your car without damaging it. There are ...
The Top Causes & Fixes for Emission System Issues
DIY repairs for your emission system and when to see a mechanic Did you recently fail an emissions test or notice your vehicle suddenly running poorly? Your vehicle’s emission system measures, filters, and removes har...
How to Check and Add Oil to a Car
Learn to quickly read your vehicle's dipstick and add more engine oil Checking the oil level in your car is essential to maintaining its life. It's one of the most straightforward bits of regular maintenance, especially ...
How to
Repair Leather Car Seats
If you’ve got a tear, hole, or crack in your leather car seat, you may be wondering whether you need all new upholstery. Fortunately, you can repair small amounts of damage by yourself. Fix tears with a repair kit, use...
How to
Identify a Ford Motor
The Ford Motor Company has put identification number tags on some of its motors since the mid-1950s and on all of its motors since January 1964. These tags tell you the month and year of production, the model year, the c...
