# Maintenance/Repairs **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=6 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 7 --- ## [What's that groaning sound?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-groaning-sound/204057)
**Author:** [@art1966](https://community.cartalk.com/u/art1966)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2026, 10:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-groaning-sound/204057 "2026-01-20T10:34:11Z")
2004 Camry 4-cyl, 170K miles. Sometimes when the wheels first start rolling, there is a groaning sound – not a squeal; it’s at a few hundred Hertz. I’m pretty sure it’s coming from the front of the car, and I can usual… --- ## [Acura RDX Tire Pressure](https://community.cartalk.com/t/acura-rdx-tire-pressure/204805)
**Author:** [@abhisheks77](https://community.cartalk.com/u/abhisheks77)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2026, 1:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/acura-rdx-tire-pressure/204805 "2026-01-20T01:15:57Z")
Hi, I have Acura RDX 2015 model. Since I moved from Seattle to Kansas City, based on different temperature (which swings from 20 to near 100), I keep seeing different alert for tire pressure. My daily commute is around … --- ## [Negligible Amount of Idling?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/negligible-amount-of-idling/204809)
**Author:** [@riverofwind](https://community.cartalk.com/u/riverofwind)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2026, 11:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/negligible-amount-of-idling/204809 "2026-01-19T23:41:55Z")
Hey guys I idle my car about once a month for 5 minutes to pump up all the tires (my tire inflator draws enough juice the car needs to be on to feed it) and every other month for 10-15 minutes to get rid of bubbles in th… --- ## [A "How-To-Post-Multiple-Posts" for this very odd forum software](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-how-to-post-multiple-posts-for-this-very-odd-forum-software/14288)
**Author:** [@Jad2007](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jad2007)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2026, 6:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-how-to-post-multiple-posts-for-this-very-odd-forum-software/14288 "2026-01-19T18:53:54Z")
Well, I think I'm not the only one running into this problem, and I hate losing a post (especially if it was a long one), so hopefully this will help someone out. I'm talking about when you are in a thread, you repl… --- ## [Toyota Auris 1.4 D4D 2007 won't downshift from 4th to 3rd](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-auris-1-4-d4d-2007-wont-downshift-from-4th-to-3rd/204867)
**Author:** [@entrepreneurmindsetclub\_196106](https://community.cartalk.com/u/entrepreneurmindsetclub_196106)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2026, 3:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-auris-1-4-d4d-2007-wont-downshift-from-4th-to-3rd/204867 "2026-01-19T15:39:47Z")
Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice on a specific shifting issue with my 2007 Toyota Auris 1.4 D4D (Manual). I cannot shift from 4th gear into 3rd gear while the car is moving. It feels like hitting a physical wal… --- ## [Miata improrly stored](https://community.cartalk.com/t/miata-improrly-stored/204695)
**Author:** [@oldnotdeadyet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldnotdeadyet)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2026, 1:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/miata-improrly-stored/204695 "2026-01-19T13:47:57Z")
A friend has an older Miata that was improperly stored for at least three years. Most of the time, it was not garaged. The gas is old, the battery is dead, it has not been started. It was probably parked without an oil… --- ## [2012 Malibu, intermittent crank but no start](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-malibu-intermittent-crank-but-no-start/204848)
**Author:** [@Bullfinch](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Bullfinch)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 2:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-malibu-intermittent-crank-but-no-start/204848 "2026-01-17T14:12:10Z")
2012 Malibu, 140k. Started about 1-2 months ago. It cranks but doesn’t start. The lights, radio, etc, come on just fine. I replaced the battery first off. The parts shop said the battery was borderline, it was due, … --- ## [Starts then intermittently dies and won't start](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starts-then-intermittently-dies-and-wont-start/204576)
**Author:** [@vmlbsweber\_143747](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vmlbsweber_143747)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 5:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starts-then-intermittently-dies-and-wont-start/204576 "2026-01-14T17:56:20Z")
2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will start then die. Then it will not start. After pumping the accelerator or holding on the floor and returning later it will start. Nothing codes out. This happens probably 15% of the time. Any id… --- ## [2016 Tacoma 4cyl idle vibrations, abnormal vacuum test](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2016-tacoma-4cyl-idle-vibrations-abnormal-vacuum-test/189173)
**Author:** [@Matt231](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Matt231)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 2:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2016-tacoma-4cyl-idle-vibrations-abnormal-vacuum-test/189173 "2026-01-14T02:47:57Z")
Hi everyone! I recently bought a 2016 Tacoma SR5 2.7L 4WD with 70k mi. At idle in D or R like at a red light (idles around 550rpm) the truck vibrates. Sometimes it’s bad and shakes my head and eyes and feels like someo… --- ## [Messed up my question about coolant](https://community.cartalk.com/t/messed-up-my-question-about-coolant/204734)
**Author:** [@Kennedy1963](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Kennedy1963)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 7:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/messed-up-my-question-about-coolant/204734 "2026-01-13T19:55:19Z")
Been a long day. Im not good at putting pictures on here. So ill try again. This is on my 89 year old moms ford explorer.its a 2012 she bought new. 3.5 engine. All work has been done at the local Ford dealer. 75k miles. … --- ## [Minor bubble on 3yr old Good year tire](https://community.cartalk.com/t/minor-bubble-on-3yr-old-good-year-tire/204735)
**Author:** [@sciconf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sciconf)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2026, 1:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/minor-bubble-on-3yr-old-good-year-tire/204735 "2026-01-11T01:45:37Z")
The bubble is hard to spot - its not all the way on the sidewall. Bubble is closer to the tread. It is a passenger car, hybrid. Should the tire be replaced? --- ## [Is there a place around Boston where you can rent a space to work on your car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-place-around-boston-where-you-can-rent-a-space-to-work-on-your-car/14575)
**Author:** [@Chimpotron](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Chimpotron)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2026, 5:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-place-around-boston-where-you-can-rent-a-space-to-work-on-your-car/14575 "2026-01-10T17:56:31Z")
Are there any spaces to rent or share for those of us mechanically inclined, but lacking sufficient space to store their tools, and work on their vehicles? --- ## [2010 Corolla coils keep going bad](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-corolla-coils-keep-going-bad/204762)
**Author:** [@jpittman2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jpittman2)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2026, 12:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-corolla-coils-keep-going-bad/204762 "2026-01-10T00:59:37Z")
In May 2024, one of my coils went bad (car started misfiring, like it was going to stall). They replaced that coil. Six months later, same thing happened and they replaced another coil. Then in October 2025, same thin… --- ## [2019 Chevrolet Blazer - Temp and AC issues](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2019-chevrolet-blazer-temp-and-ac-issues/200465)
**Author:** [@Seekinghelp](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Seekinghelp)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2026, 12:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2019-chevrolet-blazer-temp-and-ac-issues/200465 "2026-01-08T12:14:19Z")
Temperature Guage doesn’t work, fan on motor runs, air conditioner doesn’t work when this happens and message says, “steering assist reduced, drive with caution.” Replaced temperature coolant sensor, still having problem… --- ## [Toyota Rav4 SRS Warning Light](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-rav4-srs-warning-light/204757)
**Author:** [@caterina3890\_196023](https://community.cartalk.com/u/caterina3890_196023)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2026, 8:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-rav4-srs-warning-light/204757 "2026-01-08T08:08:27Z")
Heya everyone, and happy new year. The SRS Warning Light on my dashboard and the Seat Belt Warning Light are turning on every time I start my car. I haven’t had any collisions. The only thing I can think of is I was away… --- ## [Weird Hatchback Behavior](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-hatchback-behavior/204751)
**Author:** [@chuckrates](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chuckrates)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2026, 1:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-hatchback-behavior/204751 "2026-01-08T01:28:31Z")
Would anyone like to help me solve this mystery? Winter in Maine. It’s cold. Hatchback on my 2024 Integra won’t open. Thinking it’s frozen due to a recent ice storm, I blast it with a heat gun for about five minutes, th… --- ## [What color is this coolant](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-color-is-this-coolant/204733)
**Author:** [@Kennedy1963](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Kennedy1963)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-color-is-this-coolant/204733 "2026-01-06T17:35:23Z")
--- ## [Preemptory parts replacement?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/preemptory-parts-replacement/194773)
**Author:** [@hiker16](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hiker16)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2026, 3:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/preemptory-parts-replacement/194773 "2026-01-05T03:21:48Z")
My wife’s secondary car is a 2015 Honda CRV, with ~ 194,000 miles on it. She’s become reluctant to drive it far, because she believes/ has been told by someone that she should change out the alternator and the starter … --- ## [Help Needed: Cylinder 4 Misfire (No Spark) on 2007 MX-5 Miata NC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-needed-cylinder-4-misfire-no-spark-on-2007-mx-5-miata-nc/200540)
**Author:** [@miataaaa\_br](https://community.cartalk.com/u/miataaaa_br)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2026, 7:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-needed-cylinder-4-misfire-no-spark-on-2007-mx-5-miata-nc/200540 "2026-01-04T19:56:27Z")
Hi everyone, We’re trying to troubleshoot an issue with a 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata NC (6-speed manual, around 160k miles, 4 cylinders 2L), and we’d really appreciate some advice from folks with experience. The problem: Cy… --- ## [BMW custom screw,](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-custom-screw/204699)
**Author:** [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2026, 2:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-custom-screw/204699 "2026-01-01T14:06:47Z")
A “BMW screw” refers to a newly patented, logo-shaped fastener with recessed quadrants, designed to prevent DIY repairs by requiring a proprietary tool BMW Patent Reveals Branded Screw Design That Limits Access to Vehicl… --- ## [GM Passlock](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gm-passlock/204191)
**Author:** [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2025, 5:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gm-passlock/204191 "2025-12-31T05:00:10Z")
2007 Chevy Silverado Classic 1500 LT 5.3, 4L60, 4x4, not Z71, 3006k miles. There is a lot of conflicting information in the net about this. I think I have separated the pepper from the fly specs for the most part, but … --- ## [Why skinny tires?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-skinny-tires/79141)
**Author:** [@melott](https://community.cartalk.com/u/melott)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2025, 1:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-skinny-tires/79141 "2025-12-31T01:02:12Z")
Why are all the new cars going for skinny tires? They are less safe (more likely to come off the rim) and cause a harsh ride. Is this a fashion thing, like short skirts, that we can hope will go away? --- ## [Took these old spark plugs out should i be concerned?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632)
**Author:** [@itouring2010](https://community.cartalk.com/u/itouring2010)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2025, 11:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/took-these-old-spark-plugs-out-should-i-be-concerned/204632 "2025-12-21T23:04:19Z")
old plugs had oil on them. i drove around with new spark plugs after replacement of these old plugs and did multiple stops and drove on highway. everything seems ok? i don’t notice anything wrong. --- ## [Tire gague for a frugal buyer](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tire-gague-for-a-frugal-buyer/154037)
**Author:** [@Keith-Al](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Keith-Al)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2025, 2:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tire-gague-for-a-frugal-buyer/154037 "2025-12-20T02:46:25Z")
I bought a cheapie tire gague a few years ago, one of those pencil types, and it’s acting nutty, giving me a super-high PSI followed by a more normal PSI (36 is what’s recommended.) I’m unemployed so I’m watching every n… --- ## [Exhaust Back Pressure and Emissions](https://community.cartalk.com/t/exhaust-back-pressure-and-emissions/204639)
**Author:** [@jmcarc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jmcarc)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2025, 7:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/exhaust-back-pressure-and-emissions/204639 "2025-12-18T19:39:15Z")
My 2005 Buick Century with 353k miles gets a recurring P0420 code, catalytic converter operating below efficiency level. Twice this year, I tried using Cataclean, but with no success. I noticed a small hole in my muffler… --- ## [How Often Top Off Coolant is "Normal"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-often-top-off-coolant-is-normal/204612)
**Author:** [@pokemonyouandme123\_193319](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pokemonyouandme123_193319)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 6:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-often-top-off-coolant-is-normal/204612 "2025-12-15T18:13:30Z")
2014 Acura TSX, 157k miles, this car has an overflow coolant reservoir Yesterday I noticed a bubble sound when shutting off car. I noticed the coolant level in the reservoir was at the MIN mark. Thankfully the car didn’… --- ## [Is my working area safe?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-my-working-area-safe/107005)
**Author:** [@krazyjosh5](https://community.cartalk.com/u/krazyjosh5)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2025, 12:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-my-working-area-safe/107005 "2025-12-11T12:24:41Z")
Hi all, I’m fairly new to wrenching and I’m looking for feedback on whether my outdoor setup seems safe. I have a gravel driveway area in my backyard where I want to jack my car up and go underneath safely (i.e. pull a… --- ## [2000 Dodge Dakota - overheated](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-dodge-dakota-overheated/204184)
**Author:** [@raystownprimitives\_143914](https://community.cartalk.com/u/raystownprimitives_143914)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2025, 1:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-dodge-dakota-overheated/204184 "2025-12-10T13:23:50Z")
Hello, My 2000 Dodge Dakota with the 3.9l v6 engine overheated. For a few days I noticed when I started the truck it seemed to struggle with starting a little. When I cranked it…it kind of sputtered a little but then s… --- ## [For consumers-Your preferred technician](https://community.cartalk.com/t/for-consumers-your-preferred-technician/59775)
**Author:** [@EdNC878991](https://community.cartalk.com/u/EdNC878991)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2025, 3:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/for-consumers-your-preferred-technician/59775 "2025-12-09T03:03:33Z")
Do you perfer a ASE certified and one which has a degree or are you satisfied with a tech that has "been doing this for 30 years"? Do you look for ASE plaqueard at your mechanics shop? --- ## [Low Battery Warning on a Odyssey, Attempt to Start car W/Foot off Pedal?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/low-battery-warning-on-a-odyssey-attempt-to-start-car-w-foot-off-pedal/204591)
**Author:** [@pokemonyouandme123\_193319](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pokemonyouandme123_193319)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2025, 4:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/low-battery-warning-on-a-odyssey-attempt-to-start-car-w-foot-off-pedal/204591 "2025-12-08T16:08:04Z")
2019 Honda Odyssey, about 65k miles. I accidentally tried starting my van without my foot pressing down on the break pedal (something I don’t do typically) and was greeted with a low voltage battery warning, turn off hea… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=5) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/repair-and-maintenance/6.md?page=7)