Vehicle Troubleshooting Guide
Understand common symptoms and what to tell our team. These possibilities do not replace a vehicle inspection.
If your vehicle is unsafe to control, stop in a safe place and arrange assistance. Follow the warnings and instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Oil changes & maintenance
Why is my oil pressure warning on?
Pull over safely and switch off the engine; do not continue driving with a low-oil-pressure warning. Follow the owner's manual and arrange assistance. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can inspect the cause before the vehicle is driven again.
Why is there oil under my parked car?
A seal, gasket or another fluid system may be leaking; location and inspection matter more than color alone. Note where the spot appears for Spence & Frye GM Specialist, and do not drive if the oil-pressure warning is on or the engine is losing oil rapidly.
Why does the oil-change reminder return?
The oil-life reminder may not have been reset after service, or service may be due again. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can review your last visit and mileage; the reminder is different from an urgent oil-pressure warning.
Why is my engine using oil between changes?
External leaks and internal oil consumption are possible explanations. Record how much oil is added and over what mileage for Spence & Frye GM Specialist; use the specified oil and checking procedure.
Why does my oil look milky?
Moisture or coolant contamination may affect oil appearance, but a photograph cannot establish the cause. Arrange an inspection with Spence & Frye GM Specialist, especially if coolant is disappearing or the engine is overheating.
Brake concerns
Why do my brakes squeal?
Brake noise may come from wear, debris or other contact conditions. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can inspect it; a new or persistent noise should not be dismissed just because braking still feels normal.
Why does my brake pedal feel soft?
A hydraulic problem or another brake-system fault can affect pedal firmness. Stop driving if braking feels unsafe and arrange assistance to Spence & Frye GM Specialist rather than attempting a road test.
Why does my steering wheel shake when braking?
Brake components, tires or suspension can contribute to vibration. Tell Spence & Frye GM Specialist when it occurs and at what speeds; inspection is needed to distinguish the cause.
Why is my brake warning light on?
The meaning depends on the vehicle and whether the parking brake is applied. Consult the owner's manual; if the warning remains or braking changes, stop safely and contact Spence & Frye GM Specialist for service arrangements.
Why does my car pull to one side when I brake?
Uneven braking, tire conditions or suspension issues may be involved. Avoid continued driving if control is affected; Spence & Frye GM Specialist can assess the brake and front-end systems.
Engine & warning lights
Why is my check engine light on?
The vehicle has detected a fault, which can involve several engine or emissions systems. A code is a starting point, not a parts prescription; Spence & Frye GM Specialist can investigate the code and symptoms.
What if the check engine light flashes and the engine shakes?
A flashing light with rough running can signal a serious problem. Reduce load, stop safely and arrange help rather than continuing to drive; describe the symptoms to Spence & Frye GM Specialist.
Why is my engine overheating?
Cooling-system faults or loss of coolant can lead to overheating. Stop safely and turn off the engine, and never open a hot cooling-system cap. Arrange assistance and an inspection by Spence & Frye GM Specialist.
Why does my engine idle roughly?
Ignition, fuel delivery, air leaks and other faults may cause rough idle. Note whether it happens cold or warm for Spence & Frye GM Specialist; avoid driving if the engine is stalling or a warning indicates an urgent condition.
Why has my vehicle lost power?
Engine-control faults and mechanical problems can limit performance. If you cannot maintain safe control or speed, pull over safely; Spence & Frye GM Specialist can use the symptoms and warning messages to plan diagnostics.
Shifting & transmission
Why does my transmission hesitate before moving?
Fluid, control or internal mechanical problems can delay engagement. Avoid repeated revving to force movement; tell Spence & Frye GM Specialist whether it happens cold, warm, in Drive or in Reverse.
Why does the engine rev without matching acceleration?
Transmission slip is one possible cause, but the symptom needs inspection. Reduce driving and contact Spence & Frye GM Specialist; repeated acceleration can worsen a developing fault.
Why does my vehicle shift harshly?
Controls, mounts, fluid conditions or internal wear may affect shifts. Record which gear changes and temperatures trigger it so Spence & Frye GM Specialist can investigate.
Why is fluid leaking near the transmission?
The source could be a seal, line or nearby system. Do not add an unidentified fluid; Spence & Frye GM Specialist can locate the leak and check the correct specification.
Why is there a transmission-temperature message?
The transmission may be overheating or reporting a system fault. Follow your owner's manual, stop safely when directed and contact Spence & Frye GM Specialist; do not continue towing with an unresolved temperature warning.
A/C & airflow
Why is my A/C blowing warm air?
A refrigerant leak, control fault or mechanical problem may prevent cooling. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can test the system before recommending a recharge or repair.
Why is airflow weak even with the fan on high?
A restriction, blower issue or air-distribution fault may reduce airflow. Tell Spence & Frye GM Specialist which vents are affected and whether the fan sound changes with the setting.
Why does the A/C cool only while driving?
Cooling may change with airflow through the condenser or other system conditions. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can compare operation at idle and on the road to identify the cause.
Why does air come from the wrong vents?
Air-door actuators or controls may not be routing air as requested. Note the selected mode and affected vents for Spence & Frye GM Specialist; poor windshield clearing can affect visibility.
Why is water dripping after I use the A/C?
Condensation under the vehicle can be normal, while wet carpet or unusual fluid needs attention. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can investigate a blocked drain or another leak if the location or amount concerns you.
Starting & electrical
Why will my car not crank?
Battery charge, connections, starter controls or other electrical faults can prevent cranking. Tell Spence & Frye GM Specialist whether lights come on and whether you hear a click; avoid repeated attempts if cables become hot or you smell burning.
Why does my battery keep going flat?
A charging fault, battery condition or electrical draw may be involved. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can assess the pattern; replacing the battery alone may not resolve the cause.
Why is the charging-system light on?
The vehicle may not be charging normally, and it could stop once available battery energy is depleted. Follow the owner's manual and arrange service with Spence & Frye GM Specialist, particularly if other warnings appear.
Why do my lights flicker?
Connections, charging voltage or a circuit fault may cause flickering. Share which lights are affected with Spence & Frye GM Specialist; stop safely if lighting or vehicle operation becomes unreliable.
Why did an electrical issue start after an accessory was installed?
Added wiring or a new electrical load may be relevant, but timing alone does not prove the cause. Tell Spence & Frye GM Specialist what was installed and bring any installation details.
Steering & front-end
Why does my steering feel loose?
Steering or suspension wear can change vehicle control. Arrange an inspection with Spence & Frye GM Specialist; do not continue driving when you cannot steer reliably.
Why do I hear a clunk over bumps?
A suspension joint, mount or loose component may be involved. Note the side and road conditions for Spence & Frye GM Specialist; an inspection is needed before identifying a part.
Why is one front tire wearing faster?
Tire pressure, steering geometry or worn components can contribute. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can examine the front end; a worn tire alone does not tell which repair is needed.
Why does the wheel vibrate at road speed?
Tires, wheels or front-end components may produce vibration. Describe the speed range to Spence & Frye GM Specialist, and stop safely if vibration is sudden, severe or affects control.
Why is my steering suddenly harder?
A steering-assist fault or mechanical issue may increase effort. Pull over safely if control is affected and arrange assistance; Spence & Frye GM Specialist can inspect the system.
Rear-end & driveline
Why do I hear a whine from the rear of my car?
Tires, bearings or driveline components can create a rearward noise. Tell Spence & Frye GM Specialist whether it changes during acceleration, coasting or turning.
Why is the rear axle area leaking?
A seal or another nearby component may be leaking. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can identify the source and fluid; avoid driving with rapid leakage or a new severe noise.
Why is there a clunk when I select a gear?
Mounts, joints or driveline play can contribute, and transmission operation may also be involved. Describe the conditions to Spence & Frye GM Specialist before assuming a rear-end repair is needed.
Why does vibration seem to come from under the vehicle?
Driveline, tire or other rotating components may be involved. Tell Spence & Frye GM Specialist how speed and load affect it; stop if vibration becomes severe or parts appear loose.
Why does a rear noise change when I turn?
Changing load on tires, bearings or other components can alter a noise. Spence & Frye GM Specialist can inspect the source; do not attempt abrupt maneuvers to reproduce it.
Truck concerns
Why does my truck run hotter when towing?
Load can expose cooling problems or exceed operating limits. If overheating occurs, stop safely and turn off the engine; tell Spence & Frye GM Specialist the load and conditions before the next towing trip.
Why does my truck sag more on one side?
Uneven loading or a suspension problem may affect ride height. Check load placement within manufacturer limits and have Spence & Frye GM Specialist assess persistent unevenness.
Why does my truck vibrate only with a load?
Load can change how tire, suspension or driveline issues appear. Share the payload and speed range with Spence & Frye GM Specialist; avoid carrying the load if control is compromised.
Why does my truck take longer to stop when loaded?
Added weight affects stopping distance, and a brake concern may also be present. Stay within the vehicle's limits and arrange inspection with Spence & Frye GM Specialist if braking has changed; do not use traffic as a test.
Why does my truck make a new noise after a long trip?
Heat, wear or a loose component may become noticeable after extended use. Note when the noise occurs for Spence & Frye GM Specialist; seek assistance instead of driving if there are urgent warnings or handling problems.
For model-specific warning-light instructions, consult your owner’s manual or Chevrolet’s warning-light guide.
Let’s talk about your vehicle.
Tell our Pasadena team what you’ve noticed and the service you need.
Call (626) 792-2351