Diagnosing auto problems is much more complex than ever, but while automotive troubleshooting can uncover problems that require specialized equipment and knowledge, there are many things that you can do to diagnose auto problems yourself and prevent others from occurring. The next time an indicator light comes on or you notice something amiss, instead of thinking, "Oh no, what now?", you can think, "Hey, I can diagnose my own car problems", at least to a degree where you can often know the difference between an emergency and something that needs to be fixed soon.

Automotive Emergency Lights Troubleshooting

Sometimes, automobile repair troubleshooting starts with something as simple as knowing what each emergency light means.

Originally the indicator lights on a car's dashboard were there to indicate major and potential problems that could have catastrophic results such as low oil levels and an overheating engine. In 1981 this changed as Federal Clean Air laws required catalytic converters and emissions systems. This required additional sensors to monitor oxygen content in fuel mixtures and in the catalytic converter. While this made it easier for technicians troubleshooting automobile problems, it added a level of complexity for drivers. In 1996 additional laws required automakers to upgrade to OBD II. On-Board Diagnostics System Level II is much more extensive and monitors hundreds of conditions throughout your engine, emissions control system, and vehicle safety features, as well as parts of the chassis, body, and accessories.

Unfortunately, different manufactures have adopted different methods and different terms to indicate problems, ranging from phrases such as "check engine soon" and "service engine" to icons that represent the fault area. Even more confusing, how those indicators display may differ from car to car. Some indicators display yellow and others amber, some may light steadily red for an emergency condition in one car or rapidly flash red for the same condition in another. All this can make troubleshooting automobile engine problems confusing for the average driver.

Here's a quick solution. Think of the emergency indicator lights as if they were traffic lights. If the light is red, then stop immediately. If you don't you may have something catastrophic occur if it hasn't already. Yellow or orange indicates a warning, so note it and have your vehicle checked out at PJW Automotive as soon as possible. Call us at (651) 636-6141 to schedule an appointment.

Quick Tip: when you first start your car, all of the lights should come on briefly and then turn off after a brief interval. If a light remains on, then you may have a problem.

PJW serves the entire north metro area of the Twin Cities, Minnesota. In particular, many of our clients come from New Brighton, Mounds View, Fridley, Arden Hills, Spring Lake Park, St Anthony, Columbia Heights, Roseville, Blaine, Circle Pines, Shoreview, North Oaks, Minneapolis, and St Paul, MN. If you don't live in one of those communities, don't let that stop you. Some of our clients even travel from other states to enjoy the high-quality reliable service they receive from PJW Automotive.

Automobile Noise Troubleshooting

One of the most noticeable (and annoying) indicators of car problems can be a noise. Here are some of the common car noises and what they may mean:

High-pitched metallic screech from a wheel

If you hear this sound when your brakes are not being applied, it's most likely your brake wear sensors telling you that your brake pads are wearing out and need replacement.

A heavy 'thump' or 'clunk' from the rear of your vehicle.

If you hear this sound when going around a corner, this may be an indicator that your spare tire is loose. Try tightening the tire in the mount. If you have an under-body mount that is tightened by screwing a bolt in the back of your mini-van or SUV, you may need to have someone lift the tire while you tighten, as some of the winch assemblies are not strong enough to lift the tire all the way into the mount. If this doesn't fix the problem, bring your vehicle in for us to look at.

Squealing from the engine

This is often a loose belt. If your vehicle just drove through standing water, see if the noise continues more than a few minutes; once the belts dry this problem often goes away.

Clicking from the engine

This may be caused by a bent, broken, or loose fan blade or by a low level of engine oil. Check your oil level and inspect your fan. If everything seems normal but you still hear the sound, bring your car in for an inspection. Other problems such as lifters or a loose fan may also cause this problem.

Clicking from a wheel

This can be caused by foreign debris stuck in your wheel, adhesive paper stuck to the tire, or a loose wheel cover. Inspect the wheel and remove any foreign items discovered. Tighten your wheel cover.

Heavy clunk when shifting

This can be a serious problem. Check your transmission fluid level. If the fluid is normal, you may have engine mount problems or a bad joint. Note that some vehicle transmissions may have this problem if the transmission is degrading. In this case, driving the vehicle carefully may be the best solution. Bring your car in for an immediate inspection. Generally, you can still drive your vehicle carefully for a short distance.

Rattling and thumping from under the car

This may be due to a loose muffler or tailpipe. Another indicator may be that your exhaust is louder than normal.

More Automobile Troubleshooting

Other indicators of problems can vary from how your vehicle handles to simple things such as leaking fluids.

If you notice a few drops or a puddle of liquid under your engine, check it first for color.

Clear -If the liquid is clear, it's probably water from your air conditioner, which is normal. If it's slippery, it may be brake fluid. Gasoline is also generally clear, but has a very distinct odor. It also evaporates quickly.
Black/Brown/Amber - If it's black, brown, or amber, this is most likely engine oil; although it's possible that it could also be gear oil. Older cars may leak engine oil normally, but large quantities may be cause for alarm.
Red - Reddish fluid may be transmission or power steering fluid.
Yellow - Clear or yellowish fluid may be brake fluid - check to see if it it's slippery. If it is, it's probably brake fluid. This can be a life-threatening problem!
Green - Green fluid is likely coolant.

Except for the air conditioner and small engine oil leaks, most of these fluid leaks are signs of a potentially serious problem and should be examined immediately.

Schedule a vehicle inspection with PJW Automotive at (651) 636-6141 and rest easy knowing that your vehicle is in the best of hands!

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