Category Archives: Diagnostics & Maintenance

For the US-market 2016 Nissan Altima CVT, Nissan identifies CVT Fluid NS-3 in its owner’s manual. Do not apply that specification automatically to every Altima year or transmission. Give the workshop the VIN and confirm the applicable Nissan documentation before booking service. What does the 2016 manual specify? The manual recommends Genuine Nissan CVT Fluid… Read More: Nissan Altima Transmission Fluid Change: Specification and Service Checks »

If your steering wheel shakes when braking at high speeds, the first area to inspect is usually the front brake system—particularly the brake rotors (also called discs), pads and caliper movement. An uneven braking surface or uneven braking force can create a pulse that travels through the pedal, steering gear and steering wheel. However, the… Read More: Steering Wheel Shakes When Braking at High Speeds: Causes, Checks… »

If the cigarette lighter socket is not working in your car, the fault may be a blown fuse, an outlet that only operates with the ignition in a particular position, a failed or contaminated socket, a loose or damaged connection, wiring trouble or, on vehicles fitted with one, a relay issue. The symptom alone cannot… Read More: Cigarette Lighter Socket Not Working in Your Car? Causes, Fuse… »

An “Oil Pressure Low—Stop Engine” message is an oil-pressure warning, not simply a routine oil-change reminder. It can mean the engine is not receiving sufficient lubrication pressure, although a faulty sensor, switch, or wiring circuit can also produce an inaccurate warning. Treat it as urgent until the cause has been established: pull over safely as… Read More: Oil Pressure Low—Stop Engine: What It Means, What to Do,… »

P0300 means the vehicle’s computer has detected a random or multiple-cylinder misfire. In plain English, one or more combustion events are not contributing normally, but the code does not identify a failed part by itself. Worn spark plugs, an intake-air leak, an air/fuel-mixture problem and damaged wiring are among the possible causes. Record any other… Read More: P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms and What… »

A grinding sound when turning the steering wheel is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. It can come from a wheel bearing, a CV joint or axle, hydraulic power-steering components on vehicles fitted with them, steering or suspension joints, a strut mount, brake hardware, or something physically rubbing at a wheel. The important clues are… Read More: Grinding Sound When Turning the Steering Wheel: Causes, Checks and… »

P0300 means the vehicle’s OBD-II system has detected an engine misfire occurring randomly and/or across more than one cylinder, rather than consistently identifying one cylinder alone. A misfire is a cylinder failing to make its normal contribution to combustion and engine power. Broadly, that can happen when spark, fuel delivery or compression is absent or… Read More: P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms and What… »

A steering wheel that shakes at high speeds is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Tyre and wheel concerns—including incorrect inflation, worn or damaged tread, and wheel imbalance—are sensible places to inspect first, particularly when the vibration happens while cruising. But brake problems, acceleration-related engine or engine-mount vibration, a bent axle or damaged driveshaft, and steering… Read More: Steering Wheel Shakes at High Speeds: Likely Causes, Checks, and… »

A steering wheel that makes a rubbing noise when turning can be caused by several different systems, including the steering assist, steering column, upper strut-bearing area, and front wheel-end or driveline components. The sound alone cannot identify the failed part. The most useful first clue is when it happens: while parked, only once the vehicle… Read More: Steering Wheel Makes a Rubbing Noise When Turning: Causes, Checks,… »

P0011 is the generic OBD-II fault code for “A” Camshaft Position—Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1). Put simply, the engine computer has found that the relevant Bank 1 camshaft timing is more advanced than commanded, has exceeded a calibrated limit, or cannot be brought back into its expected operating range. It identifies a cam-timing-control… Read More: P0011 Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1): Meaning, Causes, Diagnosis… »