What's Your Car Doing?

Pick your symptom to find the likely codes, causes, and fixes.

⚠️

Check Engine Light Flashing

Flashing CEL usually means a misfire -- stop driving and diagnose immediately.

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💥

Car Shaking at Idle

Vibrations at idle often point to misfires, vacuum leaks, or worn motor mounts.

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🔑

Car Won't Start

No-start conditions caused by battery, starter, fuel, or immobilizer issues.

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🌡️

Engine Overheating

Rising temp gauge or steam from the hood -- coolant, thermostat, or fan problems.

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🐌

Car Won't Accelerate

Loss of power under throttle from clogged filters, bad sensors, or transmission faults.

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⚙️

Rough Idle

Engine surges or stumbles at idle -- dirty IAC, vacuum leaks, or fouled spark plugs.

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Poor Gas Mileage

Sudden drop in fuel economy from O2 sensors, injectors, or air filter issues.

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💨

White Smoke from Exhaust

White exhaust smoke usually means coolant is burning -- possible head gasket leak.

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🔊

Engine Knocking Noise

Knocking or pinging under load from bad fuel, carbon buildup, or bearing wear.

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Car Jerking When Accelerating

Jerky acceleration from dirty injectors, failing ignition coils, or transmission slip.

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🔋

Battery Light On

Battery warning light indicates charging system failure -- alternator, belt, or wiring.

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🛑

Car Stalling

Engine stalls at idle or while driving -- fuel pump, sensor, or airflow problems.

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👃

Gas Smell from Car

Fuel odor inside or outside the car from EVAP leaks, injector seals, or fuel lines.

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📉

Car Losing Power

Gradual or sudden power loss from exhaust restrictions, boost leaks, or fuel delivery.

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Still not sure?

If you already have a code, search by code on the homepage. Or browse all codes by category to narrow it down.