Ask A Mechanic in Victoria BC

02/28/2025

Rat chewed the wires off the #2 injector on or mustang. I got P0204 ? #4 was fine. Replaced the pigtail on #2 and its fine now. Thank you filthy rat for chosing the easy one to fix.

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02/17/2024

45 years a mechanic is telling you: Take it to the dealer who made the car for a prepurchess inspection BEFORE you buy it. (about 1 hour labour) Those mechanics see all the problems that car has on a regular basis and know how to spot them. I have listend to complaints about mechanical inspections not spotting thousands of dollers in repairs all my life and in every case they took it to the wrong place. Evan the dealer mechanic dosent have a crystal ball so theres always the risk of the unknown. That being said aftermarket warranties are pricy but its a gamble. A failed CVT or engine could cost you $5000.00 or more if it happens. Thats a gamble you must face on your own. Things like a radio failing might not be covered but you can drive with out one. 1 example: I went to check out a truck for my nephew that just came back from the shop inspection and the radiator, brakes, tie rods, alignment and tires were just done. When we started it I could hear the timing chains were metal on metal and a highway road test showed it needed a transmission replacement. Thats about $7000 repairs. They were not hiding it, the mechanics just didnt know the sound and operation wasen't normal. Get it inspect by those who know it!!!!!

01/29/2024

Lovely sunrise over Victoria BC from our Balcony

01/17/2024

Good idea to check any wires near moving or hot parts for damage. I had a loaded QX56 that came in on the towing 3 times with a code for the Controller Area Network. The driver hit a bump on the road and the truck went into full failsafe. stuck in third gear, no throttle response, all warning lights on ( I call that Christmas time!) and when shut off no restart. All fine when it gets towed to the garage. Each visit about 30 days apart. Came in for an inspection 2 months later and would not start to pull out of garage. The code was now active so I could diagnose a dead short in the CAN system. A harness for the Automatic Drive Positioner control unit under the drivers seat had come out of a retainer and the long elecetric seat slide shaft had rubbed through the harness.. Moving the seat slightly forward or back made the harness rise off the shaft. and no more short. Seat had to be in just the right place to short out. Hard fault find, easy fix. (who looks under drivers seat?)

12/31/2023

What going to happen when the highways are full of electric cars and they start gettind into more and more serious crashes.
I just read this story: "ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A large cargo ship with a fire in its hold is being kept 2 miles (3.22 kilometers) offshore of an Alaska port as a precaution while efforts are undertaken to extinguish the flames, the U.S. Coast Guard said Saturday.

There were no injuries to the 19 crew members aboard the Genius Star XI, which was carrying a load of lithium-ion batteries across the Pacific Ocean, from Vietnam to San Diego The fire started on Christmas Day in cargo hold No. 1, a spokesperson for ship owner Wisdom Marine Group said in a statement. The crew released carbon dioxide into the hold and sealed it over concerns of an explosion."

09/03/2022

Why do people think they can repair an oil burning engine, failing transmission or a leaky radiator with cheap products in a can that you can buy from Canadian Tire or other auto parts.
These products do not work and can cause more damage that is costly to repair.

12/19/2021

Free automotive advice from a certified Mechanic with over 43 years in the trade