Miami Auto Repair

Understanding Blown Head Gaskets in Toyota Prius Generation 2 and 3: Causes and Misdiagnosis with EGR Coolers The Toyota Prius is one of the most reliable hybrid vehicles on the market. However, like any vehicle, it’s not without its challenges. Generations 2 and 3 of the Prius (produced from 2004 to 2015) are particularly susceptible to blown head gaskets, a costly and troublesome issue. This problem can often be misdiagnosed, especially when the real culprit is a leaking or clogged Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler. Understanding these issues and their interplay is essential to ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective repairs. What Is a Head Gasket and Why Does It Matter? The head gasket is a critical component of the engine, acting as a seal between the engine block and the cylinder head. It ensures that the engine's coolant, oil, and combustion gases remain separate while enabling efficient engine operation. When a head gasket fails, commonly re ... read more

What Are Wheel Bearings and Why Are They Important? Wheel bearings are a critical component of your vehicle’s wheel assembly, enabling smooth rotation and supporting the load of the vehicle. Despite their robust design, wheel bearings can and do fail over time. When they do, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a safety concern. Wheel bearings are sets of small steel balls or tapered rollers encased in a metal ring, known as a race. They are located inside the wheel hub, the component that connects the wheel to the axle. Wheel bearings facilitate the smooth rotation of wheels by reducing friction, making them essential for vehicle stability, handling, and efficiency. Because they bear the weight of the vehicle and handle various road stresses, wheel bearings are engineered to be durable and long-lasting. However, like any mechanical component, they are subject to wear and tear over time. Reasons Why Wheel Bearings Fail Wheel ... read more

Engine Misfire and Fault Code P105D or P105C In 2016 Chrysler released a version of the Penestart Engine labeled the Upgraded design, the new features included a liquid cooled EGR, Electronic Stop Start, a 20 degree increase in VCT phase angle and specific to this post the VVL or Variable Valve Lift System.  The VVL was designed to reduce intake stroke pumping losses and increase efficiency under light load conditions. The reduction in incoming air mass into the cylinder was now a controllable function by way of the valve train. The system is only for the intake camshaft and there are four control solenoids, two in the front and two in the rear. The front VVL solenoids are in charge of 1 cylinder where as the rear VVL solenoids are in command of two cylinders per.  The system has two positions or steps, high lift, which is the default, and low lift. The high lift lobe is narrow and sandwiched in between two low lift camshaft lobes forming a hydraulic finger follower design ... read more

Can I drive my Jeep with the ABS light on?    Your Jeep is built to handle various terrains and challenges however, when the ABS, Anti-Lock Braking System, light illuminates on your dashboard it's important to have the vehicle inspected by a service professional.  What does the ABS light mean?  The ABS is a safety feature designed to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, enhancing control and stability. It achieves this by modulating brake pressure to individual wheels, allowing the driver to maintain steering control while braking. This is especially important when driving in South Florida due to frequent rain storms and aggressive driving habits which may cause frequent hard braking. When the ABS system detects a potential wheel lock-up, it intervenes by adjusting brake pressure multiple times per second, ensuring that the wheels continue to rotate, promoting optimal traction and preventing skidding. The ABS light on your dashboard serves as a warning ... read more

Can I drive my Jeep with an oil leak?  Traditionally engine oil serves as a lubricant, reducing friction between moving parts in the engine. It also helps dissipate heat generated during combustion, preventing components from overheating. Moreover on contemporary Jeep engine's specifically the Pentastar 3.2 and 3.6 as well as the Multiair Engine designs engine oil serves a hydraulic function to engage solenoids within the VVT system. Engine oil pressure is affected by temperature and volume and thereby a engine that is leaking engine oil may have a reduction in its ability to sustain oil pressure required for modern Jeep engines. As a note on engine oil pressure, Chrysler does allow for a lower threshold of 12 psi however in our experience an engine with oil pressure below 20 psi is worth monitoring for underlying faults.    How far can I drive with an oil leak?  The answer to whether you can drive your Jeep with an oil leak is not a strai ... read more