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Often drivers will look at their oil pressure gauge and become concerned with readings that are below the halfway mark.

Keep in mind that the oil pressure gauge is getting its information from an electronic sending unit and there is room for error.

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oil pressure gauge
I have often connected my trusted mechanical gauge and found oil pressure readings that were quite different than what the gauge was saying.

If you are concerned with low oil pressure readings the first place to start is to find out exactly what the specifications are. Your auto service manual will provide oil pressure; specs for at idle, and also part throttle conditions.

In some cases Diy car mechanics may be surprised that very low oil pressure is OK at idle by the manufacturer standard.
 
 

I wrote a page about free check engine light services and the problems associated with them. This brought on a question from a visitor that is going down the same road as many before him. You can see the discussion below.

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So I just read your article about free check engine light scams. I went to AutoZone they gave me the O2 sensor deal however they did recommend a friendly mechanic instead of selling me stuff.

The reason I went wasn't because of the light though it was because my car was stalling out randomly. The mechanic offered me a free diagnosis just because we were from the same area of the country and he related to me.
 
However he thought the problem was the engine temperature sensor and when he fixed it the problem stopped but then the check engine light came right back on. So I took it back and he said well I guess we can fix the o2 sensor and he did that but the light came back on again.

Now during all this I already knew at the time that my catalytic converter was messed up but the person who inspects my car each year told me that I could get away without fixing it for awhile so I didn't fix it because before I met the "friendly mechanic" I got a quote somewhere else and the price was ridiculous.
 
 

Another common auto repairs question would be about the replacement of a Chevrolet fuel pump. Here is a question and answer submitted recently from a visitor.

Chevrolet fuel pump replacement

Hey Mark I have a Chevrolet fuel pump question for you. I have a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina four door sedan.  It has only 85k miles on it.  The body is in fairly good shape, but it has given me much trouble. Last Thursday it cranked but would not start, when I tried to leave a doctor's office about 10 miles from home.  

I had it towed to a auto repair shop. They replaced the in-tank fuel pump and fuel filter.  The cost was $833.  The delco pump alone was $499.  When I priced a replacement pump at Advanced Auto parts, it was $292.  There is real savings in do it yourself auto repair.

My lovely wife was furious. She's Irish, and gets furious often.

 
 

Find answers to online auto service manuals frequently asked questions. Submitted questions about how these services work answered by a car mechanic that uses them often!

A few common questions and answers about online service manuals. Below are a couple of examples of recently submitted questions I have fielded from diy car mechanics about purchasing and using online auto repair manuals.

Master tech Mark, I screwed up.  I have double subscribed to the online car repair manual you recommended. I was trying to find the login page and wound up purchasing twice? What do I do now? I want to add another vehicle once I get the first vehicle straightened out.

How much is it to add additional vehicles. Is it full price? I apologize for all the questions but I am just a retired auto Mechanic not computer whiz. I Like your online auto repair website and thanks for helping me. Your new friend Bill Remington.

Bill thanks for visiting the website and for