From a master tech who’s replaced 500+ MAF sensors: here’s exactly what fails, how to test it, and whether you can clean it or need a new one. Quick Answer MAF sensor problems typically show up as rough idle, hesitation, or poor fuel economy. Cleaning works 30-40% of the time if the sensor is just … Read more
Quick Answer: A clogged fuel filter typically causes poor acceleration, engine hesitation, stalling, and difficulty starting. Most vehicles need fuel filter replacement every 30,000-60,000 miles. DIY replacement costs $15-50 for parts, while professional service ranges from $80-200. A Tuesday Morning That Almost Went Wrong It was 7:45 AM on a chilly Tuesday in November when Mrs. … Read more
By Hank Riggs, ASE Certified Master Technician (L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist) 15+ Years Turning Wrenches, Diagnosing Drives, and Solving the Toughest Automotive Mysteries When your car’s engine stumbles, hesitates, or flat-out refuses to pull like it used to, your gut might scream “transmission trouble” or “ignition coil failure.” And sure, those can be culprits. … Read more
It was a Tuesday morning in late September when Mrs. Chen rolled into my bay with her 2016 Honda Accord. “It just doesn’t go anymore,” she said, frustration clear in her voice. She’d press the gas pedal to merge onto the highway, and the car would wheeze like an asthmatic trying to run a marathon. … Read more
Tuesday morning, 7:30 AM. A ’98 Civic rolls into my bay with the customer white-knuckled and frustrated. “It keeps dying at every stoplight,” she says, her voice cracking. The poor girl’s been nursing this thing for weeks, restarting it in traffic like she’s playing Russian roulette with rush hour. One quick scan, a $47 part … Read more
It was 3:47 PM on a sweltering Tuesday in July when Mrs. Henderson’s 2012 Toyota Camry rolled into my bay. “It’s making this weird hissing sound, and the idle keeps dropping so low I think it’s going to stall,” she said, wiping sweat from her brow. I’ve heard this story hundreds of times, and my … Read more