Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Does the P0420 Code Mean?
A P0420 code flags low Bank 1 catalyst efficiency. Learn the possible causes and what should be checked before you approve replacement parts.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
Warning states, OBD information, tires, and safe next steps.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay?
A bad fuel pump relay can cause a no-start or a sudden stall. Here’s how to read the symptoms and what to have checked before replacing parts.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Brake Booster?
A bad brake booster can cause a newly hard pedal, longer stops, and hissing when you brake. If braking changes while driving, stop and arrange a tow.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
How to Know What Your Tire Pressure Should Be
Use the recommended cold PSI on the vehicle’s tire label, usually inside the driver’s door. Match each tire to its front, rear, or spare value.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Is Tire Balancing?
Tire balancing uses rim weights to help a mounted tire and wheel spin smoothly. A speed-related shake calls for a check, but balancing cannot repair damage.
News
Autel Opens HVAC Training Day for Techs and Educators
Autel U.S. hosts a one-day HVAC and thermal management training session in New York for technicians and educators, led by AC909 developer Gary DeLuca.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
5 OBD2 Scanners That Can Run Active Tests
These five scanners can command vehicle components during diagnosis. Two offer free ongoing updates, while gateway access and activation requirements differ.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Does It Mean When Your Steering Wheel Shakes?
A shaking steering wheel can point to different problems depending on when it happens. Start with the timing, then check the tires while parked.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Does Anti-Lock Brake System Mean?
ABS helps you steer while braking hard. Learn what pedal pulsing means, when an ABS light needs diagnosis, and when a brake warning means stop.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Is a Vehicle Alignment?
An alignment sets your wheel angles to your car's specifications. Learn what the shop checks, what the report shows and which symptoms to mention.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Is Tire Alignment?
Tire alignment measures and corrects wheel angles so your car tracks straight and wears its tires evenly. Check cold tire pressure before paying for it.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Are ABS Brakes on a Car?
ABS brakes help keep wheels rolling so you can steer during a hard stop. A pulsing pedal can be normal; an ABS light that stays on needs attention.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Does ESC Mean on a Car?
ESC means Electronic Stability Control. See what a flashing, steady or OFF light means, and when another brake warning changes your next step.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
How to Tell the Age of a Tire
The last four DOT digits give a tire's manufacturing week and year. Read them to work out its age, then check what that age means for your tire.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
How to Put Air in Car Tires
To put air in car tires, find the recommended pressure, use your own gauge at the pump, and recheck each tire after filling.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
How to Check Tire Size
Read the driver’s door placard for the factory tire size, then compare it with the complete sidewall code on each tire on your car.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
How to Check a Vehicle for Open Recalls by VIN
Enter your VIN in the free federal recall lookup. An open result needs action; a zero result means no unrepaired recall appears within the lookup’s coverage.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
Why Is My Tire Pressure Light On?
A steady tire pressure light usually means low air. Check all four tires with a gauge; a light that flashes first points to a monitoring fault.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
Can a Check Engine Light Come On for an Oil Change?
A check engine light isn't an oil change reminder. Oil trouble or something disturbed during service can trigger it, so identify the warning first.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
Why Is My Check Engine Light On but the Car Runs Fine?
Check engine light on but car running fine? Check for a flashing light or other warnings first, then check the fuel cap and arrange a diagnosis.
Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Does a Check Engine Light Mean?
A flashing check engine light calls for a safe stop. If it's steady and the car feels normal, check your car's warning instructions and arrange a diagnosis.
