Welcome to The Pit
This is where I stash the good stuff.
Flowcharts. Cheat sheets. Breakdown dodgers.
Infographics for visual learners.
If it’s in here, it’s because it works.
You’ll find:
- Downloadable PDFs
- Maintenance checklists & no-start flowcharts
- Mechanic-made guides for dodging the repair shop
- Visual explainers (GIFs, diagrams, cutaway animations)
- New tools added monthly
Right now, everything below this line is blurred out.
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SECTION 1: Won’t Start / No Power
“Turn the key, and… nothing?”
Crank No Start
No Dash Lights, No Crank
Dash Lights On, No Crank
Clicks No Crank
Imobilizer On, No Crank
Key Fob Won’t Open or Start Car
SECTION 2: Strange Noises
“What was that sound?”
Squealing under the hood
Clicking when turning
Grinding brakes
Knocking or ticking from engine
Rattling at idle
Whining while driving
Clunk over bumps
Chirping while driving
SECTION 3: Dashboard Warnings
“Light popped up. Now what?”
Check engine light
Oil pressure light
Battery light on
Brake warning light
TPMS (Tire Pressure) light
Airbag light
Engine temperature warning
Traction control or stability light
SECTION 4: Strange Smells
“Smells like trouble.”
Burning rubber smell
Rotten egg (sulfur) smell
Raw fuel smell
Musty or moldy odor from vents
Sweet syrup smell (coolant)
Exhaust smell inside cabin
Burning oil smell
SECTION 5: Car Feels “Off”
“It just doesn’t drive right.“
Shakes or vibrates at idle
Pulls to one side when driving
Jerky or rough shifting (auto)
Poor fuel economy
Sudden loss of power
Hard steering
Sluggish acceleration
Shudders during acceleration
Brakes feel soft or spongy
Steering wheel vibration at speed
SECTION 6: Fluids & Leaks
“What’s that puddle under my car?”
Oil on driveway
Red or pink fluid
Green, yellow, or orange fluid (coolant)
Blue smoke from exhaust
Black smoke from exhaust
White smoke from exhaust
Water pooling inside cabin (footwells)
SECTION 7: Lights & Electrical Gremlins
“Electrics doing weird stuff?”
Headlights flicker or dim
Power windows slow or stuck
Central locking fails
Remote key not working
Blown fuses (repeatedly)
Dashboard lights flashing
Battery drains overnight
SECTION 8: Common Annoyances
“It’s not broken, but it’s driving me mad.”
AC blows warm air
Heater blows cold
Wipers won’t park correctly
Wipers slow or stuck
Fuel door won’t open
Cruise control not engaging
Car won’t shift out of Park
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.