My dashboard light is out, The car jumps up to 20 mph when i turn on the car, and accelerates from there. Don't know the problem. I bought the car like this. Does anyone know what's the problem? Check Engine light is not on.

I got a bad starter, dead alternator, and a blown head gasket. Should my CEL be on?

Also the reverse light doesn't come on when i throw it in reverse.

I noticed the car was smoking a lot from the exhaust when i first bought it. but didn't think twice about it. The car overheated and died on my drive home the same day i bought the car. Turns out there was no coolant. I let the car sit for an hour and put more coolant in. The car turned on and drove. when the car is cold the oil dipstick is at low level with still pretty clean oil. After the car been idling for more than 5 minutes the whole dipstick because muddy brown. These are the reason i think it's a blown headgasket if anyone else think different please let me know.

Bought a lemon for 1.5k, Someone took advantage of a poor ignorant college boy I need help!

 

shoud've just went to a strip club and got drunk and enjoyed some hot tramps. money better spent. dude, i cant even imagine WHY you would buy a car with all these problems, take the pos back to the a$$hole that sold it to you and tell him to give you your $$$$ back.

 

sounds like this was a private sale. in which case you cant do ****.

 

wrong, depends on where he lives and the state laws. i mean, cmon, buyer beware and all but this sounds like he got ripped off.

 

Come on guys, i bought this car over a month ago. The guy is long gone. So lets not talk about the past and look towards to future in helping me fix my car.

Anyone wanna diagnose my problems for me?

 

DAmn son. Never buy a used car the same day. Always come back the next day with the cash and remember where u parked the car so u can see if there are any oil leaks.

Blown head gasket huh, your best bet is to jus replace the engine. Dont listen to anyone who says fix a head gsket, it AINT worth it. Take the car to a mechanic and have them replace the engine. Engine with low miles shd run u no more than 500. labor is like 300-400. At this time u may want to replace water pump and clutch. Tell the mech to clean the mating surface on the engine to the tranny or jus do it yurself. Do matter who does but DEF do it.

If the speedo dont work and no CEL then the speedo cluster needs to be resoldered or jus get another from the Junkyard and replace it.

Check the TB to make sure it completely closes. If it dont then check/adjust the accelerator cable on the TB so that it closes completely. Check IACV per FSM.

EDIT:

I jus read ur post in its entirety. TBH, your car got at LEAST $2k worth of repairs. u sure u wanna get into that???

 

ouch, sounds like you got ripped off.

 

A few thoughts:

1. Check all your fuses.

2. Sounds like your CEL should be on. Could be the bulb is burned out, or the prior owner took it out (highly plausible). Either buy a cheap OBDII reader, or learn to check for codes with a screwdriver. The method is in the stickies. (If you're going to keep the car, you need to become learn your way around this forum in a hurry.)

3. If you mean the speedo needle jumps around erratically, you may have a bad Vehicle Speed Sensor. Pulling the codes (see #2) should tell you that. The VSS is only about $30, and easy to replace. If that's not the problem, take the cluster out and make sure all the screws are tight (particularly the screws in the lower right corner, near the CEL bulb, which might have been removed...). If that isn't it, you probably want to replace the cluster. You should be able to get one used for a reasonable price. Check the For Sale section of the forum. Ideally you want one with roughly the same mileage as you have now, so you're not dealing with that issue. (I'm assuming your gauges are analog. If they're digital, I don't know if you can replace it as easily.)

 

So I'm about to buy an engine off ebay. I was Just wondering do USPS bring these to my apartment like shoes in a box?

What's the best tool set I can get for under 200$? Link please?

Everyone shop I have asked said 800$ + NYC is stupid expensive

Im thinking about renting out a garage and doing it myself. Trying to get all my knowledge together before i just jump ahead waste all my money and doing it half assed.

 

Can u not find an engine in your area?

 

im just amazed at how some people buy a car. with no real knowledge or knowhow as to what to look for, people just go out and buy some random car. damn man, your going about this the hard way.

 

dude if you buy a car privately its sold as is.