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Saturday, June 7, 2014

How to Change the Time in an 03 Passat

The 2003 Volkswagen Passat, including the GL, GLS, GLX and W8 4motion, features several standard and optional convenience options. All models include a liquid crystal display clock on the instrument cluster below the tachometer. Changing the time is an easy task that does not require any special tools or automotive knowledge.

Instructions

    1

    Turn the ignition switch to the RUN or ACC position.

    2

    Examine the instrument panel and locate the digital clock display.

    3

    Take note of the correct time, using a watch or cell phone.

    4

    Turn and hold the small plastic knob below the tachometer, using a counterclockwise motion to incrementally increase the hours. Release the knob when the correct hour is displayed.

    5

    Turn and hold the knob clockwise to adjust the minutes. Release the button when finished.

    6

    Turn the ignition to the OFF position to complete the process.

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Friday, June 6, 2014

My 93 Toyota Camry Stalls Wont Start Back Up

My 93 Toyota Camry Stalls & Wont Start Back Up

The 1993 Camry is a sedan manufactured by Toyota. If your Camry is stalling and wont start up, there is probably a problem with your cooling system or the engine coolant temperature sensor. These two problems are not difficult to repair, but could require the help of a service technician. Adding coolant to your system may be the quick fix that you need; however, a broken ECT will need professional service.

Instructions

    1

    Pop the hood to your 93 Camry from the hood latch on the side of the cars grill. Locate the cooling system, which is on the left side of the engine.

    2

    Look at the fill line on the cooling systems tank. Fill the cooling tank with 50/50 coolant; make sure you reach the fill line on the side of the tank. You should always use 50/50 coolant when possible, but you can temporarily use water if you run out.

    3

    Try to start the car. If the car will not start, use a voltmeter to test the ECT. The ECT is on the left side, at the back of the engine. It is a small, green box with two wires coming off it.

    4

    Connect the testing leads to the (+) and (-) terminals and then try to start the car. Watch the reading on the voltmeter. If the reading starts to go up and down erratically, you need to have a service technician replace the ECT.

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How to Locate the PVC Valve on a 2003 Buick LeSabre

How to Locate the PVC Valve on a 2003 Buick LeSabre

The 2003 Buick Lesabre has a history of engine gasket failures. The intake manifold and oil pan gaskets are common replacement requirements that can cost you in excess of $700 to have repaired. Replacing the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve (PCV) can keep crankcase gases from building up in the engine and extend the life of the gaskets. The PCV valve is often overlooked as a maintenance item on this engine due to its location.

Instructions

    1

    Open the hood. Remove the oil filler cap. Remove the oil filler neck by twisting it counterclockwise until it releases. Remove the engine cover by lifting the front of it and pulling it towards you to release the rear mounting tap.

    2

    Locate the MAP sensor on the intake manifold towards the front of the engine. This sensor will have three wires- orange/black, light green, and grey. Lift the connector locking tab and remove the connector. Remove the MAP sensor by releasing the locking tabs with the screwdriver.

    3

    Remove the PCV valve cover under the MAP sensor by pressing a 5/8 -inch socket against it and twisting it counterclockwise a quarter turn. Remove the PCV valve and the O-ring. Wipe oil and debris from the mounting area.

    4

    Install the new PCV valve and O-ring by pressing it firmly into place. Install the PCV cover plate by pushing down on it with the socket and twisting it clockwise until it stops. Replace the seal on the MAP sensor if it is damaged. Install the map sensor slowly, taking care not to damage the mounting tabs. Snap the wiring connector into place.

    5

    Install the engine cover, making sure that the rear tab is inserted into the mounting bracket. Replace the seal on the oil filler neck if damaged. Install the oil filler neck. Install the oil filler cap.

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The Symptoms of a VW Belt Tensioner Pulley

The Symptoms of a VW Belt Tensioner Pulley

The Volkswagen (VW) belt tensioner pulley tightens the serpentine belt that turns the engine accessories, such as the air-conditioning compressor and water pump. The newer model VWs have an automatic tensioner pulley that tightens the serpentine belt as it stretches, but the older model VWs have a tensioner pulley that needs to be adjusted. The tensioner pulley shows symptoms when it is going out or requiring replacement.

Serpentine Belt Squealing

    The VW belt tensioner pulley can become too tight or too weak, allowing the serpentine belt to wear prematurely or slip under normal operating conditions. The belt begins to squeal when the tensioner pulley is not tight enough, causing the engine to overheat because the water pump is not operating efficiently. This symptom can be caused by the tensioner pulley spring, which weakens over time and does not place enough tension on the belt. The serpentine belt can also begin to run too hot and prematurely fail. The tensioner pulley needs to be replaced when these symptoms occur.

Engine Overheats

    The engine in the VW can overheat when there is a problem with the belt tensioner pulley. This symptom is caused by corrosion building up on the tensioner pulley that does not allow the pulley to adjust the serpentine belt. When corrosion builds up, the pulley becomes jammed or does not rotate, causing the serpentine belt to stretch and loosen on the engine accessories. The corrosion does not allowing the pulley to adjust to the stretched belt, creating the water pump problem. This corrosion is generally caused by road debris and dampness splashing onto the tensioner pulley. Proper lubrication of the tensioner pulley periodically can prevent this corrosion build-up.

Dead Battery

    Another symptom of a VW belt tensioner pulley going bad is the battery not charging properly. A failing tensioner pulley does not provide enough tension on the serpentine belt, preventing the alternator from recharging the battery. The loose serpentine belt does not allow the alternator to turn fast enough to charge the battery, and the battery can quit working or fail to provide enough charge to the ignition and electrical system to start the engine. The tensioner pulley needs to be replaced or inspected when the serpentine belt is replaced to ensure that the tensioner pulley keeps operating efficiently.

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How to Fix the Backup Lights on a Nissan Frontier

The reverse light in your Nissan Frontier is in the lower position inside the rear combination light assembly. When the reverse light burns out, you should replace the bulb quickly for your own safety on the road. Buy a 921 bulb from an auto parts retailer or Nissan dealership and change the bulb at home to be back on the road in minutes.

Instructions

    1

    Lower the tailgate of your Frontier. Locate the two mounting screws on the inside edge of the taillight assembly. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

    2

    Slide the taillight assembly out and away from the bed of the truck. Grasp the lower bulb and pull it straight out of the assembly.

    3

    Push the new bulb into place. Align the taillight assembly in the mounting area. Insert the two mounting screws and tighten them with the screwdriver.

    4

    Repeat the process to change the bulb on the other side. Close the tailgate.

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Torque Converters FAQ

Automotive automatic transmissions use a torque converter to transmit torque between the crankshaft and the transmission input shaft. The torque converter links the crankshaft and transmission to provide fluid coupling and torque multiplication.

What are the Torque Converter Components?

    The converters essential components are the impeller, the turbine, the stator and the lock-up clutch. The converter is filled with automatic transmission fluid, which is key to transmitting energy between the engine and transmission while smoothing excessive vibration.

How does a Torque Converter Operate?

    The impeller is driven by the engines crankshaft. As it spins, vanes charge the fluid, which in turn drives the turbine. The turbine is mounted on and powers the transmission input shaft. The stator is mounted between the two, altering the flow of the transmission fluid back to the impeller as it comes off of the turbine. This provides a torque multiplication feature, maximizing the amount of power sent to the transmission.

What Does the Lock-Up Clutch do?

    The torque converters secondary function is as a lock-up clutch. When the vehicle is cruising at a constant speed, the turbine and the impeller turn at nearly the same speed. The torque multiplication function is no longer applicable, so the lock-up clutch engages to lock the impeller to the turbine. The torque converter then serves as a direct linkage between the engine and the drivetrain.

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DIY Muffler Replacement for Samurai

DIY Muffler Replacement for Samurai

The Suzuki Samurai, with its 1.3-liter engine, has a muffler with an integrated front and rear exhaust pipe section. The front runs from the head pipe or exhaust manifold to the muffler body and the rear from the body to the tailpipe just above the rear axle housing. Replacing the muffler requires you to remove several bolts at the front of the system and one exhaust clamp. The job can be completed in the driveway at home in about an hour with common hand tools.

Instructions

    1

    Raise the front of your Suzuki off the ground with a jack and position a set of jack stands under the front axle housing to support the vehicle. Make sure the jack stands are on a flat, solid surface, then remove the jack from under the truck.

    2

    Locate the flange at the front of the muffler assembly from under the truck. Remove the two mounting bolts from the flange using a wrench on one side and a socket and ratchet on the other.

    3

    Move to the rear of the assembly and locate the connection between the tailpipe and the muffler assembly. Remove the nuts from the exhaust clamp on the pipe with a socket and ratchet. Remove the clamp from the exhaust pipe and discard it.

    4

    Separate the muffler assembly from the tailpipe, then remove the muffler from the rubber hangers under the truck. Lower the muffler to the ground and remove it from under the truck.

    5

    Raise a new muffler assembly into place and connect the two rubber hangers to the support pins on the muffler assembly. Raise the rear of the muffler assembly and slide the tailpipe and the rear connection of the muffler together. Install a new exhaust clamp on the connection and tighten the nuts with a socket and ratchet. Do not over-tighten the nuts or you will crush the pipe.

    6

    Position the flange at the front of the muffler assembly against the flange on the front exhaust pipe and install the two retaining bolts. Tighten the bolts with a socket and ratchet on one side and a wrench on the other.

    7

    Raise the front of the truck off the jack stands with a jack, remove the jack stands from under the truck, then lower it to the ground.

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