The Old Car Blog

On the old car blog we focus on automobiles that are 10 to 20 years old. These soldiers of the working class help us get to work and take our kids to school every day.

Unfortunately, the quality of these automobiles fresh off the assembly line was somewhat questionable. I performed dealership level warranty repairs on these cars from the 80s, 90s and most of the 2000 decade.

I've seen firsthand that even when these units were brand spanking new they could be a basket full of problems. Add in the ravages of time and high mileage and I think it’s safe to say these cars will most likely be troublesome to the day they wind up at the local junkyard.

Never Fear Improving Reliability is Near

Automotive computers continued to evolve quickly through this two decade period of time. Not only did the computer communication speeds increase the quality of the automotive sensors they connected to also improve with every passing year.

Thankfully, the reliability and durability of the surrounding systems also improved year over year. Since these old cars require more maintenance and incur higher auto repair bills we created this blog to support these troublesome rides.

Below you'll find articles outlining specific problems and solutions that plague these aging forms of transportation. The old car blog also includes an RSS feed that helps you monitor when new posts are created. Although this real simple syndication seems to be a thing of the past, we still find some value in it.

In fact, since it's an old-school method of communication it seems to fit in perfectly with our old-school rides. Tell your friends that you just subscribed to The Old Car Blog RSS feed and they might think you have timed warped a decade back into the past.

New Posts on the Old Car Blog

Chevy Colorado Passlock Problems Prevents the Truck from Starting

Chevy Colorado passlock problems still a common issue on older Chevrolet trucks. Learn how to perform the reset procedure and replace the ignition lock cylinder.

Continue reading "Chevy Colorado Passlock Problems Prevents the Truck from Starting"

Chevy Daytime Running Light Problems Solved for Good

If a Chevy daytime running light is out, it often requires more than replacing the 3157 natural amber bulb. See how to solve the problem and where to get parts.

Continue reading "Chevy Daytime Running Light Problems Solved for Good"

Fix the Chevy Engine Oil Pressure Problem for Good

Chevy engine oil pressure problems solved. Erratic oil gauge readings and check engine lights happening. Trouble code P0521 oil pressure sensor malfunction common.

Continue reading "Fix the Chevy Engine Oil Pressure Problem for Good"

Fix the Chevrolet Intermittent Electrical Problem for Good

The Chevrolet intermittent electrical problem can drive you crazy. These vehicles intermittently lose power to the dashboard, radio and electrical system. See two causes.

Continue reading "Fix the Chevrolet Intermittent Electrical Problem for Good"

Car Schematic Electrical Symbols Defined And Explained

See pictures and definitions of common car schematic electrical symbols. Learn how to use automotive wiring diagrams to solve complex electrical problems.

Continue reading "Car Schematic Electrical Symbols Defined And Explained"

DIY Ford Fusion Door Handle Replacement Procedure

The Ford fusion door handle makes a good auto repair project. Dealerships can charge $200 to replace the Fusion door handle, but you can get parts for $20.

Continue reading "DIY Ford Fusion Door Handle Replacement Procedure"

Transmission Speed Sensor Problems on Popular Cars

Transmission speed sensor problems can seem like a major transmission issue. See common problems and symptoms of bad vehicle speed sensors on Toyota Camry models.

Continue reading "Transmission Speed Sensor Problems on Popular Cars"

Automotive Strategy Based Electrical Diagnosis Guide

This strategy based electrical diagnosis guide helps solve automotive electrical problems. These basic methods solve both simple and complex issues.

Continue reading "Automotive Strategy Based Electrical Diagnosis Guide"

Chevy Cobalt Clicking Noise Problem Solved Three Ways

The Chevy Cobalt clicking noise comes from behind the glove box. See multiple solutions for handling the popping noise created by the stripped AC actuator motor.

Continue reading "Chevy Cobalt Clicking Noise Problem Solved Three Ways"

Solve GM Temperature Control and Blend Door Issues

Solve Temperature control or direction of airflow issues on Chevy Traverse and other GM vehicles. Learn how to diagnose the problem and fix it for good..

Continue reading "Solve GM Temperature Control and Blend Door Issues"

Solve Ford Ignition Lock Cylinder Problems on Escape, Focus and More

Ford ignition lock cylinder problems remain a common issue on Ford Edge, Escape and Focus models. See what it takes to fix the ignition lock problem yourself.

Continue reading "Solve Ford Ignition Lock Cylinder Problems on Escape, Focus and More"

Chevy Cruze Ignition Coil Problem and Solution

Sidestep the Chevy Cruze coil problem. See when to replace the Chevrolet Cruze spark plugs. Use this solution for the ignition coil issue.

Continue reading "Chevy Cruze Ignition Coil Problem and Solution"

Chevy Trailblazer Camshaft Position Sensor Problem Solved

Trailblazer camshaft position sensor problems on the 4.2 L also includes Chevy Colorado. See how to tell a cam sensor problem from a bad valve timing actuator.

Continue reading "Chevy Trailblazer Camshaft Position Sensor Problem Solved"

The Vortec Engine Distributor Problem Solved Forever

Solve the Vortec engine distributor problem right now. Review diagnostic and repair procedures for distributor issues on the most popular Vortec engine sizes.

Continue reading "The Vortec Engine Distributor Problem Solved Forever"

Chevy Cruze Coolant Leak Symptoms and Repair

Identify the Chevy Cruze coolant leak. Symptoms include lack of heat, burning coolant smell, gurgling noises and even a check engine light code P0597 through P0599.

Continue reading "Chevy Cruze Coolant Leak Symptoms and Repair"

Ford Blower Motor Resistor Problems and melted connectors

Review Ford blower motor resistor problems and interior fan speed issues. See common failures and the Ford blower motor wiring diagram.

Continue reading "Ford Blower Motor Resistor Problems and melted connectors"

See Why you should Fix the Ford Focus Engine Vibration Problem

The Ford Focus vibration problem requires mount replacement. See replacement parts for model years 2000 through 2013 and learn how to replace them.

Continue reading "See Why you should Fix the Ford Focus Engine Vibration Problem"

Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Repair Diagram

Solve camshaft position actuator solenoid valve codes P0110 through P0115 on GM engines. See component location diagrams, repair procedures and updated parts.

Continue reading "Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Repair Diagram"

Chevy Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor Intermitent Operation

Chevy engine crankshaft position sensor problems are often mistaken for a fuel pump issue. Learn how to diagnose crankshaft sensors on Chevrolet trucks.

Continue reading "Chevy Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor Intermitent Operation"

Author bio : Mark is a retired ASE certified master technician, Chevrolet Professional Service Council member and the founder of FixMyOldRide.com. Watch the video on the about Mark the mechanic page to see his credentials, awards and certifications for yourself. Mark hand writes all of the articles on FixMyOldRide.com unless indicated otherwise.