Repair And Fix it

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.

The oil pan in your 2003 V6 Ford Mustang is secured to the bottom of the engine block, and it holds a certain amount of oil for the lubrication system to do its job. If the pan in your Mustang becomes damaged and begins to leak oil, you need to install a new pan. You can replace the pan at home with the help of some special tools.

Instructions

Removing the Used Pan

1

Park your Mustang on level ground. Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack. Position two jack stands under the frame for support. Apply the parking brake, and block the rear wheels with chocks.

2

Place a clean, large drain pan under the engine oil pan. Remove the drain plug with a wrench. Allow the oil to drain completely. Cover the pan to keep dirt off the oil for later reuse.

3

Remove the black negative battery cable, air cleaner tube and coolant recovery reservoir with a wrench.

4

Detach the upper radiator shield with a ratchet and socket.

5

Slide the drain pan under the oil filter. Remove the oil filter with a filter wrench.

6

Set up engine lifting brackets and a support fixture on top of the engine compartment, and secure the engine.

7

Remove the left and right motor mounts with a ratchet and socket.

8

Take off the starter motor with a ratchet, short ratchet extension and socket.

9

Unfasten and lower the engine support bracket just enough to gain access to all the oil pan mounting bolts.

10

Detach the wiring harness bracket next to the oil pan. Remove the pan with a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Remove the oil pan from the vehicle.

Installing the New Oil Pan

11

Clean the engine block mating surface with a gasket scraper and solvent. Let it dry completely. Apply a light coat of silicone sealant to the oil pan gasket mating surface. Set a new pan gasket on the pan. Position the pan under the engine block. Install the pan mounting bolts, and tighten them with your fingers. Tighten the bolts alternately with a torque wrench, working toward the rear of the engine, to 44 inch-pounds (5 Nm) and then to 88 inch-pounds (10 Nm). Tighten the three bolts that hold the transmission housing bell to 33 foot-pounds (45 Nm). Make sure the pan drain plug is correctly installed.

12

Reinstall the wiring harness to the oil pan and the engine support bracket. Tighten the larger upper bolts to 85 foot-pounds (115 Nm) and the smaller ones to 68 foot-pounds (90 Nm) with the torque wrench.

13

Replace the starter motor, and tighten the bolts to 18 foot-pounds (15 Nm) with the torque wrench.

14

Install the left and right motor mounts, and tighten the bolts to 85 foot-pounds (115 Nm) with the torque wrench.

15

Replace the oil filter by hand. Replace the upper radiator shield with the ratchet and socket.

16

Lower your Mustang with the floor jack.

17

Connect the black negative battery cable, air cleaner tube and coolant recovery reservoir with the wrench.

18

Refill the engine with oil using a small funnel.

19

Check the oil pan for leaks.

2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 vehicles are equipped with a maintenance service indicator that notifies the driver when the vehicle is due for service. This indicator begins the notification process one month before the service is due in order to give the vehicle owner enough time to schedule a service appointment. The C240s on-board computer measures a number of different variables including drive time, average length of trips, engine RPM, and many other factors to determine when the vehicle is due for service. If you take your vehicle to a shop to be serviced, they will reset the indicator for you. However, if you do your own vehicle service or wish to reset the indicator for another reason, youll need to reset the indicator yourself.

Instructions

1

Close all the doors on the vehicle, including the trunk and hood. Turn the ignition to position 1 and press the system selection button on the lower-left side of the steering wheel to cycle through the menu options until the kilometer reading and temperature values are displayed in the multifunction display.

2

Press and release the trip/reset button three times quickly; you should hear a chime sound and the voltage will appear in the multifunction display. Turn the ignition to position 2.

3

Press the scroll forward/back button on the upper-left side of the steering wheel; the service indicator should appear in the multifunction display. Press the trip/reset button one time; the oil type menu will appear in the multifunction display.

4

Select the oil grade for you engine by pressing the volume up/down steering wheel controls on the right side of the steering wheel. The engine oil grade for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C240 is 5W-40 or 0W-40, depending upon your temperature climate; 0W-40 is recommended in colder climates.

5

Press the scroll forward/back button to confirm the oil type. Confirm oil reset, press R button for 3s will appear in the multifunction display.

6

Press and hold the trip/reset button for three seconds; the multifunction display will show a Service confirmed message. Press the upper scroll forward/back button until the service indicator appears on the multifunction display.

7

Press the upper system selected button on the lower-left side of the steering wheel until the kilometer reading and temperature values show on the multifunction display. Turn the ignition key to the 0 position.

You should make sure that the back-up lights on your 2003 Cadillac CTS are always in functioning order, and not just for safety reasons. Theres also the chance that you could get a citation for driving with faulty taillights. The 2003 CTS uses a number 3157 bulb for the back-up lights. Changing the back-up lights on the CTS is a simple process, and all you will need is a screwdriver.

Instructions

1

Pop the trunk of the CTS and turn off the engine.

2

Rotate the plastic wing nut on the tire counterclockwise to loosen and remove it. Remove the tire from the trunk of the CTS.

3

Detach the two screws securing the taillight assembly to the vehicle, using a Phillips screwdriver.

4

Pull the assembly out of the vehicle and remove the top socket by rotating it counterclockwise.

5

Pull the socket out of the assembly. Remove the bulb from the socket and push a new bulb in.

6

Reinsert the socket into the assembly and rotate it clockwise to secure it.

7

Reinsert the assembly into the CTS and reattach the two screws.

8

Place the tire back into the trunk. Secure it by rotating the wing nut clockwise. Close the trunk lid.

Replacing a burnt-out bulb on your 2003 Honda Civic requires no tools or expert knowledge. Reference your owners manual for the specific replacement bulbs your vehicle requires.

Instructions

1

Remove the power steering fluid reservoir by pulling it up out of the holder. Set the reservoir on a stable surface to prevent the fluid from spilling. This step is only necessary on the drivers side headlamp.

2

Locate the bulb and connector plugged into the back. Remove the electrical plug by pressing on the sides of the plug and pulling straight back.

3

Remove the headlight weather seal by pulling the tab located at the top of the headlamp enclosure.

4

Release the bulb retaining wire by locating the clip and pulling it down and away from the bulb. Pull the bulb out of the headlight assembly.

5

Insert the new bulb into headlight assembly. Ensure the bulb is properly aligned with the slots of the headlamp. Swing the retaining clip up onto the bulb, securing it in place.

6

Replace the weather seal by inserting it onto the socket with the word "Top" facing up. Ensure the seal is properly seated by running your hand around the edge of the weather seal. Failure to seat the seal fully will allow water into the enclosure, causing damage.

7

Connect the electrical plug to the new bulb by pushing it straight on. To verify proper attachment of the electrical connector, turn on the headlamps and observe that both headlights work.

8

Reinstall the power steering reservoir on the drivers side and close the hood.

The 2003 Ford Fiestas computer keeps track of all electrical and mechanical functions of the vehicle. It will alert you to any service that needs to be done or any system malfunctions. It does this via warning and service lights that illuminate on the vehicles instrument panel. Once repairs or service have been completed, you will need to reset the computer in order to shut of these lights and to keep the computer functioning properly.

Instructions

1

Pull the hood release to open the hood. Prop it up with a rod and locate the battery under the hood.

2

Find the negative battery terminal. You will see a clamp with a nut on it. Loosen the nut with an adjustable wrench and slid the clamp off of the battery terminal.

3

Wrap a towel around the negative battery clamp and keep it away from the battery altogether. The towel will help to protect you and the battery.

4

Let the vehicle sit for about 15 minutes. This will allow the computer to reset and erase all trouble codes.

5

Discard the towel and put the negative battery clamp back onto the negative battery terminal. Tighten the nut with the wrench. Tuck the rod away and lower the hood of the car.

6

Put the key into the ignition and start the engine. Verify that all service and warning lights have turned off.

Your 2003 Nissan Sentra comes equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics computer that keeps track of when your vehicle needs servicing and alerts you by illuminating the "service engine soon" light on the instrument panel. This light tells you that there may be a problem with the emission control system on the car. An auto-parts retailer can do a free diagnostic reading of the trouble code using a scanner. After you have diagnosed and fixed the problem, you can manually reset the light yourself.

Instructions

1

Pop up the hood of the car and locate the battery. The negative terminal has a black plastic covering. Find the negative battery clamp . Loosen the nut a bit using a 10 mm open-end wrench.

2

Remove the clamp from the battery terminal. Take care not to let it touch the positive side of the battery or cable.

3

Wait about 10 minutes, then reattach the negative battery cable to the negative side of the terminal and tighten the nut with the wrench.

4

Put the key into the ignition and wait for the service light to flash on the instrument panel, then shut off the engine. The light is now reset.

You can reset the computer on your 03 Ford F-150 right from your home garage or driveway, saving yourself time and money. The F-150 is equipped with an on-board diagnostics computer that receives trouble codes from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. This computer monitors all functions of the vehicle and will alert you to any malfunctions via warning lights on the instrument panel. It will also keep track of and alert you to the servicing needs of your Ford. Once you have had the vehicle serviced or repaired, you should reset the computer to shut off the warning and service lights.

Instructions

1

Pop open the hood of the vehicle and prop it up with the rod. Locate the battery in the engine compartment.

2

Find the negative battery terminal and the clamp with a nut attached to it. Loosen the nut with a wrench and remove the clamp from the negative battery terminal. Make sure it doesnt touch anything, especially the positive battery terminal.

3

Wait 20 minutes to allow the electricity to drain out of the OBD computer and to allow it to reset itself.

4

Reconnect the negative battery clamp and tighten the nut with the wrench. Lower the hood.

5

Use the key to start the engine. Verify that all service and warning lights have shut off.

The Chrysler Town & Country is a series of minivans made by Chrysler Group since 1990. The 2003 model is a member of the fourth generation, which was in production from 1991 to 1997. The most common engine in a 2003 Chrysler minivan is a 6-cylinder 3.8-liter engine that uses fuel injection to deliver fuel to the engine under high pressure. The replacement of the fuel column in this vehicle requires you to lower the fuel tank.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable for the negative battery terminals with a socket wrench to ensure that you dont start the engine accidentally during the fuel pump replacement. Open the filler cap of the fuel tank to release the pressure in the fuel tank. Remove the protective cap for the fuel pressure test port on the fuel rail.

2

Place one end of hose no. C-4799-1 into a container approved for gasoline and wrap a shop towel around the test port. Connect the open end of the hose to the test port to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Remove the hose from the test port and replace the cap for the test port.

3

Insert one end of a hose into the fuel tank and place the other end into the gasoline container. Siphon as much fuel from the fuel tank as possible.

4

Support the fuel tank with a jack and remove the bolts for the fuel tank strap with a socket wrench. Remove the fuel tank straps and fuel lines from the fuel tank. Detach the electrical connector for the fuel pump. Lower the fuel tank with the jack to gain access to the fuel pump.

5

Turn the locking ring for the fuel pump module counterclockwise with a socket wrench. Remove the locking ring from the fuel pump module and disconnect the fuel pump module from the fuel tank.

6

Connect the new fuel pump module to the fuel tank and place the locking ring on the fuel pump module. Tighten the locking ring to 40 ft. lbs. by turning it clock wise with a torque wrench. Connect the electrical connector for the fuel pump module and attach fuel lines for the fuel tank. Install the fuel tank and tighten the bolts for the fuel tank straps to 40 ft. lbs.

7

Connect the cable to the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.

The Suburban is a large sport utility vehicle. Chevy began building this popular model in 1935. Suburbans built since 2000 are similar to Chevrolets pickup trucks, except they have a station wagon body. The engine most commonly used in the 2003 Suburban is a 5.3-liter, eight-cylinder engine with sequential fuel injection. This engine requires a fuel pressure regulator to keep the pressure in the fuel lines within the correct range.

Instructions

1

Remove the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to ensure that you dont start the engine inadvertently. Loosen the filler cap for the fuel tank to relieve the pressure in the fuel tank.

2

Wrap a shop rag around the fuel pressure fitting on the fuel rail. Attach a fuel pressure gauge to the fitting and place the bleed hose for the pressure gauge into a container approved for storing gasoline. Open the pressure gauge valve and allow the fuel to drain into the container. Detach the fuel pressure gauge from the fuel pressure fitting.

3

Disconnect the bolts on the upper manifold assembly with a socket wrench. Remove the upper manifold from the engine block. Detach the vacuum tube from the fuel pressure regulator.

4

Release the snap ring retainer around fuel pressure regulator and remove the fuel pressure regulator assembly from the retainer. Discard the O-rings and fuel filter.

5

Lubricate the new O-rings with engine oil and mount them onto the fuel pressure regulator. Install the fuel pressure regulator into its retainer and engage the snap ring around the fuel pressure regulator.

6

Connect the vacuum tube to the fuel pressure regulator. Attach the upper manifold assembly with the mounting bolts by using a socket wrench. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

You can reset the oil and engine lights on your 2003 BMW X5 using the ignition key. Most people think you need to take your BMW to the dealership to have your car serviced and the lights reset, but you dont. Its a simple fix you can do right in your home garage. The Check Oil and Service Engine Soon lights illuminate on the vehicles instrument panel when the OBD, or on-board diagnostics, computer reads a trouble code sent from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. Although you need to use an OBD scanner read the codes, you dont need one to reset the lights and turn them off.

Instructions

1

Sit in the drivers seat, close the door and fasten your seat belt.

2

Press the odometer button with your left thumb while simultaneously putting the key into the ignition and turning it to the "Accessory" position.

3

Keep pressing down on the odometer button until the light on the dashboard starts to flash and the word "Reset" appears.

4

Let go of the odometer button, then push it in again and hold it.

5

Let go of the button for the last time and look for five green lights to appear on the dash to let you know the system has been reset.

The alternator on the 2003 Chevrolet Impala engine provides the proper amount of voltage to the battery and other areas of the engines electrical system. When the engine is running, the alternator belt turns the alternator pulley. This enables the alternator to generate the power needed to keep the battery charged and the electrical system working. If the alternator begins to malfunction or stops working completely, the battery will be drained completely and the engines entire electrical system will stop working. Once this happens, change the alternator immediately.

Instructions

1

Open the hood on the 2003 Chevrolet Impala and prop it in place. Locate the battery and remove the cross bar from the top of the battery by unscrewing the two bolts with a open end wrench. Loosen the negative battery cable bolt with an open end wrench. Pull the cable to the side of the battery so that it does not touch the negative battery post.

2

Locate the alternator on the front of the engine. Loosen the top pivot bolt from the top of the alternator with a ratchet and a metric socket. Loosen the lock nut on the lower front of the alternator slide bracket with the ratchet and socket. Turn the adjustment bolt on the end of the alternator slide bracket counter-clockwise to loosen the tension from the belt. Slide the belt off of the alternator pulley.

3

Remove the two electrical wire connectors from the back of the alternator by unscrewing the stud nuts that hold the wires in place with the ratchet and socket. Unplug the wiring harness from the back of the alternator by squeezing the tabs on both sides of the plug and pulling outward on the plug.

4

Locate the coolant reservoir behind the alternator. Loosen and remove the small mounting bolts that secure the coolant reservoir in place with the ratchet and a socket. Pull the coolant reservoir out of the way enough to remove the alternator.

5

Remove the alternator mounting bolts from the top and bottom of the alternator bracket with the ratchet and a socket. Pull the alternator out through the coolant reservoir opening and out of the engine well.

6

Lower the new alternator through the coolant reservoir opening and into the alternator bracket. Repeat the same steps as outlined above for hooking the alternator back up and for tightening the belt. Once the belt is put back around the alternator pulley and tightened, check the tension of the belt by pushing inward on the belt with your hand. The belt tension should be around one-half inch to be properly tensioned. Adjust the belt tension as needed.

7

Reconnect the coolant reservoir back to its base and screw the bolts in to the reservoir. Tighten the bolts with the ratchet and a socket.

8

Re-install the negative battery cable back onto the battery and tighten with the open end wrench. Set the cross brace back over the top of the battery and screw the bolts back through the brace. Tighten the bolts with the open end wrench. Crank the engine up for about thirty seconds so that the new alternator can fully charge the battery and the engines electrical system. Turn the engine off.

You can replace the weatherstrip on your 2003 Ford F250 right from your home garage in a few hours. You need a few supplies and tools that you can purchase from any auto parts or hardware store. Replacing the weatherstripping on a Ford F250 improves the seal between the trucks door frame and the closed door. The purpose of weatherstripping is to keep air, rain and moisture from entering the truck. Weatherstripping needs to be replaced when it gets old and cracks. It will eventually lose its shape entirely and it wont be able to properly seal the door.

Instructions

1

Locate the clips securing the weatherstripping to the F250. Remove each clip with needle-nose pliers and place them into a container for safe keeping.

2

Slide the weatherstripping off the door frames channel with your hands.

3

Apply degreasing agent to a terry cloth and wipe it along the door frames weatherstripping channel. This removes all dirt and grease.

4

Slide the new weatherstripping onto the weatherstrip channel located on the door frame. The groove on the back of the weatherstripping will fit into this channel.

5

Affix the clips to the weatherstripping and clipping them onto the Fords door frame. You will hear a snap when they are affixed properly.