So what could be the reason behind why the check engine light came on? Most car owners are often confused by it and don’t know how they should react. Admittedly it is the most misunderstood indicator in your car as it is very vague since it could mean a number of different problems.

If the light is on don’t panic because your car is still drivable. However the longer you wait could lead to expensive damages and repairs to important components in your vehicle.

Possible reasons why it could be on could be:

• Low oil pressure
• Loose gas cap
• Towing heavy objects that is overworking the engine
• Engine misfire
• And more

If you’re lucky it can be a quick fix such as a loose gas cap or low oil pressure but if it’s not then a serious repair or service may be in order.

Note: Your check engine light should stay on until the problem is fixed. If you’re noticing the check engine light is blinking then you should pull over as soon as it Is safe and have a mechanic look at it because that means there is a serious problem with your engine.

Unless you’re an experienced mechanic it would be best to bring it in to 2J’s Automotive and let the professionals take care of the situation for you. They will give your car a free diagnostic test ($80 value) and determine what needs to be done to make sure that check engine light stays off for a while. Putting it off will only cause more problems and more money.

Give us a call at 817-232-9866 if you have any questions about your engine.

2J’s Automotive is also running a promotion through the end of March. One winner will be drawn to win a FREE 19” Vizio Flat Screen HDTV on March 30^th and contacted that same day.

Rear Differential Cutaway

Although most makes and models come standard with a rear differential some problems can still arise if you have a front differential. Ideally, the front differential should last the lifetime of the vehicle but as we know not all ideas come to fruition.

So what does a differential failure mean? Usually a rear differential problem can easily be found. The first thing you want to do is check the oil in your rear differential and if it needs to be replaced then that should be the end of it.

The actual fix of the problem may be a bit more intricate than expected. You’re going to need tools including a standard metric set, gasket scraper, oil pan, floor jack and more.

Note: If you don’t have access to these tools then it would be best to bring it in to 2J’s Automotive and let the mechanics solve your cars problems quickly and efficiently.

Now the front differential could be a completely different story. An often missed warning sign of failure is a loud “clunk” when shifting from drive to reverse then back to drive again. Basically any excess noise coming from the front of your car that doesn’t sound like a brake problem should be inspected immediately.

Complete failure could lead to total disabling of the drivetrain, which basically means your automobile would completely lock up. Victims who have experienced this problem on the highway have said that you’ll be lucky if you’re able to get your car to the side of the road.

What’s the main cause for this? It’s misalignment causing too much stress on the driveshaft and input. If you think you’re experiencing this problem then bring your car into the shop at 2J’s Automotive. The professionals will give your car a free diagnostic test ($80 value) and find out what exactly is wrong with your car.

Send us an email if you have questions regarding your differential and don’t forget to get signed up for our drawing to win a FREE 19” Vizio Flat Screen HDTV. On March 30^th one winner will be drawn at noon so give us a visit to get signed up or you can register here.

Most people can usually tell when their brakes are starting to act up. Hearing a squeaking or grinding sound when applying the brake pad is one of the first signs that your brakes should be inspected and possibly replaced.

A squealing or squeaking noise is most common in cold weather during early morning driving.

Note: Squealing should stop once brake lining reaches regular operating temperatures. If it persists then have a mechanic take a look at it.

If you’re noticing a slight vibration in the brake pedal or overall car when applying your brake then there is a good chance your brake pads should be replaced. Although brake pads are often one of the first components to go it’s important to know what else makes up a typical braking system.

• Disc brake
• Drum brake
• Brake line
• Brake pad
• Master cylinder

When you’re ready to start on the maintenance of your brakes one of the first things you should check is the brake fluid levels. It’s smart to check these levels every time you get an oil change.

If the brake fluid levels are where they should be then check the thickness of your brake pads or shoes. The brake pads should be replaced if they have been worn down too far.

However it’s best to just bring your car in to 2J’s Automotive if you aren’t too familiar with brake repair and replacement. The mechanics can give your car a free diagnostic test ($80 value) so they can find out what exactly is wrong with your brakes. It can also help the mechanics find out if there is something else wrong with your vehicle that you didn’t notice before.

You can still get signed up for our drawing to win a FREE 19” Vizio Flat Screen HDTV that will be held on March 30^th. The winner will be drawn at noon and contacted that same day.

Give us a call at 817-232-9866 if you have any questions about your car’s brakes.

We offer FREE diagnostic tests

It’s almost impossible to predict what Texas weather will bring you. It could be perfectly sunny one day and within hours it could make a turn for the worse. Although this hasn’t been a particularly cold winter you should still consider getting your car checked up on for the upcoming spring and summer months.

Texas weather, especially the heat, can take a real toll on your vehicle and if not taken care of it could lead to expensive repairs and services. Bring your car in to 2J’s Automotive and let the mechanics give your car a FREE diagnostic test ($80 value that most shops don’t even offer) and be 100% certain your car is performing at its top level.

As part of the diagnostic test the mechanics will:

• Ask you about the nature of the problem you’re experiencing
• Inspect your vehicle and the area you were talking about in particular
• Perform a computer scan
• Test drive your vehicle if necessary

After the initial diagnostic test the experts can perform several services to ensure everything under the hood is working the way it should. Brakes tend to wear and tear over time and 2J’s Automotive offers complete brake service.

Your heating and A/C is especially important in the summer and the mechanics can make sure they’re both working properly before it’s too late.

Extended warranties are also available for rebuilt transmissions that lasts 12 months/12,000 miles.

Note: You can extend your warranty to 36 months/50,000 miles for only $500

No harm can come from bringing your car in to 2J’s Automotive. If your vehicle requires additional services then we will inform you of the costs ahead of time.

It’s not too late to get entered into our drawing to win a FREE 19” Vizio Flat Screen HDTV that ends on March 30^th! Come in and get a free diagnostic and get signed up for it or simply visit us here and fill out the form.

Give us a call at 817-232-9866 if you have questions regarding a diagnostic test or other service offered by 2J’s Automotive.

Simple Transfer Case Diagram

4×4 transfer cases can vary depending on your car’s make and model. Transfer cases and drive shafts in Chevrolet’s will be different from the ones inside a Ford. This can make the repairs and replacement tricky since the same procedures might not always take place.

Bringing in your car to 2J’s Automotive will ensure you receive expert advice from experienced professionals who can help find the exact problem with your vehicle’s drive shaft.

However if you want to get your hands a little dirty and find out what the problem is yourself then there are some important things to know about 4×4 transfer cases.

For starters, a 4×4 transfer case allows your car to have four wheel drive. It takes power from the transmission and transfers it to both the front and rear axle through two different drive shafts.

Note: Most transfer cases can be located near the transmission where it receives power from the engine. If you’re having difficulties then check your user manual or bring it in to 2J’s Automotive.

There are some tell-tale signs of a faulty transfer case so if you’re suspicious then check for the following.

• Strange noises occurring when driving at certain speeds or when shifting gears.
• Unusual noises coming from the front of your car in colder weather can mean you need more lubrication. (Transfer case fluid should be checked every time you get an oil change.)
• Difficulty shifting gears or it kicks out of gear at random while in motion.

Again these are some of the common signs that your transfer case should be taken out and inspected, because different makes and models have very different transfer cases.

If you don’t feel like taking out anything under the hood then let the mechanics at 2J’s Automotive take care of it for you. First they will give your car a free diagnostic test to verify the problem then apply the proper procedures to make sure everything is running smoothly.

2J’s Automotive is also running a promotion through the end of March. One winner will be drawn to win a FREE 19” Vizio Flat Screen HDTV on March 30^th and contacted that same day.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at 817-232-9866 if you have any questions regarding your transfer case or how to get entered for the drawing.

Clutch and Flywheel Diagram

It doesn’t take an expert to know that your clutch is a very important part of your car. Without it, shifting gears wouldn’t be possible and your engine would be overworked. If you think there may be a problem with your vehicle’s clutch then you should take a look at it as soon as possible.

So how do you know if it’s the clutch that needs to be replaced? You can start by checking the clutch pedal. While driving and shifting gears take note to how the clutch pedal feels when pressed. If you’re noticing a vibration upon application then there is a chance that your clutch is being worn thin and should be replaced.

It’s possible that your flywheel needs to be looked at as well. In the clutch system the flywheel connects the clutch to the engine. The amount of force that can be applied to the clutch largely depends on the amount of friction between the clutch and flywheel.

The experts at 2J’s Automotive can help you determine what flywheel to get if you’re interested in replacement. Usually, the heavier the flywheel the smoother the car will be in idle and easier to go from start to stop. However it will give your car slower acceleration.

The lighter the flywheel, the faster the acceleration but the transition won’t be as smooth.

If you’re unfamiliar with troubleshooting and car part replacement then it’s best to bring it in the 2J’s Automotive and let the mechanics take care of it for you. After giving your car a free diagnostic test ($80 value) they can assess the problem and apply the proper repairs to ensure your vehicle runs properly.

The longer you wait the worse the problem can get which will lead to more expensive repairs and that is something no one wants to deal with.

Be sure to stop by our shop to get entered in for a drawing we are running through the end of March. One winner will be drawn on March 30^th and will receive a FREE Vizio 19” Flat Screen HDTV.

Give us a call at 817-232-9866 or email us if you have any questions regarding your vehicle’s clutch or our current promotion.

They can be found near the front axle of the car, and on occasion it can be found on the rear axle as well. Check under the front wheel wells for its exact location and you’ll notice it is protected by a greased rubber boot.

So how do you know if they need to be replaced? Noise is the most common symptom. If you’re hearing any kind of strange noise while turning then there is a good chance it could be your CV joints. It could sound like anything from a thumping, squealing, popping or humming noise.

These noises accompanied by a slight vibration in acceleration can be caused by a bad CV joint. Confirm your suspicions by visually inspecting the CV joint. If you notice the boot is cracked or loose then odds are both the boot and CV joint need to be replaced.

Note: Do NOT put off replacing your CV joint as it could lead to serious damages to your vehicle. A joint that fails and breaks apart can cause the entire driveshaft to fall out of the car leaving your car completely undrivable.

It’s best to bring your car in to 2J’s Automotive sooner than later. The specialists can find out what exactly is wrong with your car so you drive safely knowing everything has been taken care of. After giving your car a free diagnostic test ($80 value) they will assess the problem and inform you of possible solutions.

Once you’re here you can also check out 2J’s Automotive’s promotion through the end of March. One winner will be drawn on March 30^th at noon and will walk away with a FREE Vizio 19” Flat Screen HDTV.

Send us an email if you have questions regarding CV joints, boots or Universal joints or simply bring your car in and let the experts take care of the rest.

So how do you know if your transmission needs to be resealed or replaced? There are some very common signs that can help you identify some potential problems that can affect your cars overall performance.

If you suspect an issue with the transmission, then check for the following:

• Leaks or stains creating puddles underneath the car when it’s been parked for extended periods of time.
• Check the transmission fluid for color and odor.
• Pay attention to unfamiliar noises, shakes or vibrations and unusual shift behavior.

These basic signs can help you narrow down your car’s potential problem to the transmission.

Tip: When checking the transmission fluid for color and odor it’s important to know that it should be clear-like red oil. If it is cloudy or smells as if it’s been burned then odds are you’ll need to drain the transmission.

A reseal job is necessary if your transmission has an external leak. So if you’ve been seeing some red oily puddles gather underneath your car then you could very well qualify for a transmission reseal.

Most people don’t have the proper tools and equipment for a reseal job which is why it’s best to let a professional mechanic perform the job for you. 2J’s Automotive is well experienced in replacing and repairing transmissions.

However, if you want to perform the job yourself you’ll need to put the car on a lift to check for the location of the leak. If a leak has been spotted and the transmission performs fine then a reseal can be performed with it still in the car. Otherwise you may need to take the transmission out and that service can be quite expensive.

As you can imagine these services and repairs can eventually get rather detailed and expensive depending on the severity of the problem. If you don’t know all the ins and outs of your vehicle’s transmission then let the specialists at 2J’s Automotive perform the service for you.

With years of experience they will ensure your transmission is performing the way it should be so you can drive safely on the road.

Don’t forget about our promotion we are running through the end of March! One winner from a drawing will receive a FREE Vizio 19” Flat Screen HDTV.

Give us a call at 817-232-9866 if you have any questions about your transmission or our current promotion.

What your heating system looks like

Although the weather hasn’t been as cold as previous winters you should still make time to get your car’s heater checked if you think it’s not running properly. Texas weather is not something you want to take a chance on. One day it could feel like a cool spring day and the very next it could easily get down to 20-30 degrees.

This can obviously take a toll on your car’s A/C and heating unit so knowing some of the signs of a faulty system can help you save some time and money.

One of the first things you should check is your coolant levels. If the levels aren’t low then you should move on to your heater core. Sometimes the heater core can get clogged and needs to be flushed out. Once you think it’s been cleaned properly start running your car, then turn on your heater to high to see if it is working properly.

If these still appear to be fine but you’re continuing to have problems then check to see if one of the following is occurring:

• With the heater on, you hear the fans working but feel no air coming out of the vents.
• You feel air flow out of the vents but it is cold.
• Nothing happens at all when you turn on the heater

It could be anything from a broken vacuum line to a failure with an electrical component.

Note: These possible diagnoses are not considering vehicles with computer parts. Cars with computer chips added under the hood could lead to several different potential issues.

So if you don’t think a heater core replacement is within your budget or you simply don’t know what to do then take the first step by bringing your automobile in to 2J’s Automotive. The mechanics can assess the problem by giving your vehicle a free diagnostic test, $80 value, and let you know what needs to be done to get your heater working properly.

2J’s Automotive is also running a promotion through the end of March where one winner will receive a FREE Vizio 19” Flat Screen HDTV when you enter into our drawing! One winner will be drawn at 12:00 p.m. on 3/30/12 and will be contacted that same day.

Call us at 817-232-9866 if you have any questions regarding your car’s heater or our promotion.

Servicing your brakes in a timely manner can save a lot of stress and hassle. So how can you tell if you have bad brakes? There are some very noticeable signs to look for in faulty brakes and it helps tremendously to know what they are.

It can be anything from a squeaking noise when brakes are applied to having to push harder on the brake pad to come to a complete stop to a squealing noise when driving that goes away when you apply the brake.

If you’ve noticed some of these symptoms in your brakes then it could lead to the following:

• Brakes locking up too quickly causing skidding on slippery surfaces
• Complete lack of braking power going downhill
• Burning smell caused by brakes not releasing properly
• And a myriad of others

Tip: ALWAYS apply your parking brake when parking your car. It significantly helps in keeping your rear brakes well adjusted.

Checking your brake fluid levels can help solve a lot of these problems but if you’re uncomfortable troubleshooting problems under the hood then it’s best to bring it in to 2J’s Automotive so the mechanics can look it over and give it the proper brake service and repair.

Not only will they give you a free diagnostic test ($80 value) that most other automotive shops don’t even offer, but they will make sure to service and repair your automobile in a timely manner.

Even if you’re not sure if you should bring your car in yet simply give us a call at 817-232-9866 and let us know what’s going on so we can help you out. The experts at 2J’s Automotive will make sure your car is running properly so you can get back to driving safely on the road.