Question 1

What are mistakes made when jumping a car?

Accepted Answer

Mixing up negative and positive cables is the most common mistake. When you mix up the negative and positive cable it ruins your car's alternator. Just remember black to negative and red to positive. Other common mistakes are using cheap cables that don't conduct properly, letting the cables swing and become detached, touching the clips together, and ignoring cracks in your battery or dirty battery terminals.

Question 2

What should I be careful of when changing a car battery?

Accepted Answer

It may sound obvious but be sure that you do not drop the battery. Be careful not to let the tools touch both the negative and positive terminals simultaneously, as it could create a spark, cause the battery to short out, or even damage the vehicle's electrical components.Make sure to separate the cables to the side so that they don't touch the battery until it is in place. Attach the negative cable first and then the positive cable. If have any doubts while you are trying to change your battery you should always call in an expert.

Question 3

How do I replace my car battery without losing car memory?

Accepted Answer

Use a car memory saver or other secondary power source. If you don't own a car memory saver, come to Matt Davis Auto and we can do this process for you. First, make sure to turn off your car before you unplug the battery. Next, plug the car memory saver into the cigarette lighter or the OBD2 connector. Remove the old battery and install the new battery and attach the connectors. Finally, unplug the memory saver from the car.

Question 4

Why is my engine stalling after replacing my car battery?

Accepted Answer

If your car lost battery power completely then your car's computer system may have lost valuable information to regulate engine performance causing it to stall even after you replace the battery.However, the car's system will quickly collect new data and engine performance should return to normal. In some case you may need to have the throttle body, or your idle air control valve cleaned out as carbon deposits can build up inside these parts, pushing them beyond the computer's ability to regulate engine performance.

Question 5

How do I unlock my steering wheel?

Accepted Answer

Place your foot on the brake and turn the wheel in the direction in which it has a little range of motion. This should ease the tension in the steering column and allow you to turn the key. Turning the key unlocks the steering wheel. Do not try to unlock your steering wheel without a key or if the battery is dead. This should only be done by a professional auto repair technician.

Question 6

How do I change my keyless entry remote battery?

Accepted Answer

This should work for most remotes:Remove the metal blade key from the remote.Use a standard (flat head) screwdriver to gently pry open the fob.Remove the battery. It is usually a small round lithium watch battery.Insert a new battery.Snap the key fob back together.Insert the metal blade key into the fob.

Question 7

What does a dead starter sound like?

Accepted Answer

Clicking noises upon turning the key are a classic sign of starter failure. However, this isn't the only clue. A dying starter might remain completely silent or offer subtle warnings through whirring or grinding sounds before finally giving up the ghost.

Question 8

Why won't my car start?

Accepted Answer

The most common reason why a car will not start is a bad or dead battery. However, there are several other possibilities too. If you are having trouble getting your vehicle started, give Matt Davis Auto a call at 919-398-6171. Our auto repair professionals will try to help you diagnose the issue, which could be one of these problems:Failing alternatorStarter motorIgnition switch malfunctionBad spark plugsCracked distributor capBroken timing belt

Question 9

What are the 3 situations where headlights are required?

Accepted Answer

First, you should make sure both of your headlights are in good working order before driving your car. Headlights must be in use from sunset to sunrise.Secondly, headlights are also necessary when you cannot see more than 400 feet in front of you. You should also use your car's headlights whenever windshield wipers are in use.Thirdly, some studies have shown that when drivers elect to always drive with their headlights on it can reduce automobile accidents.

Question 10

Do parking lights and turn signals use the same bulb?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your car uses the same bulb for the front turn signal and parking lights. Side bulbs are located on the inside of the wheel wells. All lights on your car will eventually burn out and need to be replaced.

Auto Electrical Repair & Maintenance