We have two ways to help you! Need help with a simple repair? Ask the Auto Tech! Simply e-mail your question to maintenance@johns4x4.com and you’ll receive an answer back within 48 hours!

Or

Check out our list of common symptoms and get answers to your car questions. You can even schedule an appointment to get the problem fixed once and for all!

• My Engine Won’t Start
• My Car Pulls Left/Right
• My Car Shakes While Driving
• My “Check Engine Light” is On
• My Car Sounds/Smells Funny
• Can a Breakdown Be Prevented?

Click on one of the above to get started.

The most common reason for an engine is battery trouble. A weak battery, dead battery, loose or bad battery cable connections will cause starting problems. There are other reasons as well, a failed starter, failed alternator, failed ignition or fuel injection system will all cause problems with your vehicle not starting.

Take a moment to answer the following questions so that we can help:
     Has this happened before, or is this the first time?
     Does it crank as though trying to start?
     Will the engine run if jump-started?
     Did you notice any other symptoms prior to this problem?
     Has any service been performed on your car recently?

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There are a good number of reasons that can cause your vehicle to pull, failed brake pads or calipers, worn suspension bindings, steering linkage problems, incorrect tire pressure, improper wheel alignment and defective tires to name a few.

By answering the following questions, we can better help determine what the potential problem is:
     Does the car pull at all times?
     Does the car only pull when braking?
     Does the car pull when accelerating?
     Has any service been performed on your car recently?

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Any one or more of the following items could be the cause of a shaking condition, worn CV joints, worn U joints, engine misfires, warped brake rotors and/or drums, bent or damaged wheels, out of balance tires or out of round tires.

To better assist in the diagnosis, answer these questions:
     Does it shake at any speed in particular?
     Does it shake when stopped and idling?
     Does is shake more when accelerating?
     Does it shake when braking?
     Has any service been performed on your car recently?

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Vehicle warning lights are just that a warning that something isn’t right. Not every light is an indication of a major problem but at the same time should be checked so that a major problem doesn’t develop. A few reasons a check engine light can come on are poor engine tune condition, electronic engine control system problem, electronic transmission control system problem, normal maintenance reminder light, failed alternator and failed ignition or fuel injection system.

Answering these questions as thoroughly as possible will help to determine the cause of the problem:
     Is the light on all the time, or intermittently?
     Do you notice any other symptoms in addition to the light?
     Have routine 30K/60K/90K services been performed?
     Has any service been performed on your car recently?

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Paying attention to what you hear and smell is important when deciding if there is a problem with your car. Unusual sounds and smells are excellent indicators of trouble.

Any of the following can cause strange smells or sounds:
     Faulty or broken hoses
     Faulty or broken belts
     Loose caps or lids
     Spilled or leaking fluids

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Breakdowns can be prevented! Brining your car in for regular inspections and maintenance can significantly reduce the chance of a breakdown. Manufacturer’s set regularly scheduled maintenance intervals which are recommended for the best performance results. Regular oil changes, tire rotations and fluid flushes are essential in assuring that your vehicle will continue to run and perform satisfactorily.

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For more information on any of these, call us, or go to the contact page.

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