Your car’s transmission contains many sophisticated parts that must work in synchronicity to power your vehicle forwards. When your vehicle starts to experience transmission problems, the issue could be the result of a failing transmission position sensor. Using specialized diagnostic tools, a transmission repair specialist in Sacramento can pinpoint the source of your vehicle’s transmission problems. To help you figure out what is going wrong with your transmission system, here is a look at the common signs of a failing transmission position sensor.

Car fails to move out of park.

When your vehicle is unable to shift out of neutral or park, this is a clear indication that there is a serious problem somewhere in the transition system. A failing transmission position sensor may no longer send the right signals to the Powertrain Control Module, or PCM. Without signals from the position sensor, the PCM will no longer know when to shift the transmission’s gears out of park into a moving gear.

Transmission shifts into the wrong gear.

The transmission position sensor and PCM work together to allow the automatic transmission to choose the right gear for various speeds of travel and driving conditions. When your transmission shifts into the wrong gear, you may notice that your engine seems to stall out or rev unexpectedly. If your transmission is continually mismatching its gear selection and gear ratios, you may want to ask your mechanic to check on the condition of your transmission position sensor.

Vehicle becomes locked in a single gear.

Many modern vehicles are equipped with failsafe devices, which prevent the transmission from shifting gears if a mechanical or electrical problem is detected. If your transmission position sensor is failing, your transmission may become locked in an unchanging gear. This condition is known as limp mode, and a car that has gone into limp mode is suffering from severe transmission issues. Fortunately, your mechanic will be able to restore your transmission position sensor to proper working condition and return your transmission to full functionality.

The exhaust that comes out of your car’s tailpipe can provide you with important information about what is going on with your car’s internal systems. If you start to see smoke billowing out of your tailpipe, this is a sign that your car needs immediate auto repair. A shop that offers radiator repair and other car repairs in Sacramento will have the diagnostic tools that are needed to figure out the source of your car’s worrisome smoke. Let’s take a look at what your tailpipe smoke may be telling you.

Blue Smoke

In certain instances, the smoke that is coming out of your tailpipe may take on a blue hue. When your tailpipe is releasing plumes of blue smoke, the origin of the problem may lie in your vehicle’s motor oil sealing system. When oil leaks from your car’s internal seals, it will burn up as it spills onto your engine. The resulting smoke is usually bright blue in color. To remedy the problem, you may need to schedule a seal repair appointment with your mechanic.

White Smoke

While white smoke may be less worrisome than black or blue smoke, any type of smoke coming from your tailpipe can indicate a mechanical issue in your vehicle. If water or antifreeze have cross-contaminated your car’s fuel lines, your car may start to emit large clouds of white smoke. To prevent your car from overheating, you will want to refill your coolant reservoir and bring your car to an auto repair center.

Light Gray Smoke

Automatic transmission failure can be another source of smoke in your tailpipe. If your automatic transmission system is leaking fluid into your engine, the fluid will start to burn and create light gray smoke. To diagnose a transmission fluid leak at home, you can start by checking your transmission dipstick for signs of low or burnt fluid. A professional auto repair appointment will be necessary to remedy your transmission fluid problem.

Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with sophisticated components that should always be replaced by a car repair professional. This video from Car and Driver Magazine will show you how your Mercedes service mechanic will change your car’s headlight bulb. After removing the housing, your mechanic will carefully insert the new headlight into place. An auto shop in Sacramento will have the special replacement parts that are needed for use in your luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

If your headlight or taillight has recently gone out, now is the time to schedule car repair services. Your mechanic can quickly replace your broken bulb and restore your car to safe driving condition in no time.

If you are shopping for a luxurious German vehicle that is offered at a great price, you may want to think about buying a used car. To make sure that your used vehicle is in good mechanical condition, you should always set up a pre-purchase inspection before you finalize the sale. A German auto mechanic that offers pre-purchase inspections in Sacramento can review the performance and safety of your potential vehicle. Check out these answers to some commonly asked questions about the benefits of pre-purchase inspections.

Why should I schedule a pre-purchase inspection?

When you are considering buying a used car, you may be curious as to whether a vehicle check will be worth your time and effort. In fact, having your potential car looked over by a mechanic can save you significant time and money in the long run. If a major mechanical flaw is revealed during the inspection, you will know that it is a much better idea to pass on purchasing the vehicle.

What happens during a pre-purchase inspection?

There are several steps involved when your mechanic looks at a used car. Typically, he will start the process by using computer diagnostic equipment to check for any trouble codes that are being sent out by the vehicle’s computer. Next, he will look at the quality and condition of the engine, brakes, transmission, and tires. Once the car passes the multi-point inspection, it will get the seal of approval from your mechanic.

Who should perform my pre-purchase inspection?

If you already bring your car to a European auto mechanic, you can book your inspection at your regular automotive facility. For first-time German car buyers, it is important to find a mechanic that specializes in repairing your specific make of vehicle. A European auto repair facility that serves your local area will have the tools and knowledge needed to carefully inspect your vehicle. This will allow you to feel confident in your decision.

If you think there might be something wrong with your car, it’s typically a good idea to turn the radio down and listen for strange sounds. In the event that you are in need of transmission repair in Sacramento, there is a good chance that you will hear some strange sounds coming from your vehicle. Abnormal noises are common symptoms of malfunctions in all kinds of appliances, so it might not point you directly to the problem. If you do hear any strange sounds, be sure to talk to your auto mechanic to get to the bottom of the issue. Read ahead for some help in recognizing the sounds of transmission failure.

A transmission problem is not the only type of malfunction that can cause your car to make strange noises. However, there are other signs that typically accompany transmission failure. If you hear noises you have not heard before while also dealing with these symptoms, then you might be more confident that you’re indeed dealing with a transmission problem. If you hear grinding noises coming from the car while also experiencing slipping gears or leaks, then it is most likely time to visit your transmission repair shop.

You don’t need to know much about your car to know that engine failure is a big deal . In some cases, engine repair in Sacramento may not even be enough to bring your engine back to life. This is why you should make every effort to keep your engine in shape, which means understanding why failures might happen. People typically seek engine repair because they didn’t heed their vehicles warnings, change the oil on a regular basis, or notice issues like leaks. Keep reading to take a closer look at some common causes of engine failure.

Ignoring the Warnings

Every car, truck, and SUV comes with warning indicators that can alert you to a problem with your vehicle. However, it’s up to you to pay attention to these warning indicators and talk to your auto mechanic to find out what exactly is wrong. In many cases, a lit up engine oil light is trying to let you know about damage to your engine. The longer you wait before talking to your engine repair professional, the more damage can be done to your engine. Whenever you notice that a warning light is illuminated, you should make it a point to bring your car in for a diagnosis.

Forgetting to Change the Oil

If you don’t stay on top of your regular oil changes, you can expect to seek engine repair relatively frequently. As long as you stick to your regular oil change schedule, you should be able to keep your engine in shape. Although synthetic oil tends to be a bit more expensive, it lasts longer and can be a saving grace for people who often forget to change their oil. If you regularly drive with bad oil, you should expect to talk to your engine repair professional sooner rather than later.

Failing to Notice Leaks

Dirty oil can cause problems for your engine, but a lack of oil can be just as big of an issue. If your car starts springing engine oil, the entire engine will lack the proper lubrication, so see your engine repair specialist right away.

When you bring your vehicle in for routine auto maintenance, your technician will typically include a car diagnostic procedure as a part of your appointment. During an auto diagnostic procedure in Sacramento , your mechanic will gain important insights into the condition of all of the different internal systems of your car. Auto diagnostic equipment may even be able to help your mechanic to find hidden conditions that have not started to show noticeable symptoms.

Auto diagnostic equipment works by scanning the internal computer logs that are generated by your car’s computer. If the computer notices a mechanical or electrical problem in any of your vehicle’s components, it will log a trouble code. Using a special diagnostic scanner, your mechanic can read these trouble codes and determine their severity. The auto diagnostic process can also reveal other maintenance issues, such as dirty engine oil or low tire pressure. In order to achieve the best results from your auto repairs, you want to make sure that your technician is using diagnostic equipment to scan your vehicle.

Today’s vehicles rely on sophisticated automotive electronics for many of their most important systems and functions. If your car electrical system starts to fail, your vehicle may begin to experience severe driving troubles. With services from a shop that offers alternator repair near Sacramento, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your car’s electrical problems have been addressed properly. Read on for an overview of some of the most common problems in car electrical systems.

Trouble Starting

Perhaps one of the most common signs of car electrical problems is when a vehicle has trouble starting. The starter system in your vehicle relies on sensitive electronic components to tell the engine when it is time to start turning. Without a properly working alternator and starter, you might find that your car is unable to move from where it is parked. If nothing happens when you turn your key in the ignition, this is a good indication that your vehicle has an electrical issue affecting the starter.

Visible Battery Damage

Your car’s battery powers all of its electrical systems. At periodic intervals throughout the year, it is a good idea to pop your car’s hood and take a look at the condition of the battery. If you can spot visible signs of damage to the exterior of your car battery, your vehicle may be on its way to having electrical problems. A common visual clue of battery damage is corrosion or leaking liquid on the battery’s surface.

Dimming Lights

Lights provide visibility and safety during the nighttime hours, and whenever road conditions make it harder to see. When you observe that your vehicle’s headlights are dimmer than usual, you might be dealing with an electrical issue in your car. Electrical issues can also cause your headlights to become dimmer as you are driving at lower speeds. Replacing your battery or fixing your alternator could address the underlying electrical cause of your headlight problems.

Wheel alignments help to protect the performance and handling of your vehicle. In this video, you will learn about the basics of wheel alignments. It is also important to note driving your car in poor road conditions can also contribute to wheel alignment going out. When you bring your car in for a wheel alignment in Sacramento, your auto care professional will use diagnostic equipment to determine whether your wheels are toe-in or toe-out. Once the wheel alignment issue has been evaluated, your mechanic can make subtle adjustments to straighten the path of each wheel.

If you are preparing to set up auto maintenance for your vehicle, be sure to ask your mechanic whether or not your car is in need of a wheel alignment. By taking the time to align the wheels of your vehicle, you will be able to make sure that your German car is performing at its peak level of efficiency and safety.

In order to take proper care of your car, you will want to pay attention to any leaks that may appear in your driveway after your vehicle has been sitting in park for any length of time. An oil leak is among the most common types of leaks that can affect German cars. If your car is leaking oil, this may indicate that it has a cracked seal or degraded engine gasket. Leaking oil can also cause other problems. Oil can get on hoses, belts, mounts & bushings, degrade the rubber. It can get in to electrical components & connectors & cause check engine lights. It can get on exhaust components & cause smoking & burning smells. To get to the bottom of what is causing your oil leak, you will want to make an appointment with a certified auto mechanic in Sacramento.

With service from a mechanic that specializes in German auto repair, you can make sure that your oil leak is not causing major damage to your engine. Your mechanic will have the tools that are needed to fully repair the oil leak and restore your engine to clean working condition. If you have recently spotted an unusual leak beneath your car, do not hesitate to schedule car repair services .