Why is transmission fluid in my coolant?
Mike Allen hit the nail on the head.The transmission cooler “lives” inside one of the tanks of your radiator. Most modern radiators have end tanks. Older cars have the tanks on the top and bottom. Regardless, you can tell where the tranny cooler is by looking for a pair of steel lines that enter the tank. The tranny cooler is the only interface where coolant and tranny fluid could possibly be intermixing.In order to fix your problem the radiator will have to be replaced; the tranny cooler is built integral to the radiator and not a separately replaceable component. It will no doubt be strongly suggested you flush and replace the transmission fluid …possibly replace the fluid filter …and flush and replace the coolant. This might cost the better part of $1000 …like 6 or 700 …depending on how expensive the radiator is.And like Mike suggested you need to get it fixed. I’ll go one better …like yesterday.
What does it mean if a Honda Civic check engine light is flashing?
Mike Stittman has got it covered. A flashing check engine light is indicative of the converter getting a way too rich mixture. You have the potential for the cat to go boom. Not good. And since this is the OBDII monitoring system a flashing “Check Engine” light means that same thing on any vehicle equipped with OBDII. OBDII started appearing on some vehicles in 1994 and was incorporated in all vehicles in 1996. For the most part, the codes and indications are universal regardless of the make of the vehicle.I'll bet your Civic's got some high mileage on it. I'll bet you've never had the 02 sensors changed. I'll bet you don't even know what an O2 sensor is. It's the O2 sensors that have a direct input to the engine management computer for maintaining proper fuel mixture ...air to fuel ratio. The O2 sensors have a normal service life of about 60-75K miles. They are like spark plugs in how they "fail" ...very slowly and over a long period of time. Sometimes a failed O2 sensor will put the check engine light on ...sometimes not.Get you car into a good reputable shop or the dealer and have the problem taken care of ASAP. And yes, it will cost money. Probably going to be an expensive repair. I'd earmark at least a grand ...O2 sensors are expensive and you may end up needing the cat replaced. Prepare for the worst ...be happy when it turns out better.
Is it safe for me to use 5w20 when the manual indicates 5w30?
After speaking to an engineer that works for Daimler Chrysler, I found out that the 2011 Jeep Wrangler is supposed to use 5w20 oil. I live in Canada, and we get the best of both worlds. +40°C and -40°C. I was experiencing oil shear in hotter weather, so he told me to run 5w30 and it won't make a difference. It actually made my fuel mileage better by almost 2 full points, and the engine noise quieted down dramatically. The Canadian model of the Jeep Wrangler is supposed to be running 5w30. 5w20 is for the California models, so the emissions levels are lower and it meets their stringent standards. Running a thinner oil is not a good thing, but in the short term, it may not do serious damage, but it's definitely not a good idea, especially if the temperature is on the warmer side.
What is the difference between 5w30 and 5w20? When should I use what kind of motor oil?
Oil viscosity is measured at two different temperatures: 40°C and 100°C. The former is used to determine the “Xw” rating of the oil. The latter determines the second viscosity number. Thus, a 5w20 and 5w30 will both meet the definition of a “5w” oil at the test temperature of 40°C, but they differ in how viscous they are at the hotter temperature, which distinguishes a “30wt” oil from a “20wt” oil.Oil viscosity is a tradeoff— parts of the engine prefer thinner oils and others prefer thicker oils. Overall, though, thinner oils are better for most people that do at least 50% of driving in town (by engine hours, not miles!). Thinner oils have less oil pressure delay at startup, flow more rapidly and freely, and generally reduce startup wear.Thicker oils can reduce wear of certain components under extended highway use. That’s why over the road truck use a 40wt oil (although even they are trending now towards 30wt for the fuel economy improvement).As a bonus, the 5w20 oil will likely be more shear stable and deliver better mpg overall.
What causes bubbles in power steering fluid?
As the power steering system is not a sealed unit frothing / bubbles can occur when you remove cap with the engine running , this could be due to fluid levels being low. Check it when it's cold and engine off , if it persists take it to a garage.
Why is my car shaking and the check engine light flashing?
A shaking vehicle AND flashing MIL ("check engine light") sound like the vehicle is misfiring on at least one cylinder. As @Anna Nguyen, @Brendan Sinclair, @Antoun Nabhan and others have said, it could be an ignition related problem. It could also be fuel-related. If one or more fuel injectors are clogged or dead, that would also cause a misfire in the affected cylinder(s). These are relatively cheap/easy things to check and fix.Other causes (which could be more complicated and more expensive) to fix include contaminated fuel, a bent intake or exhaust valve, a broken valve spring, a damaged piston/connecting rod, and on and on.I recommend getting a scan tool and checking the codes which are causing the MIL to light/flash and I also strongly recommend NOT driving the vehicle until the problem is fixed. If you continue to drive the vehicle as is, you will exacerbate the problem. Dumping unburned fuel into the exhaust due to a misfire will overheat and kill your catalytic converter. A more serious problem like a bent valve can eventually cause you to crater your engine (i.e.: completely destroy the engine).