Dashboard and Diagnostics
How to Check a Vehicle for Open Safety Recalls With Its VIN
Find your car's VIN, run it through NHTSA's recall lookup, and know what to do whether a recall shows up or the result is zero.
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TunedDrive
Vehicle technology and diagnostics. TunedDrive covers in-car technology, vehicle symptoms and equipment selection, with model-specific context and clear stop points.
Briefs by this desk
12 briefs
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Cameras and Security
How to Stop a Car Alarm That Keeps Going Off
Car alarm keeps going off? Press Unlock on your key fob to silence it, then work out what's setting it off and when to call the dealer.
03
Dashboard and Diagnostics
Why Is My Tire Pressure Light On?
A steady tire pressure light means a tire is low, so check all four with a gauge. If it flashes first and then stays on, the system has a fault.
04
Dashboard and Diagnostics
Can an Oil Change Turn On the Check Engine Light?
Is your check engine light asking for an oil change? Oil reminders use their own message, but low or wrong oil can set off the light on some engines.
05
In-Car Tech
How to Install a Dash Cam
Install a dash cam in the right order. Format the card in the camera, check the view before the mount goes on, then play back a saved clip.
06
Dashboard and Diagnostics
Check Engine Light On but Car Running Fine? What to Do
Car drives normally but the check engine light is on? Check the gas cap, get the codes read soon, and pull over safely if the light starts flashing.
07
Starting and Battery
Why Your Car Battery Keeps Dying and What to Check First
Car battery keeps dying? Have the battery, connections and charging system tested before buying another, and note when it goes flat.
08
Climate
Why Your Car AC Is Not Blowing Cold
Car AC not blowing cold? Check the controls, then notice whether the air is weak or just warm, because each one points to a different problem.
09
Dashboard and Diagnostics
What a Check Engine Light Means and When to Stop Driving
What a check engine light means, when a flashing light means stop driving, and what to save before anyone clears the codes.
10
Buying Guides
How to Use an OBD2 Scanner and Save the Evidence
Using an OBD2 scanner? Save every code, its status and the freeze frame before anyone presses erase, so your mechanic gets the whole record.
11
In-Car Tech
Google Maps Not Working on Android Auto While Other Apps Work
When Google Maps isn't working on Android Auto, compare it on your phone while parked, then fix the part that fails: the icon, search, location or voice.
12
Standards and sourcingCameras and Security
Backup Camera Not Working? What to Check First
If your backup camera is not working, note what the screen did, check the lens while parked, and look for a recall before you pay for a new camera.