Phone: 408-258-6625 | 1701 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose, Ca 95116
| SPEEDOMETER | ||
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Modern Speedometers rarely fail in modern vehicles. When the speedometer does stop functioning, it can usually be attributed to a faulty sensor, gear or (in older vehicles) a damaged cable. Typical symptoms include:
Erratic (jumpy) speedometer needle movement Speedometer is stuck at one speed No speedometer movement at all No backlight or gauge is too dim Diagnosis: We start by checking Technical Service Bulletins the vehicle manufacturer may have posted. A T.S.B. is updated technical information the manufacturer will make available (to shops that subscribe to obtain the information) as repair and defect data is analyzed. Corrective procedures and updated |
parts are created to resolve engineering and manufacturing updates or errors. A TSB is not a "recall" type of problem because it is not a life safety problem or hazardous condition that requires a recall.
We will then associated wiring, sensors, connectors and perform a scan of the vehicles onboard computer to check for fault codes to assist in properly diagnosing the problem. Finally we check the actual speedometer gauge to determine if the fault is in the instrument cluster. Average Diagnosis cost $79 which applies toward repairs. Speedometer Sensor or Electrical Average Repair Cost $100 - $250. Speedometer Calibration or Repair Average Repair cost $175- $275 Instrument cluster bulb replacement Average Repair cost $89 - $139 | |
| TACHOMETER | ||
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Modern Tachometers (also known as RPM gauge) indicates engine speed in as “Revolutions Per Minute. The RPM gauge rarely fail in modern vehicles. When the RPM gauge does stop functioning, it can usually be attributed to a faulty sensor or a problem with entire instrument cluster.
Typical symptoms include: Erratic (jumpy) RPM needle movement RPM needle is stuck at one position RPM need on wrong side of stop pin No RPM needle movement at all No backlight or gauge is too dim Diagnosis: We start by checking Technical Service Bulletins the vehicle manufacturer may have posted. A T.S.B. is updated technical information the manufacturer will make available (to shops that subscribe to obtain the information) as repair and defect data is analyzed. |
Corrective procedures and updated parts are created to resolve engineering and manufacturing updates or errors. A TSB is not a “recall” type of problem because the fault or correction does not address a life safety problem or hazardous condition that requires a Federal Recall Campaign.
We will then test associated wiring, sensors, connectors and perform a scan of the vehicles onboard computer to check for fault codes to assist in properly diagnosing the problem. Finally we check the actual RPM gauge to determine if the fault is in the instrument cluster. Average Diagnosis cost $79 which applies toward repairs. Sensor or Electrical Repair Average Repair Cost $100 - $250. RPM Gauge Calibration or Repair Average Repair cost $175- $275 Instrument cluster bulb replacement Average Repair cost $89 - $139 | |
| PARKING BRAKE WARNING LAMP | ||
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If the parking brake warning remains illuminated after the brake has been released, possibly the parking brake system requires adjustment. This is especially true if the parking brake doesn’t seem to hold the vehicle at all. If the lamp remains illuminated, DO NOT drive the vehicle. This will cause expensive damage and is extremely unsafe to do so.
Common Failures: Parking brake cable adjustment $59 - $79 most cars |
Broken Parking brake cable or hardware $149 - $249 most cars
Broken parking brake shoes (located inside the rear disc brake hub) $175 - $249 most cars Some vehicles are equipped with an automatic parking brake release, if this system should failure, again, DO NOT drive the vehicle. | |
| CRUISE CONTROL REPAIRS | ||
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The cruise control computer gets its signal from the following sources: brake pedal switch, clutch pedal switch (if equipped), electronic vacuum control valve, throttle position sensor, wheel speed sensors and vehicles onboard computer.
A failure in any of these parts will cause the cruise control stop working. Most common failure however is a relay or the brake lamp switch. Average cost for diagnosis $59 for most cars. Average cost for repairs $159 - $259 for most cars. |
What's in the future for cruise control system:
Adaptive Cruise Control A more advanced cruise control that can automatically adjust a car's speed to maintain a safe following distance. This new technology, called adaptive cruise control, uses forward-looking radar, installed behind the grill of a vehicle, to detect the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of it. Adaptive cruise control is similar to conventional cruise control in that it maintains the vehicle's pre-set speed. However, unlike conventional cruise control, this new system can automatically adjust speed in order to maintain a proper distance between vehicles. | |
| LOW COOLANT WARNING LAMP | ||
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This warning lamp may have a different appearance depending in the your vehicle. Simply stated, when your vehicles coolant is low, the lamp will illuminate. Usually this is your only warning before the vehicle begins to overheat. If the lamp is flickering, then the coolant is probably low too. If the low coolant lamp is always illuminated, but the coolant is definitely full, the “low coolant level” switch or the wires leading are a common failure.
Coolant loss can occur from several possible locations. Listed below are sources of coolant loss, and the average costs to repair them. Average cost of a cooling hose replacement is $58 plus coolant/antifreeze. Average repair cost of a radiator replacement is $195 to $295 depending on the vehicle. Average replacement cost of a thermostat is $79 - $149 for most vehicles. Coolant flush service price range $69 - $99 for most vehicles. Pressure cap and reserve tank Radiator caps cost average $7 -$14 |
Heater Core
Ford, Lincoln Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar are among the most expensive heater cores to replace due to the location of the part. The entire dash requires removal to gain access to the climate control system, including the heater core and A/C evaporator. Average cost for the Ford, Lincoln, Mercury heater cores is $575 Dodge and Jeep average $675, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar can cost upwards of $1000 or more. Call for a quote on your particular vehicle. Head Gaskets and Intake Manifold Gaskets Intake manifold gasket replacement is common on later model Chevy Malibu, Chevy Impala, Chevy Blazer, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, although the gasket can fail on any neglected vehicle. Cost range $485 - $$650 Cylinder head repairs can range from $795 for a simple 4 cylinder engine to $1595 for a complex DOHC 6 cylinder engine. | |
| CONTACT SAN JOSE AUTO REPAIR | ||
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Phone: 408-258-6625
1701 Alum Rock Ave San Jose, Ca 95116 Monday - Saturday 8:00am - 7:00pm After hours drop off 24 hours |
Local Towing Services:
Quick Service Towing 408-990-6988 F & E Towing 408-981-7981 CSAA Road Side Assistance 800-222-4357 Unique Towing 408-249-5253 | |
| CHECK ENGINE LAMP | ||
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The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (check engine or service engine soon lamp) will illuminate when the vehicles onboard computer (ECM) has detected the same fault during two consecutive drive cycles or when the ECM has entered fail safe mode.
One function of the ECM is to monitor and detect malfunctioning sensors and actuators, as well as recording emission related diagnostic information. The ECM receives input from sensors, relays, switches, processes the data then generates output signals to control additional solenoids, actuators, and relays to keep the engine and transmission operating smoothly. When a component fails, the ECM will attempt to compensate by changing the output commands to other sensors & actuators. This is why a driver may not notice any difference in how the engine is running when the Check Engine Lamp illuminates. It is best to have the vehicle checked promptly. Most Check Engine Lamp diagnostics are relatively straight forward and should be accomplished within the first hour of diagnosis. |
There are on occasion, multiple parts that have failed or multiple "fault codes" stored that may require additional diagnostic time to figure out. This is more common when Check Engine Lamp has been illuminated for long periods of time or the vehicle has been running poorly for an extended period of time.
Most common reason for the Check Engine Lamp to illuminate is maintenance neglect. Time and time again, techs find the root cause of many time-consuming and costly repairs stem from what could have been a simple repair. An ounce of prevention... Check engine lamp diagnosis range between $49 and $89. We offer more than a simple code scan, some shops do for free to lure in customers. Our job is get to the heart of the problem, provide you a thorough inspection and estimate of recommended repairs. If the vehicle Check Engine Lamp is only on due to a failed fuel cap, we do not charge for the testing. We also apply diagnostic fees toward repairs completed here. | |
| BATTERY WARNING LAMP | ||
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Indicates a failure in the charging system. Common failure is the battery likely discharged or not holding a charge, loose or corroded battery terminals, alternator failure, or a loose belt which drives the alternator.
Testing typically costs $25 to $59 for most cars, we apply this inspection towards repairs. |
Battery replacement range between $59 and $99 most cars utilizing an Interstate battery which have a 60 to 72 month warranty.
A loose fan belt can generally be tightened for a nominal cost, this is more common on older vehicles however. most vehicles now have a self adjusting belt tensioner to reduce the likelihood of a loose belt. | |
| OIL WARNING LAMP | ||
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This is your indication that the engine is low in motor oil, just how low depends on the vehicle manufacturer. Usually by the time this lamp is on steady the engine is so low that damage could occur to the engine if ignored for a period of time. If this lamp is illuminated, it is a serious concern and the vehicle’s engine oil must be checked and filled immediately. Also the cause of the engine oil loss needs to be determined by performing a oil leak test or engine steam clean to locate the source of oil loss. Remember oil leaks are not just an annoyance of a stained driveway or garage. Leaking motor oil can damage rubber components it comes in contact with over time and cause an engine fire if enough gets on hot exhaust parts.
Oil and filter service specials are as low as $29.99, average is $34.99 for most cars and $89.99 for synthetic oil service utilizing Mobil 1. |
Engine oil leak diagnosis can range between free and $99 (for an engine steam clean) depending on the location of the leak, how much oil is leaking and for how long.
Tip: while getting your oil and filter service, ask the technician if they can determine where the oil leak may be coming from. In some cases the problem is obvious once we are under your vehicle and are happy to give your our analysis. 2nd Tip: some oil leak repairs can be addressed during scheduled maintenance, such as timing belt service or water pump for example, be sure to ask if an oil leak can be repaired during the scheduled service at little additional labor or if seals which have a limited life expectancy can be replaced as a preventive measure to keep future repair costs down. | |
| SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP | ||
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Is self explanatory, you buckle up and the light goes out. But if the lamp stays on after you are belted in, it is likely due to a faulty buckle receiver or sensor. If the buckle will not lock this is a serious concern and requires immediate repairs. The seat belt system which automatically pulls the shoulder belt into position are the most problematic. Remember always buckle up and ensure the vehicles occupants are buckled up too.
Typical repair cost $150 - $350 depending on your vehicle. | ||
| ABS OR ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP | ||
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On vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (ABS), a second warning light is provided to warn if a problem occurs within the ABS system. The ABS lamp comes on when the ignition is turned on for a bulb check, then goes out after the engine starts. If the ABS warning light remains on or comes on while driving, it indicates a fault has occurred in the ABS system.
What happens next depends on the nature of the fault. On most applications, the ABS system disables itself if the ABS warning light comes on and remains on. This should have no effect on normal braking. Even so, ABS will NOT be available in an emergency situation or when braking on a wet or slick surface. CAUTION: If the brake warning light also comes on and remains on while the ABS warning light it on, it signals a serious problem. Your vehicle may not be safe to drive. The brakes and ABS system should be inspected immediately to determine the nature of the problem! If the ABS light comes on momentarily then goes out, the nature of the problem is usually minor and the ABS system usually remains fully operational. Some vehicle manufacturers call this kind of fault a "nonlatching" fault (meaning it isn't serious enough to disable the ABS system). |
Regardless of the type of fault that occurred to trigger the ABS warning lamp, a special "code" is recorded in the ABS module's memory to aid in diagnosing the problem. On some vehicles this code can be retrieved by putting the ABS system into a special diagnostic mode. The code is then flashed out through the ABS warning lamp. The code number refers to a diagnostic chart in a service manual that must be followed to pinpoint the faulty component. On other applications, a special "scan tool" must be plugged into the vehicle's diagnostic connector to read out the fault code.
Diagnosing ABS problems requires a fair amount of knowledge and expertise (as well as special equipment in many applications), average diagnosis cost is $89 - $189 depending on your vehicle. Tip: most common repair is the one of the ABS sensors located on two or four wheels depending on the vehicle. Average cost between $80 and $200 plus diagnosis. | |
| AIR BAG WARNING LAMP | ||
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The design is conceptually simple; a central "Airbag control unit" (ACU) (a specific type of ECU) monitors a number of related sensors within the vehicle, including accelerometers, impact sensors, side (door) pressure sensors, wheel speed sensors, gyroscopes, brake pressure sensors, and seat occupancy sensors. When the requisite 'threshold' has been reached or exceeded, the airbag control unit will trigger the ignition of a gas generator propellant to rapidly inflate a nylon fabric bag. As the vehicle occupant collides with and squeezes the bag, the gas escapes in a controlled manner through small vent holes. The airbag's volume and the size of the vents in the bag are tailored to each vehicle type, to spread out the deceleration of (and thus force experienced by) the occupant over time and over the occupant's body, compared to a seat belt alone.
The signals from the various sensors are fed into the Airbag control unit, which determines from them the angle of impact, the severity, or force of the crash, along with other variables. Depending on the result of these calculations, the ACU may also deploy various additional restraint devices, such as seat belt pre-tensioners, and/or airbags (including frontal bags for driver and front passenger, along with seat-mounted side bags, and "curtain" airbags which cover the side glass). Each restraint device is typically activated with one or more pyrotechnic devices, commonly called an initiator. The electric match, which consists of an electrical conductor wrapped in a combustible material, activates with a current pulse between 1 to 3 amperes in less than 2 milliseconds. When the conductor becomes hot enough, it ignites the combustible material, which initiates the gas generator. In a seat belt pre-tensioner, this hot gas is used to drive a piston that pulls the slack out of the seat belt. In an airbag, the initiator is used to ignite solid propellant inside the airbag inflator. The burning propellant generates inert gas which rapidly inflates the airbag in approximately 20 to 30 milliseconds. An airbag must inflate quickly in order to be fully inflated by the time the forward-traveling occupant reaches its outer surface. Typically, the decision to deploy an airbag in a frontal crash is made within 15 to 30 milliseconds after the onset of the crash, and both the driver and passenger airbags are fully inflated within approximately 60-80 milliseconds after the first moment of vehicle contact. If an airbag deploys too late or too slowly, the risk of occupant injury from contact with the inflating airbag may increase. Since more distance typically exists between the passenger and the instrument panel, the passenger airbag is larger and requires more gas to fill it. |
Front airbags normally do not protect the occupants during side, rear, or rollover accidents. Since airbags deploy only once and deflate quickly after the initial impact, they will not be beneficial during a subsequent collision. Safety belts help reduce the risk of injury in many types of crashes. They help to properly position occupants to maximize the airbag's benefits and they help restrain occupants during the initial and any following collisions.
In vehicles equipped with a rollover sensing system, accelerometers and gyroscopes are used to sense the onset of a rollover event. If a rollover event is determined to be imminent, side-curtain airbags are deployed to help protect the occupant from contact with the side. Tip: if you are in the market for a used car and come across a vehicle with the air bag illuminated, or it does not illuminate briefly during key on engine start; it is likely that there are additional repairs not completed after an accident. Such as missing air bags, faulty sensors or air bag module. We recommend you steer clear from a used vehicle exhibiting these clues due to possible safety concerns. Average cost can vary greatly due to complexity of this important safety system. $150 for the average sensor failure to a range of $550 - $950 per air bag depending on your vehicle. | |
| TEMPERATURE GAUGE OR LOW COOLANT WARNING LAMP - COOLING SYSTEM EXPLAINED | ||
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How Does a Cooling System Work?
The cooling system is made up of the passages inside the engine block and heads, a water pump to circulate the coolant, a thermostat to control the temperature of the coolant, a radiator to cool the coolant, a radiator cap to control the pressure in the system, and some plumbing consisting of interconnecting hoses to transfer the coolant from the engine to radiator and also to the car's heater system where hot coolant is used to warm up the vehicle's interior on a cold day. A cooling system works by sending a liquid coolant through passages in the engine block and heads. As the coolant flows through these passages, it picks up heat from the engine. The heated fluid then makes its way through a rubber hose to the radiator in the front of the car. As it flows through the thin tubes in the radiator, the hot liquid is cooled by the air stream entering the engine compartment from the grill in front of the car. Once the fluid is cooled, it returns to the engine to absorb more heat. Average repair cost of a radiator replacement is $195 to $295 depending on the vehicle. A thermostat is placed between the engine and the radiator to make sure that the coolant stays above a certain preset temperature. If the coolant temperature falls below this temperature, the thermostat blocks the coolant flow to the radiator, forcing the fluid instead through a bypass directly back to the engine. The coolant will continue to circulate like this until it reaches the design temperature, at which point, the thermostat will open a valve and allow the coolant back through the radiator. Average replacement cost of a thermostat is $79 - $149 for most vehicles. Circulation The coolant follows a path that takes it from the water pump, through passages inside the engine block where it collects the heat produced by the cylinders. It then flows up to the cylinder head (or heads in a V type engine) where it collects more heat from the combustion chambers. It then flows out past the thermostat (if the thermostat is opened to allow the fluid to pass), through the upper radiator hose and into the radiator. The coolant flows through the thin flattened tubes that make up the core of the radiator and is cooled by the air flow through the radiator. From there, it flows out of the radiator, through the lower radiator hose and back to the water pump. By this time, the coolant is cooled off and ready to collect more heat from the engine. The capacity of the system is engineered for the type and size of the engine and the work load that it is expected to undergo. Obviously, the cooling system for a larger, more powerful V8 engine in a heavy vehicle will need considerably more capacity then a compact car with a small 4 cylinder engine. On a large vehicle, the radiator is larger with many more tubes for the coolant to flow through. The radiator is also wider and taller to capture more air flow entering the vehicle from the grill in front. The water pump has the job of keeping the fluid moving through this system of plumbing and hidden passages. Water pump replacement can vary widely as some are very easy to access (1-2 hours), and other vehicles require removal of other components to gain access to the water pump (5-6 hours). Price range $195 - $595 for most cars. Tip: ask your tech about which services and wearable parts can be replaced during a water pump replacement. This strategy can save you money in the long run of vehicle ownership. Antifreeze The coolant that courses through the engine and associated plumbing must be able to withstand temperatures well below zero without freezing. It must also be able to handle engine temperatures in excess of 250 degrees without boiling. A tall order for any fluid, but that is not all. The fluid must also contain rust inhibiters and a lubricant. The coolant in today's vehicles is a mixture of ethylene glycol (antifreeze) and water. The recommended ratio is fifty-fifty. In other words, one part antifreeze and one part water. This is the minimum recommended for use in automobile engines. Less antifreeze and the boiling point would be too low. In certain climates where the temperatures can go well below zero, it is permissible to have as much as 75% antifreeze and 25% water, but no more than that. Pure antifreeze will not work properly and can cause a boil over. Antifreeze is poisonous and should be kept away from people and animals, especially dogs and cats, who are attracted by the sweet taste. Ethylene Glycol, if ingested, will form calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys which can cause acute renal failure and death. Coolant flush service price range $69 - $99 for most vehicles. Radiator Fans Mounted on the back of the radiator on the side closest to the engine is one or two electric fans inside a housing that is designed to protect fingers and to direct the air flow. These fans are there to keep the air flow going through the radiator while the vehicle is going slow or is stopped with the engine running. If these fans stopped working, every time you came to a stop, the engine temperature would begin rising. On older systems, the fan was connected to the front of the water pump and would spin whenever the engine was running because it was driven by a fan belt instead of an electric motor. In these cases, if a driver would notice the engine begin to run hot in stop and go driving, the driver might put the car in neutral and rev the engine to turn the fan faster which helped cool the engine. Racing the engine on a car with a malfunctioning electric fan would only make things worse because you are producing more heat in the radiator with no fan to cool it off. The electric fans are controlled by the vehicle's computer. A temperature sensor monitors engine temperature and sends this information to the computer. The computer determines if the fan should be turned on and actuates the fan relay if additional air flow through the radiator is necessary. If the car has air conditioning, there is an additional radiator mounted in front of the normal radiator. This "radiator" is called the air conditioner condenser, which also needs to be cooled by the air flow entering the engine compartment. You can find out more about the air conditioning condenser by going to our article on Automotive Air Conditioning. As long as the air conditioning is turned on, the system will keep the fan running, even if the engine is not running hot. This is because if there is no air flow through the air conditioning condenser, the air conditioner will not be able to cool the air entering the interior. Cooling fan repairs start at $59 for wiring or sensor related problems to an average of $250 - $350 for entire fan and motor assembly replacement. Pressure cap and reserve tank As coolant gets hot, it expands. Since the cooling system is sealed, this expansion causes an increase in pressure in the cooling system, which is normal and part of the design. When coolant is under pressure, the temperature where the liquid begins to boil is considerably higher. This pressure, coupled with the higher boiling point of ethylene glycol, allows the coolant to safely reach temperatures in excess of 250 degrees. The radiator pressure cap is a simple device that will maintain pressure in the cooling system up to a certain point. Radiator caps cost average $7 -$14 Head Gaskets and Intake Manifold Gaskets All internal combustion engines have an engine block and one or two cylinder heads. The mating surfaces where the block and head meet are machined flat for a close, precision fit, but no amount of careful machining will allow them to be completely water tight or be able to hold back combustion gases from escaping past the mating surfaces. In order to seal the block to the heads, we use a head gasket. The head gasket has several things it needs to seal against. The main thing is the combustion pressure on each cylinder. Oil and coolant must easily flow between block and head and it is the job of the head gasket to keep these fluids from leaking out or into the combustion chamber, or each other for that matter. A typical head gasket is usually made of soft sheet metal that is stamped with ridges that surround all leak points. When the head is placed on the block, the head gasket is sandwiched between them. Many bolts, called head bolts are screwed in and tightened down causing the head gasket to crush and form a tight seal between the block and head. Head gaskets usually fail if the engine overheats for a sustained period of time causing the cylinder head to warp and release pressure on the head gasket. This is most common on engines with cast aluminum heads, which are now on just about all modern engines. Once coolant or combustion gases leak past the head gasket, the gasket material is usually damaged to a point where it will no longer hold the seal. This causes leaks in several possible areas. For example: combustion gases could leak into the coolant passages causing excessive pressure in the cooling system. coolant could leak into the combustion chamber causing coolant to escape through the exhaust system, often causing a white cloud of smoke at the tailpipe. Other problems such as oil mixing with the coolant or being burned out the exhaust are also possible. |
Some engines are more susceptible to head gasket failure than others. I have seen blown head gaskets on engines that just started to overheat and were running hot for less than 5 minutes. The best advice I can give is, if the engine shows signs of overheating, find a place to pull over and shut the engine off as quickly as possible.
Head gaskets themselves are relatively cheap, but it is the labor that's the killer. A typical head gasket replacement is a several hour job where the top part of the engine must be completely disassembled. These jobs can easily reach $1000 or more. On V type engines, there are two heads, meaning two head gaskets. While the labor won't double if both head gaskets need to be replaced, it will probably add a good 30% more labor to replace both. If only one head gasket has failed, it is usually not necessary to replace both, but it could be added insurance to get them both done at once. A head gasket replacement begins with the diagnosis that the head gasket has failed. There is no way for a technician to know for certain whether there is additional damage to the cylinder head or other components without first disassembling the engine. All he or she knows is that fluid and/or combustion is not being contained. One way to tell if a head gasket has failed is through a combustion leak test on the radiator. This is a chemical test that determines if there are combustion gases in the engine coolant. Another way is to remove the spark plugs and crank the engine while watching for water spray from one or more spark plug holes. Once the technician has determined that a head gasket must be replaced, an estimate is given for parts and labor. The technician will then explain that there may be additional charges after the engine is opened if more damage is found. Intake manifold gasket replacement is common on later model Chevy Malibu, Chevy Impala, Chevy Blazer, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, although the gasket can fail on any neglected vehicle. Cost range $485 - $$650 Cylinder head repairs can range from $795 for a simple 4 cylinder engine to $1595 for a complex DOHC 6 cylinder engine. Heater Core The hot coolant is also used to provide heat to the interior of the vehicle when needed. This is a simple and straight forward system that includes a heater core, which looks like a small version of a radiator, connected to the cooling system with a pair of rubber hoses. One hose brings hot coolant from the water pump to the heater core and the other hose returns the coolant to the top of the engine. There is usually a heater control valve in one of the hoses to block the flow of coolant into the heater core when maximum air conditioning is called for. A fan, called a blower, draws air through the heater core and directs it through the heater ducts to the interior of the car. Temperature of the heat is regulated by a blend door that mixes cool outside air, or sometimes air conditioned air with the heated air coming through the heater core. This blend door allows you to control the temperature of the air coming into the interior. Other doors allow you to direct the warm air through the ducts on the floor, the defroster ducts at the base of the windshield, and the air conditioning ducts located in the instrument panel. Ford, Lincoln Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar are among the most expensive heater cores to replace due to the location of the part. The entire dash requires removal to gain access to the climate control system, including the heater core and A/C evaporator. Average cost for the Ford, Lincoln, Mercury heater cores is $575, Dodge and Jeep average $675, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar can cost upwards of $1000 or more. Call for a quote on your particular vehicle. Hoses There are several rubber hoses that make up the plumbing to connect the components of the cooling system. The main hoses are called the upper and lower radiator hoses. These two hoses are approximately 2 inches in diameter and direct coolant between the engine and the radiator. Two additional hoses, called heater hoses, supply hot coolant from the engine to the heater core. These hoses are approximately 1 inch in diameter. One of these hoses may have a heater control valve mounted in-line to block the hot coolant from entering the heater core when the air conditioner is set to max-cool. A fifth hose, called the bypass hose, is used to circulate the coolant through the engine, bypassing the radiator, when the thermostat is closed. Some engines do not use a rubber hose. Instead, they might use a metal tube or have a built-in passage in the front housing. These hoses are designed to withstand the pressure inside the cooling system. Because of this, they are subject to wear and tear and eventually may require replacing as part of routine maintenance. If the rubber is beginning to look dry and cracked, or becomes soft and spongy, or you notice some ballooning at the ends, it is time to replace them. The main radiator hoses are usually molded to a shape that is designed to rout the hose around obstacles without kinking. When purchasing replacements, make sure that they are designed to fit the vehicle. There is a small rubber hose that runs from the radiator neck to the reserve bottle. This allows coolant that is released by the pressure cap to be sent to the reserve tank. This rubber hose is about a quarter inch in diameter and is normally not part of the pressurized system. Once the engine is cool, the coolant is drawn back to the radiator by the same hose. Average cost of a cooling hose replacement is $58 plus coolant/antifreeze. Tip: Always take the recommendation to replace hoes in pairs, and with a thermostat if not yet replaced in 80000 miles. Cooling System Maintenance and Repair An engine that is overheating will quickly self destruct, so proper maintenance of the cooling system is very important to the life of the engine and the trouble free operation of the cooling system in general. The most important maintenance item is to flush and refill the coolant periodically. The reason for this important service is that anti-freeze has a number of additives that are designed to prevent corrosion in the cooling system. This corrosion tends to accelerate when several different types of metal interact with each other. The corrosion causes scale that eventually builds up and begins to clog the thin flat tubes in the radiator and heater core. causing the engine to eventually overheat. The anti-corrosion chemicals in the antifreeze prevents this, but they have a limited life span. Newer antifreeze formulations will last for 5 years or 150,000 miles before requiring replacement. These antifreezes are usually red in color and are referred to as "Extended Life" or "Long Life" antifreeze. GM has been using this type of coolant in all their vehicles since 1996. The GM product is called "Dex-Cool". Most antifreeze used in vehicles however, is green in color and should be replaced every two years or 30,000 miles, which ever comes first. You can convert to the new long life coolant, but only if you completely flush out all of the old antifreeze. If any green coolant is allowed to mix with the red coolant, you must revert to the shorter replacement cycle. The National Automotive Radiator Service Association (NARSA) recommends that motorists have a seven-point preventative cooling system maintenance check at least once every two years. The seven-point program is designed to identify any areas that need attention. It consists of:
Average inspection at San Jose Auto Repair is $39 for cooling system inspection. Inspection applies towards repairs. | |
| FUEL GAUGE | ||
Here are our tips for getting the most miles per gallon of gas you pay for:
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NEW INFORMATION: Replacing a Clogged Air Filter on Modern Cars Improves Performance but Not MPG. A new study shows that replacing a clogged air filter on cars with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines does not improve fuel economy but it can improve acceleration time by around 6 to 11 percent. This kind of engine is prevalent on most gasoline cars manufactured from the early 1980s onward. Tests suggest that replacing a clogged air filter on an older car with a carbureted engine may improve fuel economy 2 to 6 percent under normal replacement conditions or up to 14 percent if the filter is so clogged that it significantly affects drivability. Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $2.67/gallon. | |
| ODOMETER | ||
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Following the factory scheduled service recommendations is the best way to properly maintain your vehicle, reduce costly breakdowns, get a better resell value and improved reliability. All parts have a certain life expectancy, so there is a lot of value in the inspection portion of these services. Just how much you are charged for an experienced technician for this service is the challenge. Most dealerships charge the highest price for what public perception of “just looking at the car to tell me what is wrong!”
There is value a thorough examination so we can get a benchmark of repairs that will be needed in the future and what is required today. Here at San Jose Auto Repair, we strive to perform a thorough, comprehensive vehicle inspection with every repair. Not just during a scheduled service. Our goal is to get to know you, our customer and everything about your vehicle. Your safety and the vehicle’s reliability is our top priority. Below are classic 15k 30k and 105K services for a 2002 Honda Accord 2.3 Liter VTEC (call for details and costs on your particular vehicle) Normal Maintenance 15000 MI or 24000 KM Visual Inspection: Brakes-Check brake hose/line, Brake and traction control, front and rear brakes. Cooling system-Check all accessible hoses for damage, leaks or deterioration, check fan operation Exhaust System-Check exhaust manifold, front pipe, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes, connectors and mounting brackets. Fluids-Check the level and condition of all fluids. Fuel Supply Line- Check fuel filler, fuel tank, accessible fuel lines. Parking brake system Steering and Suspension-Check tie rod ends, steering gear box, CV axle boots, Control arm bushings, struts and strut mounts. Replace Engine oil and filter Rotate tires Average cost $59 depending on your vehicle. Normal Maintenance 30000 MI or 48000 KM Visual Inspection: Brakes-Check brake hose/line, Brake and traction control, front and rear brakes. Cooling system-Check all accessible hoses for damage, leaks or deterioration, check fan operation Exhaust System-Check exhaust manifold, front pipe, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes, connectors and mounting brackets. Fluids-Check the level and condition of all fluids. Fuel Supply Line- Check fuel filler, fuel tank, accessible fuel lines. |
Parking brake system
Steering and Suspension-Check tie rod ends, steering gear box, CV axle boots, Control arm bushings, struts and strut mounts. Replace: Engine oil and filter Air filter Cabin Air filter Valve cover gasket if valves are adjusted Rotate tires Adjust valves only if noisy $299 (including valve adjustment) is our cost for this example, call for a price quote for your vehicle. Normal Maintenance 105000 MI or 168000 KM Visual Inspection: Brakes-Check brake hose/line, Brake and traction control, front and rear brakes. Cooling system-Check all accessible hoses for damage, leaks or deterioration, check fan operation Exhaust System-Check exhaust manifold, front pipe, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes, connectors and mounting brackets. Fluids-Check the level and condition of all fluids. Fuel Supply Line- Check fuel filler, fuel tank, accessible fuel lines. Idle Speed Parking brake system Steering and Suspension-Check tie rod ends, steering gear box, CV axle boots, Control arm bushings, struts and strut mounts. Water pump Replace: Engine oil and filter Air filter Cabin Air filter Valve cover gasket if valves are adjusted Balance Shaft Belt Timing Belt Spark Plugs (platinum) Rotate tires Adjust valves only if noisy $599 (including valve adjustment) is our cost for this example, call for a price quote for your vehicle. | |
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