# Maintenance/Repairs **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=2 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 3 --- ## [Tow Truck Damage - Help?!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tow-truck-damage-help/58665)
**Author:** [@sbax1208](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sbax1208)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 4:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tow-truck-damage-help/58665 "2026-07-09T16:37:49Z")
This weekend my car was towed by the city of New York for alledgely being parked to close to a fire hydrant. They towed my car using the front end to tow yard. I took my car to the dealership afterward and they are tel… --- ## [Secure Gateways are now used to block diagnostic access](https://community.cartalk.com/t/secure-gateways-are-now-used-to-block-diagnostic-access/205900)
**Author:** [@TheWonderful90s](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheWonderful90s)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 8:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/secure-gateways-are-now-used-to-block-diagnostic-access/205900 "2026-07-08T20:12:25Z")
I just learned about Secure Gateways. It’s a device that blocks access to the vehicle’s modules from the OBD2 port, or somehow ensures that a dealer scanner is being used before it will allow access. “Automakers with … --- ## ["coolant temp too low" but warming seems OK](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-temp-too-low-but-warming-seems-ok/205830)
**Author:** [@Ray-O\_Vac](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ray-O_Vac)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2026, 1:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-temp-too-low-but-warming-seems-ok/205830 "2026-07-05T01:51:04Z")
I’m trying to understand why my 2011 civic (8th gen) is generating a p0128 code (coolant temp too low). It’s happened twice, spaced about 7 weeks apart. Neither engine nor cooling system has had recent work, and coolant… --- ## [SRS and airbag code reader](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895)
**Author:** [@jdmere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdmere)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2026, 1:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/srs-and-airbag-code-reader/205895 "2026-07-03T13:02:29Z")
I have a 2016 Subaru Forester with a persistent “passenger airbag off” message and an illuminated airbag light on the instrument cluster. My current code reader doesn’t have the capacity to read any codes associated wit… --- ## [Wheel frozen to hub 2014 Hyundai Accent](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wheel-frozen-to-hub-2014-hyundai-accent/205907)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Chrisq](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dr_Chrisq)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 9:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wheel-frozen-to-hub-2014-hyundai-accent/205907 "2026-06-30T21:59:42Z")
I just came back from Mavis. They were trying to change a front tire but the wheel is frozen to the hub. They tried penetrating oil, heating and pounding. I’m not sure how long they kept the penetrating oil before heati… --- ## [Jarring clunk into first gear - sometimes](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629)
**Author:** [@JunkOwner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JunkOwner)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2026, 2:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jarring-clunk-into-first-gear-sometimes/205629 "2026-06-26T14:43:14Z")
I have a 2014 Chrysler Town and Country with 76K miles. The transmission works properly most of the time. No problems shifting through the gears. Usually OK from stationary into reverse or forwrd gears. Except, occas… --- ## [What kind of adhesive is used for rubber strips on the outside of a vehicle?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-kind-of-adhesive-is-used-for-rubber-strips-on-the-outside-of-a-vehicle/205901)
**Author:** [@TheWonderful90s](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheWonderful90s)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2026, 8:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-kind-of-adhesive-is-used-for-rubber-strips-on-the-outside-of-a-vehicle/205901 "2026-06-25T20:53:16Z")
90s Toyotas have a rubber strip around the wheel to protect it from getting hit by someone’s door. It goes in the same place as a fender flare on a truck. The rubber is shrinking and starting to come off. What kind of a… --- ## [Noise When Going Over Bumps After 4 New Struts](https://community.cartalk.com/t/noise-when-going-over-bumps-after-4-new-struts/205885)
**Author:** [@pokemonyouandme123\_193319](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pokemonyouandme123_193319)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/noise-when-going-over-bumps-after-4-new-struts/205885 "2026-06-25T18:37:21Z")
2020 Honda Accord, 120k miles on it. I hear a scrape and pop sound when going over bumps and a metal scrape when turning. Sound appeared to be mainly coming from the front and back on both sides. Dealer had said it was … --- ## [Synthetic oil life inflation, caught in the act](https://community.cartalk.com/t/synthetic-oil-life-inflation-caught-in-the-act/205872)
**Author:** [@TheWonderful90s](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheWonderful90s)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 9:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/synthetic-oil-life-inflation-caught-in-the-act/205872 "2026-06-22T21:44:21Z")
Some product, same SKU, different copyright dates, same price. One says 10,000 miles, the newer one says 15,000 miles. The the more modern left package has a more minimalist design on the back with fewer words and less … --- ## [Brake Light Comes on When Locking Car, But Not When Pressing Brake Pedal?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-light-comes-on-when-locking-car-but-not-when-pressing-brake-pedal/205877)
**Author:** [@pokemonyouandme123\_193319](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pokemonyouandme123_193319)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 3:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-light-comes-on-when-locking-car-but-not-when-pressing-brake-pedal/205877 "2026-06-19T03:23:43Z")
2004 Camry. When I press my brake pedal, The Left brake light turns on as well as the top only. The right brake light does not turn on. However, when I lock my car, the right brake light turns on (as well as the left and… --- ## [Toyota Turbo V6 recalls](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-turbo-v6-recalls/205807)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-turbo-v6-recalls/205807 "2026-06-16T20:07:37Z")
The attached transcript from The Drive’s podcast discusses Toyota’s recall of 270,000 Tundras and other models with the twin turbo 3.4 L V6. They have manufacturing debris inside the engine that causes a spun bearing. Th… --- ## [2012 Toyota Rav4 4 cyl automatic transmission fluid 46,000 miles](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-toyota-rav4-4-cyl-automatic-transmission-fluid-46-000-miles/205835)
**Author:** [@SteveCBT](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveCBT)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-toyota-rav4-4-cyl-automatic-transmission-fluid-46-000-miles/205835 "2026-06-16T17:15:54Z")
My daughters low mileage RAV4 transmission fluid recently turned black. I check the fluid once a month, went from pink and sweet normal odor to black and no odor. No over heating, no codes, no driveability problems. W… --- ## [1999 Nissan Maxima- Repair clutch or new car search?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-nissan-maxima-repair-clutch-or-new-car-search/205848)
**Author:** [@GMan88](https://community.cartalk.com/u/GMan88)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 1:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-nissan-maxima-repair-clutch-or-new-car-search/205848 "2026-06-16T13:28:32Z")
Hi, everyone. Thank you all in advance for your insight. I was able to use everyone’s post on another recent problem to decide to replace my other car. I have another case and I’m wondering if I can get some perspectives… --- ## [Best quick and dirty rust treatment?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-quick-and-dirty-rust-treatment/205737)
**Author:** [@cwatkin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cwatkin)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2026, 11:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-quick-and-dirty-rust-treatment/205737 "2026-06-15T23:46:46Z")
I was recently given a small trailer that had a past life in northern Illinois and was used in the winter. It is structurally solid but has surface rust over a large part. I was wanting to try and treat this and wanted… --- ## [Suspension on BMW 528i vs 528i xDrive](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suspension-on-bmw-528i-vs-528i-xdrive/104302)
**Author:** [@igor](https://community.cartalk.com/u/igor)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2026, 5:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suspension-on-bmw-528i-vs-528i-xdrive/104302 "2026-06-14T17:30:13Z")
Seems like I need to replace the struts and shocks on my 2013 528i xDrive. The shop quoted me a rather large sum for parts and labor, which led me to wonder if I can do this as a DIY project. I have some questions about … --- ## [2010 Ford Fusion "Service Power Steering Now"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-ford-fusion-service-power-steering-now/86975)
**Author:** [@sean.smith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sean.smith)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2026, 1:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-ford-fusion-service-power-steering-now/86975 "2026-06-09T13:46:30Z")
First, I should say that my Fusion has an EPAS (Electronic Power Assist Steering) which means that there is no hydraulic pump but rather an electric motor which provides the assistance to the steering system. In Januar… --- ## [Drive Without Sway bar to DIAG, Universal Subframe Adapter?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/drive-without-sway-bar-to-diag-universal-subframe-adapter/205744)
**Author:** [@pokemonyouandme123\_193319](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pokemonyouandme123_193319)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2026, 12:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/drive-without-sway-bar-to-diag-universal-subframe-adapter/205744 "2026-06-09T12:51:49Z")
Trying to DIAG possible worn out sway bar bushings on a Honda Accord. On this car, the bushings appear to be molded/formed directly to the sway bar, and you are not supposed to attempt to replace just the bushings, and g… --- ## [Bad AC comp or add just freon?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-ac-comp-or-add-just-freon/205821)
**Author:** [@realrobd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/realrobd)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2026, 6:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-ac-comp-or-add-just-freon/205821 "2026-06-06T18:32:12Z")
Blowing warm air. Compressor clutch engages when air turned on. I replaced the clutch coil last summer. Low side reading ~39 High side ~45. Low side does react (very little) when RPM is increased, high side does not. M… --- ## [AT YOUR PERIL: Yet another oil discussion. 0W-20, 5W-30 & 5W-40](https://community.cartalk.com/t/at-your-peril-yet-another-oil-discussion-0w-20-5w-30-5w-40/205774)
**Author:** [@TheWonderful90s](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheWonderful90s)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2026, 9:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/at-your-peril-yet-another-oil-discussion-0w-20-5w-30-5w-40/205774 "2026-06-05T21:40:59Z")
Title: We Tested 0W-20, 5W-30 & 5W-40 in the ENGINE — One Clear Winner! They test the 3 oils and do oil analysis to measure the wear metals to determine wear. Edit, there is no need to report the topic an… --- ## [Self Locking Clinch Nuts on Lower Ball Joint - Reuse?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/self-locking-clinch-nuts-on-lower-ball-joint-reuse/205756)
**Author:** [@pokemonyouandme123\_193319](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pokemonyouandme123_193319)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2026, 2:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/self-locking-clinch-nuts-on-lower-ball-joint-reuse/205756 "2026-06-01T14:07:06Z")
2020 Honda Accord. I’m now realizing that the lower ball joints use self locking clinch nuts. Have never heard of clinch nuts before. Anyways the service information says to replace them. This is with regards to the lowe… --- ## [Any experience with front end "steering and suspension kits" for older cars?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/any-experience-with-front-end-steering-and-suspension-kits-for-older-cars/205723)
**Author:** [@JoeMario](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JoeMario)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/any-experience-with-front-end-steering-and-suspension-kits-for-older-cars/205723 "2026-05-28T20:09:19Z")
Does anyone here have experience with Front Steering and Suspension kits for older cars? \[1\] I’m helping a friend get a 1966 Mustang he inherited back up and running. The body is in nice condition. He’s looking at it… --- ## [When it rains it pours, car trouble](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-it-rains-it-pours-car-trouble/205685)
**Author:** [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2026, 9:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-it-rains-it-pours-car-trouble/205685 "2026-05-22T21:01:26Z")
So last week my side detection on 2017 GMC Acadia Ltd had a service soon. Made an appointment for Tuesday. So today battery completely dead, have a jump starter and could get a little revolution but not enough to turn ov… --- ## [What all to take from a car before a junkyard hauls it away?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-all-to-take-from-a-car-before-a-junkyard-hauls-it-away/205701)
**Author:** [@bcohen2010](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bcohen2010)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2026, 12:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-all-to-take-from-a-car-before-a-junkyard-hauls-it-away/205701 "2026-05-22T00:25:24Z")
I am, of course talking about parts of the car itself, not the license plates and personal effects. The car is a 2002 Daewoo Lanos. It is being junked because the engine failed (the cylinder head cracked), and I decide… --- ## [Car Stalls at lights](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-stalls-at-lights/205666)
**Author:** [@fridaynightbingo\_182276](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fridaynightbingo_182276)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2026, 2:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-stalls-at-lights/205666 "2026-05-19T14:48:11Z")
I have a 2009 Pontiac Vibe, It seems to run fine on the highway but is struggling with stop and go traffic. When at stop lights, or trying to accelerate from a stop the engine jolts and cuts off. The engine has also shut… --- ## [Brake master cylinder seals for Chinese ev trike](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-master-cylinder-seals-for-chinese-ev-trike/205699)
**Author:** [@Josephc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Josephc)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 9:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-master-cylinder-seals-for-chinese-ev-trike/205699 "2026-05-17T21:43:38Z")
I have a 07 zap xebra truck. The seal at the rear of the master cylinder has given up and leaks fluid into the cab floor. I removed the maser cylinder and have disassembled. Problem is the there are no parts available fo… --- ## [NissanAltima](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nissanaltima/62690)
**Author:** [@garykg](https://community.cartalk.com/u/garykg)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 11:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nissanaltima/62690 "2026-05-16T23:13:21Z")
Push button wont start car and is stranded at a rest area. How to reset, tricks, etc to get it to crank --- ## [Where Is Bank 1, Sensor 2 O2 Sensor on 2000 Buick Century 3.1 L Engine?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-is-bank-1-sensor-2-o2-sensor-on-2000-buick-century-3-1-l-engine/205672)
**Author:** [@gudenteit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gudenteit)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2026, 3:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-is-bank-1-sensor-2-o2-sensor-on-2000-buick-century-3-1-l-engine/205672 "2026-05-15T15:11:22Z")
I have the trouble code titled Bank 1 Sensor 2 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction. Can someone tell me what this means, where this O2 sensor is in my car, and what has to be done? It doesn’t sound like the trouble is i… --- ## [Frayed Battery Ground Strap Almost Down To Its Last Strand!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/frayed-battery-ground-strap-almost-down-to-its-last-strand/205669)
**Author:** [@gudenteit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gudenteit)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2026, 10:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/frayed-battery-ground-strap-almost-down-to-its-last-strand/205669 "2026-05-14T22:08:13Z")
This 2016 Kia Rio has a a seriously corroded and frayed braided geoundstrap! I now have replaced it. --- ## [Fuel pump and/or relay?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-pump-and-or-relay/205633)
**Author:** [@ef0118\_196648](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ef0118_196648)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2026, 2:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-pump-and-or-relay/205633 "2026-05-14T14:22:18Z")
I drive a 2004 Ford Ranger, which I’ve had for the life of the truck. For a few years, I’ve had the CEL on more often than not, usually for codes related to oxygen sensors and cat converter. I’ve taken the truck to a co… --- ## [ECM not communicating](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ecm-not-communicating/197864)
**Author:** [@dianiskatomas\_191452](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dianiskatomas_191452)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2026, 1:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ecm-not-communicating/197864 "2026-05-11T13:08:09Z")
Hi, my ford is doing weird things and PCM or ecm is not communicating properly(when i connect to ecm after few seconds i have to reconnect). At random times relay in engine bay relay of glowplugs starts to click for few … [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=1) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=3)