Many people have experienced this when they first turn on their air conditioning. It could smell like mold, body odor, or something worse and since we tend to use our A/C a little more than usual in Texas this isn’t entirely uncommon.

In order to get rid of the foul smell we must first find out what is causing it. In most cases the cause is exactly what it smells like, which is mold and bacteria. Most of the time the mold can be found growing inside the evaporator core which is a part of the car’s air conditioning system.

The purpose of the evaporator is to remove heat from the car’s cabin as well as remove any moisture from the air that is being cooled. Over time the evaporator will start to drain slower than it should and eventually it can become clogged. This can cause a buildup of water that allows from mold and bacteria to grow causing the unpleasant smell.

This can be avoided three ways:

• Clean the A/C with a chemical cleaning system – de-odorizers can be used to eliminate most of the bad smell and if this doesn’t work then an auto repair shop will have a chemical cleaner that will work almost every time.
• Clean the evaporator or have it replaced – since the evaporator is not an east component to get to this should only be done if all other options have been exhausted. If the smell has been going on for too long and it seems to be getting worse then this could be your only choice.
• Prevent mold from happening in the first place – turning off you’re A/C before you turn off your car can help keep the evaporator dry.

If all else fails you can always bring your car into 2J’s Automotive. Our certified mechanics are experts in automotive service and repair and can fix whatever problem you may be having with your air conditioning.

We service all makes and models both foreign and domestic so bring your car in for service you can trust. Call us at 817-232-9866 if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment.

Rear Differential Cutaway

Your vehicle’s differential is an integral component that puts your wheels into motion. When you get down to the nitty gritty the torque generated by the engine is what drives the car. Although this may be common knowledge to some, few people can describe in detail how the torque is used to create the rotational movement of the wheels.

Torque moves the crankshaft, which gets transferred to the drive shaft by ways of the transmission and it eventually gets to the wheels through the differential. It consists of gears and it controls the speed at which the wheels will turn.

This is very important because your wheels spin at different speeds when taking turns and without a differential this wouldn’t be possible.

There are two common problems that can occur in your differential.

• Noise – usually when you hear any kind of noise in your car it’s due to the result of friction. The grinding of the gears will produce a growling sound and can become louder when taking turns. If this is put off it can result in a major (and expensive) car repair.
• Leak – when there is a leak it means some parts somewhere are not being properly lubricated. An unchecked leak can lead to the growling noise and can escalate from there. Always check your car for leaks and if you have a rear differential then check that area for a differential leak.

Your best bet is to bring your car into an auto repair shop if you have any doubts about your differential. Front and rear differential repair can be complicated and it would best serve you if a seasoned professional did the job.

At 2J’s Automotive we have seasoned professionals and certified mechanics alike to take care of any differential problems you may be experiencing. We service all makes and models, foreign and domestic, so don’t put off whatever automotive problem you’re having before it gets worse.

Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists or call us at 817-232-9866 if you have any questions.

That is why our expert mechanics at 2J’s Automotive are the guys you can count on. When you arrive at our auto shop the first thing we do is talk to you about the problem you’re experiencing.

Once we have a good idea of what might be the issue we administer a diagnostic test for FREE for your entire vehicle. This is valued at $80 and is a service many auto repair shops don’t even offer.

This diagnostic test helps our mechanics pinpoint the location and cause of the problem so we know what services and repairs are needed. We will then inform you of your options so you can make the decision that works best for you.

Note: Diagnostic tests are perfect for finding out why that pesky ‘Check Engine’ or ‘Service Engine’ light is on. The diagnostic test is the first step to turning it off and keeping it off for a long time.

Our certified technicians work on all makes and models and are the “transmission physicians” in Fort Worth. Whether it’s foreign or domestic, automatic or standard, our guys have got you covered.

Whatever kind of automotive problem you may be experiencing will be addressed by our technicians. Visit our auto shop in Fort Worth so you can get the best service in town and drive with peace of mind on the road.

Call us at 817-232-9866 to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions.

Don’t forget to fill out our form to get entered into a contest for a chance to win an Avital 4113 Remote Starter. Entering is free and the winner will be announced on July 1^st.

Although the manual transmission is very durable it has its problems like any other machine. In fact, many of the problems that come up in manual transmissions can be traced to a worn out clutch or an inexperienced or aggressive driver.

Clutch and transmission repair require an expert level of knowledge, but even if you’re not a professional mechanic you can do some looking around and diagnose the problem. This way you’re fully aware of the problem and what kind of service and repair to ask for when you take it to an auto shop.

A worn out clutch can lead to other problems like transmission slippage and hard shifting.

Slippage can be caused by a transmission leak, worn out parts, or a bad torque converter. Hard shifting is arguably the most common problem with standard transmissions and it is what you are likely experiencing.

Hard shifting could be the cause of a worn clutch but other areas should be inspected as well.

• Bearings – once these become worn down they will begin to offer resistance which leads to hard shifting.
• Binding – a binding shift linkage or level can leave you with either no shifting or hard shifting. If a shift fork or rail is bent it can result in no shifting of gears.
• Synchronizer assembly – The synchronizers grooves and splines start to get notched on the main shaft that can result in shifting difficulties. Check the area between the blocking ring and the gear for wear and tear.

Identifying the problem early can save you a lot more money in the end. If you’re still coming short on answers then bring your vehicle in to 2J’s Automotive in Fort Worth. Our certified technicians are the transmission experts you can rely on.

We work on all makes and models both foreign and domestic so we will be able to give you the service and repair that you need.

Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists by calling 817-232-9866 or you can simply visit our auto shop and let us take it from there.

You may need to get under the car to locate the leak. The radiator contains much of the antifreeze and if there is a hole or crack somewhere in the hoses or radiator that is where you will find your leak.

Note: Car coolant is often identified with a red or greenish liquid that has a sweet odor to it. Although the smell may be sweet, antifreeze is very toxic and can contaminate the environment if not disposed of properly.

The first sign of trouble usually comes in the form of engine overheating. Once you’ve noticed the overheating problem it’s time to inspect the components to see if something is amiss. See if you can identify the leak first and if not then check the hoses one at a time.

If nothing seems wrong with the hoses and the leak still hasn’t been located then identify and inspect the following components:

• Water pump
• Radiator
• Heater core
• Freeze plugs
• Gasket head

Over time these parts will wear out and can result in a leak. Sometimes a part can just be resealed which can solve the leak problem. If this is the case then be sure this is done before you flush the coolant and refill it.

Tip: It’s important to always check coolant levels when the engine is turned off and cold.

Parts that need to be removed, disassembled, or replaced may take more time and money in order to get it fixed. However many of these problems can be avoided by regularly checking your coolant levels. A safe practice would be to check them every time you have your oil changed.

If you’re unfamiliar with troubleshooting your heating and coolant problems then bring your car in to 2J’s Automotive and let our certified mechanics take care of it for you. We work on all makes and models both foreign and domestic and we can take care of the problems you’re experiencing.

A free diagnostic test (valued at $80) will help us locate the problem so we can give you proper services and repairs you need. Call us at 817-232-9866 if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment.

In fact, the transmission is so essential to the automobile that the car is basically useless until it is fixed. Since this car component is so complex and important it is not cheap if something goes wrong. The implementation of computer technology has made them even more complex and has caused certain services and repairs to be more elaborate.

If you’ve reached that mile where your transmission can go no further there are some options available to you.

Your options may differ slightly depending on if you have either an automatic or manual transmission, but if you drive an automatic the following is available to you.

Rebuilt or Remanufactured

A rebuilt transmission is the result of removing the transmission from the vehicle, disassembling and inspecting each individual piece, replacing the damaged pieces, and then reassembling it and putting it back into your car.

Note: A remanufactured transmission follows the same process except in a factory setting as opposed to an auto shop.

Repaired

A repaired transmission is exactly as it sounds. An individual piece or component is replaced or fixed without rebuilding the entire transmission. Many leaks can be stopped with a repair job but be sure to check your warranty so you’re not paying more money down the road when something else goes wrong.

Used

In some cases insurance companies can total a car simply if the airbags were deployed, regardless of what kind of damage was done. The rest of the car could be in great working condition including the transmission. You can find these cheaper than rebuilt transmissions but don’t expect to get as good a warranty.

Transmissions aren’t cheap and it’s a decision you should take time on. Consider your options, budget, and time constraints and if you need some professional advice then visit us in Fort Worth at 2J’s Automotive.

Our certified mechanics service all makes and models both foreign and domestic. As the transmission specialists we will provide you with the best service and maintenance and a warranty that will give you peace of mind.

If you’ve been a car owner for even just a little while you know that no car part lasts forever. At some point you’re going to need to have your transfer case inspected for service and repair.

What does a transfer case do?

Transfer cases will be either chain or gear driven. Many people prefer them to be driven by chains because they are lighter and quieter. Trucks and off-roaders will often prefer gear-driven transfer cases because they are more durable.

The transfer case is a drivetrain component, or gearbox, that splits the power between both axles. This distribution to both axles is what gives the vehicle 4×4 capabilities. The transfer case houses several gears that require lubrication in order for them to run cleanly and smoothly and when the gear oil starts to break down is when problems can arise.

Note: Transfer cases of different makes and models may break down at different times. Consult your owner’s manual to find out when best to replace the oil.

If you put off servicing and repairing your transfer case it can cause some damage, such as:

• Minimizing the life of the transfer case
• Gears, seals, and bearings wearing out quicker
• Increases the effects of oxidation and outside contaminants getting inside the transfer case
• Damages may not be covered within the warranty

Since repairing your own transfer case can be overwhelming for inexperienced mechanics it would be best to bring your car into 2J’s Automotive. Our certified mechanics service all makes and models including the one you’re driving.

We’ll give you a free diagnostic test (valued at $80) to find out just what exactly is going with your car so we’ll know to best approach the situation. Contact us with any transfer case questions you may have or call us at 817-232-9866 to schedule an appointment.

Nowadays clutches can last up to around 80,000 miles but if you drive rather hard and aggressive clutches can start to break down around 35,000-40,000 miles. Trucks that frequently carry heavy loads will often experience clutch problems earlier than usual as well.

If you suspect something is amiss with your clutch then run through a quick checklist to see if you can identify the problem.

• With the car running, set the parking brake and put it in neutral.
• If you are hearing some kind of noise at this time then there may be a problem with the transmission. If no noise is being heard then continue investigating.
• Start pressing down on the clutch pedal to see if you hear any noise. If a squeaking sound is heard then there could be a problem with the release or bearing. However if no noise is still being heard then check one more thing.
• Press the clutch pedal all the way down to the floor. If a noise is heard at this time then the pilot bearing or bushing could be at fault.

After running through this checklist you still don’t hear any noise then odds are the clutch isn’t the problem you’re experiencing.

One of the more common problems with clutches is slippage. Slippage is caused when the friction material on the clutch disc starts to wear out very similarly to how a brake pad wears out.

If you think you need a component inspected, repaired, or replaced then bring your car into 2J’s Automotive and let our certified mechanics do the work for you. We service all makes and models at our Fort Worth auto shop so bring your vehicle in for the best automotive service and repair in the area.

We also offer free diagnostic tests valued at $80 so stop by our auto repair shop for servicing or call us at 817-232-9866 if you have any questions.

So what happens when your car won’t start? Maybe something sounds different or feels a little off. If you suspect something could be wrong with your car’s engine then give it a look over to see if you can locate the problem.

There are three main problems that can happen in an engine that can cause it to not work properly. We all know automotive problems aren’t always as cut and dry and there could be several other factors that are causing problems but these three are the main culprits.

• No compression – the combustion process won’t work effectively if the air and fuel can’t be compressed.  Odds are you have either worn piston rings, valves that aren’t sealing properly, or a hole in the cylinder.
• Bad fuel mix – having anything other than gasoline in your tank can cause this. Water or any other outside contaminant can cause the fuel not to burn.
• Lack of spark – you need a spark to ignite the engine and if the spark is weak or nonexistent then the engine will fail to start. A bad spark plug or wire can cause the spark to be too weak.

If neither of these three appears to be the problem you’re experiencing then keep looking. Lack of motor oil can cause the engine to seize up, the battery could be dead, or a number of other contributing factors could be the problem.

If you’ve checked every area and have still come up short for a solution then bring your car into 2J’s Automotive. Our certified technicians service all makes and models both foreign and domestic and can take care of whatever automotive problem you may be experiencing.

We offer a free diagnostic test ($80 value) to all of our customers so we can be certain of what the problem is and where it can be located. Let us service and repair your engine at our auto shop in Fort Worth and have confidence in knowing you’re receiving the best auto service in town.

Call us at 817-232-9866 if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment.

However, since the brakes are used as much, if not more, than the accelerator they are bound to thin and wear out. The first sign of trouble usually comes with squeaking and grinding sounds when applying the brake. This is an early indicator that your brakes are wearing down and you still have time to service them without serious damage.

When you start noticing the brake pad going all the way down to the floor is when you should take action.

Tip: If the problem persists the problem can worsen to the point where the car takes too long to stop or won’t stop at all. This can be a very dangerous situation for you and other drivers on the road. Have your car towed to an auto repair shop immediately.

Even if the car is stopping fine the problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible. A “soft” brake pedal that goes all the way to the floor can be caused by a number of reasons.

• Low brake fluid – check for leaks underneath the car. Reseal and top off as necessary.
• Bad brake booster – this can cause longer stopping time. The booster takes the force from the brake pedal and amplifies it. If the booster is bad then it will require more force on the pedal to stop the car.
• Failing master cylinder – this is usually the culprit if you’re not losing brake fluid. This compresses the brake fluid and if this doesn’t work then you will simply lose braking power.

How you drive can effect your braking system as well. Slamming on the brake or riding the brake for excessive amounts of time can contribute to the failing of your brake system.

Bring your car into 2J’s Automotive and let our certified technicians service and repair your brakes for you. Brake maintenance should never be put off as they can leave the driver in a safety nightmare.

Don’t let this happen to you. Call us at 817-232-9866 to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions. We service all makes and models so let our experienced mechanics get you on your way.