my 2001 dodge grand caravan has been running badly for the last couple of months. I don't really have the money to take it to a mechanic just so they can screw me over by telling me it is something more expensive. I just want to know if I am on the right track......ok, when I try and put on the gas (esp if my ac is on), my car has a hard time accelerating. it almost dies. like it is taking a second to actually go. it almost jumps. it is very annoying. could that just be a spark plug problem. do I just need a tune up? Or should I replace something else first. like the fule pump? or could it be a filter? is it an oil problem? or maybe a head gasket? I am so stupid when it comes to cars. I just want to know what it could be, and if I am in the right direction in wanting to change the spark plugs first..
thank you for your help.
2007-11-25 07:33:25 · 5 answers · asked by gretch 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
why is it that auto mechanics are such *** holes?
2007-11-25 11:48:24 · update #1
I'd suggest to replace your air filter, spark plugs, and then reset your ecu (can be done by unplugging your battery for a few minutes then plugging it back in).. This is the easiest thing to do first before taking it to a crook, i mean a mechanic. (besides, these items are very cheap)
2007-11-25 08:44:36 · answer #1 · answered by one_slows2k 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most mechanics don't screw you over by just telling you what is really wrong. If you've got more than 60,000 miles on the vehicle it's safe to say a set of plugs won't hurt or be a waste of money, that is unless you make it worse by not gapping the plugs properly or cross threading and stripping the plugs. By the time you get done throwing parts at the van by guessing whats wrong when you have no clue what you're doing you would have been better off seeing an ASE master mechanic. I never could figure out why people think nothing of tipping a waitress or bartender for a service anybody could do but complain and never tip a person with years of special training and thousands of dollars invested in tools who you're lucky to find when in need of help. Now a mechanic can't even get a weekend off because people are too lazy to ask a friend to help them drop a car off for repair during a regular 40 hour week. Get a better perspective on things!
2007-11-25 16:29:03 · answer #2 · answered by thebax2006 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
judging from the explanation in your question, it may be more cost effective if you take your car to a mechaninc. by playing with no knowlegde you could stuff the car and its engine.
if you are still set on doing it yourself, i'd start with the easy ones first. air filter, plugs and leads. and the best way to learn how to do it is to either get someone else to do it whiule you watch or go and buy a workshop manual (like a haynnes or gregorys) and read carefully the relevant section.
and dont rush it, take your time.
2007-11-25 15:45:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
problematic step. look onto search engines like google. that will help!
2014-12-06 00:07:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
THEBAX nailed that one
2007-11-25 18:45:35 · answer #5 · answered by master auto tech 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋