David Sturtz

David Sturtz

David Sturtz is an automotive expert at RepairPal, the leading online source of auto repair resources and estimates. With many ASE Master certified mechanics on staff who have decades of experience, RepairPal knows all the fine points of car repair.

Posts by David Sturtz

Fuel Filter Replacement

The fuel filter removes dirt and debris from the fuel system, preventing damage to the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and the fuel pressure regulator. .

The fuel filter removes dirt and debris from the fuel system, preventing damage to the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and the fuel pressure regulator. .

Fuel Injector Replacement

The fuel injector "injects" gas under pressure into the intake manifold. The engine then sucks the gas in, and it is ignited.

The fuel injector "injects" gas under pressure into the intake manifold. The engine then sucks the gas in, and it is ignited.

Fuel Pump Replacement

The fuel pump creates pressure in the fuel lines, which pushes gasoline through the fuel injectors and into the engine. .

The fuel pump creates pressure in the fuel lines, which pushes gasoline through the fuel injectors and into the engine. .

Head Gasket Replacement

The head gasket is located between the engine's cylinder head and block. When a spark ignites gasoline in the engine, the explosion creates pressure in the engine.

The head gasket is located between the engine's cylinder head and block. When a spark ignites gasoline in the engine, the explosion creates pressure in the engine.

Heater Blower Motor Replacement

The heater blower motor is located behind the dashboard. The driver can control the speed at which the blower motor operates via buttons, slides, or dials on the dashboard.

The heater blower motor is located behind the dashboard. The driver can control the speed at which the blower motor operates via buttons, slides, or dials on the dashboard.

Heater Control Valve Replacement

To control the temperature in the passenger compartment, the driver operates a lever, slide, or dial on the dashboard that is attached to a heater valve. This valve, usually located at the rear of the engine compartment, controls how much hot coolant passes through the heater core (located behind the dashboard).

To control the temperature in the passenger compartment, the driver operates a lever, slide, or dial on the dashboard that is attached to a heater valve. This valve, usually located at the rear of the engine compartment, controls how much hot coolant passes through the heater core (located behind the dashboard).

Heater Core Replacement

Hot coolant from the engine is circulated through the heater core to provide heat in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The heater core is located behind the dashboard.

Hot coolant from the engine is circulated through the heater core to provide heat in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The heater core is located behind the dashboard.

Ignition Coil Replacement

The ignition coil generates the "spark" required to ignite gasoline. The ensuing explosion is part of the process the engine uses to create power.

The ignition coil generates the "spark" required to ignite gasoline. The ensuing explosion is part of the process the engine uses to create power.

Ignition Switch Electrical Portion Replacement

The electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly provides power to electrical components such as the stereo, windshield wipers, and electric windows. The ignition switch also supplies power to the starter motor, which enables the engine to start.

The electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly provides power to electrical components such as the stereo, windshield wipers, and electric windows. The ignition switch also supplies power to the starter motor, which enables the engine to start.

Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Replacement

The ignition lock assembly contains two components: a lock cylinder to deter theft and an electrical portion that supplies power to electrical components such as the radio, electric windows, and windshield wipers. The electrical portion of the ignition switch also provides power to the starter motor to start the engine.

The ignition lock assembly contains two components: a lock cylinder to deter theft and an electrical portion that supplies power to electrical components such as the radio, electric windows, and windshield wipers. The electrical portion of the ignition switch also provides power to the starter motor to start the engine.

Ignition Wire Set Replacement

The ignition coil generates the "spark" required to ignite gasoline. The ignition wire set (also know as the spark plug wires) conducts the spark generated by the ignition coil to the ignition distributor.

The ignition coil generates the "spark" required to ignite gasoline. The ignition wire set (also know as the spark plug wires) conducts the spark generated by the ignition coil to the ignition distributor.

Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. Based on input from the MAF sensor, a computer determines how much fuel should be injected into the engine.

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. Based on input from the MAF sensor, a computer determines how much fuel should be injected into the engine.

Oil Pump Replacement

The engine oil pump generates the oil pressure needed to keep internal engine parts lubricated. If the oil pump fails, major engine damage can occur.

The engine oil pump generates the oil pressure needed to keep internal engine parts lubricated. If the oil pump fails, major engine damage can occur.

Oxygen Sensor Replacement

Oxygen sensors are key components in the vehicle's pollution control system. The front oxygen sensor produces a signal that the fuel injection computer uses to determine if the engine requires more or less fuel to optimize fuel consumption.

Oxygen sensors are key components in the vehicle's pollution control system. The front oxygen sensor produces a signal that the fuel injection computer uses to determine if the engine requires more or less fuel to optimize fuel consumption.

Front Oxygen Sensor Replacement

The oxygen sensor is a key component in the vehicle's pollution control system. The front oxygen sensor produces a signal that the fuel injection computer uses to determine if the engine requires more or less fuel to optimize fuel consumption.

The oxygen sensor is a key component in the vehicle's pollution control system. The front oxygen sensor produces a signal that the fuel injection computer uses to determine if the engine requires more or less fuel to optimize fuel consumption.